Seaview return will be 'strange' for Carrick's Baxter

Stephen Baxter took over from Stuart King last November

Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter has said that he is "building something new" as he approaches his first full season in charge.

Carrick finished 11th last season but a convincing 8-3 aggregate victory over Annagh United in the relegation/promotion play-off secured their Premiership status for the 2025-26 season.

During his first pre-season with Carrick, Baxter has acknowledged that the club are still searching for another two players before the window closes.

"We had 12 players who left so it was a total rebuild at my end and we have brought in good players and we are still on the search for maybe another two before the season starts," Baxter told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.

"We're trying to build a brand new system with new coaching staff and players. It might take a bit of time just to blend it all in while people get familiar with each other, but you're hoping that is what the pre-season is all about and they've all been in working hard.

"I've been very, very pleased with their attitude and their focus. They are all coming in fresh and hungry, and I have to hope that they hit the ground running."

Carrick's first game of the season is against Baxter's former side Crusaders at Seaview.

Baxter led Carrick to a 3-0 win over the Crues at Taylors Avenue last season, but Saturday's fixture will be his first visit to the Shore Road as a visiting manager.

"It is definitely an exciting fixture for everybody," added Baxter, who led Crusaders to three league titles and four Irish Cups during his 19-year stint at the helm.

"I'm just reasonably glad that we're getting it out of the way very quickly on my return.

"It is something that I'm actually looking forward to. It is going to be very strange to walk into the away dressing room. I might walk into the wrong dressing room."