Glentoran Targets Jim Magilton as New Manager

Glentoran have turned their sights firmly on Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton as the man they want to replace Declan Devine at the Oval.

Devine’s two-year spell ended on Monday, cut short by a poor start to the season that left the Glens searching for a reset. The handover was immediate and unforgiving: assistant managers Paddy McCourt and Tim McCann stepped in, only to watch their side fall to Irish Premiership leaders Coleraine at home on Tuesday night.

Now the focus is on Magilton. Glentoran have made a formal move to speak to the Cliftonville boss, who has quickly become the frontrunner for the job. The timing adds a sharp edge: the two clubs are due to meet at Solitude on Saturday in a league fixture that suddenly feels bigger than the points on offer.

Jim Magilton's Tenure at Cliftonville

Magilton, 57, took charge at Cliftonville in 2023, succeeding Paddy McLaughlin. He wasted no time in changing the club’s recent history. Under his watch, the Reds lifted the Irish Cup the following year, ending a 45-year wait for the trophy and restoring a sense of silverware expectation at Solitude.

His CV stretches well beyond the Irish League. The former Northern Ireland international has held roles at Ipswich Town, the Irish FA, Dundalk and Melbourne Victory, experience that only strengthens his appeal to Glentoran’s hierarchy.

He has already caused the Glens pain. Magilton guided Cliftonville to the 2025 BetMcLean Cup, beating Glentoran in the final, another marker of his ability to deliver on big occasions. Two months later, he reached the Irish Cup final again, though this time his side lost out to Dungannon Swifts in the decider.

Now, with Glentoran searching for a new direction and Magilton firmly in their sights, Saturday’s clash at Solitude carries an extra question: are they facing their next manager in the opposite dugout?