Stephen Baxter named January Manager of the Month after historic County Antrim Shield success with Carrick Rangers
Carrick Rangers boss Stephen Baxter has been named as the NIFWA Manager of the Month for January.
Carrick made a dreadful start to the new year, losing 7-0 to Glentoran at Taylors Avenue. However, Baxter's men fought back in spectacular style with league wins against Cliftonville, Dungannon Swifts and Portadown.
Rangers also made history by winning the Toals Senior Shield during the month, defeating the Reds in a nail-biting decider at Seaview.
A delighted Baxter said: "I'm sure I'm the first manager to win this award despite losing the first match of the month 7-0.
"I believe the key to our recent success is that we did not panic or get too down on ourselves when we were losing games. I always knew we had the quality to be competitive in this league.
"Winning the Shield was a great moment for everyone at the club, particularly the supporters who waited 33 years for a senior trophy."