12 Facts About Crusaders FC

Crusaders FC originally played as a junior level team until 1931.

Crusaders FC went on to compete in the Dunville Alliance, Ormeau Junior Alliance, Alexandra Alliance, Woodvale Alliance and Irish Football Alliance until their election to the Irish Intermediate League in 1921.

Crusaders FC was the longest-serving manager in the club's history until surpassed by Stephen Baxter in October 2013.

Crusaders FC was sacked just after midway through the season, as the Crues lay at the bottom of the table, despite having guided the team to the County Antrim Shield final, which they lost to Linfield.

The relegation was the first time Crusaders FC had ever been relegated from any league, and meant an end to 56 consecutive seasons of senior football.

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In cup competition, Crusaders FC reached the quarter-final of the Northern Ireland Football League Cup and the semi-final of the County Antrim Shield, losing both ties to Bangor, and the semi-final of the Irish Cup, losing out to Glentoran.

Crusaders FC finished the season having scored an incredible 106 league goals, with over half of this tally coming from the attacking trio of Paul Heatley, Gavin Whyte and Jordan Owens.

In 2009, Crusaders FC became the first team in the Irish League to install a 4G artificial pitch, endorsed by UEFA.

Crusaders FC has traditionally drawn its support from the people of north Belfast, Newtownabbey, and the south and east of County Antrim.

Crusaders FC traditionally dominated the rivalry mainly due to Cliftonville's amateur status; since the mid-1970s the derby has been much more competitive.

Crusaders FC have won 153 games to Cliftonville's 85, and since competing at the same level have won 28 senior honours to Cliftonville's 19.

Historically, Crusaders FC shared a rivalry with Brantwood when both sides were junior teams.