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Crusaders' 2024-25 season in review

Declan CaddellInpho

2024-25 league position: 6th

Player of the year: Lewis Barr

The 2024-25 season was always going to feel a little strange for Crusaders with the familiar figure of long-serving manager Stephen Baxter no longer patrolling the touchline.

With Baxter succeeded by club legend Declan Caddell, a period of transition ensued as the team ended the league season with 16 wins, 16 defeats and six draws.

They were knocked out of the Irish Cup quarter-finals by neighbours Cliftonville after falling to Glentoran after extra-time in the BetMcLean Cup semi-finals.

On-loan Kieran Offord's eye-catching displays were a plus during the first half of the campaign before he ed Linfield from St Mirren in January.

The Crues' European hopes were also dashed with defeat by Coleraine in the play-offs.

With the club looking to kick on in 2025-26, transfer business has already commenced. Kurtis Forsythe has ed from Carrick Rangers and Scottish winger Kieran McKechnie has also been added to the squad.

Club captain Billy Joe Burns will leave this summer, ending a trophy-laden 11-year stint at the club, with Adam Lecky and Jimmy Callacher also moving on and Jordan Stewart returning to Glentoran.

2025-26 gs so far: Kurtis Forsythe (Carrick), Kieran McKechnie (Arbroath)

2025-26 departures so far: Jordan Stewart (Glentoran), Billy Joe Burns (unattached), Jimmy Callacher (unattached), Adam Lecky (unattached), Billy Vance (unattached), Ryan Kerr (unattached), Mal Smith (unattached)

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