Last Modified 19.8.00 17:15
Transfer News
Goalkeepers
Derry City goalkeeper David Platt's intrest by Cliftonville has been turned up, by Stitt and Donaghy as they look to strenghten the Solitude side for the coming season. Platt, former player of the year at Derry in the 1998/1999 season a former player at Finn Harps and in the Irish League, with Limavady and Coleraine. There are still goalkeeper problems escalating at Solitude after Micheal Imghams long transfer to Sunderland, and in one incident, Stephen Scullion going in goal after Liam Hartley was involved in a clash with an opposing player. Platt, know for some of his amazing saves, also has been known to calamity and match losing blundering performances. Hopefully he will turn out to be the former. The keeper is now believed to be training with the side. Michael Ingram has begun a loan spell at the club from Sunderland and the REDS will hope he signs a long term deal shortly.
Defenders
Defender wise it appears that Larry McMahon will be on his way out of Solitude due to work commitments. A stressful yeah has been concluded and it has ben sought that a new club will have to be found as work commitments are putting strain on the player. Rising starlet Ronan Scanell, a player who's services are being sought by many clubs in Britain and in the National League of Ireland is to be given a pay rise in order to have him at Solitude for another season. One of the good eggs, in a bad dozen or two this year for Cliftonville.
Fleming signs for the 'Ville
More recruits to the Solitude dressing room as former Limavady United defender has been signed to Cliftonvilles books. The left sided player has gone for an unknown fee, and will privide cover for Mulvenna and the almost departed Mulholland.
Midfielders
Thomas Morgan has joined Newry Town ending speculation that the St Pats midfielder would join up with Cliftonville in time for next season. Player of the season 1999/2000 Tommy McCallion has signed a three year deal for Cliftonville, this will be a welcome boost as the club prepare for next season. Reds and Co. Down GAA star Shane Mulholland like Larry Mahon may have to quit Solitude too, due to work commitments. The left sided set-piece maestro has had a turbulent season with many injuries and his GAA commitments although often clashed, he always put Cliftonville first in his intrests. I like others hope to see Shane stay at Solitude.
Patton move 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.
Pat Wall has ended any speculation as regards a move down south by signing for Cliftonville in a 2 year deal. His progress has been monitered for some time
Fowards
With Alan O'Conner at Glenavon, scoring on his debut against Slaven Belupo, is appears the Reds will be without strikers for the coming season. With Jody Tolan appearing totally off form, and Tommy McCallion playing upfront, though a midfielder by "trade" and without any recognised fowards besides, the Reds are looking depleated. Its rumeroued that Stitt and Donaghy have a striker lined up for the new season possibly Barry Patton who is leaving as an exodus of players want away from Ballymena. The former Cliftonville striker was taken to by the fans. Another player that would be apprecaited if his signature was captured.
A new recruit from the North Belfast locality has rumeroued to be doing well in training is young Aiden O'Kane. THe Ardoyne, man, a civil servant, has impressed Donaghy and Stitt, and is on the lines of a starting place, as there is a striker shortage as Tolan is reputed to be departing from Solitude.
Tolan departs
Ex-Reds favourite, Jody Tolan, (left), has been signed by ex-Cliftonville manager Marty Quinn. Tolan, reuinted with his former manager who gave him so many a chance. Quinn said, "Jody is a great talent, a player I have always rated and known well from our days together at Cliftonville. He will do well for us" he has signed a two year deal at the club. There is mixed reaction amongst supporters over his departure.
