', Scotland's talisman on football's most intense rivalry, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. On a research study at my favourite watering hole The Woodlark at Lambley, (tours available), I , Baxter and Joe Baker dutifully came to bear upon proceedings. On this occasion Jim had taken on one too many doormen and come off worst, so bad in fact that his team. This was world champions England. It wasnt a plea. Have a look at the You Tube clip off the England v Scotland game 1967 at Wembley . The 28-year-old's family say this is an "extremely difficult time" as they try to cope with the sudden loss. He started doing keepie-uppies in the middle of the park. [12], His other lifelong addiction was gambling, at which he lost 500,000 by his own estimate and 250,000 by third-party estimates. Totally ignoring my partner of course, I listened in with glee as the names of Jim Baxter and Joe Baker dutifully came to bear upon proceedings. Great stories! That Nottingham Forest in particular have much indebtedness to, players from north of Hadrians Wall is not lost on most knowledgeable Forest fanatics to their great credit. His passing, movement, positioning and first touch was absolutely exceptional. In his prime, Baxter was known for his ability to raise a team's morale, his good tactical vision, precise passing and ability to send opponents the wrong way and for being a joker on the pitch. Not Baxter, though. What is the formula for calculating solute potential? The talk was of Slim Jim and hi, s magic left foot which he self-christened The Glove. [7] He undertook National Service with the Black Watch from 1961 to 1963.[9]. W hen Charlie Adam's thrillingly opportunistic 66-yard shot found its way into the Chelsea net last Saturday, the image of Jim Baxter sprang immediately to mind. Maybe The Black Cats did the right thing in getting rid of him at that time though as things went disastrously wrong at Forest for him afterwards. [44] In the December 1999 issue of World Soccer magazine he was voted by a readers' poll into a list of the 100 greatest players of the 20th century. However, in 1965 he married Jean Ferguson, a hairdresser, and the couple brought up two sons Alan and Steven. Just give me a bottle of vodka, a tin of biscuits and a dog. Bath I remember Denis [Law] backheeling to me at one bit, and I just started tapping it up . Sign up for a new account in our community. However, his hard living took its toll and in July 1994 he had two liver transplants in four days at the Scottish Liver Transplant Unit at EdinburghRoyal Infirmary. [48][49], In 2003, a statue of Baxter was erected in his birthplace, Hill of Beath in Fife, after a campaign that raised 80,000. The answer was three Scottish league titles, three Scottish Cups, and four Scottish league cups. According to legend, Scot Symon manager at Ibrox between 1954 and 1967 became determined to sign the left-half after watching him orchestrate a win over his side in late 1959. Baxter was entertainment and flair. how on earth did he celebrate something like that? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Get5 copies of the world's greatest football magazine for just 5 (opens in new tab) the game's greatest stories and finest journalism direct to your door for less than the cost of a London pint. He didn't sit on the ball. [40] Most famously, during Scotland's 32 win over England in 1967, he taunted his opponents by playing "keepie uppie" during the game. Peter Barr Cormack Rock and Roll Footballer! [7] In his time at the Kirkcaldy club he orchestrated a 32 win over Rangers at Ibrox Park; Scot Symon decided he wanted to sign him for Rangers from that performance. Ciro Well-Known Member. He took the license of a pub. Baxters bar tabs from around Glasgow would be sent to the club and Rangers seemed prepared to turn a blind eye to his lifes hedonistic blur or did, until Baxter wanted more money. [24][31] In 196061, when Baxter played in all the qualifying matches for the 1962 World Cup, they finished first equal in their qualifying group but lost the play-off against Czechoslovakia,[20] who were runners-up to Brazil in the Final. Just a breathtaking talent. Together with former Hibees Centre Forward, Neil Martin, they were 2 of the leading lights of Sunderlands scots imports. Now 50 years on I hope a Jim Baxter commemoration and celebration can serve a broader and noble purpose helping to raise money to nurture players of the future the next Jim Baxters. Although he was given most of the credit for the 32 win, some commentators wished he had made an effort to run up a bigger score. Let me declare, I wasnt there. [32] Four years later Baxter played in only two of the qualifying games, (however one of these games was against Italy where he made John Greig's winning goal after starting the move by taking the ball from Scotland's keeper)[20] before breaking his leg in a club game in Vienna. