Linfield chairman Roy McGivern has backed David Healy to deliver more success next season after the club clinched its 57th league title on Tuesday night. They did it without having to kick a ball, with Glentoran's 2-2 draw with Larne sealing the deal.
The Blues proved their class once again, securing the Gibson Cup with six games to spare after surging clear at the top of the table. It is Healy's sixth title as manager, in a season that was labelled 'win or bust' for the former Northern Ireland striker after Larne's back-to-back title success.
McGivern managed to persuade Healy to sign a new contract earlier in the season, when the 45-year-old appeared to be on the verge of becoming Raith Rovers' new manager. And now that faith has been rewarded.
McGivern told the BBC: "It is a bit strange winning the league due to a result elsewhere, but it is a fantastic achievement for the club to win our 57th title, and I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities for our supporters and everyone else to celebrate.
"We will savour the success and it is a sweet one. We haven't won the title the past two seasons and there are massive expectations at Linfield to be successful.
"So huge credit to David Healy and his staff and players for this remarkable success."
Healy's stock is on the rise again, and his title-winning success will no doubt attract interest from clubs across the water. The big question is whether Linfield will be able to keep hold of him.
McGivern is confident Healy will remain at Windsor next season, and will be determined to bring more silverware glory to South Belfast.
"David has been at the club for 10 years now and this is his sixth league title. So he has brought huge success to the club during that period," the Blues chairman said.
"There was speculation at the start of the season, but the club took the decision that the best chance to win the league was to keep David as manager and that decision proved the right one.
"I know David has a massive passion for Linfield Football Club and he wants to bring further success to the club, and we are keen to keep him and I am sure we will.
"But I think at this stage, he just wants to savour this success, enjoy it, and then start planning for a great European campaign next season."
Before then, McGivern has promised a big celebration party at Windsor Park after the club clinched its 57th league title.
He added: "We have five games after the split and will have a huge trophy presentation day at Windsor Park. That will be a great day to celebrate."
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