A huge shock. . . Stephen Baxter going is akin to David Jeffrey leaving Linfield: Crusaders star Philip Lowry
Philip Lowry says news that Stephen Baxter would be leaving Crusaders came as a shock
Philip Lowry says Stephen Baxter’s Crusaders exit this summer evokes memories of another high profile managerial departure.
The Crues midfielder was at Windsor Park when legendary boss David Jeffrey’s Linfield reign ended in 2014.
As a player and captain at the Blues, Jeffrey was hugely successful, becoming the longest serving manager in the club’s history, leading the team to a staggering 31 trophies over a 17-and-a-half-year period.
Current Glentoran manager Warren Feeney was appointed Linfield boss after Jeffrey’s departure and there were also significant changes to the playing squad.
Lowry, who was out of contract, left for Derry City, while skipper Michael Gault, strikers Matthew Tipton and Mark McAllister, defender Billy Joe Burns, goalkeeper Alan Blayney and midfielder Robert Garrett also moved on.
Philip’s brother Stephen was one of Feeney’s recruits but the younger Lowry sibling was able to retain his reputation of being one of the most talented attacking midfielders in the country.
The former Under-21 international had scored 53 goals in 204 appearances for the Blues after joining from Institute in 2009.
He won three League and Irish Cup doubles with Linfield along with a County Antrim Shield and more silverware joy came at Crusaders. He would go on to win another Gibson Cup with the north Belfast side as well as three more Irish Cups and two Shields.
But there is an end-of-an-era feel at Seaview these days following the news that Baxter is leaving his role at the end of the season and winger Paul Heatley has indicated his career is coming to an end.
For Lowry, it brings back memories of the end of Jeffrey’s time at Linfield.
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