Crusaders FC in 'nod' to famous victory with Stephen Baxter testimonial game

Crusaders have announced a big testimonial date for departing manager Stephen Baxter this summer.

Baxter - who celebrated his 950th game in charge of the Crues on Saturday - is set to step down at the end of the season.

The 58-year-old was appointed manager in February 2005 and went on to lift three league titles, four Irish Cups, three County Antrim Shields, a League Cup and a Setanta Cup. His 19 years at the Seaview helm makes the him the longest-serving manager in world football.

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Baxter will be honoured with a testimonial lunch and game on Saturday, June 22. The opponents that day will be the team they beat in that historic Setanta victory way back in 2012 - Derry City.

The Shore Road club said: "Crusaders Football Club are pleased to announce that we will honour Stephen Baxter with a Testimonial Lunch and Game in June in recognition of the 19 years service as manager of Crusaders Football Club.

"We know what he has achieved in this period winning 17 trophies along the way in the Premiership and Championship while bringing success to our Club that was well beyond anyones wildest dreams at the time. Stephen also took charge of Crusaders in Europe on 36 occasions (home and away legs in total) facing opponents of 16 different countries.

"We want to give you a chance to show your appreciation to Stephen and you can as we announce a Testimonial Day that will consist of a Lunch in honour of our greatest manager to date and a Testimonial game later that day.

"We will play the current Derry City team at Seaview on Saturday 22nd June as a nod to what Stephen says is probably his “greatest achievement” when Crusaders beat Derry City in the Final of the Setanta Cup on Saturday 12th May 2012 to become All Ireland Champions."

The cost of the testimonial lunch and game comes as a package at £30 for adults and £25 for children.

The Crues added: "We expect this to sell out extremely fast so purchase quickly. The lunch will start at 12pm sharp and the game kicks off at 3pm. You will enjoy an excellent hot food buffet courtesy of our hospitality team in the Hospitality Lounge in the McDonald Centre while in the presence of some of our Setanta Cup winning squad with access to a paid bar all day and viewing from the balcony if you wish of the game.

"The price of the game ticket only is £10 adult and £5 child and again we do expect a large take up of these tickets given who the game is in honour of. Let's show our thanks to Stephen by supporting the Lunch and/or game and give him the send off he richly deserves. Tickets are available at Crusaders ( crusadersfootballclub.com ) and come along for what promises to be a big day both on and off the pitch."

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