Stephen Baxter’s decision to step down as Crusaders’ boss a shock: Paul Heatley

Paul Heatley said the Crusaders squad had no inkling of Stephen Baxter's desire to step down at the end of the season

After a strange and surreal week at Crusaders, it’s back to competitive action for the north Belfast side on Saturday.

The Crues resume what has been a challenging Premiership campaign at Dungannon Swifts.

While the club has struggled to show consistent form in the league and hopes of a third consecutive Irish Cup were shattered by Ards in the fifth round at Seaview, the biggest shock came last Saturday when the longest serving manager in world football, Stephen Baxter, confirmed he was leaving his role at the end of the season.

Although the League action is resuming, many at the club are still coming to terms with the news including striker Paul Heatley who has been part of the journey since joining the Shore Road side from Carrick Rangers in 2012.

“It was a shock to the players,” said Heatley. “Regardless of results or performances, the gaffer has given the club phenomenal service over a long period and even if we lost every match next season I would still be shocked if he was leaving.

“It is a massive surprise to everyone. It really came out of left field and there was shock when he told us. There was a lot of emotion when it sinks in and he will be sorely missed by the club.

“The players will support him until the day he departs. He is held is such high regard by everyone.”

Baxter is stepping down after 19 years in charge of the club. The former Crusaders and Linfield striker steered the club to three Premiership titles, four Irish Cups, a League Cup, a Setanta Cup and three County Antrim Shields. The tributes continue to flow in for the Crues boss who must serve a four-match suspension.

New