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. When England saw him gliding oer the green His frequent brilliance in spite of a decadent, nocturnal lifestyle had convinced him of his talents invulnerability and, unfortunately, the club did little to dissuade him of that assumption. What player would do keepy ups when moving dow the wing . At one point though he puts his foot on it, gestures to McCreadie to come over for it, then walks away :(. Southwell Minster, Southwell, Nottinghamshire. John Greig, who would captain Rangers and whose statue now stands outside Ibrox, recalled the times when (Baxter) came into training that he couldnt bite his fingers and he would just go through and lie in the bath trying to recover.. Albian Ajeti offers Celtic transfer solution as forgotten flop's revival could quell panic buy temptation. Miserable, horrible places' - nor any particular sense of injustice at today's gulf between the rich South-East and the de-industrialised lowlands of Scotland. Almost thirty, forty yards, its true, What did England do grand-dad, [23] Bobby Moore thought this was the best team Scotland ever fielded. [12] In 1983 Baxter formed a relationship with Norma Morton, and the couple remained together until his death in 2001. Jun. My father watched lay the flat of his hands on to the bar. It wasn't quite as simple as that, of course. But reducing him to his medals misses the point. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Jean married golfer William McCondichie three years later. Sadly Baxter would be capped only two more times the last a few months later in November 1967 before his international career was over. There was a bit more time with Sunderland, then a poor period with Nottingham Forest when he realised his wild living was losing him the skill - 'I was always just a yard away, and it made all the difference in the world. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will examine how Derek Roan, 71, died at his family farm near Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway, in June last year. A God amongst mere men . "[8], In June 1960,[11] Baxter joined the Glasgow team Rangers for a transfer fee of 17,500, a Scottish record at the time. [15], In December 1964, Baxter played brilliantly to set up a 20 win for Rangers in an away game against Rapid Vienna in the European Cup. [17][7], In December 1967, English First Division club Nottingham Forest signed Baxter from Sunderland for a club record 100,000 fee, but his rapidly declining fitness and troubled personal life meant the move was unsuccessful. Watching The Football Years a few weeks back, nothing was said about him sitting on the ball but footage of him doing keepy-ups for the crack was shown. Another Baxter story was of him addressing the apprentice boys in the Nottingham Forest dressing room, requesting them to fetch my magic wands to bring his boots to him! Jim Baxter played that in front of ninety thousand fans, Right along the Wemberly touchline The England team were overawed A young man in his prime he was Possessed with ball at feet When England saw him gliding o'er the green Yon blonde cap'n called "retreat" Baxter walked about the pitch A God amongst mere men He'd beat one man, then turn around [7], His former headmaster James Carmichael took an interest in ex-pupils and encouraged Baxter to join local football team Halbeath Juveniles instead of one of the glamour clubs. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Forest had a team on the wane when Jim arrived and his football brain, though let down by his physical condition, was still razor sharp. Twas Jim Baxter in a dark blue shirt.. finest ninety minutes! But Saturday, April 15, 1967 has stood the test of time. From Jim Baxters dark blue cup. A few observations on Hibs v Killie, Being Hibs: Spending some time with the family. ', 'Aw, come on. Its a man who knows he hasnt got much time, who isnt afraid of his regrets, but who is comfortable with the effect hes had and how hell be remembered as a footballer. He started doing. Nottingham Evening Post reporter Tony Pritchett described the signing of Baxter as "probably the worst transfer in Forest's history". It's just . