Former Cliftonville and Glenavon manager Paddy McLaughlin insists “the fire is back in my belly now” after joining Peter Hutton’s coaching staff at Institute.

McLaughlin previously spent time at ‘Stute as a player and manager, winning the Championship title in both roles.

He was appointed to the top job at Cliftonville in February 2019 and led the Reds to Co Antrim Shield and BetMcLean Cup glory alongside competing for Premiership honours – the Belfast club finished one point behind Linfield in 2021/22.

McLaughlin departed Solitude to take up an assistant manager role to Ruaidhri Higgins at Derry City, but his spell at the Brandywell lasted less than a year, leaving in February 2024.

placeholder image — Former Glenavon manager Paddy McLaughlin has joined Institute's coaching staff. (Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

The 46-year-old returned to Irish League management with Glenavon following the exit of Stephen McDonnell and made an immediate impact, winning nine and drawing four of his first 21 league matches.

However, the Lurgan Blues failed to build on that momentum with McLaughlin leaving Mourneview Park in September after losing nine consecutive games at the start of last season.

McLaughlin insists he's ready to go again after a short break and is motivated to help a club which holds a special place in his heart.

"I have been taking a bit of a break from my game for the last six months,” he told the club’s website. “I've been on the road a lot over the last few years...when I left Glenavon, I think it was time for me to take a step back and spend some time with my family, but the fire's back.

“The fire is back in my belly now to get back on the pitch.

"Last night was my first session with the boys, there's real talent there, a lot of young players there with loads of talent.

"When Peter asked me to come in alongside him and give him a hand for the new season ahead, I was delighted to get back on board.

"I appreciate Peter giving me the opportunity to get back on the pitch. I really did look up to him and admire him as a player whenever I played at Derry City alongside him.

"The opportunity to come in now and work as a coach alongside him was a great opportunity, so I was happy to get back.

"I was at Stute before as a player and as a manager and Stute has given me a lot in the game down the years, so I feel it's only right that I give something back as well now.

"Playing in the Brandywell too is going to be exciting. It's an unbelievable service, and if you've got players playing in the right way and doing the right things, it's going to be an exciting season ahead.”

Former Derry City manager Hutton returned to the dugout with Institute ahead of last season, guiding them to a seventh-placed finish – they lost just one of their final 11 league matches.

Hutton believes McLaughlin’s experience of the club and league will be invaluable as they look to build next term.

"A big factor for me is having the right character with attributes that can help work with the staff in place but also help improve it and at times challenge it in a positive way,” said Hutton. “Getting someone to be able to do that isn’t easy but when I thought of Paddy he ticked all those boxes.

"He also knows the club well and is experienced in working within this league also, therefore it was a no-brainer to reach out to him...I was delighted he accepted the invitation to join the coaching staff.

“Paddy in his own right is an experienced coach and manager and will be a fantastic asset for the group going into season.”