Reds must hit hot streak and push for title, insists Gray

CLIFTONVILLE manager Barry Gray says his Red Army will be going for the Danske Bank Premiership title this season.

The north Belfast side finished fifth last season, 26 points adrift of champions Crusaders, but went on to feature in the Europa League via the play-offs.

Their Irish Cup final loss to Coleraine was a hammer blow but Gray will never settle for the knockout prizes.

Cliftonville, under manager Tommy Breslin, won the league championship in 2013 and 2014 and former Warrenpoint Town boss Gray believes Gibson Cup glory is the club’s number one goal.

“The title is the No.1 target, we are all chasing the same dream,” said Gray (right).

“We will think that we can close that gap but so will our title rivals.

“We won’t lower our expectations because we want to challenge for the title.

“Can we do that? Only time will tell.

“Our targets are working hard to be more consistent. Coleraine were possibly the most consistent team last season and that gives you a chance to win trophies.”

The Reds boss has drafted in Conor McMenamin from Warrenpoint, Ryan Curran and goalkeeper Richard Brush from relegated Ballinamallard United along with Damien McNulty from Carrick Rangers.

Joe Gormley and brothers Rory and Jay Donnelly will be expected to hurt the opposition but Rory will sit out the first six weeks of the campaign after being handed a ban by the Irish FA over a social media post.