The Crues will welcome Derry City to Seaview (3pm kick-off) in a repeat of the 2012 Setanta Sports Cup final at The Oval which Baxter’s side won after a dramatic penalty shootout, becoming only the second Irish League side to win the competition.
He will lead the North Belfast club into this summer’s European action – they’ve been drawn against Welsh side Caernarfon Town in the UEFA Conference League qualifying first round with the winner set to face Poland’s Legia Warsaw – before fully handing the reins over to Declan Caddell.
Ahead of today’s testimonial, we look back at Baxter’s incredible Seaview success with photos from special moments over the years.
Ahead of today’s testimonial, we look back at Baxter’s incredible Seaview success with photos from special moments over the years.
![A decade after winning his first Irish Cup, Stephen Baxter celebrated another by beating Ballinamallard United 3-0 in the showpiece decider.](https://www.newsletter.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmQyYTQ1ZWVhLTQ2YWItNDFlMy04MTk4LWM1OWRhNGVkNWFlMTo4ZjY5ZWIwNi03OTA1LTRhNjgtOWIyMS1kZDJkMTJjNWNlZDI=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
9. Another Irish Cup win
A decade after winning his first Irish Cup, Stephen Baxter celebrated another by beating Ballinamallard United 3-0 in the showpiece decider.Photo: INPHO/Declan Roghan
![Stephen Baxter delivered some memorable European nights for Crusaders supporters. Here he is pictured leaving the pitch at Seaview after their clash with Premier League side Wolves. This summer will mark Baxter's 13th campaign in Europe - a sensational record.](https://www.newsletter.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjkzY2YwZTczLWNlZjUtNDlkMy04NjBjLTlkYWY4N2FmYjViOTpkNDM3YzI5Ni0yZDU4LTRkOTItYjY4Ni0zNTkxOThlMDY5NjM=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
10. European memories
Stephen Baxter delivered some memorable European nights for Crusaders supporters. Here he is pictured leaving the pitch at Seaview after their clash with Premier League side Wolves. This summer will mark Baxter's 13th campaign in Europe - a sensational record.Photo: Stephen Hamilton /Inpho
![In one of the most dramatic Irish Cup finals ever, Crusaders scored in the dying moments of both normal and extra time to beat Ballymena United in the 2021/22 decider at Windsor Park.](https://www.newsletter.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmQzOGMxNWY4LWU0NzEtNGMxZC1iYWMxLTYxYzk4N2RlNDAxMjo0MzU1N2U0NC01MWJlLTQ4ZTctOTkzNC0wM2I5NzExZDc5M2Y=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
11. Dramatic afternoon ends in Crusaders delight
In one of the most dramatic Irish Cup finals ever, Crusaders scored in the dying moments of both normal and extra time to beat Ballymena United in the 2021/22 decider at Windsor Park.Photo: Stephen Hamilton / Inpho
![Stephen Baxter celebrates with Paul Heatley as Crusaders prepare to celebrate defending their Irish Cup crown by beating Ballymena United again the following season.](https://www.newsletter.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjUyNTU3MGRkLTA4ZjQtNDE1MC04NWIwLWRjNTlhMTEyODlhMzpiZDNlOGUyOC0wN2MzLTQ1YjAtYTM1ZC1kODhhNTJmNWYwNDU=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
12. Two Irish League legends
Stephen Baxter celebrates with Paul Heatley as Crusaders prepare to celebrate defending their Irish Cup crown by beating Ballymena United again the following season.Photo: INPHO/PressEye.com/Jonathan Porter