Baxter to get another chance in U23s

Maybe George Green might get back with us too... ???

I wish him the best of luck. I think the ability is there but he never seemed to be the fittest. Fingers crossed he gets fit and sorts his head out.

Let's just see if the Kenwright bashers twist it to have a go at him because this is Kenwright's gesture. His idea, he's made it happen.

From the perspective of football, it makes no sense whatsoever. Baxter is so far below the standard of player we require. it is unreal and potentially he will take game and development time off a young kid that needs it.

l hear Billy Kenny has been called in to Finch Farm for a trial (... sorry, I just couldn't help myself; let's hope Jose has stronger willpower than me.)

Hope you realize you have been given a second chance, that you do not deserve and would not have gotten anywhere else. Please take full advantage of the opportunity you have been given and make us proud.

Good luck, lad... that means avoid the bad luck.

All of the sound bites imply that we are simply taking one of our own back under our wing in an effort to get him back on track. This just shows that Everton truly is a family club.

I hope Jose takes the opportunity and turns himself around. We know Rhino and the U23 coaches won't treat him with kid gloves.

Where's Moshiri's money for new players, Bill?

Reading the original article, it appears Jose is painfully aware he is a lucky, lucky man – but whatever issues he is dealing with won't go away overnight so fingers crossed this works out well and, as others say, most likely he impresses enough to get a contract with a professional club.

I can understand where you're coming from Andy, but every single one of us has a dark side – and have done things wrong and been forgiven for it.

If we were to draw up a list of people that supporters don't want at EFC for ethical reasons (based on the ideals of random supporters), then dump all those people, then EFC would no longer exist. Get real. Everyone deserves a 2nd chance in life – just a question of "Get busy living or get busy dying..."

I suspect the U23s are short with the recent loans and perhaps more to come, but nonetheless well done to the club for such a gesture.

If he keeps his head down and works hard, he may still have a future in the game.

Yes, Colin, I've been saying and thinking the same thing. Where is the money? More importantly the new signings that we so desperately need?

I'm guessing Everton will give him 12 months to sort himself out and then help him find a new club where he can play first team football.

On a day when you have Mourinho denying the result of a football match because he didn't agree with a refereeing decision, it's nice to support a club with a bit of class

Otherwise, it is a great gesture Everton are doing, if not then it is Kenwright being generous with Everton's money (as usual).

Whoever is paying, good luck to you, Jose.

Have to hope the snow damage has not permanently capped his potential fitness level. Best of luck to him. As said above, it could make some story. Boy's Pen Billy Brings Back Baxter From Brink Of Beak Oblivion – the musical.

"He seems a troubled lad. Maybe he needs to stay onsite full board in those new player suites to keep him out of mischief."

Did I hear those are being removed, Gavin? Something along those lines is a good idea though – or a trusted chaperone maybe. Everything should be thrown into a chance like this. He's incredibly fortunate.

EitC must be heavily involved in this. I just hope that he straightens his life out.

Proud to be a blue.

Or are we so mean we never forgive anybody for their mistakes? If so, just ask yourself whether you make mistakes and therefore should never have another chance?

Good luck to the lad.

He should be able to impart some life experience on the younger kids. This boy had more hype around him than many of them ever will, he was in the first team squad and then all of a sudden threw it all away. He was taken advantage of by people he thought were "friends", who were only using his name and money to pedal.

He has made mistakes and although it seems he doesn't learn from them, his experiences might educate some of the younger talent on how quickly hey could throw it all away.

That goal pre-season at Forest though...

What will be interesting is how he copes with every one telling him how lucky he is and this is his last ever ever chance. Though completely understandable, I hope the saintly don't get too sanctimonious. I hope he has some kind of mentor or support network.

Why not just allow the lad to train for free, get himself fit if he chooses to, the make some calls on his behalf.

12-month deal, really...

Some may call me a miserable get, but fuck me, this lads had chance all us can only dream of, two of them, and sponked them.

Allowing him to train with our U23 squad would be a real touch of class by the club, giving him a 12-month deal is charitable beyond belief.

Andy, I have no idea how good a coach Jeffers is and I doubt if you are much wiser, so to describe his position on the coaching staff is as ridiculous as, well, commenting on his ability when you don't know how well he performs at his duties.

