Cliftonville fans told 'be careful what you wish for' after Jim Magilton vindication

Stephen Craigan believes Saturday's incredible Irish Cup win is vindication for Cliftonville appointing Jim Magilton in the face of a supporter backlash last summer.

There was a significant fan revolt when Magilton arrived as boss 11 months ago, but the 54-year-old has delivered a major trophy and European football in his debut season.

Saturday's 3-1 win over Linfield saw the Reds lift the Irish Cup for the first time in 45 years, and Craigan believes Magilton deserves plenty of credit.

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The former Northern Ireland defender also warned Cliftonville and Linfield fans to "be careful what you wish for" when it comes to managers like Magilton and David Healy.

He told the BBC: "It is a reminder to some football supporters, be careful what you wish for. And I mean that with Jim, and also with Linfield fans and David Healy.

"Jim lost some key players during the summer, the likes of Luke Turner and young Sean Moore who went across the water. Ryan Curran was out injured and Levi Ives went to Larne, and Chris Gallagher left in January.

"When that happens then people might think the standards would drop. They might think Cliftonville won't challenge or push for cup finals. But Jim, through his man-management skills, his recruitment and knowledge of the game, got things moving.

"Yes we know he can be loud and is great company, but he knows football inside out and that has shown since he came to Cliftonville. They have been on an upward trajectory."

Craigan also believes it was a "ballsy decision" for Magilton to follow Paddy McLaughlin into the Cliftonville hot-seat.

He added: "The players deserve credit, but Jim deserves credit too. It was a ballsy decision to go there after Paddy McLaughlin, because Paddy did a really good job.

"Everyone thought everything had been squeezed out of that squad and it couldn't go any further, but today shows you. Be careful what you wish for.

"Jim deserves every credit and I am delighted for him."

Magilton says he didn't expect to lift the Irish Cup in his debut season, but he believes the success highlights his determination to succeed at Solitude.

He told the BBC: "When I came here and I probably didn't think I'd win an Irish Cup in my first season. But I am very determined and ambitious.

"I knew the group of players could deliver and they have been so good. I can't thank my staff enough. They have been unbelievable.

"It has been a pleasure.".

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