Stephen Baxter sends special message to Carrick Rangers fans after enjoyable first full season
Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter has enjoyed his first full season in charge – and sent a special message to the club’s supporters, saying “we must continue to walk down that road together”.
Baxter was appointed as Stuart King’s successor in October 2024 and preserved Carrick’s Premiership status following a promotion/relegation win against Annagh United.
The Taylors Avenue outfit have been much more comfortable this term with a sensational nine-match unbeaten run – which came after a heavy 7-0 defeat to Glentoran – setting the platform for Baxter’s side to seal the final European play-off position.
Carrick are hoping to book their continental return for the first time since the 1976/77 campaign when they lost out to Southampton in the European Cup Winners' Cup.
Baxter is no stranger to success having won four Irish Cup crowns and a hat-trick of Premiership titles during a trophy-laden two-decade stint at Crusaders.
His time at Carrick has provided a different challenge, but he has continued to find a way to win – Baxter led the Co Antrim club to just their third senior trophy with a Senior Shield triumph earlier this season.
Baxter is keen to build on this season’s progress and wants everyone marching together in the same direction.
"I’m here a year-and-three-quarters – last year was a survival year in where we were, this year has been a rebuild year,” Baxter told the club’s media channel. “To see the commitment levels of staff, directors, youth academy people, players, and of fans who have loyally followed this club for such a long time.
"They’re willing to help at the drop of a hat and are always at the end of a phone call.
"They send you good luck messages, welcome you into their home when I have visited a few people for a cup of tea, it has been a pleasure in the journey.
"It has been wonderful to see that togetherness, what it means to people to support their local club...I would like to see more of them, we need to keep beating that drum and getting more people here as things develop.
"I hope they have had a great year because I have enjoyed the year. It has been good to see how things have developed for everyone and we must continue to walk down that road together.”
Carrick travel to Bangor on Saturday afternoon before rounding out their Premiership campaign with a trip to Glenavon next weekend.