Maybe he's just the person to point out the errors in dabbling with illegal substances to the younger players.

Jose has a lot of league experience and may be a good leader... if he can keep control of his demons. It looks like the club have really got their act together.

We need to tie Rhino down on a decent contract. It won't be long before another club offers him big money to replicate what he's done here.

EitC is one of the things that makes our club different and I'm proud of the work it does. If the club feels the lad has earned another chance, I'm in full support.

I don't get it – Baxter had already left our Club so whilst I could understand him getting support from the Former Player's Foundation, this is weird – unless of course someone at the Club genuinely believes he won't be a bad influence AND that they can turn him into a Premier League player. Can't see that as I don't believe we would have re-signed him if he hadn't failed those drugs tests and been "unemployed".

As for "fantastic gesture in giving a former player a chance" I wonder what a current player, Niasse, thinks!

I guess with Davies, Holgate and to an extent Barkley and Lookman this is sort of happening.

Anyway, I'm sure he's not going to be paid much and if he fucks up again he's out, so I think this is a calculated risk as well as showing again that Everton has something extra as a club.

I don't see the sympathy for privileged prima donnas who earn huge amounts of money for kicking a ball round who don't appreciate what they had. Michael Branch was released from prison in September – how about helping that drug dealer out?

However, with Ferguson, the bottom line for me is that the man who was paid £35k a week to play for the club he "loved" and couldn't lay off the booze and fags, never mind what he got up to in the Adelphi, well that's not love for me.

Anyway, that's ancient history – both Jeffers and Ferguson are coaching on merit, and I think their pasts can only help them. There's few experiences in football that the pair couldn't give insight and guidance on, whilst a whiter-than-white player would lack that experience to give the proper guidance.

As for Baxter, for all you know, the lad is on an average working man's salary. He proved himself to be Championship level in the past, which is above U23 level, and so, surely he can only help improve the lads he trains with.

If he really applies himself and impresses Koeman enough to get a proper contract off us, well fair play, but I don't think anyone is suggesting this is the aim. It appears to be more of a chance to help the lad as he tries to get ready for a comeback in the 2017-18 season at a lower league club.

As for Baxter, isn't it more of an extension to his current duties at EitC, one where his experiences may help younger players who might be tempted??

Pictures..

Liverpool Empire, Jan, 2019 - HEADING BAX'TER THE TOP!

Songs include 'I'm just a boy who can't say no', 'Be kind to the beak kind.' The Hokey Cokey.'

Cast..

Les Dennis as Ronald Koeman.

Michael Starke as David Unsworth.

Brian Regan as Jose Baxter.

Ricky Tomlinson as Jimmy 'kitman' Martin.

Bill Kenwright as himself

Sponsor details - Link

He's had his chances and has shown total contempt to the authorities who govern this game. I'd've given anything to've been a professional footballer and to've been able to say I represented our great club. He's had his chances.

If it goes pear shaped, it goes pear shaped. The club is big enough in every sense for the word to shoulder any potential downsides.

Congratulations, Everton FC. Congratulations, Bill Kenwright. Congratulations, David Unsworth. You make me proud to be a lifetime Blue for all of my nearly 60 years.

The only other reasonable explanation would be that he would help the others develop given his experience in league football but I am not so sure how good an example he would be.

He's not one of ours, he's a 'pooly.

I fucking give up.

Deary me, some people really do take the biscuit. This is not a child stricken by illness. This is a young man who has chosen to use illicit drugs.

I'm actually eager to give the guy another shot... but please don't make out that he's a victim.

Why not? is my reply.

Highly commendable move by the club and one I am comfortable with.

Well done, Everton, for once again showing our club in such a compassionate light.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing...what appears to be a promising career can be shortened by injuries, getting in with the wrong crowd, a move to another club for what ever reason, head's turned (as Jeffers mentions), better club, more prospects of trophies, money etc.

A player's fortunes can also turn in an instant, Ryan Mason for one – let's hope he can pick up from his head injury – Fabrice Muamba.

I think Jose Baxter was right to leave Everton when he did to seek out a career elsewhere with a view to more regular football, and although I have never seen him play, from what I can gather from comments made in the past on ToffeeWeb, he seemed to be a decent prospect. Same can be said for Ryan Ledson.

