Stitt quits at Cliftonville

Cliftonville FC are searching for a new manager after Laurence Stitt resigned from the Northern Ireland club.

Donaghy also out
The former player, who took over in November 2000 in succession to Marty Quinn, had been unhappy about the financial restrictions imposed upon him by the Solitude board. Stitt was unavailable to explain why he had stepped down from the job as he is on a family holiday in Tunisia.  Stitt's assistant Mal Donaghy has also confirmed his resignation.
 
Board 'never unhappy'
In a statement, Cliftonville's board thanked Stitt and Donaghy for their service and wished them well for the future. Chairman Hugh McCartan later added that the board was "never unhappy with performances or results" during Stitt's time in charge.

Key players lost
In his first season in charge Stitt secured a top-five finish and a place in the UEFA Intertoto Cup. Financial cutbacks last summer led to the departures of key players Tommy McCallion and Michael Collins, among others, but the supply of young talent through the ranks still helped the club finish in sixth position.