Cliftonville takeover moves step closer

Cliftonville are currently seventh in the Irish Premiership

Cliftonville club members have voted to accept a takeover proposal from the Toronto Investment Group at an extraordinary general meeting on Wednesday night.

A club statement said that the Irish Cup holders' "legal representatives will now engage with their counterparts at TIG on the next step of a continuing process".

Any takeover by the Canadian consortium could see the north Belfast club move to a full-time model and make improvements to their Solitude home.

The TIG have said their aim is to help the club realise its "full potential".

"Cliftonville Football Club is a very special club and by this vote, we recognise the significance of the trust the members have placed in our group," said a statement.

"We appreciate and embrace the historical and present value it represents to the members, the players, the community, Belfast, Ireland and beyond, as we work to further develop and realise the club's full potential."

The statement added that the group will look to conclude the deal "over the coming weeks".

'We'll put ourselves in a better position'

Jim Magilton has won the Irish Cup and BetMcLean Cup since taking over in 2023

Reds boss Jim Magilton feels the expected takeover could help his side be more competitive in the Irish Premiership and the transfer market.

"I think any investment in a football club is a good thing," said the former Northern Ireland and Ipswich Town midfielder before the EGM.

"I really do believe that, as long as it's very clear and transparent in what the investors want to do and approach it.

"Ultimately if we can then finance to bring in good players, I think we've done a really good job with that, but some of the players that we've spoken to we just haven't had the financial capabilities to bring them in.

"If that changes then we'll put ourselves in a better position and maybe be more competitive in the league."

Cliftonville will be bidding to retain the Irish Cup when they meet Dungannon Swifts in the showpiece final at Windsor Park next month, a ground where they have already lifted the BetMcLean Cup this season.

Their league form has, however, been inconsistent and they failed to make the top six before the end-of-season split.

Magilton added that at this stage he did not know how the club would look under new owners.

"The legalities of a takeover are as such that I've stayed out of that and that will be down to the members and the board," he added.

"If they get that over the line, then it'll be conversations ongoing after that.

"It has to be signed, sealed and delivered or you won't really know. We have to make plans for both scenarios.

"Whatever one works out, we just have to get on with it."