Baxter Leaves Swedish Club

After eight months as head coach former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has left Helsingborgs IF, despite helping the club avoid relegation.

He and the club mutually parted ways on Monday, after they opted not to extend his deal.

Baxter, who was appointed director of football last year, had taken over the head coach role in April and was able to rescue the Superettan team from suffering a second consecutive relegation.

Baxter paid tribute to the fans and players on his exit, and thanked them for their efforts.

“I have gotten to know HIF in a completely different way this year than I did before,” Baxter told the club’s media department. 

“When we played the Europa League and cup finals, the atmosphere was one and when a big threat of another relegation was staring us in the face, it was another. 

“I got to see the supporters take on a completely different role this year than when we played European matches and finals. They were loyal, showed the way and were a great support when we needed them. It was therefore fitting that in the end it was they who helped us over the line. 

“I want to thank all the players, those who supported and everyone who in some way helped us through this tough season.”

“First of all, we have the greatest respect for Stuart as both a person and a football coach,”, Mikael Dahlberg the Sports Manager said.

“He took on a difficult task and lived up to it by achieving the desired goal. We have had a close, daily dialogue since the appointment and of course, have continued with it even after the season ended. 

“In the end, we have agreed that, here and now, it is best to add a new head coach. The recruitment process started early and has continued in parallel with the dialogue we have had with Stuart. 

“This dialogue was greatly facilitated by the fact that he has a big HIF heart, wants the best for the association and possesses skills that we can also benefit from in the future. We are extremely grateful for the work that Stuart has carried out and the competence he has brought to the organisation.”

Cole Alexander is currently at the club, having been signed by Baxter, but it is unclear if the midfielder will now remain in Sweden