Stephen Baxter praises Crusaders supporters

The Crues entertain north Belfast rivals Cliftonville tonight with 460 home fans in attendance at Seaview.

Baxter thanked all the fans for their continued support during what has been a testing time for local football.

“I can’t thank our fans enough, they have been so solid to a man,” he said.

“The amount of well wishes that come your way from all our guys, it’s just amazing the way they support the club, both on and off the pitch.

“It’s overwhelming at times. I think they all stood up and voted to renew their season tickets so that the club could carry on and do what it’s meant to do.

“We can’t get them all in at the moment, which is difficult, but we will be streaming online as well to make sure as many people as possible can see the games.

“To get them in week-by-week as we go will be something positive and special for everyone.”

Crusaders kicked off the season with a 1-0 win at Warrenpoint Town last week, but it came at a cost with defender Billy Joe Burns being dismissed late on.

Baxter highlighted the importance of having a squad, especially given the amount of games condensed into a shorter time frame this season.

“You have to make sure you prepare for a league campaign,” he said.

“It’s a huge campaign over a long period of time - 38 games is a lot.

“You have to make sure your squad is capable and fit and ready when you need them.

“Billy Joe was sent off last week so we need to make sure we have someone ready to step into his place.

“These lads have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes, we have to work hard on the togetherness all the time and people supporting each other, and be fit and ready to play when called upon.

“That’s what makes a good squad, but there’s a lot of very good squads in the league this year and we’re all very aware of how tough the challenge is going to be.”

Cliftonville also picked up three points on the opening day with a 1-0 win at home to Glentoran.

Reds boss Paddy McLaughlin was delighted to see his side pick up all the points against a side who are predicted to be challenging for honours this term.

“Both sides battled it out well. It was the first game back and you could see there was a lot of hard work put into the performance from both teams,” he told the BBC.

“There probably wasn’t enough football played at times, that’s the way it is though, sometimes you have to deal with that.

“We were glad we had that bit of quality from Ryan Curran popping up with a late winner.

“I’m delighted with the start, a clean sheet too, that’s important especially playing against good players.

“I don’t remember ‘Brushy’ having too many saves to make. The boys were superb throughout to nullify that Glentoran attack.

“They are a strong side and they will definitely be up there challenging. To beat them and get three points on the board from the first game we are delighted.”