LOCAL football was plunged into mourning following the sudden death of Cliftonville player Michael Newberry on Monday – with Reds boss Jim Magilton paying a moving tribute to him.
The former Linfield defender, who joined the Reds at the start of the season, was originally from Newcastle Upon Tyne and had made an impressive start to his career at Solitude.
He featured in the St Stephen’s Day derby with Crusaders at Seaview only a few days ago and died on his 27th birthday.
In a Facebook post, Magilton wrote: “Today, on what would have been his 27th birthday, we remember Michael Newberry with heavy hearts.
“I first came to know Michael when he burst onto the scene as a talented young player at Newcastle United, his boyhood club and greatest love. With his unmistakable red hair and boundless passion for the game, he quickly stood out not just for his skill, but for his enthusiasm, determination, and unwavering dedication.
“Although his dream of playing for Newcastle didn’t materialise, it never deterred him from forging his own path in football.
“I’ve followed Michael’s journey throughout his career, and when the opportunity arose to bring him to Cliftonville, I didn’t hesitate. He brought the same passion and determination to every training session and match. Winning mattered deeply to him, but so did the love for the game and the bonds he formed with team-mates...”
Cliftonville’s scheduled Irish Premiership game with Dungannon Swifts on Monday was postponed while the Linfield-Larne game was also called off as a mark of respect to the brave-hearted defender.
Clubs across all levels of Irish football and indeed further afield expressed their condolences, including his former club Linfield, Newcastle United where he was a youth team player and Icelandic club Víkingur Ólafsvik where he spent two years between 2018 and 2020.
Newberry represented Northern Ireland at U21 and U19 level and moved to Cliftonville in the summer after spending a few successful seasons at Linfield. He played 19 times for the Reds.
Magilton added: “Michael was a remarkable young man, a credit to his family, his teammates, and the entire football community. His loss is felt not only in Northern Ireland but across every club he represented. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Rest in peace, Michael. You’ll always be remembered.”
In a club statement, Cliftonville FC said: “Our sincere condolences are extended to Michael’s family and friends, as well as the many team-mates he played alongside during his career, and supporters who will be shaken and saddened by this heartbreaking news at this most difficult of times. Rest in peace, Newbs.”
Reds team-mate Rory Hale posted a heartfelt message on social media: ‘Ah mush, my big mate. Devastated! Not only a top pro, he was an even better fella. He looked after his team-mates especially the young lads. Will miss you mate.’
Chris Shields, his former Linfield team-mate, posted a photograph on ‘X’ of both of them smiling together after a Linfield-Cliftonville game earlier this season, with the caption: ‘This could have been any conversation I had with ‘Newbs’, always happy in his company. Rest in peace my friend, an absolute diamond.’
