Cliftonville members vote in favour of TIG takeover

The future of Cliftonville appears settled as members have voted in favour of a takeover by the Toronto Investment Group [TIG] following a long-running saga.

It appeared a deal was close to being completed last year when then Cliftonville chairman Kieran Harding was given permission by members to enter negotiations, but would later put a pause on those talks which led to TIG taking a step back.

The door appeared to be shut in January when TIG took their offer off the table, but the issue resurfaced when members voted in a June EGM to authorise the club's management committee to enter formal negotiations with TIG.

It came down to a vote at Monday's latest with a 75% majority required to back the resolution tabled by current chairman Kevin Crossan and members backed the £3million takeover with 81% in favour, which will move the ownership of the club to TIG.

"At this evening's Extraordinary General Meeting of Cliftonville FC, members of the club voted in favour of a special resolution authorising the board of directors to complete an investment agreement with the Toronto Investment Group," read a club statement.

"We thank all of our members for their attendance at tonight's meeting, for their attentive examination of the transaction structure presented by the club's legal representatives and for participating in the historic poll that has shaped the future of Ireland's oldest football club.

"We look forward to a long and prosperous association with Drew Green, John Muffolini, Ron Davidson and Conor Devine, and extend sincere gratitude for the professionalism and commitment they have demonstrated throughout this process."

The Canadian consortium has vowed to provide transfer funds for Jim Magilton's side that has won its opening two games of the league season, while moving the club to a full-time model with stadium redevelopment also proposed.