Crusaders charge bolstered by some ‘very selective’ signings

Baxter has steered the Crues to a 13-strong trophy tally across 15 years and heads into his latest campaign with the drive for glory still burning strong.

An ever-changing Irish League landscape shaped across recent times by substantial investment in clubs such as Glentoran and Larne has added to the challenge facing Crusaders alongside that posed by more traditional rivals within the modern era like Linfield and Coleraine.

For Baxter, it’s about keeping a focus on the present, rather than past achievements, in pursuit of future progress.

“We are aware of the strength of the other sides in the league and the expectations following what was such a competitive division last season,” said Baxter. “Nothing comes easy in the Irish League, at any venue.

“Last season was fantastic, everything we hoped for and what was shaping up to be a fantastic final stage of the season before lockdown.

“We had such wonderful teams and players and clubs have gone on again to strengthen in preparation for this season, so it could be even more competitive.

“We’ve gone, I think, beyond a top six to even eight sides probably considered very, very capable.

“But then there are others beyond that again and, as I say, no venue is going to be an easy place to visit.

“Our squad has really been competitive for four or five seasons, winning trophies or being there or thereabouts.

“Others around us have been strengthening to achieve.

“From our viewpoint, it’s about adding a few players who can enhance what we have, players who can equal what we have already or even make us better.

“In terms of this season, we’ve made a few very selective signings by using our budget wisely I feel to put us in a position to challegne.

“You constantly evaluate and analyse the situation to try and find the small margins that can make a difference.

“No matter the circumstances, this is big-time football so it is up to us to adjust at this level.

“Goals change and it is a constant process and everyone has had to adjust and adapt over recent months especially to everything going on.

“We have an experienced group and it comes down to keeping your trust in the players.”

DANSKE BANK PREMIERSHIP (SATURDAY FIXTURES): Cliftonville v Glentoran (3 o’clock), Larne v Dungannon Swifts (3 o’clock), Linfield v Carrick Rangers (3 o’clock), Warrenpoint Town v Crusaders (3 o’clock), Glenavon v Portadown (5.30).

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