The Reds boss was delighted to attend Friday night's bash, where he says the respectful rivalry between the two clubs was on show for all to see.

"From the outside, people don't really see what goes on behind the scenes and the relationships that clubs build up with one another.

"Cliftonville and Linfield have a big rivalry, but one based on respect.

"The clubs get along well together at board level and a lot of the players are good friends.

"Our supporters have linked up for one or two things down the years as well and that's something the real fans don't get enough credit for.

"All clubs have followers - and followers are what they are, not supporters - who only turn out for the big games, but there are genuine guys who work their hearts out every week behind the scenes and it's occasions like this which show there are some great people involved in Irish League football.

"The Mid Shankill club were one of the first groups to write and offer support to me and my family after the death threat incident last month and I was only too happy to accept their invitation to attend their Player of the Year awards do.

"Everyone had a very good night and it just brought home to me what the local game really means to the true football fans of this country."