Flowers are a safe choice, but they don’t always feel personal. That’s why for Valentine’s Day 2026, more shoppers are skipping predictable bouquets and choosing thoughtful gifts based on what she truly loves.

From small, budget-friendly treats to standout presents, here are Valentine’s Day gift ideas she’ll actually want — and remember.

For a cosy night in: Lakeland heated throw

For a cosy Valentine’s gift she’ll use every evening until summer, this luxe faux fur heated throw is hard to beat.

Ultra soft and instantly warming, it features nine heat settings and nine timer options, so she can tailor the warmth perfectly and relax knowing it will switch off automatically.

Built in overheating protection keeps things safe, while the throw is machine washable for easy care. Ideal for sofa snuggles, movie nights or staying warm without cranking up the heating, it’s comfort and indulgence wrapped into one thoughtful gift.

£59.99, Lakeland

Read our full review here.

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While you’re doing your order, pop in their Cartmel Sticky Toffee Caramel Chocolates 120g. Inspired by Cartmel’s world-famous sticky toffee pudding, these velvety milk chocolates are filled with rich, gooey caramel for a truly decadent bite.

Each box contains a dozen irresistible chocolates, perfect for sharing – or not. Made by the legendary Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding Company, this is a thoughtful gift that turns a classic British dessert into a luxurious Valentine’s Day indulgence she’ll savour.

£7.99, Lakeland

For the jewellery lover: Scream Pretty

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Who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle? There’s so much to love about the gorgeous British jewellery brand Scream Pretty , founded by sisters Jessica Pearce and Lucy Lee in 2017. There’s a big Valentine’s collection – we love these sparkling heart hoop earrings, made from 18ct rose gold plated recycled 925 sterling silver, with a durable and luxurious rose gold finish.

There’s currently a buy one get one half price offer on too – so you can splash out on a coordinating ring or necklace.

£55, from Scream Pretty

For the beauty queen: M&S Beauty Edit

M&S has a curated beauty edit with cult classics and exciting new must-haves she’ll actually use. Expect glow-boosting skincare, mood-lifting fragrances and everyday make-up that earns its place on the shelf.

With 20% off across beauty, it’s the perfect excuse to treat someone special. Choose from trusted names like Clinique, Estée Lauder and Pixi, alongside feel-good favourites from Emma Hardie, This Works and NEOM Wellbeing.

See the full range at M&S beauty

For the sentimentalist: Lily Charmed

Build your jewellery as your love grows, with Lily Charmed, the independent charm makers. They are celebrate Valentine’s Day 2025 in style with a curated selection of charms, necklaces, engraved jewellery, and earrings. Their Jammy Dodger heart biscuit charm is good enough to eat.

£40, Lily Charmed

For the Champagne lover: Waterford

null (Image: Waterford)

This beautifully romantic pair of flutes is an investment that will last a lifetime. Their shape is ideal for preserving the bubbles in champagne and sparkling wines. The Lismore Diamond pattern has intricate diamond cuts rendered in radiant fine crystal, with brilliance, clarity, and the ring of Waterford to every toast. 

£170, Waterford

For the drinks lover: Aldi ‘World’s Best Champagne’

Toast Valentine’s in style with Aldi’s sparkling offers from 8th–14th February. Pick up Nicolas de Montbart Champagne Brut (75cl) for £9.99, down from £13.99 — a delicate blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier with bright fruit and floral notes.

Also on offer, the award-winning Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut (£15.49, was £15.99), crowned World’s Best Champagne 2025, delights with aromas of apple, red fruit, and subtle florals. Perfect for a romantic, celebratory toast without the premium price tag.

For the adventurer: Red Equipment

Wrap up the woman in your life with a warm hug – perfect for wild swims, adventurous hikes and even after a trip to the pool. This stylish EVO changing robe from Red Equipment shields wearers from the elements – with a waterproof and breathable outer shell to keep the heaviest rain out, whilst the super soft and cosy inner fleece lining locks warmth in.

£134.95 from Red Equipment

For a perfect sleep: Green People

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A stylish way to let go of the day, Green People’s aromatherapy bracelet gift set supports a calm and relaxed bedtime routine. Give the gift of restful sleep – this soothing scent set pairs an elegant aromatherapy bracelet with their best-selling essential oil blend for a peaceful night’s dream.

