As Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts prepare to clash at Solitude on Tuesday evening, both teams remain active in the transfer market, with their managers keeping the door open for potential new signings before the transfer window closes next week.
Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton recently introduced new striker Destiny Ojo during the closing minutes of their 2-1 victory over Glenavon on Saturday. The addition of Ojo is part of Magilton’s efforts to fill the void left by the summer departures of key players Ben Wilson, Rory Hale, and Sam Ashford.
The Irish Cup winners have started the season strong, securing two victories from their first two matches, including an opening weekend win against Portadown. Despite this solid start, Magilton emphasized the need for further reinforcements.
“If a quality player becomes available, we should be in the market and will be in the market right up until the window closes,” Magilton stated.
Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree, whose team has earned just one point from their games against Coleraine and Linfield, is also hopeful of adding to his squad at Stangmore Park. However, he acknowledged the challenges his club faces in competing financially with other teams.
“It’s a difficult market; sometimes we feel as if we’re priced out of it a little bit,” said McAree, who previously managed Glentoran.
He explained that the financial demands of players in full-time teams trickle down through the league, often making it tough for Dungannon to match the wages on offer elsewhere.
“We’re always looking to improve, and we’ll continue to do so until the window shuts,” McAree added.
