Glentoran has made a formal approach to Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton as the club seeks a successor to Declan Devine, who departed the Oval on Monday following two years in the role.
Devine's exit came after the team struggled early in the season. Assistant managers Paddy McCourt and Tim McCann took charge for Tuesday evening's home match against Irish Premiership leaders Coleraine, which ended in defeat.
Magilton, 57, has emerged as the leading candidate in Glentoran's search. The two clubs are scheduled to meet in an Irish Premiership match at Solitude on Saturday, providing an opportunity for discussions between the organisations.
Magilton's track record
The former Northern Ireland international assumed the Cliftonville position in 2023, replacing Paddy McLaughlin. In his first season, he guided the club to Irish Cup success, delivering the organisation's first triumph in the competition for 45 years—a significant achievement in the club's history.
Beyond his recent role at Cliftonville, Magilton brings extensive managerial experience from positions at Ipswich Town, the Irish Football Association, Dundalk, and Melbourne Victory. His career demonstrates substantial exposure to different leagues and competitive environments across multiple continents.
Recent achievements and setbacks
During the 2024-25 season, Magilton led Cliftonville to victory in the 2025 BetMcLean Cup, defeating Glentoran in the final. However, the campaign also included disappointment when the club lost to Dungannon Swifts in the Irish Cup final approximately two months later, indicating a mixed conclusion to the season despite earlier success.