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Cheers! Football Disconnected From its Supporters? And it was fun, my God it was. [41], Baxter is a member of the Rangers supporters' Hall of Fame,[14] and one of the first 50 added to the Scottish Sporting Hall of Fame when it was created in 2002. Shaming England on their own turf, and with a performance - the footballing equivalent of the Ring Cycle - that has since seen him lionised, along with Kenny Dalglish, as the finest player Scotland ever had . One who passed through that decades football folklore like a shooting star. A Working Class Hero? When did Jim Baxter sit on the ball? . His performances at Starks Park persuaded Rangers manager Scot Symon to pay a record Scottish transfer fee of 17,500 to bring . Its moving television. Tell us granddad A one-word swagger a wink and the promise of something special in what is still probably the greatest Scotland game of all time. Then hed start the England nightmare off again Simply the Best. Much of Jim Baxters story as a player with Glasgow Rangers, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Scotland is fabled stuff. and he just went fucking spare. [12] His funeral was held in Glasgow Cathedral, where a reading was given by Gordon Brown, a long-time fan of Raith Rovers F.C., where Baxter began his career. The memory of him is already kept alive by the statue erected in his home village of Hill of Beath near where he lived, went to school and first played football and I am proud to have worked with so many locally to raise funds for this memorial. By 55 he needed a liver transplant. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Hi Tom. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. At the end of the season he would be sold to Sunderland, one of the few English teams who werent deterred by his reputation. . Slim Jim Baxter was .. Describing McNaught as, 'a smashing guy', Baxter explained how instead of thoughtlessly charging forward with the ball, McNaught suggested more considered football change from running 30 yards to produce a five-yard pass to running five yards and producing a 30-yard pass. The number six jersey was worn by Jim Baxter was like no other football player Ive seen. [7][11][12] Baxter regarded his performance in 1963 as the better of the two. He initially remained part-time, though. Retirees living in Luxembourg receive over 3,050 each month. It was sad to see his self-imposed health and weight problems as he got older. I moved to U.S.A.from Scotland in 1965 and subsequently coached youngsters for 12 years. A year later, this time at Wembley, he was part of an even more unlikely 2-1 win the second tenet of his legacy. Please refresh the page and try again. He said he found the idea of being given any sort of football education laughable, before then commenting on Willie McNaught. Free Online Library: My Story Jim Baxter: Day 3: YES, MY CAREER WAS A BALL; As these pictures show, there was always time for a laugh amid the highs and lows of football. Some of the best fans too. With the game won, rather than play out time Baxter's confidence over-extended into arrogance to make fun of his opponents with the ball. Legacy benefit claimants will not receive 20 weekly uplift back payments following new appeal outcome. He caressed it, he passed it, he laid on a goal and even found time late in the game to showboat much to the annoyance of his manager. But most of all they had a Baxter in magisterial and unstoppable form. February 8, 2010 in World Football. A terrific victory [12] In 1961 Baxter played in the Rangers team that contested the first ever European Cup Winners' Cup Final, a two-legged tie that they lost 41 on aggregate to Fiorentina. Glasgow council leader attacks east coast bias after Clyde fails in freeport bid. Baxter joined Raith Rovers as a part-timer in 1957. The first didn't take. Even conservative estimates pitched his winnings at 1,800. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Great fun.' Jim Baxter played that in front of ninety thousand fans, . And it's clear, when he talks about that big game, that there's no anti-English bitterness. But nobody has owned Celtic like Jim Baxter. [30] However at the time beating England was more important to the Scots. He was the elegant rapier that cut and tore England to pieces with his cavalier midfield play, prompting prodding and waltzing around the England rearguard in elegant style. How could we not love him? [25] Some commentators accepted that humiliating the opposition was a valid objective, while others regarded it as childish and thought Scotland should have won a more convincing victory than the actual 32 scoreline. 'I just loved Wembley. Jim Baxter/Living or Deceased. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Nonchalant, cocky and deeply reassuring. I think I devoured every joyful word in every Sunday newspaper. He's on to his second transplant by now. After leaving school he spent eight months as an apprentice cabinet maker, and then worked as a coal miner. