Stephen Baxter says he is “delighted” to be making a return to Irish League management with Carrick Rangers.

The Taylor’s Avenue side parted ways with Stuart King last week after a loss to Queen’s University in the first round of the League Cup with Baxter agreeing to a three-year deal as his replacement on Monday.

The former Linfield striker forged a reputation as one of the league’s best managers during a trophy-laden spell at Crusaders, leaving Seaview at the end of last season after 19 years in charge.

Having officially departed only after the Conference League tie with Caernarfon Town in July, he would ultimately spend fewer than three months out of the game.

“I am delighted to be here,” said Baxter.

“Carrick Rangers has great ambition for the future and having met with officials from the club and hearing their plans, it proved to be a very easy decision for me.”

King had been in charge of Carrick Rangers since the summer of 2021 and led them to seventh place in the Premiership last season.

After what was their best ever top flight finish, and adding the likes of Luke McCullough, Seanan Clucas and Baxter’s former Crusaders star Paul Heatley, Carrick had been expected to be pushing for a place in the top six this season.

However, the defeat to Queen’s would be their ninth loss in 11 games to start the new campaign.

“There are a lot of talented players here who have the potential to do very, very well,” added Baxter.

“It’s a project in which a lot of hard work has already been done, but there is still plenty left to do, so now it’s a case of getting to work with immediate effect.”

Mark Surgenor and Curtis Allen had been placed in temporary charge following King’s exit, leading the side to a 2-0 win over Cliftonville that lifted them off the foot of the table.

The pair will again take charge of Tuesday night’s County Antrim Shield quarter-final with Glentoran before Baxter assumes control for Saturday’s league game at home to Coleraine.