Stuart Baxter’s time as head coach of Helsingborgs IF has come to an end after eight months at the helm.
Despite successfully steering the club away from relegation danger from Swedish second tier, Superettan, Baxter and Helsingborgs IF have mutually decided to move on.
The former Kaizer Chiefs coach, Baxter initially joined Helsingborgs IF as director of football in November 2022 but stepped into the head coach role in April 2023 to address the club’s precarious position in the Superettan.
His mission was clear: to prevent Helsingborgs from suffering relegation, a fate that would have been devastating for the once-proud Swedish giants.
And Baxter delivered. Baxter’s departure was confirmed in a statement released by the seven-time Swedish champions Helsingborgs.
BAXTER LEAVES HELSINGBORGS AFTER EIGHT-MONTH STINT
“Helsingborgs IF and Stuart Baxter jointly agreed not to extend the expiring agreement. The association thanks the head coach for a well-executed mission in 2023.,” reads the club statement.
“At the end of April, Stuart Baxter took over the head coaching responsibility for HIF’s men’s team, which after a bad start to the series was relegated to the Superettan.
“Together with the rest of the management staff, at the end of the season he saved the team remaining in the series without a qualifying game, which was the goal when he was appointed.
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“After a period of constructive dialogue, the parties agree that the best thing for Helsingborgs IF, in the short and long term, is to go their separate ways.”
In addition, Helsingborgs IF chairman Fredrik Karlsson thanked Baxter for his services and work at the club during the past season.
“With his strong leadership, knowledge and professionalism, Stuart has not only been decisive for us to stay in the Superettan, but also a great support for organization and management in a troubled time,” said Karlsson.