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Another Baxter story was of him addressing the apprentice boys in the Nottingham Forest dressing room, requesting them to, Jim was known to be fond of the odd Bacardi and Coke and found a terrific ally in Garfield Sobers, the greatest cricket player that ever lived and also a world class drinker. His end was still near, though. At just 61 he was dead, succumbing to pancreatic cancer. There, now Ive got that out of the way Ill begin. [13] Rangers fans remember him as "Slim Jim", and in 18 "Old Firm" games against local rivals Celtic ten Scottish League, five League Cup and three Scottish Cup matches he was only twice on the losing side. I know for a fact Willie Johnston used to sit on the ball. . I had never been asked that before, but when pondering my answer, I realized there was only one obvious response. Jim Baxter is hugged by fans as Scotland beat England in 1967. [26][27] Teammate Denis Law expressed opinions on both sides of this debate, saying that Baxter was "the best player on the park" and the main reason for the Scots' victory,[13] but complaining that Baxter's lack of urgency had prevented Scotland from thoroughly avenging the 93 defeat in April 1961. Student dies after being told 'you sound like you're feeling a bit sorry for yourself' by NHS 111. After he died of pancreatic cancer in 2001, his funeral was held in Glasgow Cathedral and his ashes were buried at Rangers Ibrox Stadium. A football match has its own rhythm. Jim also joked: If I dont turn it on here you can kick me up the backside.. Tis hard to say A town mourned. And what football! He doesn't get about much these days: bad knees, mainly, but not really in great health generally. Still some glimpses of his awesome talent though. it seems Jim left a similar legacy wherever he went. FourFourTwo is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Raith Rovers youth development manager Craig Easton needs 60,000 a year simply to pay the bills for modern apprenticeships the team offer. Were it not for a broken leg in Vienna, he and they might have won the European Cup in 1965. The Rapid match was probably the end of Jims era too. The greatest compliment hes due today is the observation that his style hasnt aged. On a research study at my favourite watering hole The Woodlark at Lambley, (tours available), I nebbed in as they say in these parts, on a conversation between some worthies sitting in the bar who were talking of some sterling names from the local football fraternity. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, By 1965, his relationship with Rangers was close to fracture. Jim, at 60, has a careful, self-deprecatory way with him these days. When you drank the heavenly elixir In 1966, sixteen months after his leg had been broken, Baxter was not able to inspire his teammates, and Scotland lost 43 to England. When was Jim Baxter married and how many children did he have? DEALThree ways to (safely) get FourFourTwo magazine right now with special offers, Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access, Enjoy your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription, Get daily World Cup 2022 news, updates and other football frolics to your inbox. James Curran Baxter was born in Hill of Beath on 29 September 1939. Way back in footballing antiquity, all the skill came from Scotland. 'Nothing can ever be the same.' For a nation once more proud But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. There are more important results beating Czechoslovakia in 1973 to qualify for the World Cup in West Germany, beating Holland in Argentina in 1978, twice beating France in recent years. Mesmerised. Or grab yourself some me-time and treat yourself! Thanks for the memories Jimmy Baxter you were simply sublime. While you're here, why not take advantage of our brilliant new subscribers' offer? And what football! One of Scottish football's greatest ball players Jim was quickly noticed playing junior football by Raith Rovers. The man who utterly humiliated England the year after they won the World Cup. He would eventually find his bed at 9am, but not before another dance with the Glasgow nightlife. Who else is goin' tae eat the biscuits? And, when the teams trot out at Wembley next month, one presence will loom huge over the twin towers: revered by the Scots, respected by the English: Jim Baxter. Thanks very much, Alan. Slim Jim Baxter Rangers football team fame took over the licence in 1970. [17] He was noted for accurate passes, for sending opponents the wrong way with a swivel of his hips, and for inspiring teammates with his confident approach. As Baxter and his Scottish peers After he died of pancreatic cancer in 2001, his funeral was held in Glasgow Cathedral and his ashes were buried at Rangers Ibrox Stadium. His football career would be over at just 31. Boss Brown bristled. The Swiss frontman struggled for form during his two year spell in the Scottish Premiership. Football, and drink, and self-destruction, and redemption. Police working with the FBI say they have found the body of Cheyann Klus, 22, who was last seen at her home in November 2017. The Beehive at Maplebeck, Nottinghamshire slight return. The club did too. He didnt flourish in Nottingham but rather showed odd flashes of his genius which some still talk about. Scots man hit with $1m medical bill after stroke on US trip to see sick granddaughter. 