Declan Caddell won't make 'rash decisions' after league loss - and provides injury update on key player
Crusaders manager Declan Caddell insists he won’t make hasty “rash decisions” after falling to a second consecutive Premiership defeat – but has demanded a reaction from his side in Tuesday’s clash against Dungannon Swifts.
The Crues, who struggled last season and only preserved Premiership status via a play-off, surged up the table by impressively stringing three straight wins together, but have since lost out to both Coleraine and Limavady United in recent weeks.
They’d won both of their first two matches at Seaview before Saturday’s setback when former players Philip Lowry and Jamie McGonigle struck for Limavady to seal a maiden season triumph.
Caddell’s men will be back on home turf again on Tuesday night when they host Dungannon – and the Crues chief wants to see a swift response.
"I think we just need to tweak things,” said Caddell. “I think the players from the start of the season have been exceptional.
"I'll not be too hasty in making some rash decisions because we've lost a game of football, but it's up to them then to take a look at themselves and ask themselves did they do enough (against Limavady)? I can answer that one for them, they didn't, simple as that.
"There's some soul searching to do in terms of the players and you're looking a response.
"The only positive is you don't have to wait a full week, games come fast.
"They should be hurting after that performance, personally for their own individual performance and as a collective as well.”
Josh Williamson was one of the standout young players in last season’s Premiership despite Crusaders’ collective struggles, but hasn’t featured yet this term.
The 18-year-old’s absence has been a blow to Caddell’s midfield with the teenager already making over 50 senior appearances.
Caddell could also be without Jacob Blaney, who limped off in the first half of Saturday’s defeat, while Graham Kelly was replaced at half-time after a powerful free-kick hit him directly in the face.
"Josh has a wee ongoing issue, a wee bit of inflammation,” added Caddell. “It’s giving him a bit of bother, we're trying to manage him.
"Is he close to a return? Probably not. We're just going to have to manage him week by week and see where he is.
"Jacob has issues with his calf, which he has done for the last year and have flared up again.
"Graham Kelly took a knock to the head, it was more of a precaution.”