Reds will aim higher after Cup joy: Johnston

Tasting League success next step for Cliftonville, insists club hero

CLIFTONVILLE legend Barry Johnston says the club won’t settle for one Irish Cup success — they will target a League title.

The former midfielder won two League Championships at Solitude, and he believes Jim Magilton’s side will set their sights on the Gibson Cup next season.

It will take a huge effort to finish ahead of Larne and Linfield over a gruelling 38-game Premiership campaign, but the historic Cup triumph over the Blues has whetted the appetite for more glory.

This could be only the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the north Belfast club, driven onwards by wise heads like Magilton, Gerard Lyttle and Ricky Mccann.

The forward planning is well under way, with experienced defender Jonny Addis agreeing a contract extension and former Linfield defender Michael Newberry joining the Solitude ranks, along with 29-year-old ex-northern Ireland Under-21 defender Luke Conlan, who was released by National League side AFC Fylde.

Before the Cup Final fairytale, the club finished third in the Premiership standings and sealed a return to the Uefa Conference League qualifiers.

Lisburn Distillery manager Johnston, a former first-team coach at Solitude, feels a first Irish Cup success for the club in 45 years can help catapult them to more silverware.

“The Irish Cup hoodoo is now put to bed, and there is nothing holding the club back now,” said Johnston, who also bagged three League Cups and two County Antrim Shields with the Reds.

“They have a bit of financial clout with the European money, and the boys will be back and hungry for more.

“Cliftonville will kick on. Their team is so young and talented. Jim (Magilton) is building a stronger squad, and there is no reason why they can’t be competitive with the best.

“Jim is a proven winner. Conor (Pepper) has spoken about the desire for more success, and the Reds won’t settle for an Irish Cup win. Jim, Gerard (Lyttle) and Ricky (Mccann) will want to make a big statement and put a marker down in the League.

“The smiles are back on faces, and Jim has gained everyone’s respect.

“There’s good people at the club behind the scenes, and they won’t settle for this.

“The club has won League titles, with the last one in 2014, and you must strive for that.

“They have a winning mentality, and now the foundation is there to achieve more. They are part-time, but they challenged well last season and have beaten the big teams like Larne and Linfield to win a trophy. It’s a big ask sustaining your form over 38 games, but they can dig in and step it up again.”

The Red Army is still on a high after the unforgettable scenes at Windsor Park when the side dug deep to sink the Blues.

Striker Sam Ashford began the fightback after Ethan Mcgee’s opener, and Ronan Hale struck twice in extra-time to get the party started.

“It was an unbelievable day, probably the best I have experienced in football as a supporter,” reflected Johnston.

“They did it the hard way, but what a way to do it.

“Both sets of fans were brilliant but after Odhran Casey went off injured, the Reds had fresh impetus.

“Whatever Jim said at halftime made them a different side in the second half.

“I felt the longer the game went on, there was only one side going to win it.

“I saw Joe Gormley say clubs should be interested in Ronan, and I can see why. They are Cliftonville legends, and I thought it was a lovely touch for Rory (Hale) to let Chris (Curran) and Joe lift the trophy.

“That last goal is one the most iconic moments in Cliftonville’s history, it’s up there with George’s (Mcmullan) penalty (against Linfield) in 2013.”