Whatever the reason behind him returning to Everton, I think the club and the player should be supported. I assume that you don't necessarily lose any of your natural ability as you get older, so if he wants to apply himself to the task in hand then I hope this works out for both parties... and if he subsequently moves on... I hope we get some money for him this time!

It's actually the other way round.

A better question yet, is should there've been some sort of meeting beforehand to question this decision. Even if the wages are paid out of Bill's pocket, the actual questionable act is letting him or his presence in the club.

No doubt there are many pros and cons for Wayne Rooney returning. Not going to even try to go through them.

I would have Wayne back purely for his football ability alone...and nothing to do with it being a return to where he started etc and all that malarkey.

Then you read this story. Does it send the message that it's OK to use class A drugs? At Everton you will be given a THIRD chance. How do some parents feel about this at the academy – this wasn't a reefer the lad had been smoking after all.

I'm not saying this is right or wrong, I don't know the lad. Just pointing out there is a lot more to consider that 'giving someone another chance.' It's not black or white. It seems that pulling on a blue shirt can buy you a lot of credit. When do you think Neville Southall will be invited back to the club?

Nice gesture by club, and glad to see most TWers see the positivity in this move.

Sadly every time anyone with drug issues is helped, there will be those who are bitter about it due to their own struggles and failures. You will also get the likes of The Sun frothing at the mouth.

So do we stop helping the likes of Jose and introduce some kind of moral means test? No, better to speak to EitC or EFC and see what there is for those who are not good enough.

As for the message re Class A drugs. The country has condemned them and criminalised them for decades, spent a fortune through criminal justice system and by comparison done little to help users pack in. And that has worked brilliantly.

In reality we are probably just giving him access to the facilities and helping him get fit. Sure his wage is small and possibly appearance related.

He might be able to offer some sage advice to youngsters about the pitfalls of wasting your talent.

I like it.

Baxter, Gibbo, Hibbo, Niasse(!) - it's like we're spending monopoly money.

By the way, I don't agree with some of the posts that take issue with what's been done, but at the same time I wouldn't dismiss the comments as those of "bitter blues" (Christopher@72). Better to focus on the issue at hand, rather than make personal remarks about the category of blue who doesn't share your point of view.

We let him go years ago for not being good enough so why now at 24 is he suddenly up to standard?

I well remember his bitter attack on the club on twitter after he was released plus the dodgy rumours about him which went around the City while he was here.

I don't know who has decided to bring him back but they need to have a word with themselves.

In Baxter's case, I assume that Everton think he might be able to make a go of it football-wise. It's a different sense of "another chance".

The Baxter situation, in my judgement, is all about entering into a very generous bargain with a former academy player, offering him the opportunity to rebuild his fitness and match readiness using the club's facilities and resources, and for him to relocate around close family where he can get the emotional support he clearly needs.

He has the opportunity to get his dignity and self-respect back and he can draw a small salary to help this. In return, he contributes to the causes of the U23 team, which is after all, a professional outfit. He will be a senior member of that squad and will be expected to perform and behave as such. This is rehabilitation, facilitated by his club.

The expectation of both parties is that success is judged by Baxter being good enough in his time back at Everton for him to find a contract at a lower league club. That's it.

On that basis, I think it is a wonderful and unique gesture by Everton FC.

Things like this make me proud to be an Evertonian.

We didn't let him go because he wasn't good enough, David Moyes offered him another contract but his wages were reduced by 50 per cent, per week and Jose decided he didn't want to sit mostly on the bench for the next two years so took the gamble on finding another club.

He was out of football for a few months because of this and it was only Alan Stubbs getting him fixed up with Oldham Athletic that he got back into the game, he progressed there and a transfer to Sheffield Utd; he has problems with them and is banned until June this year.

Hopefully he will take the chance offered by Everton and get back into football and make a career and a good living out of football. He can not afford to make any more mistakes now, it's up to himself now. Take the chance, Jose, you will not be getting another one in football.

Lined us up and actually THURRP!...THURRP!...THURRP!.. (figuratively speaking)

And how dare he not live up to our incredibly high standards!

