REDS NEWS
JULY
29.7.00 - Quinn to start raid ??
Coleraine manager contunued his summer spending spree on Wednesday when he went back to his old club Cliftonville to sign striker Jody Tolan.
Quinn said "Jody is a great talent, a player I have always rated and known well from our days at Cliftonville. He will do well for us"
Tolan who ha ssigned a two year contract, had an impressive goalscoring record at Cliftonville but a broken leg in October 1999 hindered his progress. He is known for his tremendous pace and his occasional loss of temper.
Quinn is also set to complete ths signing of Ray McLaughlin from Linfield on Thursday night.
29.7.00 LEICSTER SPOIL REDS DAY
Leicster City have beaten Cliftonville 2-0 at Solitude after two first half goals from Darren Eadie (24 mins) and Robbie Savage (44 mins). The REDS changed Murray for Enright after just 15 mins which was a big blow to the side.
27.7.00 TEN TEAM LEAGUE TO REMAIN
The proposed 12 team Irish League to begin in 2001/02 season has been voted out by 22 votes to 18. The league will hence remain a 10 team competition for the time being.
27.7.00 PATTON MOVED DELAYED
Barry Patton's move from Ballymena United to Cliftonville has been delayed for the time being and the move may be called off altogether. Ballymena who paid �12,000 for the Donegal man have vowed that Cliftonville's offer is too low and talks will only continue when the REDS can come up with a better deal.
25.7.00 David Platt training with Reds
Derry City goal keeper David Platt is reportedly training at Solitude. The goalkeeper has been linked with a move away from Derry City of the Eircom League and may be the new no. 1 at Solitude next season.
17.7.00
Cliftonville to get new sponsor
With the Kit-Kat logo firmly off the jersies, a new sponsor is being sought for the new season, as Cliftonville try to increase the amount of revenue coming into the club. A plan of having a sponsor to pay a few of the "higher profile" players is being reviewed. A new jersey will be announced, with new sponsor, its unclear who will be the manufacturer as Rossco have ceased trading but a new shirt is in the process of design it will be similar to the Bristol City home, like last season, and the away shirt will be similar to Slovenias' away shirt in Euro 2000 with white shirts, with jade green trim, jade green shorts and white socks. Very different from last seasons kit, not teh usual "upkeeping" of the Celtic away strip.
17.7.00
Patton to sign, but for who ?
Fomer Reds player Barry Patton of Ballymena, is unsure over his future and htis has alerted the Reds management team. Patton ha syet to sign a new contract and at this stage, with pre-season friendlies coming ahead, it appears a decision will have to be made soon. A former player of Finn Harps in his native Donegal, at Ballymena and formerly a Cliftonville player too. He like others we would like to see back in the famous red of Cliftonville.
15.7.00
Friendlies ahead
These are the preseason games arrraged for Cliftonvilles start-of-season preperation for the year ahead. The annual Pioneer Cup between the Reds and Bohemians of the League of Ireland has resumed after supporter demand, and the Reds play the current Celtic managers' old team, Leicester City of the English Premiership and Preston North End of the First Division. Portstewart, Moyola Park and Ballinamallard making up the other three teams from Northern ireland in the preperations.
Portstewart 22/7/00 (A)
Preston North End 27/7/00 (H)
Leicester City 29/7/00 (H)
Moyola Park 1/8/00 (A)
Bohemians 5/8/00 (H) - OFF
Ballinamallard 7/8/00 (A)
14.7.00
Reshuffles at Solitude
With Marty Tabb in the scouting area, and Mal Donaghy in the assistant managers seat, with Tommy Breslin now a scouting officer and now almost confirmed a signing from League of Ireland side Derry City a new goal keeper in teh rather famously footballing name of David Platt. Keeping with the player front, Co.DOwn gaelic star and left sided mid-fielder Shane Mulholland may not be at Cliftonville for much longer as work commitments may force him to move on to another club. If he leaves, his services in my opinion will be sorely missed. Another player almost certain to be on the books for another club next season is Larry Mahon. The defeder-cum-midfielder didnt make too may appeareances' this season due to the outstanding performances of Stephen Small in defence, and McCallion in midfield, ans with his work commitments this year have caused him to search for another club. More players have been lined up for purchase as Stitt and Donaghy look to strenghten to possibly challange for honours next season. More on transfer news as it happens.
13.7.00
Reds kick-off season against Ballymena
The fixtures for the Smirnoff Irish League 2000/2001 season have been announced with much debate as regards the ground sharing problem with Ards. The Reds will kick-off the new campaign with an away tie against Ballymena. Theyre first home match will be against Coleraine on August 19th. Solitude will host the mid-week match against Glenavon, kick-off time there at 7:30. The Reds will entertain Linfield on September 16th, and have the first North Belfast derby on October 28th. The yultide "old firm" fixture will be on St.Stephens' Day in Seaview. The penulimate match maybe a relegation decider (touchwood it won't) against Portadown at Shamrock Park , then the final game like last years final showdown for the season with a tie at home against Glentoran who will no doubt if like last year will be challenging seriously for honours. Click here to view Cliftonvilles fixtures for the 2000/2001 season ahead.
9.7.00
McCallion set to stay
Reds player of the year Tommy McCallion is now believed to put pen to paper and resign for another two years at Solitude club sources have announced. Many clubs including Glentoran, Glenavon, Portadown and numerous clubs from the Republic have bene monitering his progress over the past season as he starred in a poor season for Cliftonville. Rumerous around Solitude are that an increased wage packet will be offered to keep him at Solitude. Also it is believed that a similar offer is having to be made to keep young starlet Ronan Scanell who has attracted interst from Britain. Shane Mullhollands future also looks in doubt as work commitments appear to have hindered his progression at Solitude for next season.