Press becomes Cliftonville's interim manager after Gray departure
He will take charge of team for visit of Glenavon on Saturday
Cliftonville have appointed Michael Press as their caretaker boss.
He takes over from Barry Gray (pictured before stepping down after Saturday’s defeat to Dungannon Swifts.)
Press, a former Cliftonville Olympic manager, will be in charge for the Reds’ home game with Glenavon at the weekend.
He will be assisted by ex-players Barry Johnston and Marc Smyth.
Harry Fay, Gray’s assistant, has left the club.
Meanwhile, club chairman, Gerard Lawlor, has been paying tribute to Gray.
Speaking on Cliftonville’s website, he said: “I want to place on record my sincere thanks to Barry for everything he did in his time at Cliftonville. He lived and breathed this Club for 20 months and neither his work ethic, dedication nor commitment could ever be questioned.
“He led us to an Irish Cup Final last season, oversaw our qualification for the Europa League and actually leaves with a win percentage that compares favourably with any Manager in Cliftonville’s history.
“We had a brief discussion after Saturday’s defeat to Dungannon Swifts and there was no anger or animosity and, such is the measure of the man, he actually spoke to me this afternoon because he wanted to make sure that our incoming management team had everything they needed to take training this week.
“He and his Assistant Manager Harry Fay, who has also left the Club, worked tirelessly for Cliftonville and I think it’s only appropriate to acknowledge that and thank them for their considerable efforts – a sentiment I hope our supporters would echo as we move forward."