Okay, so he's only really training with the Under-23s and will only play if considered up to scratch, but how do we know he isn't ON A 5 YEAR DEAL AT £60k WEEK!?

That is just like saying "Yeah, do drugs it's fine, you'll be rewarded" (or... would be if that was the deal... which it isn't).

No-one should ever, EVER be given more than two chances (apart from – fist pumps – Big Dunc, obviously) and anyone earning more than me should have a care – I've got my eye on you.

(By the way, for anyone interested, it IS available – Link )

He is, as the Australia cricket coach John Buchanan once said [of Mark Ramprakash] " A young man afflicted with talent." !!

"Look, you maggots, you think you're going to make it big? You're nothing, dirt on my shoe, Jose thought he was a star and look what happened to him."

I don't mind being called a "Bitter Blue" by RS as I am happy to admit I am extremely bitter about how their actions have adverse!y affected our Club. Surprised to hear a fellow Evertonian using that expression about any of us, though.

If a personal comment is ever directed at me, I ignore it apart from pointing out the pointlessness of making it. I see it as irrelevant, but think it's useful to say this to the individual making the personal comment.

In today's game, money is flowing and young players are richer than ever. We don't know the terms he's been offered, but ifs, it's probably a couple of grand a week. That's nothing it goes along the same lines as the other U23g for a professional player, but for most of us on this forum, it's a heck of a lot more that we get a week. This was his issue first time round. Earning lots of money compared to his peers, and having tons of free time.

Players only go to the club 2-3 hours per day for training and the rest of the time they are left to their own devices. Players aren't also known for their intelligence either, with many focusing on the game and not their education while growing up. By being a local lad from not the best area of town it was easy for him to be targeted by 'friends' due to his lifestyle.

I hope that the contract he gets has some clauses in it regarding drug testing as well as him providing time for EitC, in which I believe he has been working with presently. He needs something to keep him occupied during the day, but he's probably screwed himself if he was thinking about coaching as his convictions will more than likely prevent him working with youth.

In the end of the day, he's a very lucky man to earn this redemption. I highly doubt that we will ever see him around the first team, but if he performs in the U23s he might be able to get a contract at a lower league or foreign team after the year.

I don't like Kenwright but I hope Baxter takes the chance that Bill has given him with both hands, and goes on to have a good career, which I'm not sure would be possible without Everton giving him this chance.

I hope you can take it, Jose, and also help loads of other young kids in the future. Good luck, lad, and hopefully this can be a story with a happy ending?

The history of the game is littered with flawed genii. I am sure, given past circumstances that there will be many checks and balances in place to ensure he sticks to the righteous path.
Nowadays checks can be carried out on a daily basis and I would expect, given his history, that that will happen. Also, to avoid subterfuge, the test will be conducted in the presence of third parties, who will ensure that no "sleight of hand" is taking place.

This is literally the "last chance saloon" for Jose. If he takes it and is a success, we as a club benefit. If he doesn't and fails – we as a club benefit insofar as we are seen to be not overly judgemental and to give everyone a chance to rectify past mistakes.

It is definitely a "win-win" for EFC, with possibly a hidden pot of gold at the end of that particular rainbow?

"Everton's offer to one of their own is commendable, especially in an age largely devoid of loyalty either way. Baxter has made his mistakes but has also served his punishment - and for someone with a love of football like his, such a lengthy ban from the game will maybe help the penny finally drop. This columnist, for one, certainly hopes it does because Baxter has much to offer, on and off the field; both as a footballer, and as a man who knows what it feels like to almost lose everything..."

Everton FC could easily have turned their back on the lad and some would argue it would have been the correct action to take, however, they have made a brave decision and who knows both the club and the player might benefit from this decision in the long term. The most important thing is that Jose has learned his lesson no matter how things pan out with his football career.

Make the most of it Jose

Plenty of kids look world-beaters in the youth leagues but never progress as expected and can't cut it professionally. There is no great shame in that.

I've watched a bit of Baxter at Oldham and Sheff Utd and he looked short, weak and bang average for the league standard (mostly League two I think). This was all before his much publicised issues, as a playing professional. Bear in mind, for such a supposedly talented young man he didn't exactly have clubs clamouring for his signature until Stubbsy's intervention.

