'Keep to the script' - Cliftonville formula faith always ‘set in stone’ despite Irish League run of pain
Manager Jim Magilton stood true to his Cliftonville beliefs across a six-game losing streak which closed last weekend with delight in Dungannon.
Today Magilton’s Reds host Carrick Rangers with renewed confidence following a 3-1 away-day success at Stangmore Park over Dungannon Swifts.
It provided Cliftonville with a first Premiership win since the previous league clash with Carrick Rangers on September 12 at Taylors Avenue.
Last month’s success over Carrick was followed by six successive league setbacks as Cliftonville lost to Larne, Glentoran, Limavady United, Ballymena United, Coleraine and Portadown.
Now with a clean slate, Magilton has reflected on the positive mindset within the Cliftonville camp despite negative results – and, crucially, continued faith in the formula.
"There was still a lot of belief in the group,” said Magilton on BBC Radio Ulster Sportsound. “We lost six on the bounce...when that happens, doubt can creep in, players' self-belief can go.
"But the consistent message is – from myself and Gerard (Lyttle, assistant manager) and staff – keep to the script, we're going to be OK...but we have to play better, we have to pass it better, we have to work harder and then results will turn.
"I don't doubt how we set up our team or the way we want to play...that's never in doubt – the questions have to be asked about where we are conceding goals, for example, or why we're not winning games.
"Character reveals itself in times like this...it's always reassurances and demands, we have to challenge them.
"And, you know, losing six games on the bounce is not acceptable – but in how we play and the way we want to play?
“No, that's not going to change.
"Obviously in games you may change shape but the actual belief about how we want to set up and play, that's something that's set in stone for us.
"It's not a side that looked as if they'd lost six on the bounce...and that's why the emphasis is on your quality, your momentum, your effort, your work ethic.
"We never felt at any stage that they had lost belief, so players deserve credit.
"They're the guys that step over the white line and their resilience and character have been shining through.”