Former Irish League manager pinpoints Premiership boss who deserves credit for 'unbelievable job'

Having enjoyed a hugely successful playing career at Seaview, Caddell took over from club legend Stephen Baxter ahead of last season and guided the Crues into the Premiership’s top-half, finishing the term in sixth before losing out 1-0 to Coleraine in a European play-off.

After Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Ballymena United, Crusaders have put together a three-game unbeaten league run as they look to improve their current position of 10th.

Caddell has placed full faith in youth and looked outside of the Irish League for talent.

He played a key role in developing Kieran Offord before he joined reigning champions Linfield for a six-figure fee and has once again struck gold in Scotland with Fraser Bryden, who sits top of the Premiership’s goalscoring charts.

Only leaders Coleraine (34) and second-placed Larne (26) have scored more league goals this term than Crusaders (24) – their tally of 29 conceded has halted table progression.

Now in the League of Ireland at Derry City, Lynch has continued to keep a close eye on Northern Ireland’s top-flight and feels Caddell should be praised for his work so far.

"I think Declan has done an unbelievable job,” he said on BBC Sportsound. “Talk about a baptism of fire...I don't think it's me being disrespectful in any way to Crusaders in saying the same finances wouldn't be there as when they were winning leagues.

"What Declan has done, how he has gone in and steadied the ship, he's very much had to change the whole profile of that club.

"I've been fortunate to watch them two or three times live and I think some of the football they're playing is absolutely superb.

"The one wee thing they're probably lacking is that bit of experience and know-how, but to get those top players you need to spend the money.

"I think Declan has to take unbelievable credit for what Crusaders are doing and they're a team who can beat anybody on their day...they've shown that."