£26, from Green People

For the tea lover: Wedgwood

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Treat the woman you love like the queen she is with this beautiful three piece box set. Blessings is a lushious green design featuring the signature peonies and butterflies, to form a heart shaped posy in the centre of the plate and inside the teacup, in a collaboration with Miranda Kerr.

£80, from Wedgwood

For the outdoor type: SockShop

Show her you care with the warmest, snuggliest socks this Valentine’s Day. The Heat Holders original sock has expanded to include a huge range that now includes tights, leggings, thermal underwear, hats, scarves, gloves and even fleeces and blankets.

From £7.99, Sockshop

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For style on the go: Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Pressed

Beauty lovers will instantly recognise this cult powder, which now comes in a sleek pressed form that’s perfect for gifting. Easy Bake Pressed blurs, smooths and sets makeup with up to 12 hours of shine control, delivering a soft airbrushed matte finish without caking.

It’s talc and fragrance free, suitable for all skin types, and available in eight inclusive shades. The portable compact makes touch ups effortless, especially when paired with the Easy Bake Marshmallow Puff and Sponge on the go.

£32, from Huda

For fabulous hair on a budget: AIRE 360

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If she loves salon-worthy hair, this is a Valentine’s gift that seriously delivers.

At around half the price of the Dyson Airwrap, the AIRE 360 creates effortless bouncy blow-dries and long-lasting curls with no heat damage, thanks to its innovative ceramic barrel technology.

It was the world’s first ceramic air styler and proved an instant hit, racking up a 1,500-strong waiting list at launch. Easy to use and designed for everyday styling, it’s a standout gift for anyone who loves glossy, healthy-looking hair without the fuss.

£249.99, t3micro.co.uk

For the eco-warrior: Lush Sweet Heart Gift Set

Lush (Image: Lush)

Surprise your Valentine with Lush’s eco-friendly set. Packaged in 100% recycled cotton t-shirt offcuts, it’s a sustainable treat they can enjoy long after Valentine’s Day.

Or visit your local Lush shop to hand-make a personalised gift—hide a secret message inside a bath bomb or design a custom bundle wrapped in a knot wrap.

The wrap doubles as a stylish hair scarf, accessory, or reusable Japanese Furoshiki-style bag, making this thoughtful present as practical as it is romantic. Perfect for showing love with a personal and eco-conscious touch.

£19, Lush

The move is part of a wider expansion that will create around 600 jobs across the UK

A leading high street chain has announced it is launching dozens of new shops throughout the UK. Health and beauty retailer Superdrug has unveiled ambitious plans to open 30 new outlets this year.

Bosses say it underlines the brand’s dedication to Britain’s retail landscape. The company stated the expansion will generate approximately 600 jobs nationwide.

The Croydon-headquartered business, established in 1964, presently operates over 780 branches throughout the UK and Ireland. Executives at the chain said the expansion strategy follows “strong customer demand” witnessed in its existing outlets, reports Wales Online.

Superdrug confirmed it will prioritise investment in “large-format destination stores and retail park locations”. New sites have been confirmed for:

Scotland

• Dundee Gallagher Retail Park
• Kilmarnock Retail Park
• East Kilbride
• Strathkelvin Retail Park
• Linwood Phoenix Retail Park

England

• White Rose Leeds
• Crawley
• Waterlooville Retail Park
• Newport Retail Park
• Isle of Wight in England

Wales

• Cwmbran Retail Park in Wales

Customers will have access to fresh beauty products and services including ear piercing, manicures and eyebrow threading at Superdrug Beauty Studios, the company revealed. The high street chain also announced intentions to complete 60 shop refurbishments during the year as part of “significant investment” throughout its property portfolio.

Clare Jennings, Superdrug’s property director, commented: “Superdrug continues to see strong demand for physical, experience-led retail, and our 2026 store opening programme is a clear vote of confidence in UK bricks and mortar retail. By opening 30 stores, we’re not just increasing our footprint, we’re creating destinations that bring together beauty, healthcare and affordable treatments under one roof.

