Conor McMenamin: Bid rejected as three clubs target Cliftonville ace who admits full-time football dream

Conor McMenamin's move to Glentoran suggests the Irish League is better off than we think it might be

Conor McMenamin's move to Glentoran suggests the Irish League is better off than we think it might be

�INPHO/Philip McGowan

Conor McMenamin

Conor McMenamin's move to Glentoran suggests the Irish League is better off than we think it might be

Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland - 2nd November 2009.
Belfast Telegraph staff Images Graham Luney

Graham Luney Twitter Email

January 29 2021 06:00 AM

One of the Danske Bank Premiership's most wanted men, Cliftonville ace Conor McMenamin, insists transfer talk isn't affecting his football.

The Reds have rejected a bid from Larne for the 25-year-old, while Glentoran and Derry City have also registered their interest in the player.

With the transfer window set to close at midnight on Sunday, the Reds' desire to hold onto one of their big names could be tested further.

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The former Linfield, Glentoran and Warrenpoint Town player admits the prospect of full-time football is appealing but he has 18 months to run on his Cliftonville contract and the club are understandably keen to keep him at Solitude.

McMenamin has a good relationship with Reds boss Paddy McLaughlin and chairman Gerard Lawlor, and the transfer speculation isn't affecting his game as he demonstrated with a brace in Tuesday's 4-3 win over Linfield.

Larne, who are also interested in signing Linfield defender Jimmy Callacher, may decide to increase their offer for McMenamin, who worked with Tiernan Lynch at Glentoran.

"It's a good position to be in, and you must be doing something right if top teams are showing interest," said McMenamin.

"The hard work is paying off if clubs want to sign you but I have 18 months left on my contract.

"A bid was rejected last week and I hadn't heard more.

"I just want to keep my head down and play well. While it's nice to know clubs want you, I want to do well with Cliftonville. If Cliftonville accept a bid then things will change."

McMenamin added: “Would I like to play full-time football? Yes, I’ve thought about that all my life, but the Reds have been honest with me which is all I ask for.

“I’ve a great relationship with Paddy (McLaughlin) and Gerard (Lawlor), and Cliftonville have been great with me.

“No deal would ever happen unless a club meets Cliftonville’s valuation for me.

“But this hasn’t affected my football. I will keep working as hard as possible.”

The Downpatrick man could have left the Reds when the club was going through a difficult period but he found a new lease of life under McLaughlin and he’s now one of the most dangerous players in the Premiership.

Cliftonville — who last night announced the signing of Kris Lowe from Dungannon Swifts — continue their Covid-19 disrupted season at home to Glenavon tomorrow and McMenamin says he feels safe playing Irish League football.

“A few players have said they feel safe and I would say fair play to the clubs, they have gone the extra mile to make sure everyone is safe,” he added. “Clubs have put a lot of money into making it a safe and environment and I am happy to go to games.

“The testing is a great move as well, and I feel privileged we can still play football. I have friends who play amateur football and they are missing it so much. We are very lucky we can still do it.

“I didn’t want the league to stop but the testing reassures everyone. The full time clubs are in a bubble more but it’s beneficial for the clubs. It’s important to know the virus isn’t in the camp.”

Glenavon have, meanwhile, signed Dergview defender Lee McNulty and striker Josh Doyle from Bluebell United in the Leinster Senior League. And Ballymena United have confirmed that Andrew Burns has mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

• NORTHERN Ireland’s Under-21s will face top seeds Spain, Russia, Slovakia, Lithuania and Malta in the qualifiers for the 2023 Uefa European Under-21 Championship. Group matches will begin in March this year and be completed by June next year.