Cliftonville vs Linfield 04/05/24

Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton has said he is used to dealing with the history of big clubs and insisted he will not let the Reds’ long wait for Irish Cup success weigh on him or his players.

Magilton believes their strong start to the campaign was a crucial factor in the season going well and spoke positively about what he says has been a hugely enjoyable first experience of Irish League management. “We got off to a fast start and that was important for us because Gerard (Lyttle, Magilton’s assistant) and I were in so late, which meant that we had to do everything in quite a hurry,” he said. “To get the start that we got gave the players the confidence and momentum to carry on and to believe in what we were saying to them. You can say all you want to players but you have to go out and deliver, and this group of players has done that remarkably well. “To finish in a European spot in the manner in which we did with games to spare was terrific and to play in an Irish Cup final is just reward for the season that the players have had.” Magilton admits he has been gripped by the Irish League. He revealed: “I went and watched the games as a supporter and I always enjoyed it but seeing the effort and application that the players make every week has astounded me. They are up for every game, they really are. “I also have a greater appreciation for the coaching staff and the work that goes on behind the scenes, and all the part-time staff that work at our clubs. It is honestly amazing.” Magilton, who was a Northern Ireland team-mate of Linfield boss David Healy, added that he cannot wait for kick-off today and the chance to deliver the trophy for his team’s fans. He said: “It would be a magnificent achievement by this group of players and the coaching staff. I’m excited about it, I’m motivated to win. “We know the task ahead, which is going to be a very difficult one against an outstanding team, but we are looking forward to it.”

The north Belfast outfit go into today’s showpiece match against Linfield with it being well documented that they have not won the trophy since 1979. Magilton, who was on Liverpool’s books for many years and played in the English Premier League for Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday before managing Ipswich Town and Queens Park Rangers, respects Cliftonville’s history but is unfazed by the demand from the fans for an Irish Cup success. “I understand the history, I understand how important it is and I understand how there is this magic around the Irish Cup for Cliftonville,” the former Northern Ireland international said. “We get it. It is there for everyone to see and everyone talks about it but I am more focused on these lads creating their own little piece of history.” He said the pressure to deliver what many Reds fans consider to be the holy grail of domestic football does not bother him. The Cliftonville boss added: “I have always been very respectful of the past. When I was at Ipswich everyone talked about the great Sir Bobby Robson so I appreciate the history that is attached to football clubs. “It was a great achievement by that Cliftonville team to win the Irish Cup back in 1979 but I see this as a wonderful opportunity to play against an excellent team in a showcase final. “I want us to go and embrace the whole thing. Rather than let it intimidate you, let it inspire and motivate you. I have never been one to allow that sort of thing to intimidate me.” Despite his appointment as Cliftonville manager last summer generating something of a mixed reaction from the Reds supporters, Magilton’s first season in charge has been a successful one. As well as guiding the Solitude side to the Irish Cup final, they finished third in the Irish Premiership and have secured a place in European football for next season.

Words Mark Sterling

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