Crusaders vs Coleraine: Stephen Baxter insists hype won't distract him from business at hand

Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter insists media hype or bookies odds won’t distract him from the business of keeping pace with a crowded title race this season.

In recent years, the Crues and reigning champions Linfield - who have lifted the Gibson Cup three times apiece in the past six seasons - have been heavily tipped for glory.

But with the recent emergence of big spending Larne and Glentoran and the strength of Coleraine and Cliftonville, this season’s title chase promises to be a congested one.

Ahead of tonight’s clash with last season’s runners-up Coleraine, Baxter was asked how he feels about half a dozen teams being talked up instead of the normal two.   

“The media writes and talks about football and it’s all part of the picture, but none of that really bothers me," he said. 

“Linfield and ourselves have been tipped the past half a dozen years, but to see other teams improve to the standard they have is superb.

“I think it’s good for the general public that we have half a dozen teams being tipped as title contenders and we’re all working really hard to stay in the slipstream of Linfield.” 

Crusaders are one of a handful of teams who could win the title this season (Presseye)

The Crues, who last lifted the Gibson Cup in 2018, lie three points off early leaders Linfield heading into tonight’s clash with Coleraine.

“It’s going to be a very hard fought league,” said Baxter. “We have Coleraine on Tuesday and Larne on Saturday and both are massive games.

“There’s not a lot between the teams and all the managers know that. You’ll earn every single point you get this season - I can assure you of that.”  

Baxter is bracing himself for a “ding-dong” duel with Coleraine in front of the Sky Sports cameras at Seaview (7.45pm).

“Games with Coleraine have been big games for a few years now and you know what you’re going to get from them,” he said. “They are always ding-dong games.

“But they all are in this league. We go to Larne at the weekend and they have now come to the party as well and brought something different to the whole process.”

With Linfield and Glentoran not playing tonight, second placed Larne have a chance to go top of the table with a win at Warrenpoint Town, while third placed Cliftonville travel to Dungannon Swifts.

FIXTURES: Ballymena United v Glenavon; Carrick Rangers v Portadown; Crusaders v Coleraine; Dungannon Swifts v Cliftonville; Warrenpoint Town v Larne.