Paddy McLaughlin is eager to trade praise and plaudits for silverware and success in today’s BetMcLean League Cup final at Windsor Park.
Cliftonville, one of the most fluid and entertaining teams in the Irish League this season, are currently in the midst of a fascinating league title race with Linfield and Glentoran.
They also have a Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup semi-final to look forward to with North Belfast derby rivals Crusaders on April 1 or 2.
Read more: Glentoran Football Club issue statement following Irish Cup dismissal
Whisper it, but with today’s showpiece also on a busy schedule, they’re currently chasing a treble, although McLaughlin is fully aware he and his players could end up with nothing come May.
And for that reason alone he’s eager to swap applause and bright media headlines for tangible reward in South Belfast.
“We’ve had pats on the back for our performances this season, but we’re in this game to win trophies and medals,” said McLaughlin.
“The players have deserved the praise they’ve received in recent months, but this is an opportunity to win silverware.
“We’re in good form at the moment and a lot of hard work has gone into our season up until this point, but it would be great to get some reward for that hard work.
“We know we’ll have to be at our maximum to get the better of Coleraine, but finals don’t always come around regularly and it’s important we embrace it.”
McLaughlin, who has been at the Solitude helm since succeeding Barry Gray in February 2019, is chasing his second trophy as Cliftonville manager.
His first came two years ago when two stoppage time goals from Thomas Maguire and Ryan Curran secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Ballymena United in the 2020 County Antrim Shield final.
“It was an exciting finish and we actually didn’t play that well that day,” said McLaughlin. “Ballymena were probably the better side and maybe had their eye on the final whistle.
“Our boys hung in there until the death and got two late goals. It was probably a bit of a sucker punch for Ballymena but that can happen in cup football.
“Whatever comes our way in this final, we have to be prepared for it. We can’t leave anything on the pitch or have regrets on the final whistle.”
A record attendance of 10,000 will attend the first domestic final to be played on a Sunday in Northern Ireland, with 6,000 Cliftonville fans packed into the North Stand and Kop.
“It’s a big occasion for the players and our supporters and you’ll see what it means when you see the numbers we have at the final,” said McLaughlin.
“We’ve had brilliant support all season long and I know our fans will be there in force. I’s something we’re really looking forward to.”
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