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Cliftonville have sacked Eddie Patterson as manager after more than five years in charge of the Irish Premiership club.

Patterson was relieved of his duties after Friday night's 2-2 draw at home to struggling Donegal Celtic.

Cliftonville are currently fourth in the table and are at home to Dundalk in the first leg of the Setanta Cup semi-final on Monday night.

Patterson guided the Reds to the Irish Cup final in 2009.

He was appointed caretaker manager at Solitude in the summer of 2005 after Liam Beckett's resignation.

In October that year the appointment was made permanent and Patterson forged a reputation as a talented Premiership boss, working on limited resources by bringing through talented players.

One of them, Liam Boyce, joined German club Werder Bremen in September 2010.

A brief statement from Cliftonville said that the club had "parted company" with Patterson.

"The Club would like to thank Eddie for his achievements during his time as Manager and wish him well in the future," added the statement.

"No further comment will be made at this time."