WATCH: 'Sweeter than ever' - Baxter reflects on another big title-winning season with Crusaders
Seaview boss pays tribute to Oran Kearney and Coleraine for making Gibson Cup race one of the most memorable in history
Last updated 3rd May 2018
Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter has revealed that this season’s title was the most satisfying ever.
The Crues picked up the Gibson Cup last weekend after one of NIFL’s most dramatic finishes in recent history.
Baxter said the fact that Coleraine pushed them all the way to the last day meant winning was all the sweeter.
“It was the hardest one to win,” he said. “Obviously getting over the line first time was important but you know this Coleraine team were immense.”
Baxter was speaking on Cool FM’s latest BetMcLean Football Show – a two-part special on the league race that was plus a look-ahead to the Irish Cup final.
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Paying tribute to his Coleraine managerial counterpart Oran Kearney, he described him as a “top, top manager” and a gentleman to boot.
“Oran phone me when he became a rookie manager at Limavady – he used to phone me maybe once every six weeks just for a chat and just to pick my brain and ask me different questions,” he said.
“I knew then that he had a good eye for lots of things so it doesn’t surprise me the way he has come on– and he is now a top, top manager and top bloke.”
During the show, Baxter, who is joined by his club captain Colin Coates, also discusses the prospect of a full-time Irish League – and what that would look like for players.