Declan Caddell will settle into the Seaview hotseat when current Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter steps down at the end of the season.

The club made the announcement in a statement posted on their website and social media channels:

"Crusaders Football Club are delighted to confirm that Declan Caddell will take over as manager after Stephen Baxter steps down.

"Caddell who joined Crusaders 21 years ago as a 15 year old, came through the club's youth system and was a key player during Stephen Baxter's amazing era at the club.

"During his time as a player, Caddell won 3 league titles, 4 Irish Cups, 1 Setanta Cup, 3 Co Antrim Shields & 1 League Cup. Having retired, Declan was appointed as Head of Crusaders Football Academy in June 2022 implementing a youth review setting up the club's Full Time Post 16 academy and has been an integral part of the club's staffing structure since his retirement."

Outgoing manager Baxter announced in February that he was stepping down from the position at the end of the current campaign following 19 years at helm.