REDS NEWS

AUGUST

28.08.00 - Reds move to top of the table
Cliftonville have moved to the top of the Premier Division after trashing Crusaders away 4-0.  Mickey Donnelly, Tommy McCallion, Chris Scannell and Aidan O'Kane grabbed all four goals for the REDS in the second half

25.08.00 - Gerard Lyttle snatched from Cliftonville
Ballymena United have snatched former Glasgow Celtic player, Gerard Lyttle from under the noses of Cliftonville. 

23.8.00 - Reds in battle for ex-Celt Lyttle
Cliftonville are locked in a battle for ex-Glasgow Celtic player Gerard Lyttle with fellow Premier clubs, Ballymena and Glentoran. The  21-year old New Lodge man is back after stints in England with Peterbrough. The Reds play Crusaders on Saturday at Seaview, one of only two fixtures being played as a result of the Balck Institution marches in Belfast, the other being Newry Town travelling to St.Julians road to play Omagh Town. The Reds have so far drawn against Ballymena and Coleraine.

19.8.00 - Tolan grabs late equaliser

Ex-Cliftonville striker scored a last minute goal to deny Cliftonville all three points in the game against Coleraine today. Chris Scannell gave Cliftonville the lead only to be denied yet again with a last minute goal by the former Cliftonville striker. More can be read in the match report.

15.8.2000 - Revising the situation after the opening game
With new signings prevailing, and the new assistant managers ideas' coming into the frey, things are looking up after one game. Although Ballymena were fellow relegation strugglers last season, the two goal lead looked impressive for Aidan O'Kane the local Ardoyne boy, whose future looks very promising, will hope for a repeat performance against Coleraines visit to Solitude on Saturday, with a great start, Stitt comments that he hopes to keep young O'Kanes feet firmly on the ground and adds that the boys in the dressing room will make sure that it wont happen.

12.08.2000 - Ballymena 2 - 2 Cliftonville
A 90 minute goal for Ballymena saw the side snatch two points from the REDS.  It was infact Cliftonville who opened up the scoring on 52 minutes, with O'Kane, three minutes later O'Davey put the REDS 2 up. 

However Hunter got one back for the home side after 70 minutes and just as the game was looking save for the Solitude club, Loughran spoilt the visitors day out with a injury time equaliser.

12.08.2000 - Ingham confirms he will not stay at Solitude
Goalkeeper, Michael Ingham who recently returned to Solitude on a three month deal has insisted he will not be extending his stay with the REDS, said Ingham, "It was a case of I had to get some match practice. The gaffer realised this after I had been on the sidelines for so long. People might think I am just homesick or that I just didn�t cut it at the top level. But the reason was simply that I need good competitive football and Cliftonville will provide that,"

Ingham continues training with Sunderland in England durning the week and flys into Belfast for his weekend games.

07.08.2000 - Morgan ends speculation
Newry Town have snatched Thomas Morgan from under the eyes of Cliftonville.  The 23 year old St Patricks Athletic midfielder had been the target of Cliftonville, Portadown and Newry, but it was Newry who the player has joined on a one year deal.

05.08.2000 - Ingham on loan
Goalkeeper Michale Ingham has begun a short loan spell at Cliftonville were he will now start the season.  Cliftonville will of course hope that the keeper who was due to sign for Lincoln City in the English third division will sign a long term deal for the REDS.

"I am thrilled that we have got Michael back. He's a first class keeper and he will do an excellent job for us. Sunderland still think very highly of him but competition for places at the club is fierce.", said Cliftonville chairman, Hugh McCartan.

05.08.2000 - Cliftonville trash Armagh Town
Cliftonville tonight disposed of Armagh City by 4-1 at Solitude.

01.08.2000 - Tommy McCallion signs 3 year deal
Last years player of the season for the REDS, Tommy McCallion has signed a three year deal, the midfielder had recently been rumoured to be  in money talks with the club.  McCallion's signature will be a welcome boost for the club and the fans as the REDS prepare to better on last season.

McCallion has been rumoured earlier this month to have been prepared to sign a two year deal.

1.8.2000 - Assement of Stitts negotiations

Cliftonville manager Laurence Stitt still knows he has an almighty challange on his hands to try and keep Cliftonville, champions just two short seasons ago, in the top flight 2000/01.

He managed it last season,- but only just. A second successive playoff victory over Ards, ironically tenants now at Solitude ensured Premiership survival for another season.

Stitt will be boosted though by top marksman Tommy McCallions' decision to remain at Solitude when he could have virtually walked into any team in the country, but a deal still has to be secured.  Keeper Michael Ingham is reputed to have agreed to loan move to Cliftonville for a period.

Other summer arrivals were Pat Wall (Newry Town), Liam Fleming (Limavady United) and Eamonn Clarke (Brantwood).

The opening fixture sees' Cliftonville travel to fellow strugglers last term Ballymena United in what should be a good pointer for the road ahead.