Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter has moved to reinforce the backbone of his team by agreeing new three-year contracts with four of his most experienced campaigners.
Baxter, now into his 16th year on the Seaview hotseat, has secured the services of Billy Joe Burns, Philip Lowry, Declan Caddell and Jordan Owens for another three seasons, just a few days after agreeing a similar deal with Rory Hale.
Burns, 31, has been with the club since May 2014, bagging 25 goals in his 271 appearances to date. The defender was named Ulster Footballer of the Year in 2016 and has helped the Crues to three Premiership titles, one Irish Cup and two County Antrim Shield victories.
Midfielder Lowry, also 31, arrived on the Shore Road in the summer of 2016. So far his 144 outings have produced 25 goals, a League title, an Irish Cup and a couple of County Shield winners medals.
One-club man Caddell will have been with the club for 20 years when this deal expires. A midfield powerhouse, the 32-year-old has collected three Premiership titles, two Irish Cups, a further three Shield winners medals plus League and Setanta Cup honours to go alongside his 47 goals from 440 appearances.
31-year-old striker Owens has plagued Irish League defences since breaking into the first team as far back as 2008. With a similar medal haul to Caddell, the Crues all-time record scorer can also boast a remarkable 231 goals from 547 outings.
