Cliftonville announce full-time plans as O'Hara appointed interim boss

Former Reds defender O'Hara was Paddy McLaughlin's assistant

Cliftonville have revealed plans to introduce a 'hybrid' model and appoint a full-time manager while announcing Declan O'Hara as interim boss.

McLaughlin is expected to be named as Ruaidhri Higgins' assistant at Derry City.

Cliftonville's plans will mean some of their players will become full-time.

"Declan has already taken over the responsibilities with the first training session held yesterday [Monday} following the departure of Paddy McLaughlin. All at Solitude will give Declan our full support in his new role," Cliftonville said in a statement.

"The club are now undertaking the process of appointing a permanent, full-time manager.

"Cliftonville FC had already commenced the move towards a new model with our ambition to put a hybrid system in place which will balance the needs of full-time footballers alongside those players who pursue other careers along with football.

"It is our intention that the new manager will be central to that process along with taking a strategic overview of all football at the club.

"While this process continues, we know that supporters will give Declan and the team their full backing."