Paul Heatley backs Crusaders new man to replace the irreplaceable

Whilst Paul Heatley feels Stephen Baxter may be irreplaceable he has backed the legendary Crusaders boss' successor to lead the club into a new era. Declan Caddell will take over the reins after Baxter called time on his 19-year tenure at Seaview at the end of last season.

Heatley is the first to acknowledge how difficult it will be to replace the experienced boss, who won everything with the Crues over the past two decades. But the 36-year-old, who is also bowing out from the Shore Road, believes his former teammate can provide a smooth transition for the club.

"It's a real end of an era but everything has to come to and end unfortunately, it's very sad to say that because the gaffer been so instrumental on and off the pitch," said Heatley. "You don't realise what the man does off the pitch for players, his man-to-man management, his support, his togetherness...he's just a genuine hero around this place.

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"He means so much to every individual player and he will be sorely missed. You don't replace someone like him because they don't exist but the club have been very clever in bringing in Declan.

"He has been around the club for so long as a player and Head of Youth and Development so he's gathered that knowledge and experience. I have every confidence Declan will do fantastic as manager and he still has good, experienced players around him as well as bringing in the young players who are coming through as well.

"That nice mix might not be as big a transition as everyone thinks, and I would never underestimate any Crusaders side."

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