Paddy McLaughlin named Manager of the Month

In February, the Reds defeated Warrenpoint Town, Larne, Ballymena United and Carrick Rangers as McLaughlin’s men claimed 14 points from seven games.

It’s the first time the former Institute manager has won the prestigious award.

He said, “I appreciate getting the nod from the Football Writers’ as there are several teams who were in top form in February.

“Earlier in the month we lost to Glentoran with the last kick of the game. Thankfully, the boys responded well to that disappointment and went on to claim four wins and a draw from the next five games.

“It was an important period of the season for us as we were in danger of being left behind. Thankfully, we have clawed back a few points on teams above us.”

Cliftonville signed seven players in January including striker Paul O’Neill and goalkeeper Aaron McCarey. McLaughlin is delighted with the impact his new signings have made.

“Sometimes it takes a few weeks for new boys to settle in, but they all hit the ground running. I think the January signings gave everyone the club a big lift. But now we need to prove ourselves by carrying this good form into March and April.”

Meanwhile, Glenavon star Conor McCloskey is the NIFWA Danske Bank Premiership Player of the Month for February.

The midfielder has been in the form of his life in recent weeks, helping the Lurgan Blues to wins over Ballymena United, Carrick Rangers, Dungannon Swifts and Crusaders. The former Carrick man registered four goals in the month.

It’s the first time McCloskey has won the prestigious award.

Reflecting on a successful February, he said, “I’d like to thank the Football Writers’ and their sponsors for this award. It means a lot to me.

“It was a great month for me as I scored four goals and provided a few assists, but more importantly it was a good month for the team. To take 13 points from six games is a great achievement when you are playing twice a week.

“I think we’ve been quite unlucky at times this season. In February, it felt like we finally got the results our form deserved.”

The runner-up in the Danske Bank sponsored award was Glentoran defender Luke McCullough, with Coleraine man Lyndon Kane in third.

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