Irish Cup Final 2022

Words Greg Braniff (Crusaders Programme Editor)

BACKROOM STAFF

Jeff Spiers Assistant Manager

Charlie Murphy First Team Coach

Marc Wilson First Team Coach

Former defender who as a player had spells at Linfield, Glenavon and Bangor before ending his playing days at Crusaders after joining the club in 2002. Jeffwas captain during the promotion season of 2005-06 before retiring at the end of the 2006-07 season. He then took up the role of reserve teammanager for a couple of years before stepping up to become Stephen Baxter’s assistant. Respected goalkeeping coachwho joined Crusaders in the summer of 2018 after previously holding a similar position at both Larne and Glentoran. AUEFAB Licence holder and an IFA Goalkeeping Coach Licence holder, Davidwas part of the Glentoran backroom team whichwon the Irish Cup in 2013 and 2015. David has also run his own specialist goalkeeper training camps alongside several current and past Irish League goalkeepers. David McClelland Goalkeeping Coach Suzanne joined the backroom team in July 2015 with the primary role of helping players with their recovery sessions, prematch preparations and recovery from injuries through sports massage. A fully qualified podiatrist graduating from the University of Ulster, Suzanne has also experienced several different voluntary sporting roles withUlster Rugby, IRFU and Special Olympics Ireland. Suzanne Hamilton Sports Therapist

Long serving first team coach Charlie joined Stephen Baxter at Crusaders in 2005 just a fewweeks after Stephen had taken over asmanager. Since then he has been one of his trusted assistants and has been an integral part of themany trophy successes over the years. Charlie ‘retired’ after the Irish Cupwin in 2019 but was tempted back into the fold by themanager last season. The former Portadown, Glentoran, LisburnDistillery and Bangor defender joined the club as physio in the summer of 2018. With over 20 years’ experience in the field Brian established his own Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic in east Belfast in 2003. During his career he has assisted as physio toNorthern Ireland underage teams and also holds a UEFAACoaching Licence qualification. Brian Strain Physiotherapist

Specialist coachwho joined the club in 2009. Marc is responsible for organising training andmatchday preparation for the first team squad. His responsibilities include conditioning, match and opposition analysis, GPS analysis andworking with the club’smedical team to organise rehabilitation for injured players. AUEFA ALicence holder, Marc is also responsible for the players’ recovery programme betweenmatches. David graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 2011 and now specialises in respiratorymedicine. He has been a Crusaders fan since childhood and joined the staff as club doctor in 2013. His role involves the co-ordination of medical services within the club, including the promotion of physical and mental health and general wellbeingwithin the squad. David also completes the annual medicals to ensure compliance withUEFA licensing requirements. Dr David McCracken Doctor The Crusaders players and management teamare assisted by Frankie and Roy who look after all aspects of dressing room life, including kit management, assisting with prematch preparations and also assisting at training through the week. Their tireless work ensures that the players have everything they need both onmatchdays and at training and they are an integral part of the Crues’ backroom team Frankie Weir and Roy McReynolds TeamAttendants

Stephen Baxter Manager

Legendary former player who scoredmore than 100 goals in two spells as a player at Seaview as well as winning two league titles, Stephen joined the club asmanager in 2005 with a remit to save the club fromrelegation. Although unsuccessful he used the relegation to build the foundations of a successful side which after promotion in 2006would go on towin the Irish Cup in 2009 and then progress toAll-Ireland champions in 2012 before back to back league titles in 2015 and 2016. A third league title followed in 2018with another Irish Cup following in 2019. Stephen has won 10 senior trophies during his tenure and took charge of his 850th game asmanager last month.

Ken White Chaplain

Appointed club chaplain in 2004 during AlanDornan’s tenure, his involvement continued following Stephen Baxter’s appointment. Ken assists onmatchdays and alsowith chaplaincy responsibilities to all the club’s staff and players

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