One defender in and one out at Cliftonville as Reds make first splash in January transfer window
Cliftonville’s squad has been refreshed as one defender has been drafted in on loan to replace another who has saw his brief stint at Solitude come to an end.
Jim Magilton’s side have added Joseph Toole on loan from Fleetwood Town in their first acquisition this month.
Toole is adaptable at playing in both central defence and at right-back, which will add versatility to Cliftonville’s options for the second half of the season.
The defender signed his first professional contract with Bolton Wanderers in 2024, before spending the first half of last season on loan at Hyde United.
Toole has been a regular for Fleetwood’s U21 side so far this season but he is set to gain even more senior experience during his tenure in north Belfast.
If international clearance is completed on time, Toole could be in line to make his Cliftonville debut in their Irish Cup fifth-round tie at home to Dundela.
Departing the Reds is fellow defender Tom Lavery who is returning to parent club Sunderland following a five-month spell at Solitude.
The 20-year-old found the back of the net for Cliftonville on two occasions in the 19 games he played for Magilton’s men across all competitions.
In a statement, Cliftonville say that full-back Lavery leaves with their “sincere best wishes” as he returns to the Stadium of Light.
Brandon Bermingham – who also joined Cliftonville on loan from Dungannon Swifts – has already made his way back following the end of the temporary agreement.
Furthermore, defender Darien Wauchope has returned to Mansfield Town after an injury-stricken spell on loan at Solitude.