Jim Magilton says it's "an honour" to become Cliftonville's new manager as the club moves towards a new full-time model.
The North Belfast Reds finally confirmed their new boss on Tuesday following weeks of speculation and rumour.
Stephen McDonnell, Gareth McAuley and Kris Lindsay were some of the other names being linked with the post, but former Northern Ireland captain Magilton has finally got the nod and has brought in ex-Cliftonville boss Gerard Lyttle as his assistant.
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Magilton brings a wealth of experience to the role, having managed at clubs including Ipswich Town and Queens Park Rangers. He was also Michael O'Neill's assistant at Shamrock Rovers and played a huge part in developing the Irish FA's underage academy from 2013-20.
His most recent roles were with Dundalk, as sporting director and then interim manager.
There is also a return for former Cliftonville coach and manager Gerard Lyttle who comes in as Magilton's assistant.
Magilton told the club's website: “It’s an honour to be appointed Manager of a great club with such proud traditions.
“I’m very excited about the job and really looking forward to working with such a talented squad of players. A new manager coming in will always cast a fresh pair of eyes over things, but Paddy McLaughlin did a wonderful job at Cliftonville and I want to build on the successes that he had.
“I’ve been very busy already and there are conversations to be had with players at the club, plus some we will be looking to bring in. There’s a very tight turnaround between now and the start of the new season but I’m experienced enough to deal with that and the work has already started to make sure we’re in the best possible shape.
“It’s such a competitive League and I want our fans to enjoy the brand of football that we will play. I want them to be proud of their team and I want them to play a role in helping us be successful.
"I may be new to the place but one thing I do know about the club is that a united Cliftonville is a strong Cliftonville, so having the manager, players, fans and everyone else behind the scenes all united and all pulling in the same direction from top to bottom can make us a real force in this league.”
Lyttle was part of Tommy Breslin's backroom team when the Reds won back-to-back titles in 2013 and '14. He went on to become permanent manager when Breslin stepped down in 2015 and won the League Cup.
The 46-year-old went on to manage Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland before taking up the role of Northern Ireland Under 17 and 19 manager with the Irish FA where he helped both sides qualify for the Elite stages of the European qualifiers for the first time ever.
Cliftonville finished fourth last season in the Irish Premiership before losing the European play-off final against Glentoran.
They ended the campaign with Declan O'Hara as interim manager following Paddy McLaughlin's decision to step down in April.
McLaughlin is now the assistant manager at his hometown club Derry City.
Chairman Paul McKeown said: "Following the departure of Paddy McLaughlin, it was important for us to undertake a review of the football landscape and our position in it.
“Club Member and former Chair of the Irish Football Association, Dr Leslie Caul, was asked to assist us in that process. We are indebted for his assistance.
“It was apparent that for us to continue to compete at the top end of the football ladder, a new approach was needed. This entailed appointing a full-time Manager to not only oversee first team affairs, but also to ensure continuity and development throughout our football structure, in which of Head of Academy Marc Smyth will continue to have a pivotal role.
“I would also like to place on record all our thanks to Declan O’Hara for stepping up as acting manager after Paddy McLaughlin’s departure. No one will be surprised that Declan put all his energy into the role and myself and all at the Club are very grateful for his dedication."
Magilton's appointment is the latest managerial change in the Irish League.
Jim Ervin was named as David Jeffrey's successor at Ballymena United last month, while on Wednesday Glentoran appointed Warren Feeney as their new boss.
Feeney replaces Rodney McAree who has taken over from Dean Shiels at Dungannon Swifts.
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