Article: published on 6 August 2024

For the first time since 2005, Crusaders begin the Northern Ireland domestic season without their former manager Stephen Baxter at the helm.

Long-serving midfielder and more latterly coach Declan Caddell takes over the reins as the Crues aim to sustain a challenge in the upper echelons of the Premiership table.

The departure of Paul Heatley and Ben Kennedy will leave major gaps to fill for the north Belfast side who count former Linfield forward Jordan Stewart among their close season acquisitions.

Transfers In: Billy Vance, Jacob Blaney, Jordan Stewart, Kieran Offord [loan], Harry Franklin.

Transfers Out: Brandon Doyle, Corrie Burns, Joshua Robinson, Kevin Joshua, Paul Heatley, Ben Kennedy

Joel Taggart's take: I’m not sure where Crusaders will get their goals from this season.

Paul Heatley and Ben Kennedy are no longer at Seaview while Adam Lecky has a long term injury. Between them they scored half of their league goals last season.

Billy Joe Burns is also injured but the return of Jimmy Callacher will feel like a new signing as life after Baxter begins at Seaview.

Opening fixtures: 9/8 - Glentoran (a) - live on BBC Sport NI; 18/8 - Larne (h) - live on BBC Sport NI ; 21/8 - Ballymena United (a); 24/8 - Cliftonville (h)