THE 'relentless pursuit' of success is something that was drilled into Jim Magilton from an early age. It was during his academy days at Liverpool that he quickly discovered what it takes to become a serial winner.
"I was brought up at Liverpool where Ronnie Moran, after they won a league title, threw the medals at the players and told them to put them away," he recalls.
"The focus immediately shifted onto the next goal, and it was a relentless pursuit of winning. It was about being better the next year and trying to achieve even more.
"So that drive comes from us as staff, and it cascades down to the players who drive it on, too."
It may be 35 years since Magilton was at Liverpool, but those early lessons from Anfield legend Moran have stood the test of time.
The former Northern Ireland captain led Cliftonville to the Irish Cup last season, and backed it up with the BetMcLean Cup this term.
Now he stands two wins away from leading the Reds to back-to-back Irish Cup successes.
"I love these moments and I thrive on them. I want to be managing and coaching at this level, and in these big games," he said.
"I want to win another Irish Cup, and I want that drive and determination. You need that.
"That cascades through all our coaching staff. Look at Gerard (Lyttle) and Ricky (McCann) who have won lots of trophies, but they are so determined to keep going.
"And you hope that rebounds onto the players."
Standing between Magilton and another Irish Cup final is Ards on Friday night at Windsor Park.
John Bailie's side currently sit fifth in the Championship but have already disposed of Premiership sides Ballymena United and Loughgall in this season's competition.
"The key message is there is no room for complacency. This is an Irish Cup semi-final which is between two teams who deserve to be there," Magilton added.
"It is a one-off game and the reward is getting to play in an Irish Cup final. Ards won't be taking us lightly, and we will certainly not be taking Ards lightly."
A picture of Chris Curran and Joe Gormley lifting the Irish Cup for Cliftonville
Chris Curran and Joe Gormley lift the Irish Cup for Cliftonville (Image: INPHO/Jonathan Porter)
With two trophies banked in the past 11 months, Magilton insists his players are proving their desire to be serial winners.
"One of the goals this season was to defend the Irish Cup. The players have been outstanding so far," he said.
"We have won the League Cup and we are in an Irish Cup semi-final. We are not getting ahead of ourselves.
"The best players enjoy playing under pressure. They have put themselves under the spotlight and they thrive under it.
Photo shows Cliftonville players celebrating winning with the the cup
Cliftonville players celebrate winning with the the cup (Image: INPHO/Stephen Hamilton)
"Managers, coaches and players all want to play in these games. It is a test, and every time you get tested and manage to overcome it, it is another achievement and part of the learning curve.
"Hunger is addictive, and it should be addictive, because you won't know when these opportunities will come around again. You have to grasp the moment."
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox