Stephen Baxter

Heavyweight showdown: Larne and Glentoran will face off in a winner-takes-all battle tonight. Credit: INPHO/Philip Magowan

Mick McDermott hoping to avoid 'extreme disappointment' by targeting a European silver lining to Glentoran’s season

Glentoran manager Mick McDermott admits there will be extreme disappointment if his side finishes the season without a trophy or a European place but he has insisted the club is not in crisis.

Sign here: Stephen Baxter is poised to agree a new contract at Crusaders. Credit: Stephen Hamilton / Inpho

Stephen Baxter to toast Irish Cup joy with a new deal

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter looks set to agree a new contract with the club after celebrating another Irish Cup success on Saturday.

Fine margins: Crusaders players celebrate Johnny McMurray’s winning goal amid dejection from the Ballymena United players. Credit: David Maginnis

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Captivating twists and turns deliver heartbreak and elation in dramatic Irish Cup final climax

As he fought back tears at his post match press conference, David Jeffrey called it the cruellest moment of his managerial career and nothing more needed to be said.

We did it: Stephen Baxter won a third Irish Cup as Crusaders manager. Credit: Pacemaker/Desmond Loughery

Victorious Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter revels in ‘lifelong friendship’ with defeated rival David Jeffrey

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter had a warm embrace for his friend and rival manager David Jeffrey at the conclusion of a dramatic Irish Cup final at Windsor Park on Saturday.

Then Linfield boss David Jeffrey with Crusaders’ Stephen Baxter in 2008. Credit: INPHO/Presseye

Qualifying for Europe is biggest incentive for part-time clubs to win Irish Cup final, believes David Jeffrey

Ballymena United manager David Jeffrey admits if his team were to lift the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup today, it would be one of his major achievements.

Silver lining: Jordan Forsythe lifts the Irish Cup in 2019. Credit: INPHO/Stephen Hamilton

Irish Cup final is a day that is as much for the fans as it is for the players, believes Crusaders star Jordan Forsythe

Jordan Forsythe knows what an Irish Cup Final means to supporters, as he was a regular attendee of the finals growing up as a lad.

D-day: Stephen Baxter (right) looks forward to the Irish Cup final, alongside Ben Kennedy (left) and Billy Joe Burns

David Jeffrey and I are the best of pals, but unfortunately only one of us can win the Irish Cup, says Stephen Baxter

It’s tempting to say that football is all about the players but today’s Irish Cup Final between Ballymena United and Crusaders serves up another intriguing reunion on the touchline.

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter and Ballymena United boss David Jeffrey will put friendship to one side while they battle for the Irish Cup this afternoon

Irish Cup final: Friendship set aside as David Jeffrey and Stephen Baxter battle for glory

David Jeffrey and Stephen Baxter will put their close friendship on ice this afternoon in the fight for Irish Cup glory and a lucrative European place.

All systems go: Stephen Baxter is now looking towards the Irish Cup final. Credit: INPHO/PressEye.com/Jonathan Porter

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter is glad to be able to turn focus on Irish Cup final

Stephen Baxter admitted he was pleased to get Crusaders’ Danske Bank Premiership campaign wrapped up on Saturday so that full attention can now turn to the Irish Cup final.

Cliftonville’s Jamie McDonagh battles with Paul Heatley

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Last-day shootout is a fitting conclusion to dramatic Irish League season, says Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter

Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter believes the Danske Bank Premiership is getting the title race it deserves following a thrilling North Belfast derby at Seaview on Saturday.

Jonny Tuffey. Credit: INPHO/Stephen Hamilton

Jonny Tuffey says Crusaders have put Irish Cup final on the back burner to focus on European play-off drive

Goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey insists no one at Crusaders is becoming carried away even though the Shore Road team could end the season on the crest of a wave!

Running away with it: Daniel Larmour sets off in celebration after putting Crusaders 3-0 up. Credit: INPHO/Presseye/Stephen Hamilton

Players are fighting for cup final places, says Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter after thumping of Glentoran

As Glentoran’s title hopes begin to fade, victorious Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter believes his team’s 4-0 win at The Oval shows his players have the Irish Cup final on their minds.

Victory roar: Crusaders winger Ross Clarke celebrates reaching another Irish Cup final

Crusaders show their resilience to reach Irish Cup final, while Cliftonville’s long wait without the silverware continues

Stephen Baxter’s Crusaders on Friday night punched their ticket to the final of the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup with a 2-1 victory over north Belfast rivals Cliftonville.

Adam Lecky celebrates after drawing Crusaders level against Dungannon Swifts

Stephen Baxter: It wasn’t a risk to leave out Crusaders’ key men ahead of Irish Cup Semi-Final

Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter said he never felt he was taking a gamble with team selection by resting key players against Dungannon Swifts.

New target: Stephen Baxter looking forward to the battle for fourth place

Performance and attitude are now key for Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter ahead of Ballymena United clash

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter insists is boys still have a lot to play for, even though their Danske Bank Premiership title aspirations have long gone.

Crusaders goalkeeper Johnny Tuffey Pic: INPHO/Presseye/Stephen Hamilton

Crusaders’ ‘ultimate professional’ Jonny Tuffey can play for another four years, insists boss Stephen Baxter

Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter believes veteran goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey can keep playing for at least another four years.

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Jamie Robinson: Referee in the dock faces Seaview sanction as Crusaders consider stadium ban pending disciplinary decision

Crusaders have informed the Irish FA they will consider issuing a lifetime stadium ban to referee Jamie Robinson if he is found guilty of assault charges by the Association’s Disciplinary Committee, leaving him in breach of Seaview’s code of conduct.

