SAY IT AIN’T JOE

Ger warns of ‘war’ if Reds let ace join Glens

FORMER Cliftonville boss Gerard Lyttle says it’s “no surprise” big spending Glentoran have tried to splash the cash on Joe Gormley and Adam Lecky.

But he believes the Red Army would conduct a “holy war” if Cliftonville allow record goalscorer Gormley to walk out the door for a title rival.

The Reds have rejected a bid of £60,000 for Gormley and no follow-up offer is expected after the player indicated his desire to stay at Solitude.

A similar bid has also been dismissed by Ballymena United for Lecky who is contracted until 2021 with David Jeffrey keen to extend the player’s stay on the Braid.

Lyttle, who managed Gormley during his time as Reds boss, said: “It doesn’t surprise me at all Glentoran would have an interest in both players.

“If you have the finances and want to strengthen your striking options in this league,

Joe and Adam would be on your radar.

“Joe is probably the most consistent centre-forward the Irish

League has seen since Glenn Ferguson and Lecky is also a very talented player. He’s a different type of striker but he has a presence, holds the ball up and is an absolute nightmare to play against.” Lyttle, who brought Gormley back to Cliftonville after an ill-fated spell with Peterborough United in 2017, says he would be “shocked” if the 30-year-old left Solitude.

“I know what the club means to him,” he said. “I re-signed him when I was the manager and at that time he was a hair away from signing for Crusaders.

“But once Joe knew we really wanted him it was a no-brainer to him. He’s a Cliftonville man, it’s a club he has supported all his life and he is a real hero to the supporters.

“If they were to let him go I think there’d be holy war around Ardoyne and Cliftonville amongst the fans, regardless of the money involved.” Ballymena chairman John Taggart said the club firmly rejected the latest £60,000 approach for Lecky (left) who joined the club in 2018. He added: “We’ve not considered anything as Adam is our player and is staying.

“He has 18 months left on his contract and remains a firm part of our plans.”