Crusaders’ Declan Caddell Receives NIFWA Manager of the Month Award for October

Declan Caddell assumed the role of Crusaders manager, succeeding Stephen Baxter. The Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association has recognized Crusaders manager Declan Caddell as October’s manager of the month. During October, The Crues secured wins against Coleraine and Ballymena United in the Irish Premiership, in addition to drawing with Larne at Inver Park. Furthermore, Caddell’s team eliminated Linfield from the County Antrim Shield and triumphed over Championship club Ballyclare Comrades in the BetMcLean Cup. Caddell, who took over from long-serving Stephen Baxter as manager at Seaview, commented on the team’s performance, stating: “It was a good month even though we lost to Linfield in the league. It’s always difficult when you play a team back-to-back like that. But to take seven points in the league and to progress in both cup competitions means it was a good month. It was nice to put a run together.” He further added: “On a personal level, it’s nice to be named Manager of the Month by the Football Writers’, as I never managed to win the Player of the Month award!”.