I’M NEVER IN CRUES CONTROL

Baxter’s admits drive for success is still keeping him awake at night

CRUSADERS boss Stephen Baxter says a fire burns brightly inside him to continue delivering major success at Seaview.

Baxter, who was appointed in 2005, initially in a caretaker capacity, recently marked his 850th game in charge of the north Belfast club.

Today’s Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup final with David Jeffrey’s Ballymena United at Windsor Park will be his 854th game at the helm.

“Someone told me recently that it was my 850th game and I was shocked,” said Baxter, a dramatic look of disbelief rolling across his face.

A lot of memories and achievements – three league titles, two Irish Cups and a Setanta Cup included – have been pocketed over the course of the past 17 years.

But at 56, Baxter insists he’s still “fired up” to continue steering the Shore Road ship as he targets his 11th senior trophy as Crues boss in South Belfast.

“I had never really thought about the milestones and I never sit back and think ‘oh, I’ve done all this’ or ‘I’ve done all that’,” he said.

“It’s all about the here and now. On a Friday night my wife would say to me ‘you’ve 20 teams written down on that bit of paper’. That focus and preparation never leaves you.

“Maybe when I’m bored and wrap it all up, I’ll sit back and reflect, but every part of me is fired up to continue and drive on to do exceptionally well for Crusaders.

“And why not? We’re still riding the crest of a wave. Milestones are lovely, but what worries me more is making sure we remain competitive. That keeps me awake at night.”

Baxter’s place in Seaview folklore was secure a long time ago and lifting the Irish Cup as Crusaders manager in 2009 and 2019 holds a special place in his heart.

The trophy eluded revered former managers Roy Walker, who won two league titles with the Crues, and Billy Johnston who delivered the club’s first Gibson Cup in 1973.

“When you look at the history of our football club, you’ll hopefully look back on it in years to come and say you played your part,” said Baxter.

“The Irish Cup eluded me as a player. I reached one final with Linfield and we lost it to Glenavon. I also lost what felt like a dozen semi-finals.

“Some players don’t ever get to a final or get the chance to lift the Irish Cup. To do that is a huge thing.”

While the winners of today’s final will qualify for Europe and pocket the associated riches, Baxter insists his only focus is on silverware and he expects a “50-50” game with Ballymena United, who are bidding to lift the Blue Riband trophy for the first time in 33 years.

“The two teams are evenly matched.

“Ballymena are well organised and on their day they are ultra competitive. Whoever produces on the day will win the Cup.”