A new era for Cliftonville as Paul McKeown steps down as Chairman

Paul McKeown confirmed his decision at Cliftonville's AGM

Paul McKeown has stepped down from his role as Chairman of Cliftonville.

McKeown confirmed his decision at 144th Annual General Meeting of the north Belfast club.

David Begley has been appointed as Interim Chair.

The club stated: “The Management Committee, Members and indeed all at the Club offer thanks to Paul for his dedication to the role over the past few years. A long-standing patron of the Red Army, Paul will remain a familiar face at Solitude and will continue to provide help and assistance in other capacities.”

Begley stated: “I am honoured that I have been asked to step into this position by the directors. My role will be to assist and guide the Management Committee during this transitional period.”

Club President Jack Patterson’s term has also come to an end, with Heritage Development Officer Paul Treanor elected as new President.

Reds boss Jim Magilton addressed the club members for the first time and, after Joanne McMullan was returned for another term, the positions of Roisin Lawlor, Dr Les McCaul and Michael Hegney on the Management Committee were ratified.

It will be the clash of two in form sides today when Cliftonville welcome Loughgall to Solitude. The Reds swept past Coleraine 5-0 in midweek while Loughgall stunned champions Larne at Lakeview Park.

Luke Turner told the club’s website: “I think it will be the toughest game we’ll play all season. After a win like that, people are going to think our standards might drop. That’s not going to happen.

“You have a team at Loughgall, they’re going to be physical but they have some tidy players. They’re not going to be mugs. They are going to come and be hard to break down but, at the same time, they are