Crusaders ace Jordan Owens heads his side into a 3-2 lead

Jordan Owens praised for goal-scoring know-how to fire Crusaders into Irish Cup semi-final with win over Dungannon Swifts

Crusaders were made to sweat by Dungannon Swifts at Seaview but since the prize was a last-four Irish Cup showdown with neighbours Cliftonville, it felt right that the club’s record goalscorer Jordan Owens made it all possible.

Stephen Baxter says the Irish League has never been more competitive

Stephen Baxter: Irish League is currently more competitive than at any other time during my 35 years in the game

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter has called it — he believes the Irish League has never been more competitive.

‘You can’t talk to them’: Carrick Rangers boss Stuart King hits out over added time in late loss at Crusaders

There’s no better feeling in football than a last minute winner — as long as it’s your team that triumphs.

Irish League clubs’ facilities are crucial for all in the community, insists Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter

Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter has shone a light on the Irish League’s immense contribution to communities as the game is left reeling by a further delay in the release of Sub-Regional Stadia Funding.

Sinn Fein's Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey. Credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Irish League clubs to join forces at Windsor Park meeting in bid to force Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to release £36m Stadia Funding

The Northern Ireland Football League is bringing together its member clubs to fight Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey’s move to freeze £36.2m of Sub-Regional Stadium Funding.

Adam Lecky celebrates his winner at Larne with team-mates. Credit: INPHO/Stephen Hamilton

Tiernan Lynch ‘ripping his hair out’ over Larne’s defensive flaws after defeat to Crusaders

Tiernan Lynch admits Larne’s league form is ‘not good enough’ after seeing his side slip to their fourth defeat in six Danske Bank Premiership outings.

Stephen Baxter. Credit: INPHO/Stephen Hamilton

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Crusaders made to stay patient as Ballinamallard stand up to Premiership visitors in tight Irish Cup tie

Stephen Baxter said patience was the key to Crusaders getting the better of Ballinamallard United.

Crusaders ace Philip Lowry made the difference at Ferney Park

Stephen Baxter pleased to see Crusaders show their clinical edge in narrow Cup victory over Ballinamallard

Crusaders booked an Irish Cup Quarter-Final tie against Dungannon Swifts thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Lough 41 Championship side Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park.

Challenge: Crusaders have appealed Stephen Baxter’s extra four-game ban. Credit: David Maginnis

Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter hit with six-game ban following sending off during Glentoran defeat

Crusaders are challenging an Irish FA disciplinary committee decision to ban their manager Stephen Baxter after he was hit with a six match suspension.

Altercation: Paul Millar is alleged to have attacked a Crusaders coach. Credit: INPHO/Stephen Hamilton

Crusaders threaten to ban Glentoran assistant manager Paul Millar for life

Crusaders chiefs will hit Glentoran assistant manager Paul Millar with a lifetime ban from Seaview if he’s found guilty of an alleged assault during last Friday night’s Danske Bank Premiership game against the north Belfast side at the Shore Road venue.

Mick McDermott hoping to avoid 'extreme disappointment' by targeting a European silver lining to Glentoran’s season

Stephen Baxter to toast Irish Cup joy with a new deal

Captivating twists and turns deliver heartbreak and elation in dramatic Irish Cup final climax

Victorious Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter revels in ‘lifelong friendship’ with defeated rival David Jeffrey

Qualifying for Europe is biggest incentive for part-time clubs to win Irish Cup final, believes David Jeffrey

Irish Cup final is a day that is as much for the fans as it is for the players, believes Crusaders star Jordan Forsythe

David Jeffrey and I are the best of pals, but unfortunately only one of us can win the Irish Cup, says Stephen Baxter

Irish Cup final: Friendship set aside as David Jeffrey and Stephen Baxter battle for glory

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter is glad to be able to turn focus on Irish Cup final

Last-day shootout is a fitting conclusion to dramatic Irish League season, says Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter

Jonny Tuffey says Crusaders have put Irish Cup final on the back burner to focus on European play-off drive

Players are fighting for cup final places, says Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter after thumping of Glentoran

Crusaders show their resilience to reach Irish Cup final, while Cliftonville’s long wait without the silverware continues

Stephen Baxter: It wasn’t a risk to leave out Crusaders’ key men ahead of Irish Cup Semi-Final

Performance and attitude are now key for Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter ahead of Ballymena United clash

Crusaders’ ‘ultimate professional’ Jonny Tuffey can play for another four years, insists boss Stephen Baxter

Jamie Robinson: Referee in the dock faces Seaview sanction as Crusaders consider stadium ban pending disciplinary decision

Jordan Owens praised for goal-scoring know-how to fire Crusaders into Irish Cup semi-final with win over Dungannon Swifts

Stephen Baxter: Irish League is currently more competitive than at any other time during my 35 years in the game

‘You can’t talk to them’: Carrick Rangers boss Stuart King hits out over added time in late loss at Crusaders

Irish League clubs’ facilities are crucial for all in the community, insists Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter

Irish League clubs to join forces at Windsor Park meeting in bid to force Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to release £36m Stadia Funding

Tiernan Lynch ‘ripping his hair out’ over Larne’s defensive flaws after defeat to Crusaders

Crusaders made to stay patient as Ballinamallard stand up to Premiership visitors in tight Irish Cup tie

Stephen Baxter pleased to see Crusaders show their clinical edge in narrow Cup victory over Ballinamallard

Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter hit with six-game ban following sending off during Glentoran defeat

Crusaders threaten to ban Glentoran assistant manager Paul Millar for life

Stephen Baxter tips Jude Winchester to bring flair to Crusaders’ game

Stephen Baxter claims Crusaders still have everything to play for – despite an inconsistent season so far

Stephen Baxter: Crusaders aren't listening to our Covid critics as we know we are the cleanest club in the country