Magilton to remain in Cliftonville hot-seat

Jim Magilton will remain manager of Cliftonville despite Glentoran's interest in the former Northern Ireland international.

The Glens are seeking a replacement for Declan Devine who left the Oval by mutual consent on Monday and had identified Magilton as a front-runner, making a formal approach to Cliftonville to speak to the Reds' boss.

However, Magilton will not made the switch to east Belfast and will remain in the Solitude dug-out when Cliftonville host the Glens in an Irish Premiership fixture on Saturday.

The 57-year-old former Northern Ireland international was appointed Cliftonville boss in 2023, succeeding Paddy McLaughlin, and led the club to Irish Cup glory the following year, ending a 45-year wait for the trophy.

Magilton, who previously worked at Ipswich Town, the Irish FA, Dundalk and Melbourne Victory, also led the Reds to the 2025 BetMcLean Cup, beating Glentoran in the final, but lost to Dungannon Swifts in the Irish Cup decider two months later.

Devine left the Oval club on Monday after two years in charge following a poor start to the season.

Assistant managers Paddy McCourt and Tim McCann oversaw Tuesday night's home defeat by Irish Premiership leaders Coleraine, and will now continue their search for Devine's replacement.