EXCLUSIVE: 'Give us a break' - Baxter warms to winter hols idea
WATCH: Crues manager is guest on Cool FM Facebook Football Show
Last updated 18th Jan 2018
By Sports Reporter Alex Keery
Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter says he's open to the idea of a winter break in the Irish League.
The prospect of the local game moving to a summer schedule has long been a topic of debate, partially due to the volume of games needing to be rescheduled as a result of wintry weather.
Recently, this was the cause of the postponement of both of the League Cup semi-finals, which included Crusaders trip to Dungannon Swifts.
Speaking as a guest on this week's episode of Cool FM's Facebook Football Show, in association with NIFL, Baxter suggested that something needed to change.
"I think with the way football is evolving - particularly for the smaller nations, like ourselves - maybe the southern Irish, the Scottish models look to be working better," he said.
"Because Crusaders have been reasonably successful the past few years, we've had four weeks off per year.
"I would love to see us get a little bit of a break when the weather's like this for four weeks, and maybe take a two-week break in the summer."
It's an issue which generally divides opinion within the Irish League with regards to both clubs, and their supporters.
However, Baxter believes the benefits would soon become apparent.
"We could get better crowds when the weather is that little bit better. It would give us the added game time when we have the European fixtures - for whichever Irish League team is representing the country - so we're up to speed.
"All these other teams we play in Europe have maybe 13 or 14 games under their belt, whereas we're playing two pre-season friendlies and going straight into a European game. It's not ideal," Baxter said.
Speaking with regards to the transfer window, Baxter also confirmed that Crusaders have tabled a bid for Warrenpoint Town forward Darren Murray, which is currently being considered by the club.
However, he was quick to cool rumours linking his club with a move to sign Cliftonville forward Joe Gormley.
"I'm sure he's probably driven down the Shore Road, but he hasn't landed into my office. There's always speculation about footballers in this league, and if top players are available then top clubs will be looking to sign them.
"But there's nothing in it from our point of view, I can promise you that. We haven't had any indication that Joe is on the move," said Baxter.
Also on our show is Irish League legend Lee Doherty who played alongside Baxter in his Linfield days.
This is available to view now on our Facebook page.