BAXTER’S RELIEF

Crues boss happy that Stormont has come up with aid package

Tonight,7.45pm

CRUSADERS boss Stephen Baxter has welcomed reports that a much needed financial package for the Irish League is being worked on by Stormont officials.

The respected Seaview supremo has also echoed the view that assistance is critical if local clubs are to survive the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ahead of tonight’s North Belfast derby with rivals Cliftonville, he said: “We don’t want to see any of our clubs go out of business.

“We need to ensure that all clubs in a year’s time are still viable, working and healthy.

“That’s going to be important, not just for the here and now, but for the long term wellbeing of our league in 10 years time.”

It is understood a compensation package for all local sport is being considered by the NI Executive, with a package of up to £25m being mooted.

And that will be welcome news to Irish League clubs who are set to haemorrhage revenue in the coming months.

Tonight’s derby, which would normally attract a bumper crowd of 2,500 and reap Crusaders approximately £20,000 in gate receipts, will have only 450 fans in attendance.

But with the possibility looming that future games will be played behind closed doors, Baxter believes a cash injection from the NI Executive is essential.

“Safety is the priority and if we reach a situation where no fans are allowed, there needs to be a financial package to make that work for clubs to survive,” he said.

“But even with a smaller number of fans at the moment, we still need financial help from government and whoever else can help.

“Government has to be presented with the figures and told that if we have to play behind closed doors for a lengthy period of time, we need help.”

On only 450 fans attending this evening, Baxter admits it will be a surreal experience.

“It will be strange, but we are living in strange times and once the match gets under way, we’ll deal with it as we normally do,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s 10 people or 10,000 people, you have to zone out and focus on what your tactics are and what you and your team are doing.”

Both North Belfast rivals got off to winning starts on the opening day, the Crues winning 1-0 at Warrenpoint, while the Reds beat Glentoran 1-0 at Solitude.