Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter made his exit from the club on Wednesday night after a heartbreaking loss to Caernarfon Town in the Europa Conference League, but believes he leaves the team in “a marvellous place.”
The north Belfast side drew 3-3 on aggregate with the Welsh outfit after staging a phenomenal second-half fightback, but were ultimately denied in a penalty shootout, going down 8-7. Baxter will now be replaced at the helm by Declan Caddell.
The Crues found themselves 3-0 down on aggregate at half-time but fired back after the break thanks to goals from Ross Clarke, Daniel Larmour and Philip Lowry, but it wasn’t to be the fairytale ending for Baxter.
Having been in charge of almost 1,000 matches for the Hatchetmen, during which time he has collected 12 major trophies, including four Irish Cups and three Premiership titles, the 58-year-old believes European football remains the pinnacle of the game.
“We’ve enjoyed in my time I think it’s 18 European adventures all around the globe and been able to have wonderful trips and wonderful experiences playing in European football,” he said.
“It’s I think the pinnacle for footballers, all our players talk about the qualification for Europe, another trip to Europe, something to look forward to.
“Playing against big teams and challenging yourself against that type of opposition.
“My hope is that this generation of players that I now leave behind will flourish and start to establish their own identity and move forward in the future to create their own moments and own history and own European nights.” He continued.
“So I wish them well, there’s a big uphill task now in front of others.
“I’ve enjoyed my moments, they’ve been stunning moments, ones that we’ll never forget.”
Baxter was philosophical in his assessment of the club’s future but believes the club is in safe hands going forward as he brings the curtain down on an illustrious career at Seaview.
“That comes to an end tonight and it’s been a glorious experience for me to do all of this.” The ex-Crusaders striker said.
“Others will now carry the mantle, definitely the club is in a right place with regards to the players they are targeting, the ground facilities that are moving forward, the new complex they’re building up the road.
“So there’s lots going on and they’re in a marvellous place from what I inherited.
“So we wish them well, success can be built on and you have to always move forward in future.”