FOOTBALL: Cliftonville boss says side are in a good place ahead of big week
Paddy McLaughlin collected the Northern Ireland Football Writers Association Manager of the Month award for February
Cliftonville boss Paddy McLaughlin is the Aktivora Manager of the Month for February.
McLaughlin’s men finished the month with a 100% record. The Reds started February with an Irish Cup victory over Carrick Rangers before recording Premiership wins over Carrick, Coleraine, Warrenpoint Town and Crusaders.
It’s the third time McLaughlin has won the Football Writers’ monthly prize in his career, and the second time this season.
He said: “I’d like to thank the Football Writers’ and their sponsors for this award.
“To finish the month with a 100% record is a fantastic achievement. It’s a reflection on the whole team and backroom staff, not just me. I can’t praise the boys enough for the work they have put in this season. We will keep that going until the end of the season.”
Cliftonville host Coleraine on Friday night in the Quarter-finals of the Irish Cup, before the same two sides meet in the Bet McLean League Cup Final on Sunday May 13th in the National Stadium at Windsor Park.
Meanwhile, Lee Lynch’s late strike against Glentoran has won NIFWA’s Goal of the Month competition for February.
The Larne man’s 86th minute thunderbolt sealed a memorable 2-1 win for the Invermen. The 18-yard strike gave goalkeeper Aaron McCarey no chance.