Carrick Rangers boss Stephen Baxter has revealed the conversations he had with Paul Heatley about retirement, and how he convinced him to stay on. Heatley said no to his boss six times when he tried to talk him out of retirement at the end of last season. The veteran talisman was considering hanging up his boots, but Baxter's persistence paid off. The manager has spoken about the talks he had with Heatley, and how he convinced him to stay on. Heatley said no to his boss six times when he tried to talk him out of retirement at the end of last season. The veteran talisman was considering hanging up his boots, but Baxter's persistence paid off. The manager has spoken about the talks he had with Heatley, and how he convinced him to stay on. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 7th in Northern Ireland Premiership, 43 pts, 12W-7D-14L from 33 games, recent form LWWLD. Goals this season: 49 scored, 51 conceded (-2 goal difference). Title race: 30 points behind leaders Larne. Last result: Dungannon Swifts 3-1 Carrick Rangers (2026-05-06). Recent form (last 5): 2W-0D-3L (LLWWL, most recent first); lost the last 2. Next fixture: vs Coleraine FC (at home, 2026-08-22) (3rd in the table).