“Our customers want more than convenience, they want expertise, products and services they can trust, delivered in welcoming spaces within their local communities. This investment allows us to bring bigger, better Superdrug stores to more locations across the UK, unlocking more access to healthcare, beauty products and treatments, while creating hundreds of new jobs and long-term career opportunities for our colleagues.”

The Environment Agency has issued warnings for Cambridgeshire areas and locals are advised to “be prepared” due to “high river levels”

Flood warnings have been issued for Cambridgeshire areas by the Environment Agency on Monday (February 9). Locals have been advised that flooding is ‘possible’ in some areas.

Flood alerts mean that locals should “be prepared”. Environment Agency advice is that when flood alerts are issued, locals should be ready to follow a flood plan.

The flood alerts issued today are as follows:

• Hundred Foot Washes in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk: There are reportedly high river levels today that may lead to flooding and the causeway at Sutton Gault has approximately 48cm of water on the road.
• River Great Ouse: Areas most at risk are around the River Great Ouse from Brampton to Earith, including Back Brook, Hall Green Brook, Parsons Drove Drain, Swavesey Drain, and Wadsbys Folly. Access to properties in Berry Lane, Godmanchester may also be affected. Locals are advised to take care and avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water.
• River Great Ouse from Sharnbrook to Roxton: The flood alert area includes Sharn Brook and Gadsey Brook. Longholme Boatlake may be inaccessible.
• River Great Ouse from Wyboston to Brampton have areas possibly at risk including Duloe Brook, Hen Brook, and Fox Brook.
• River Kym: Areas most at risk are around the River Kym and River Til from Yelden, and Upper Dean to Hail Weston. Rising river levels may lead to flooding.

Warnings announced on Sunday, February 8, highlighted “expected” flooding at the B1040 Thorney to Whittlesey Road.

Wales head coach Steve Tandy should make significant changes for the Six Nations clash with France

It was yet another horrific afternoon for Welsh rugby at the Allianz Stadium Twickenham last Saturday.

Wales conceded 48 points and shipped seven tries as they slipped to a 12th Six Nations defeat on the bounce. Steve Tandy has a mountain of issues in need of fixing, with Wales’ habit of giving away cheap penalties at the top of the pile.

Wales’ pack got thrown around like rag dolls, while the lineout fell apart and the attacking game was non-existent. The team Tandy packed was lacking in size, power and back row balance.

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Tandy may feel the need to give players a second chance but there will surely have to be some personnel changes for the visit of a France side who brushed Ireland aside with ease last Thursday.

Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas selects his side to take on France.

15. Ellis Mee

The 22-year-old’s best position is arguably full-back and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to move him into the number 15 shirt for the visit of France.

Mee is strong under the high ball, has good positional sense and is an intelligent footballer.

14. Louis Rees-Zammit

The Bristol Bears speedster was one of only two Welsh players who came out of Saturday’s annihilation at Allianz Stadium Twickenham with any credit.

But at the same time Rees-Zammit did not look entirely comfortable at full-back.

The 25-year-old remains Wales’ deadliest attacking weapon and can interchange with Mee at full-back throughout the game.

13. Owen Watkin

Wales’ midfield did not function well enough against England.

Yes, the fact both Ben Thomas and Eddie James were forced to operate behind a beaten pack did not help but they struggled to contain England’s midfield.

Watkin is a safe pair of hands with experience at Test level and is the best defensive centre in Welsh rugby.

12. Joe Hawkins

It is difficult to see Wales attack coach Matt Sherratt moving away from a ball player in the number 12 shirt.

Ben Thomas is an excellent footballer and plays well at regional level but it was always going to be difficult playing on the back foot against such a physical English midfield. Things didn’t go well for the Cardiff playmaker at Twickenham.

Joe Hawkins might be the better option because he is the more physical player who is also a ball player like Thomas.

11. Mason Grady

If Wales are going to stand any chance of competing with France they need to fire far more shots in attack than they did against England.

Grady has his critics but he has size, explosive power and speed; three attributes that were in short supply at Twickenham.

A lot has been said about Grady’s potential but the 23-year-old needs to start realising it.

