Caddell credits players after 'rollercoaster' season
Declan Caddell guided Crusaders to Premiership survival after a penalty shootout victory over Annagh United in a tense relegation play-off. He praised his players for their resilience throughout a challenging season marked by injuries and inconsistent performances. Caddell acknowledged the pressure of management but expressed relief at avoiding only the club's second relegation in history.
- ▪Crusaders secured their Premiership status by winning a penalty shootout against Annagh United after the two-leg play-off ended in a draw.
- ▪Declan Caddell highlighted Musa Dibaga's two penalty saves as crucial to the Crues' survival.
- ▪The team finished 11th after a post-split run that included four unbeaten games, setting up their play-off chance.
- ▪Caddell described the season as a 'rollercoaster' and credited the young squad for overcoming adversity.
- ▪Crusaders avoided relegation, a rare event in the club's history, after a season far below their usual top-six finishes.
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Caddell credits players after 'rollercoaster' seasonImage source, InphoImage caption, This was Caddell's second season in charge ByJana McCabeBBC Sport NI journalistPublished9 minutes ago"Who would be a football manager, eh?It has been quite the season for Declan Caddell as Crusaders manager, who has successfully secured the north Belfast side's Premiership status for next season after a penalty shootout victory over Annagh United. The Crues had a one goal lead after the first leg, but Philip Donnelly's penalty levelled the aggregate score after just five minutes before Lee Upton edged Annagh ahead.In the 71st minute Stewart Nixon equalised in the play-off and sent the game to extra time, but neither side were able to find a goal.During the penalty shootout, Musa Dibaga saved two…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at BBC Sport.
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