CRUSADERS boss Stephen Baxter is not sitting on his hands and bemoaning the loss of Irish League Premiership status but has mapped out an ambitious pre-season programme of professional preparation - including this evening's friendly against touring Wrexham at Seaview.
Baxter, who made a managerial baptism of fire midway through last season, when the Crues eventually slipped out of the top level, is anxious to give his band of young tigers in the squad a taste of top-flight football.
"The game against Wrexham is very important, giving our mixture of very young players - and some not so young, a good workout.
"After Wrexham, we play Distillery on Thursday evening, also at home, and then another game at Seaview on Saturday against Ards," says the tall former predator who is determined the Shore Road club should shoot straight back from the First Division.
"I am delighted with the attitute shown by the youngsters in the squad. The kids provide a healthy future for Crusaders FC.
"They have worked so hard, eager to do well in the new season - starting in a Mirror Cup match at home to Coagh United on August 13.
"Before then, we have some very interesting challenge matches.
"After one week of training we lost 2-1 in the first pre-season game, away to Institute.
"Despite the result at Drumahoe I felt we did well. There is great enthusiasm in this squad.
"It was very encouraging for me to be able to retain top quality kids - Stephen McBride, Chris Morrow, Darren Stirling, Kyle McDowell, Colin Coates and Schoolboy international midfielder Jonathan Montgomery.
"After suffering relegation, we lost Brian Russell - back to Bangor, and Johnny Shaw, joining PSNI.
"Coming in are two very experienced Premiership players, Davy Rainey and Stephen Shaw.
"I feel I have a very good panel of players, with the backbone supplied by Jeff Spiers, Stevie Livingstone and Liam Dunne.
"The old hands are very important as we target a quick return to Premier league football. The three veteran players are phenomenal. Spiersie is a rock! The young lads look up to him.
"He is inspirational both on and off the field, and as are Livvy and wee Liam.
"On top of that we have Davy Munster, who is neither in the young nor the old category.
"Overall, I feel we have a Premier League side operating in the lower division, and the important thing is to prove it - and get right back up there.
"I especially look forward to playing against a team of fulltimers such as Wrexham to give our kids a bit more experience.
"Next week, we have our closing two friendly games, away to Knockbreda Parish on Tuesday - and away to Ards Rangers on Saturday week.
"We welcome Denis Smith and his Wrexham team to Seaview, it is always exciting to play against full time opposition, and I know the boys are keen to give a good account of themselves.
"Among the Wrexham squad are Michael Ingram who recently received his first cap for Northern Ireland as a sub against Germany, Lee McEvilly who has represented his country at different levels as well and Jim Whitley also well known to Northern Ireland fans.
"These along with Darren Ferguson, son of Sir Alex, adds some flavour to the game.
"We wish Denis and his boys every success for their new season and thank them for fitting us into their pre-season programme."
Denis O'Hara - Belfast Newsletter
