CLIFTONVILLE are on the look-out for a new manager after Paddy McLaughlin confirmed to the Reds board of his decision to leave the club last night.
It is anticipated the 43-year-old will return to his hometown club Derry City to be number two to Brandywell manager and close friend Ruaidhrí Higgins.
Two years ago, Reds officials had to persuade McLaughlin to stay on as manager after he was heavily linked with a Derry return where he starred during his playing days.
Despite a run of poor performances and a title challenge that faded badly, McLaughlin’s position at Solitude was not believed to be under threat.
As Reds boss, he won the League Cup last season and claimed a Co Antrim Shield since being appointed in February 2019. He delivered European football twice and guided the north Belfast club to second last season.
The shock Irish Cup quarter-final loss at home to Dungannon Swifts earlier this season was probably when the rot set in and the manner of the back-to-back defeats to Larne and Glentoran over the last week was cause for concern – to the point where assistant manager Declan O’Hara said that coaching staff and players “needed to take a look at ourselves”.
McLaughlin leaves Solitude with a European play-off place still up for grabs. The former Derry City central defender communicated his decision to the Reds players and board last night.
It is expected O’Hara will take the reins on a temporary basis with the club expected to cast its net for a permanent successor over the summer months.
Cliftonville’s football had lost its zip over the last number of weeks so last night’s news wasn’t a huge surprise, especially with Alan Reynolds leaving his assistant manager’s post at Derry and the emotional pull of the club for McLaughlin.
In a statement, the Reds thanked the affable Derry man for his “dedication to the job and the trophy successes he has delivered since his appointment in 2019.”
It continued: “Having provided a series of memorable highlights and club records in his four years with the Reds, he departs with our sincere gratitude and very best wishes for the future.”
