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Gareth Fullerton

Next Cliftonville manager latest as former Irish League defender linked with Solitude job

Former Irish League defender Chris Casement is being linked with the vacant managerial position at Cliftonville.

The Reds are on the hunt for a new boss after Paddy McLaughlin stepped down to reportedly take up the role of assistant manager at Derry City.

McLaughlin's sudden departure has come as a shock to officials at Solitude, with the 43-year-old having built Cliftonville into title contenders since his appointment in 2019.

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The Reds also lifted the League Cup and County Antrim Shield during his tenure.

A number of names have already been linked with the job, including former Northern Ireland women's manager Kenny Shiels, and former Cliftonville title winner Barry Johnson who is current manager at Lisburn Distillery.

Chris Casement (INPHO/Ole Martin Wold)

Dungannon Swifts boss Dean Shiels is another contender for the role alongside ex-Northern Ireland international Jim Magilton, while ex-Linfield and Portadown defender Casement has emerged as a potential candidate.

The 35-year-old is currently the manager of Stowmarket Town FC in the Isthmian League North Division.

Casement joined Stowmarket in 2020 after leaving Linfield, while he previously had spells with clubs including Portadown, Dundee, Ipswich Town and Wycombe Wanderers..

He has made a quick impression as boss, having been named the league's Manager of the Month for March after guiding the Old Gold and Blacks to five consecutive league wins and also reaching the Suffolk Premier Cup semi-finals.

Announcing McLaughlin's departure on Monday night, Cliftonville said in a statement: "Cliftonville Football Club can confirm that Paddy McLaughlin has this evening stepped down as manager.

"All at Solitude thank Paddy for his time at the club, his dedication to the job and the trophy successes he has delivered since his appointment in 2019.

"Having provided a series of memorable highlights and club records in his four years with the Reds, he departs with our sincere gratitude and very best wishes for the future."

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