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10. Sam Costelow

This selection will set our comment sections alight, no doubt, but Costelow has been outstanding for the Scarlets of late and is a key part of their resurgence in recent weeks.

There isn’t much between Dan Edwards and Costelow at all but the Ospreys playmaker got exposed defensively on a number of occasions against England.

France will come hard at Wales and will certainly target the 10 channel.

Costelow is the better defender and while there are question marks over his game management at the highest level, he deserves another opportunity.

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9. Tomos Williams

The first name on Tandy’s team sheet.

Wales’ forwards will need to give Williams a better platform so he can showcase his attacking prowess at the Principality Stadium.

Williams needs to be at his very best if Wales are to have any chance this Sunday.

8. Olly Cracknell

Wales lack ball carriers who are able to do the hard yards to get over the gainline.

This is something Cracknell does on a regular basis for Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Prem.

The backrow got blown away physically by England and Wales cannot afford the same thing to happen against France.

7. Josh Macleod

It was a mixed bag for Macleod at Twickenham.

The Scarlets skipper gave away a silly penalty for not retreating early against England and struggled to slow down Steve Borthwick’s side at the breakdown.

He did get better as the game wore on, winning a penalty at the breakdown just before half-time and making 12 tackles.

Needs to be better moving forward but probably deserves another go.

6. Aaron Wainwright

The Dragons backrower was Wales’ best player against England.

Wainwright was the only player who consistently crossed the gainline as he put in a big shift.

We have moved him from No 8 to blindside flanker to make way for Cracknell in order to put out a more physical backrow. The balance against England was just not right.

5. Adam Beard

Wales’ front five got bullied by England and as the most experienced player in the pack Beard has to take some responsibility for that.

The Montpellier lock has a reputation as an outstanding lineout forward, while his work at maul time has proved invaluable over the years, but this is an area of the game that malfunctioned badly against England.

He keeps his place in the team because there aren’t many credible alternatives but he needs to up his game.

4. Dafydd Jenkins

The 23-year-old has been one of the best performing second-rows in the Gallagher Prem this season for Exeter Chiefs.

But he did not have his best game last weekend.

Jenkins cost Wales a strong attacking position early doors when he was penalised at a lineout just five metres out from the England line.

Needs a strong performance against France.

3. Tomas Francis

The scrum is an area where Wales will have to gain parity against Fabien Galthié’s side at the Principality Stadium.

Francis is head and shoulders above any other tighthead in the squad when it comes to scrummaging and should start this Sunday.

2. Dewi Lake (captain)

The 26-year-old had arguably his poorest game for Wales last weekend.

Nothing seemed to go Lake’s way as the lineout faltered, he was sent to the sin bin and he also cost Wales a favourable attacking position by failing to tap the ball on the floor from a penalty.

But it would be a drastic call to drop the captain one game into the Six Nations.

Lake is a quality player who had a bad game. He deserves a chance to bounce back.

1. Rhys Carré

Wales need more ball carriers and the 28-year-old Saracens prop is someone who excels in this area of the game.

Carré was decent against England, with a few strong carries, and while he is not as strong a scrummager as Nicky Smith, Wales need to get over the gainline from the off.

Starting Carré is the right option for France.

Replacements

16. Ryan Elias

Wales needs more size, power and ball carriers. Elias ticks all three boxes and has been playing well for the Scarlets.

17. Nicky Smith

Did not enjoy his best game at Twickenham but is a powerful scrummager who will be needed late on.

18. Archie Griffin

The Bath prop struggled to contain Ellis Genge last weekend and is arguably better suited to the role of impact sub.

19. Freddie Thomas

The Gloucester lock offers something different to the other second-rows in the squad and can also cover the backrow.

20. James Botham

The 27-year-old can cover all three positions in the backrow and has been playing well for Cardiff. He is physical and brasove and has performed at international level before.

21. Kieran Hardy

The Ospreys scrum-half was only on the field for less than a minute last weekend but has been playing well in the URC.

22. Dan Edwards

Both Edwards and Costelow will have a big part to play for Wales looking ahead to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

23. Louie Hennessey

The 21-year-old has been quietly impressive for Bath over the past couple of months and offers something different to all the other centres in the squad.

An exciting player with x-factor.

