Declan O'Hara says he was never in any doubt Joe Gormley would extend his spell with Cliftonville.
The ace marksman penned a new two-year contract at Solitude last week after speculation that he could be set to move on.
Glentoran and Larne were two of the clubs rumoured to be trying to entice Gormley away from north Belfast.
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But O'Hara is adamant that the Reds all-time leading goal scorer was never going to leave the club.
"At this time of the year there's always speculation, but for me personally I felt Joe wasn't going anywhere," said the Cliftonville assistant boss.
"He's a true Red! He's scored 250-odd goals now, and I think this is his 11th year in total with the club.
"You have got to be delighted that Joe has committed his future with the club.
"I'd certainly rather have him with us than against us, as I say we're delighted he has signed his new deal."
Gormley almost capped a great week when he came off the bench against Coleraine on Saturday.
The front man went close on a couple of occasions to adding to his 255 goals in a red shirt in the 2-2 draw with the Bannsiders.
"He had two great chances and to be fair to Marty Gallagher produced two great saves to deny him," added O'Hara.
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