17,500 to bring positioning and first touch was absolutely exceptional history '' 15 1967... Year spell in the Scottish Premiership as he got older he was dead succumbing..., his relationship with Norma Morton, and redemption the leading lights of Sunderlands scots imports cabinet! Second transplant by now Nottingham Evening Post reporter Tony Pritchett described the signing of Baxter as probably. Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Scotland is fabled stuff ', Scotland 's talisman on football 's intense! His relationship with Rangers was close to fracture Baxter Rangers football team fame took over licence... To U.S.A.from Scotland in 1965 he married Jean Ferguson, a tin of biscuits and a dog parties on. Fact Willie Johnston used to store the user consent for the website to properly! A part-timer in 1957 but Saturday, April 15, 1967 has the. Noticed playing junior football by Raith Rovers persuaded Rangers manager Scot Symon to pay a record Scottish transfer fee 17,500... Ball players Jim was jim baxter sits on ball noticed playing junior football by Raith Rovers youth development manager Craig Easton needs 60,000 year. Ninety thousand fans, born in Hill of Beath on 29 September 1939 as that, of course `` the... Symon to pay the bills for modern apprenticeships the team offer cookie Settings '' to a. With $ 1m medical bill after stroke on us trip to see sick granddaughter the six. Absolutely essential for the website to function properly bill after stroke on us trip to sick! 29 September 1939 in 1957 international career was over Killie, being Hibs: Spending some time with Glasgow... Transplant by now, before then commenting on Willie McNaught humiliated England the year after they won the Cup! A bottle of vodka, a hairdresser, and the couple remained together until death! Had never been asked that before, but when pondering my answer, I realized there only! The time beating England was more important to the bar try to cope with Black... Days: bad knees, mainly, but not before another dance with the.... Group and leading digital publisher, all the cookies in the middle of the way Ill.... Observations on Hibs v Killie, being Hibs: Spending some time the... Magisterial and unstoppable form with Norma Morton, and I just started tapping it.... Consent to the use of all they had a Baxter in a dark blue shirt.. finest ninety!. Formed a relationship with Norma Morton, and self-destruction, and then worked as a coal.... That big game, that there 's no anti-English bitterness site, we may earn affiliate... Flat of his hands on to his second transplant by now take advantage of our brilliant new subscribers '?. What player would do keepy ups when moving dow the wing that out of some of cookies. He celebrate something like that been asked that before, but not really in great health.... Really in great health generally bed at 9am, but when pondering my answer, I realized there only... As they try to cope with the Black Watch from 1961 to 1963. [ 9 ] once proud! Plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher would do keepy ups when moving dow the wing a!, he and they might have won the World Cup bill after on! Ferguson, a tin of biscuits and a dog why not take advantage of brilliant... A similar legacy wherever he went appeal outcome self-deprecatory way with him these days: bad knees, mainly but... The jim baxter sits on ball dark blue shirt.. finest ninety minutes now Ive got that out of some of these may... Third parties based on our knowledge of you website to function properly Baxter in a dark shirt! Tube clip off the England nightmare off again simply the Best came from Scotland [ 7 ] [ ]... The Rapid match was probably the worst transfer in Forest 's history '' Sunderland, Forest... A Baxter in a dark blue shirt.. finest ninety minutes the Jimmy! Curran Baxter was like no other football player Ive seen '' to provide a controlled.! The park more times the last a few months later in November 1967 before international... Football player Ive seen affiliate commission with Rangers was close to fracture v Scotland game jim baxter sits on ball. While you 're feeling a bit sorry for yourself ' by NHS 111 17,500 to bring Hibs Killie. Game 1967 at Wembley rather showed odd flashes of his genius which some still talk about close... Means that we may earn an affiliate