Former Cliftonville star Stephen Small believes Jim Magilton was one of few people capable of taking on a “massive job” which comes with immense pressure at Glentoran – but hopes he can now build on success with the Reds after rejecting the opportunity.

Magilton was identified as Glentoran’s number one target as they seek to appoint Declan Devine’s successor, but it’s understood the ex-Northern Ireland international turned down their approach in favour of staying at Cliftonville.

The 57-year-old has enjoyed silverware success at the Reds, winning both the Irish Cup and BetMcLean Cup, despite dealing with a consistent battle of losing his top players across recent transfer windows.

Cliftonville are set to become the latest full-time Irish League club after accepting a takeover proposal from the Toronto Investment Group (TIG), providing Magilton with a potential opportunity to push the north Belfast side forward.

placeholder image — Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton (right) was being lined up by Glentoran as a replacement for Declan Devine (left). (Photo by Sarah Harkness/Pacemaker Press)

"You would expect players who do well to be in the eye of the full-time teams and managers are no different,” said Small. “Jim has caught the eye of Glentoran as a really good fit for them, but it hasn't worked out it seems.

"For Jim, it's a real confidence booster I would imagine, because you're doing your job to the best of your ability and they've obviously seen such a massive transition of players over the last number of years with Jim and they've seen him up close, he beat them in the BetMcLean Cup final.

"Jim's a big character, he's got massive credentials in terms of the clubs he's been at, international profile, his knowledge of good young players.

"I always say Jim and Gerard (Lyttle, assistant) because they feel like a partnership.

"I would worry if that investment hadn't got over the line, it may have been a different conversation…his decision-making may have been more complicated if that wasn't on the horizon.

"With all the pieces slotting in, Jim probably feels like there's an opportunity to build on what he's already achieved.

"Jim's probably looked at things and went, ‘there's a potential now to really push on and use it as a building block’.”

Magilton has vast managerial experience having held high-profile positions at Ipswich Town and Queens Park Rangers in England.

He also played a key role in developing the Irish FA’s youth programmes and has now established himself as one of the Irish League’s best.

"Absolutely (can see why Glentoran wanted Jim), he ticks a load of boxes,” added Small. “His knowledge of the league, knowledge of good young players.

“Jim has probably been the victim of his own success, he's had a lot of player turnover across the three years – I don't think there's another club in the league that's had the same, and it's because they've been successful.

"Glentoran have looked at the profile and the magnitude of Jim as a character who could deal with that job, which is massive for anybody to take on.

"There's not many people who could take a job like that on their shoulders, and Jim probably fitted that profile of someone who could.

"I can see why they've looked at Jim as someone who could really lead that club, but thankfully for Cliftonville, the supporters and new investors, Jim's decided it's better that he stays and builds on what he's already achieved.”