Annagh United's promotion/relegation playoff loss to Crusaders has left the Crues seeking redemption in the Irish Premiership. Manager Declan Caddell vows to find the right solution to avoid last season's struggles. The Crues have been working hard to improve their squad, but they know they have a tough road ahead of them.
What happened?
Crusaders manager Declan Caddell said it is up to him to find the 'right solution' to ensure there is no repeat of last season's struggles at Seaview. The north Belfast outfit only secured their spot in the Irish Premiership for this season after beating Championship runners-up Annagh United on penalties in the promotion/relegation play-off.
Why it matters for Annagh United
The Crues have been working hard to improve their squad, but they know they have a tough road ahead of them. They have to learn from last season's mistakes and improve their performance if they want to stay in the Irish Premiership.
What comes next?
The Crues will face Newry City AFC in their next fixture on September 18, 2026. They will have to be at their best if they want to get a positive result and move up the league table. With their average age being 22.8 last season, the Crues will now be 'another year older and wiser'. They have to learn their lessons and have to improve and need to learn from that and, if they don't, they never will.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in Championship, 71 pts, 22W-5D-6L from 33 games, recent form DWWWW. Goals this season: 54 scored, 27 conceded (+27 goal difference). Next fixture: vs Newry City AFC (away, 2026-09-18).