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Hop Cat is described by the brewery as a “a fresh, hop-forward pale ale designed specifically for cask.”

The “lively pale ale with a very subtle haze” is brewed exclusively with Citra hops.

The brewery’s tasting notes said: “It bursts from the glass with bright aromas of grapefruit zest, ripe mango, and hints of passion fruit.

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Brew York launches Empress Tonkoko stout with new variants

“On the palate, juicy citrus and tropical fruit lead the way, balanced by a clean, refreshing bitterness that keeps each sip crisp and inviting.”

The description continued: “A soft malt backbone and smooth mouthfeel allow the hops to take centre stage without overwhelming the palate.

“The gentle haze enhances the plush texture, while a dry, refreshing finish makes Hop Cat dangerously drinkable — perfect for long afternoons or a well-earned post-adventure pint.”

Brew York’s Signature range (Image: Pic supplied)

The inspiration for Hop Cat was shaped last year when Brew York founders Wayne Smith and Lee Grabham travelled to the USA as part of the 2025 Yakima Hop Harvest Tour, coordinated by BarthHaas, a major supplier of hop-based products.

During the trip, they worked directly with growers in Yakima to personally select hop lots, ensuring only the highest-quality Citra hops made their way into this beer. That hands-on approach to sourcing, Brew York says is central to Hop Cat, bringing a direct connection from hop field to cask.

Hop Cat joins Brew York’s established Signature Cask range, sitting alongside long-standing favourites Tonkoko, Calmer Chameleon, and Maris the Otter. Together, Brew York says the range showcases the brewery’s s approach to cask beer.

Brew York describes it as “balancing modern flavour, quality ingredients, and carefully crafted recipes that appeal to both traditional cask drinkers and those looking for something a little more contemporary.”

Brew York says this is a beer “with claws (Image: Pic supplied)

Yousef Doubooni, Director of Sales & Marketing at Brew York, said: “Hop Cat represents exactly what we want from our Signature cask range — beers that feel familiar and approachable but still deliver plenty of character.

“Citra is a hop our drinkers know and love, and Hop Cat lets it shine beautifully on cask. It’s modern, balanced, and incredibly easy to enjoy — we’re really excited to see it pouring across our venues and beyond.”

Hop Cat will be available from all Brew York venues and all good pub retailers from Monday February 9th.

Team GB skier Gus Kenworthy says he has received death threats after posting a graphic message about the United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement organisation – commonly known as ICE.

Kenworthy shared the image – in which ‘ICE’ was preceded by an expletive – on Instagram a week before he was due to compete at the Winter Olympics in Italy.

The 34-year-old was born in Chelmsford but grew up in America and won silver in the ski slopestyle at the Sochi 2014 Games, before switching allegiance to Team GB in 2019.

In a new post on Instagram, Kenworthy said there had been a lot of “encouraging” support but that he has also received death threats.

“The other day I posted a photo with my thoughts on ICE and that photo has since gone everywhere – and I’ve gotten a tonne of messages and most of them honestly have been supportive and encouraging,” Kenworthy said in a video., external

“But a lot of the messages have been awful, people telling me to kill myself, threatening me, wishing they’ll get to see me blow my knee or break my neck during my event, calling me slurs… it’s insane.”

Kenworthy will feature in the men’s snowboard halfpipe event, with qualifying beginning on 19 February in Livigno, Italy.

Protests have taken place across the US over the past few weeks after intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, 37, and fellow Minnesota resident Renee Good, 37, were both killed by ICE agents in the city in January.

Relentless rain has prompted flood warnings and alerts across the country over the past few days.

These “unsettled” conditions are expected to continue over the coming days, with more rain forecast for parts of the UK.

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Join our presenters LIVE in the Weather Studio at 12:15pm, as they discuss the latest weather and answer your questions 👇https://t.co/j1dHOeGXe5

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— Met Office (@metoffice) February 6, 2026

When to expect snow in the UK this week

Weather conditions are forecast to turn even colder mid-week, according to the Met Office, leading to the possibility of snow.

The ‘outlook for Tuesday to Thursday’ on the Met Office’s 5-day weather forecast reads: “Remaining unsettled with further rain and showers for many.