Just to moderate some opinions; hope he makes it somewhere but he'll only be near the Everton first team in a month of Sundays.

Speaking of Alan Stubbs, he's on Fantasy Foitball Club at 6pm! Along with Stuart McCall's 1-11.

One of the main things was how EitC had helped with his initial issues, but then training to get him in to work. It sounds as though Jose has had that initial help. And then EitC have requested the club to support with the next steps.

I can understand the concerns that he may take the other lads in to the shady world. But I believe this will be monitored closely.

As is the case with most of our U23s.

Who better than a man who has been into the depths of despair, but managed, with help, to find his way back onto the straight and narrow. Surely he can pass on the lessons he's learned?

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/2715665/brede-hangeland-names-emmanuel-adebayor-in-extraordinary-lazy-xi-rant-claiming-he-would-eat-muffins-in-the-gym/

Give the kid a chance to get his life back on track, for fuck's sake.

Warm glow... Or that may be the codeine for current tooth abscess. Oh shit, now what have I started!

You put it perfectly mate and you're 100% correct too.

Please show more compassion!

He wasn't, isn't, and never will be good enough for us. There was hardly a stampede of Premier League clubs wanting to acquire his services when he left first time around which says it all.

If this happened a month/6 weeks ago when most were pissed off this move would be universally slaughtered, yet some are saying he deserves a 'second' chance.

Second chance?

If you include the 'chances' he's had at other clubs he's on about his fifth chance by now and still keeps getting into trouble.

Everton sentiment at it's worst.

I know nothing more than anyone else with this story, but assume rightly or wrongly that we are giving him a chance to rebuild his career so that he can find a contract with some club (even ours) after that 12 months.

Well done, Everton.

You don't talk for me.

John (#121), Ernie Hunt lives in my city, he was a window cleaner in the city centre for years. I haven't seen him about for a long time, I guess he is long retired now.

There comes a point when the anti-Kenwright sneering is inappropriate.

Well done, Blues. This is about having the right values. Like, for example, being only one of two clubs in the Premier League paying the living wage.

My take on the Hunt signing was that it was done on the strength of a cracking shot he had against us for Wolves (in 1967 FA Cup tie) which Gordon West brilliantly saved!

Man City

Feedback please...

Did you or was it removed?

Make no mistake - alcohol ABUSE is far more prevalent and destructive than drug ABUSE.

Yet, I am censored on this site for even mentioning drug use, yet we can (rightly so) talk about boozing while watching the blues all day?!

I don't agree as I'm sure you will gather, I have seen too many people turn into other people after indulging in this stuff.

(1) Surprised to see Francis Lee staying on his feet when challenged in box by Henry Newton prior to 1st goal;

(2) Good to see John Connolly who was subject of a recent debate on this site;

(3) Similarly good to see young Tom Davies's uncle Alan Whittle in what must have been one of his final games for us;

(4) Despite Lee's normal penchant for diving in the box, good to see others staying on their feet when challenged;

(5) Spectacular og by Henry N!

I imagine you know more people struggling with weight issues/drink problems than drug habits??

Regardless, the point was a rich young, working class man in Liverpool is exposed to this problem, and we live and learn by our mistakes.

I'm mystified why Jose Baxter is back with us. Frankly, he didn't hit the heights with us or anyone else and his physique is unimpressive. Add to that the gullibility of young men in their mid to late teens and, unless the lad has Messianic qualities in getting through to them, it could all be a waste of time, with the possibility of it going horribly wrong, again, as it tends to with drug users.

Anyway, I'm still hoping for better than Baxter in the window. As big Ron has said, he still wants more players, and nowhere is his name associated with the lovey-dovey re-signing of our youngest ever first team goalscorer. That worries me a little.

Credit to @lekkylegs

https://mobile.twitter.com/lekkylegs/status/824690175645286400/photo/1

So tell me again what is incredible about the drug cocaine.

What is it exactly?

I'd just play this and slap a line on the end that says 'Charlie - Cool?'

Link

Link

Not having it that cocaine is less damaging than alcohol. I like a drink and work with people who are regular cocaine users. Their memories are shot and their egos rampant. They struggle with physical exercise and have chest pains.

Not seen Scarface?

