Michael McCrudden joins Cliftonville after Derry departure

Northern Irish Premiership club Cliftonville have unveiled the signing of former Derry City forward Michael McCrudden.

The 28-year-old has previously played in the Danske Bank Premiership with Institute and Ballinamallard United.

He was also named Championship Player of the Year by the NI Football Writers’ Association after spearheading Stute’s second-tier title success in 2017/18.

Formerly with Newcastle United, McCrudden had a brief spell with Derry before enjoying two stints at Institute either side of a switch to the Mallards in the summer of 2015.

The forward soon returned to Derry, only for a metatarsal injury to curtail his impact for the Candystripes last season.

Declan Devine’s side earned their place in the 2020/21 Europa League last term, with Paddy McCourt being recently installed as the club’s technical director.

A statement from Cliftonville reads; “Boss McLaughlin is naturally thrilled to have secured the signature of a proven Premiership goalscorer and is looking forward to renewing his working relationship with McCrudden, who is likewise delighted to have completed his move to Solitude.