“Wettest for eastern Scotland, southwest England and possibly Northern Ireland.

“Turning colder in the north from mid-week with some snow possible.”

BBC Weather said there may be snow in parts of the UK on Wednesday (February 11), with “wintry showers” to follow on Thursday (February 12).

Where in the UK has snow been forecast

Snow is predicted to hit parts of Scotland, around Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross, and southern areas of the Highlands from as early as Tuesday (February 10), according to weather maps from WX Charts.

Snow will continue to fall in patches, across similar areas, throughout the week, also venturing further north into the Highlands.

The weather maps also show snow in North Wales and around Liverpool on Friday (February 13).

Flood warnings and alerts still in place across the UK

Flood warnings and alerts remain in place across the UK as rain continues to fall.

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There are 89 flood warnings (where flooding is expected) and a further 232 alerts (where flooding is possible) in place across England, issued by the Environment Agency.

Natural Resources Wales still has 11 flood alerts in place.

While up in Scotland, there is one flood warning and five alerts still in effect, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) website.

Have you already had snow near you in 2026? Let us know in our poll above or in the comments below.

Michael Leask and George Munsey starred as Scotland beat World Cup debutants Italy by 73 runs at Eden Gardens.

Munsey – dropped on 40 – blasted 84 as Scotland set 207-4 off their 20 overs, helped by Leask taking 22 from the final five balls of the innings.

Leask carried that momentum into the field, dismissing Italian opener Justin Mosca first ball as Munsey took an excellent diving catch to his right.

Despite a 73-run partnership between brothers Ben and Harry Manenti, Italy were always behind the rate and once they were removed, Scotland skittled the tail for a comfortable win.

With captain Wayne Madsen unable to bat having dislocated his shoulder fielding, Italy were bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs.

Leask finished with magnificent figures of 4-17, while Mark Watt chipped in with 2-24 as Munsey pouched four catches.

Scotland – with one win from two – are next in action against England on Saturday, while Italy face Nepal on Thursday.

More to follow.

It has been an extremely trying week for all involved with Cliftonville.

LEGACIES and tributes were on Jim Magilton’s mind in the aftermath of Saturday’s stunning 2-1 Irish Cup victory over Glenavon at Solitude.

There has rarely been a dull moment at the club during the 56-year-old’s tenure but the events of last week will take some beating for drama.

Magilton was furious with his players following a 2-1 defeat away to the Lurgan Blues the previous weekend and dark clouds hovered over north Belfast as Kieran Harding resigned as chairman in the wake of sustained abuse from sections of the club’s support.

Things weren’t looking much brighter on Saturday as Glenavon deservedly led the sixth round tie thanks to a lovely finish from Luke McGerrigan.

A scrambled goal from Joe Gormley lifted the mood but fans were fearing the worst when Sean Robertson was sent off on a second yellow card shortly after.

But the Reds dug deep and with the last, thunderous kick of the game, Jonny Addis won it with an incredible swipe of his left boot to spark raucous scenes of celebration in the stands.

“When he was coming up, I was screaming at him to hit it,” said Magilton. “Normally he ignores me – but this time he didn’t.

“He offers so much. It was a magnificent strike and a moment of real quality in a huge game.

“His legacy at this club won’t just be about being a wonderful footballer. “It’s about the partnerships he’s formed, the way he’s helped the team play, and how he’s brought others with him.”

Addis was teed up for that late strike by captain Rory Hale, who came off the bench around the hour mark to lead by example after a difficult week.

“We have to pay special tribute to Rory,” added Magilton. “He lost his grandad, who he was very, very close to.

“That’s not easy. But he wanted to be part of the group, he wanted to play a part – and he certainly did. He showed real quality when he came on.”

The Solitude boss also paid a warm tribute to Harding, who he forged a close bond with.

“I’m really sad to see Kieran go. He’s a very decent human being and someone I spoke to on a regular basis.

“I’ve had a fantastic professional relationship with him.

“Not many chairmen can talk about the team the way Kieran could.

“He was always someone you could have a close relationship with.

“Kieran’s a huge loss for me, for the players and for Cliftonville. We wish him nothing but the best.

“It’s massive for us that the club stays united.”

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