Declan O'Hara says he was never in any doubt Joe Gormley would extend his spell with Cliftonville.
The ace marksman penned a new two-year contract at Solitude last week after speculation that he could be set to move on.
Glentoran and Larne were two of the clubs rumoured to be trying to entice Gormley away from north Belfast.
Read next: Former Linfield and Glentoran star calls time on 20-year career in the game
But O'Hara is adamant that the Reds all-time leading goal scorer was never going to leave the club.
"At this time of the year there's always speculation, but for me personally I felt Joe wasn't going anywhere," said the Cliftonville assistant boss.
"He's a true Red! He's scored 250-odd goals now, and I think this is his 11th year in total with the club.
"You have got to be delighted that Joe has committed his future with the club.
"I'd certainly rather have him with us than against us, as I say we're delighted he has signed his new deal."
Gormley almost capped a great week when he came off the bench against Coleraine on Saturday.
The front man went close on a couple of occasions to adding to his 255 goals in a red shirt in the 2-2 draw with the Bannsiders.
"He had two great chances and to be fair to Marty Gallagher produced two great saves to deny him," added O'Hara.
READ NEXT:
Stuart King thrilled as double signing boosts Carrick Rangers
Coleraine committed to press ahead with development plans despite funding blow
Tiernan Lynch pays tribute to players after incident-packed final
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.