Crusaders season preview

2024-25 league position: 6th

Manager: Declan Caddell

Opening fixtures: Carrick Rangers (H) - 9 August; Larne (A) - 17 August; Bangor (A) - 19 August; Glentoran (H) - 23 August; Portadown (A) - 29 August

It has been a busy summer at Crusaders, who look to be rebuilding after an inconsistent first season under Declan Caddell.

As they did last year, the north Belfast side have brought a lot of players in from clubs in Scotland, hoping to unearth the next Kieran Offord, who was a revelation during his six-month spell at the club.

Of their seven additions, five come from Scottish clubs and it is a bit of a gamble whether they will settle in or fail to get going.

They have lost some experienced players with the likes of Billy Joe Burns, Daniel Larmour and Philip Lowry departing, but Kurtis Forsythe is a shrewd addition and Finley Thorndike has the potential to shine with regular game time.

Retaining their pace in the top six and pushing for Europe will be the aim under Caddell this season as well as improving their home form, which was patchy last year.

2025-26 signings so far: Kurtis Forsythe (Carrick Rangers), Kieran McKechnie (Arbroath), Finley Thorndike (Glentoran), Brandon Hamilton (Aberdeen), Musa Dibaga (Inverness), Adam Brooks (Queen of the South), Elliot Dunlop (Airdrie), Fraser Bryden (Ayr United)

2025-26 departures so far: Jordan Stewart (Glentoran), Billy Joe Burns, Jimmy Callacher, Adam Lecky (all Carrick Rangers), Billy Vance (unattached), Ryan Kerr (unattached), Mal Smith (Dungannon Swifts), Philip Lowry (Limavady United), Alex King (Airdrie), Harry Franklin (Connah's Quay Nomads), Daniel Larmour (Glentoran), Josh O'Connor (East Kilbride)