On to Jose, we have to remember that clubs take these kids in at a young age and arguably they don't get to learn a trade elsewhere because they were focused purely on playing in our academy. Therefore Baxter might only know football. I like what the club has done, it shows we are there for him as he gave up much of his childhood and adolescence trying to become a professional for us.

There are much greater problems or issues within EFC to be annoyed about than giving a young lad a chance to become more disciplined and perhaps show our academy players a few things.

After all that, many won't have a career. There's not many career paths where you can be finished in your early twenties with limited skills that you can redeploy in another job.

For me, it can't be about being ruthless. If you're in the business of producing young footballers then you also need to be involved in what happens if it doesn't work out for them.

No problem with trying to help him straighten his life out but, unless the Club can see genuine benefit to itself in this, surely the matter would be more properly dealt with by the Former Player's Foundation. Not trying to be pedantic here!

Baxter has not been given a contract with a view to playing for the first team – he wasn't good enough as a youngster and certainly won't be now after years of not living the right way. This is surely a case of the club seeing him working with the EitC people and someone deciding that giving him 12 months as a player may just help him get back on track.

None of us know what state he is in, what his mental state is like, and how desperate his situation might be. Yes, we can all point to other ex-players who need help and that is what the Former Players Foundation is there for but I see this as a case of trying to give the lad a helping hand before it is too late and the club have either been very concerned at his condition or spotted something there which makes them feel that this might just turn him around. Either way the cost will be paltry when we look at the money in the club now and good on the club.

On Ernie Hunt, he unlike the others listed above was a good footballer. Catterick bought him after he scored against us when we beat Wolves 4-2 (I think) and I was there and he played very well. Problem was he was an attacking midfielder and the Holy Trinity was reaching its peak at the time so Harry played him as second striker playing off Big Joe and it didn't work. He left after 12 games and 3 goals (I think) and went to Coventry where he had a good career and scored "that" goal.

This is the guy, on top of the drugs stuff, some are 'welcoming' back to this club.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2268822/Former-Everton-youngster-Jose-Baxter-getting-career-track-Oldham.html

I certainly don't, but am genuinely pleased Bill Kenwright has taken this step. The fact that he (Baxter) proclaims his love of the RS makes the club's gesture even more magnanimous. Not many clubs would do what ours is doing. Take pride in it.

Not to worry though, doesn't matter how they rage, the deal is done.

Hopefully Baxter ("he's got 'I DESPISE EVERTON' tattooed on his nob ffs!") can make the most of his third chance and to use an Opra-ism, 'turn his life around.'

Despite some of the teeth-grinding and warnings from some, he's a daft twat rather than fucking Pablo Escobar.

Plus there seems to be this idea from the frustrated venters that there's a specific amount of times (one?) a human can fuck-up before being dismissed forever.

I disagree - these lads Link have all fucked up many, many times but I don't believe they should be fucked off from society.

Anyway, whether it does or doesn't work out for Jose Baxter, I believe it's Everton FC doing the right thing.

Which is, imo, the..um..right thing.

But I can’t make up my mind whether outsiders will think along the lines of:

• What a gang of soft ‘ollies at Everton. That player is never going to make it. And their Chairman is a sentimental buffoon living in La La land. Another episode in the soap opera that is Uncle Bill and his Flying Circus. Another musical in the offing (see Eugene Ruane (54))

OR

• There’s more to life than money. There are lots of currencies. And one day a great player might come along who has a choice of signing for us or another club, and for a moment he pauses. He thinks back to the treatment of Jose Baxter. And instead of deciding solely on the basis of cash, he chooses us.

As for your earlier post Eugene, is it for copyright reasons that you missed out the songs, “Puff, The Magic Dragon” and “I’ve got you under my skin”?

You also omitted Robbie Fowler’s guest appearance singing, “I walk the line” (or something like that).

I hope Jose takes this opportunity with both hands and stays clear of the many distractions waiting for mega rich footballers. He needs a good woman behind him and an equally good manager.

Here's hoping but well done to EFC for giving him another chance in life.

If we can translate similar considerations on to the pitch then I expect us to do very well.

He did ok, Phil. There's every reason to believe there's a career for him to at least Championship level if he can maintain it.