Bryan:

Try puncturing the top of of filter.  I understand that this will permit the oil to drain back into the engine.  Then you should be able to remove it without the mess.
I didnt like the factory setup so I bought a Wolf  remoting kit to mount the filter on the firewall.  Expensive.  Difficult to  mount.  More fittings to leak  More hoses to buy.  ETC.

I understand that there isnt enough room to install a remote drain.  Let us know what you come up with

Regards, Bill Hogarty