Crusaders Football Club Announces New Backroom Team for Next Season

Declan Caddell will lead the team as our new manager next season, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge having been at the club from 15 years old and having won multiple trophies & medals during Stephen Baxter’s superb era at the football club.

Joining him in the coaching staff:

• David Rainey will step into the role of Assistant Manager, bringing his invaluable experience to support Caddell in his managerial duties. Rainey, like Caddell, has also played and won multiple trophies at Crusaders during Stephen Baxter’s incredible journey.
• Peter Thompson & Steven Livingstone have been named as first team coaches. Peter has been part of the Crusaders backroom team for the past 2 seasons while Livingstone previously played at Crusaders, held the role of Head Of Academy for a period and has been actively coaching with the NIFL teams over the past few years.
• David McClelland will continue in his role as Goalkeeping Coach, ensuring our goalkeepers receive top-notch training and support. David joined the club in 2018 and has been a valuable member of the backroom team.
• Gary McIlwaine steps up as the Strength and Conditioning Coach, focusing on the physical preparedness and endurance of our players. McIlwaine currently works on the Crusaders Full Time Football Academy alongside Jonny Tuffey and Ryan Caddell.

In addition to these appointments, the club announces changes in other key roles:

• Frankie Weir, previously the Kit Manager, will transition to the role of Club Chaplain, embodying the club's commitment to the well-being of its players & staff.
• Roy McReynolds will take on the Kit Manager role having assisted Frankie Weir for many years and will be supported by Jonathan Williams, ensuring the smooth management of the team's equipment and kit requirements.

Furthermore, the club is pleased to announce that Stephen Baxter will remain as Head Coach for the European Qualification games, providing continuity and leadership during this crucial period.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to outgoing coaches Jeff Spiers & Charlie Murphy, whose contributions have been invaluable to the club's journey, as well as our long-standing Chaplain Rev Ken White for his dedicated service.

Crusaders Football Club looks forward to the upcoming season with great anticipation, buoyed by the strength and expertise of our new backroom team. Together, we are committed to achieving success and making our supporters proud.

For media inquiries, please contact: Michael Long media@crusadersfc.com

End of Press Release