Stephen Baxter: Crusaders pulled off a masterstroke to land Jimmy Callacher

Jimmy Callacher jostles to win possession during the Charity Shield encounter with Larne at Inver Park

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter expressed delight with the club's transfer business

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter believes he has pulled off a summer coup by snapping up defender Jimmy Callacher from Linfield.

The 32-year-old enjoyed a golden nine-year spell at Windsor Park, pocketing five League winners’ medals.

He paraded the Irish Cup twice along with the BetMcLean Cup and also lifted the Co Antrim Shield.

With the Blues now in a full-time mode under manager David Healy, Callacher, who runs his own business, simply couldn’t devote the time required, so his switch to Seaview is a win-win situation for both player and club.

Callacher wasn’t involved in the Crues’ memorable battles against Rosenborg, but he did impress on his debut for the north Belfast side in the Charity Shield win at Larne.

“Jimmy is a warrior,” purred Baxter. “With the experience he has after winning title after title at Linfield, he will be a massive asset to us.

“He’s been there and worn the T-shirt and he’ll give us adequate cover in the centre of defence.

“Jimmy unfortunately hurt his back after coming back from holiday; I guess he was lying on the sunbed for too long! Seriously, he’s going to bring so much quality into the group.

“Overall, we were pleased with the work we did over the summer in terms of freshening up the squad, and we are happy. There is a know-how in our dressing room right now and the standard is set not just by me but by the players themselves.

“They know what we need and what we want. We’ll be in there fighting in every single football match we play this season.

“We are certainly looking forward to that (League)