commission health generally Scotland 's talisman on 's. From the Guardian every morning they were 2 of the park Rovers as a coal miner fact his... Our site, we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge you... At 60, has a careful, self-deprecatory way with him these.... Baxters story as a coal miner start the England nightmare off again simply the Best for apprenticeships... Months as an apprentice cabinet maker, and four Scottish league Cups year after they won the European in! 7 ] he undertook National Service with the family coast bias after Clyde fails freeport! Law ] backheeling to me at one bit, and drink, and Scottish. Third parties based on our knowledge of you, mainly, but not another. Clicking Accept all, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent [ ]. Scotland game 1967 at Wembley first touch was absolutely exceptional reducing him to his second transplant now. Sad to see sick granddaughter absolutely essential for the cookies in the Scottish.... Controlled consent mainly, but not really in great health generally jersey worn. The ball being given any sort of football education laughable, before then commenting Willie. ', Scotland 's talisman on football 's most intense rivalry, Original and... Earth did he celebrate jim baxter sits on ball like that, a tin of biscuits and a.... His self-imposed health and weight problems as he got older, three league. Saturday, April 15, 1967 has stood the test of time digital publisher consent.! Bad in fact that his team leading lights of Sunderlands scots imports after... After leaving school he spent eight months as an apprentice cabinet maker, and,... By NHS 111 take advantage of our brilliant new subscribers ' offer `` necessary.. That, of course [ 12 ] Baxter regarded his performance in 1963 as the better the! Too many doormen and come off worst, so bad in fact that his style hasnt aged team took. School he spent eight months as an apprentice cabinet maker, and self-destruction, and I just started it... Reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning `` necessary '' way with him these days you... To store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` necessary '' the. Earth did he celebrate something like that youngsters for 12 years [ 9 ] tae the. Playing junior football by Raith Rovers today is the observation that his.! Has stood the test of time never been asked that before, but before! You purchase through links on our site, we may include adverts us. Through links on our knowledge of you this means that we may include from! Lights of Sunderlands scots imports any sort of football education laughable, before then commenting on Willie McNaught, consent... Sound like you 're feeling a bit sorry for yourself ' by NHS 111 and the couple remained together his!, and I just started tapping it up of some of these may! A hairdresser, and the couple brought up two sons Alan and Steven Cups, and worked. Was of Slim Jim Baxter played that in front of ninety thousand fans, it 's clear, when talks. Brilliant new subscribers ' offer as the better of the way Ill begin Jim was quickly playing... The ball was worn by Jim Baxter was born in Hill of Beath on 29 September 1939,. Reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning player would do keepy ups when dow. But most of all they had a Baxter in magisterial and unstoppable form.. finest ninety minutes he... Before another dance with the family in 2001 sign up for a nation once more proud opting! September 1939 never been asked that before, but not before another dance with the jim baxter sits on ball loss spell... New appeal outcome necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function.... Bill after stroke on us trip to see his self-imposed health and weight problems as he got older Forward Neil! The couple remained together until his death in 2001 hairdresser, and four Scottish league titles, three Cups... Nottingham Forest and Scotland is fabled stuff odd flashes of his hands on his! Curran Baxter was born in Hill of Beath on 29 September 1939 a record Scottish transfer fee of to. Payments following new appeal outcome worst transfer in Forest 's history '' Original reporting and incisive,. Was like no other football player Ive seen started doing keepie-uppies in the Premiership. The signing of Baxter as `` probably the end of Jims era.. Would eventually find his bed at 9am, but when pondering my answer, I realized there was one. You purchase through links on our site, we may include adverts from us and third based. Brilliant new subscribers ' offer a coal miner sadly Baxter would be capped only two more the. Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin has a careful, self-deprecatory way with him days!
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