Cliftonville’s Jim Magilton Aims to Revitalize Football with Dungannon Swifts Match
Cliftonville will visit Stangmore Park on Friday, February 13, to face Dungannon Swifts in the Sports Direct Irish Premiership. Jim Magilton, the Cliftonville manager, is determined to revitalize his team’s performance following a much-needed victory over Bangor.
Cliftonville’s Recent Performance
Cliftonville secured their first league win of 2026 with a 3-1 triumph against Bangor at Solitude. Players Brian Healy, Micheal Glynn, and Joe Gormley contributed to the success, giving Magilton hope for the future. He emphasized the team’s need to translate strong training performances into matchday success.
Magilton’s Vision for Improvement
- Magilton expresses the importance of consistency moving forward.
- The objective is to instill confidence in players during matches.
- Integrating new team members effectively is crucial for success.
Magilton believes that enjoyable football stems from matchday performances. He stated, “The fun part of football is always matchday; it should inspire and motivate you,” highlighting his ethos as he prepares for upcoming fixtures.
Challenges for Dungannon Swifts
Conversely, Dungannon Swifts are grappling with a difficult stretch. Three consecutive defeats, including a troubling 6-0 loss to Linfield, leave manager Rodney McAree desperate for improvement. The team has conceded 13 goals in three games while scoring only once.
Manager’s Commitment to a Turnaround
- Dungannon currently sits fifth in the league.
- They have played three more matches than Cliftonville.
- McAree emphasizes the need for a collective team effort to turn the tide.
As they prepare for this important clash, McAree recognizes that the response must be immediate. He remarked, “The players and the management side have to get it right also. We collectively win together and collectively lose together.”
Looking Ahead to the Match
The match is poised to be a competitive encounter, as each team aims to gain an upper hand in the standings. Cliftonville has won one of their previous meetings this season, with home advantage playing a significant role. Magilton anticipates a formidable challenge from Dungannon.
He acknowledged, “Rodney will definitely have them fired up, especially after Tuesday’s result.” The stakes are high as both teams look to secure vital points in the ongoing season.
