Sean Ward has hailed Stephen Baxter as "tactically the best" manager he has ever worked with.
Ward spent three years working under Baxter at Crusaders between 2017 and 2020 and won a number of honours including the Premiership title and Irish Cup.
Last week Baxter celebrated his 900th game in charge of the Crues, having lifted the club from the depths of the First Division to major silverware glory since taking up the reins in 2005.
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During his time at the helm Crusaders have won every major trophy going - at least once - and also lifted the all-Ireland Setanta Cup back in 2012.
Ward has played under some top managers in the league, including David Jeffrey, Roy Coyle, Alan McDonald, Eddie Patterson, David Healy and Gary Hamilton.
But he says Baxter stands alone when it comes to a tactical perspective.
"Stephen was brilliant, just brilliant," Ward told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast.
"Tactically, I would probably say Stephen was the best and the bravest manager I ever worked with. And I say that because he was never afraid to make a change after 10, 15, 20 minutes.
"And I've seen him do it. He would have changed the shape quite frequently to match opposition teams.
"The year we won the Irish Cup, we changed our shape to 3-5-2. We didn't play it for much, but he would have changed it regularly.
"One season played Larne who were the team coming up, and we changed to 3-5-2 and just matched them. And we had a good strong team and bench that we just would have matched teams.
"And his team talks were brilliant, very similar to David Jeffrey. It was just so off the cuff and very relatable in little parable ways, and he was brilliant to work with."
Baxter is targeting more silverware glory this season, with the Crues into another Irish Cup final next month.
They will once again face Ballymena United in the showpiece decider, the side they beat in last season's final.
Ward says Baxter's ability to keep evolving his squads has helped the North Belfast club remain successful in the top flight
"I think Stephen came in around 2005, Christmas time. Just before they got relegated," Ward added.
"I played in the Glentoran team that eventually did relegate them. So Stephen has been amazing for the league.
"He is a brilliant manager and man, and he is brilliant for the league. And he keeps rebuilding teams and winning trophies.
"They are Irish Cup holders and into another final."
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