Incoming director Conor Devine said Toronto Investment Group's (TIG) takeover of Cliftonville is 'not a plaything' but a chance to revive the club's Champions League ambitions. The group's £3m investment over 36 months and 90% stake in the 147-year-old club aim to transform its future. Devine emphasized the importance of stadium upgrades and community engagement, stating, 'Those [Champions League] nights are not too far away if we can execute and hit the ground running.'
'Opportunity to create positive change'
Devine, a former Cliftonville player and Dungannon Swifts coach, highlighted his deep ties to the club and the region. 'I have been involved in this football club for over 30 years,' he said, adding that TIG's long-term vision aligns with his goal to 'create positive change in north Belfast.' The takeover also fulfills Cliftonville's match-funding commitment for the NI Football Fund's £6m stadium project, ensuring the ground's identity, colors, and culture remain protected.
'This is a passion project'
The TIG takeover, which passed with 81% member approval, faced delays after initial talks stalled in January. Devine called it a 'passion project' for the Canadian consortium, noting, 'These guys are 25-year people, they are long-term.' He stressed that the investment focuses on community impact rather than short-term returns, aiming to position Cliftonville as a 'force to be reckoned with' across Ireland.
