Double defensive boost for Cliftonville as Irish Cup winners bolster squad

Cliftonville have strengthened their defensive options with the signing of Michael Newberry following his release from Linfield. The 26-year-old becomes the Irish Cup winners first new signing ahead of next season.

Newberry began his career with Newcastle United winning the club’s prestigious ‘Wor Jackie’ award for his Academy exploits in 2016. A two-year spell with Icelandic side Vikingur Olafsvik before Newberry made the switch to Windsor Park in 2021.

His three-and-a-half year spell with the Blues came to an end this week and Jim Magilton has moved swiftly to secure his services with several other Irish League clubs keen to recruit the centre-back. Joining Newberry at Solitude is fellow defender Luke Conlan.

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The Portaferry native began his career with Burnley before going on to play over 100 games with Morecambe. Conlan, who has been capped by Northern Ireland at Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level, joins the Reds after a four-year spell with English National League side AFC Fylde.

The double capture follows the news that Jonny Addis has penned a contract extension at Solitude. The central defender has become a mainstay of the Cliftonville defence following his move from Ballymena United in 2021. The 31-year-old has gone on to make 139 appearances for the club scoring nine goals along the way.

He played a key role in the Reds' success last season as they won the Irish Cup for the first time in 45 years and was named in the 2023/24 Premiership Team of the Year.

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