Jose Baxter - well done

[Canterbury Blade]

Last night I thought Jose Baxter was superb. Not only did he get stuck in, but he created when opportunity allowed, he ran, he played to the team defensive discipline when required and he played a role that I never thought I'd see from him. Top drawer.

He really does seem to have had a playing (and possibly lifestyle) epiphany.

I think the French called the role a 'water carrier' and given our defence (the superb Edgar apart) that role is needed until injuries and signings come good. So, respect and well done Adkins for spotting the need, spotting that Jose could fill it and making it happen.

Keep it up Jose, you can be invaluable in this early part of the year.

 

[JohnDenver]

Let's hope he can keep up that level of effort, fitness and performance. If so I'll joyfully announce my stupidity in judging him to be an overrated, overfed, scouse show pony.

 

[Kenilworth]

I was expecting this thread to be started by sitwell

 

[Sheffsteel]

No one has ever doubts Baxters talent
...but his end product, work rate, defensive duties and consistency are all questionable.

Many Blades were saying that Baxters not quite got it and should be shipped out.

It's good to see that he's realised that he's at a cross roads.

Lose his place and see a career floating around league 1 and 2 playing in front of 4K every week
Or forge a place in a progressive SU team playing in the Champioship aiming for the PL playing in front of 20K+ every week.

 

[Woodwardfan]

The player has been there all the time, it's just that he needs a positive team to play with. Playing in last season's team was for Baxter like a master craftsman doing Community Service. It was so hard it turned someone into spiking his drink!!

The player is no different, it's the environment. Clough valued Baxter but he couldn't create the environment for him to flourish.

 

[sheffielder]

I was expecting this thread to be started by sitwell

Sitwell is too mad with rage to reply at this time.

 

[AlexHD]

Suits better sitting behind the strikers , not a massive fan when he drops deep ...

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Didn't really focus much no Baxter last night but what I did see was:

• first pass far too clever and intercepted in our half - much simpler ball out wide might well have been more effective
• similar failed passes repeated two or three times including...
• one almost suicidal blind pass from halfway which very nearly put one of their players through on the edge of our box
• had a sighter for his goal about ten minutes earlier which, at the time, seemed to sail harmlessly over - little did we know
• good at getting the ball under control and retaining possession - when he wasn't losing possession
• moving much better over longer distances, and for a longer time eg...
• what's he doing on the edge of their area in the 85th minute?

I'd be interested to know what other saw in him that was so positive - if the above sounds critical it's not really meant to be.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I think the French called the role a 'water carrier'

Nor sure this is right.

I think Cantona dismissively described Deschamps as a water carrier - a term I think linked to domestiques in cycling (who actually are held in high regard by their team mates).

I think Cantona meant Deschamps did the donkey work of breaking up play, got the ball to him, and then he did the creative stuff.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Didn't really focus much no Baxter last night but what I did see was:

• first pass far too clever and intercepted in our half - much simpler ball out wide might well have been more effective
• similar failed passes repeated two or three times including...
• one almost suicidal blind pass from halfway which very nearly put one of their players through on the edge of our box
• had a sighter for his goal about ten minutes earlier which, at the time, seemed to sail harmlessly over - little did we know
• good at getting the ball under control and retaining possession - when he wasn't losing possession
• moving much better over longer distances, and for a longer time eg...
• what's he doing on the edge of their area in the 85th minute?

I'd be interested to know what other saw in him that was so positive - if the above sounds critical it's not really meant to be.

I think that's a reasonable and accurate critique William. Baxter promises so much, but there's a reason why he's floundered at this level or just above for so long. Technically he's probably as good as we've got, but I wonder what the ratio of effective games is compared to those games when he disappears? I don't worry too much about the 'fat lad' tag, it only comes out when he's playing poorly. Maybe JB's focus isn't what it ought to be, but that's something only he can answer.

 

[Cyprus Blade]

Maybe JB's focus isn't what it ought to be, but that's something only he can answer

A very laissez faire approach to John Brayford not cleaning his new car again I must say????

For what its worth I want to see if Baxter can keep the rate of improvement and fitness up and not slide back - he needs to keep up the good work week in week out or he will be replaced. Simple as that. It's in his own hands. Also I don't think Peterborough gave us a very hard time in MF - there's bigger and harder battles to come. Let's see if Baxter can cut the mustard in them. There has to be some doubt. I do hope it gets it together though.

Literally I would like him to pull up his ruddy socks though - looks daft wearing them half mast.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Jose's looking svelte. Billy's looking svelte.

What's causing it? Nigel's fitness regimen? DJ Brayford down the gym?

You almost get the impression they could get Paddy Kenny back & in there, & get him looking like a toned gym instructor.

Seriously - fitness levels are going to be so much better this season (Nigel has mentioned them as part of his famed "work in progress"). One of those so-called marginal gains that could make a real difference as things progress on into winter, muckier pitches, two league games a week, etc.

 

[Cyprus Blade]

Adkins physio background certainly helps I think

 

[itsinyerblood]

A very laissez faire approach to John Brayford not cleaning his new car again I must say????

For what its worth I want to see if Baxter can keep the rate of improvement and fitness up and not slide back - he needs to keep up the good work week in week out or he will be replaced. Simple as that. It's in his own hands. Also I don't think Peterborough gave us a very hard time in MF - there's bigger and harder battles to come. Let's see if Baxter can cut the mustard in them. There has to be some doubt. I do hope it gets it together though.

Literally I would like him to pull up his ruddy socks though - looks daft wearing them half mast.

Think you're right Cyprus. Whatever's at the root of Baxter's inconsistency, maybe we need to create the circumstances around him whereby others bully and fight, do the ugly stuff, then give the ball to Baxter where he can hurt the opposition. What we can't have is a passenger who shrugs his shoulders, doesn't accept blame, or isn't prepared to impose high standards on himself. Living off the occasional set of high praise shouldn't be enough for any player, including Baxter.

 

[Finnieston]

Jose's looking svelte. Billy's looking svelte.

What's causing it? Nigel's fitness regimen? DJ Brayford down the gym?

You almost get the impression they could get Paddy Kenny back & in there, & get him looking like a toned gym instructor.

Seriously - fitness levels are going to be so much better this season (Nigel has mentioned them as part of his famed "work in progress"). One of those so-called marginal gains that could make a real difference as things progress on into winter, muckier pitches, two league games a week, etc.

Hi everyone, first post since my arrival a few days ago.....Looks like a good time to join after two wins on the trot. I had noticed myself the weight loss on the team in general . Should benefit everyone in the months to come. I hope we see an invigorated Higdon as the season progresses, although could see him leave in the transfer window. Great to see the energy from the team in general,and not playing at one negative pace. The future,s bright its Red and White

 

[Bergen Blade]

Didn't really focus much no Baxter last night but what I did see was:

• first pass far too clever and intercepted in our half - much simpler ball out wide might well have been more effective
• similar failed passes repeated two or three times including...
• one almost suicidal blind pass from halfway which very nearly put one of their players through on the edge of our box
• had a sighter for his goal about ten minutes earlier which, at the time, seemed to sail harmlessly over - little did we know
• good at getting the ball under control and retaining possession - when he wasn't losing possession
• moving much better over longer distances, and for a longer time eg...
• what's he doing on the edge of their area in the 85th minute?

I'd be interested to know what other saw in him that was so positive - if the above sounds critical it's not really meant to be.

We switched to 4-5-1 when Wallace came on, and although they seemed to rotate a bit, Basham was usually the deepest of the central trio.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

I seem to recall that Baxter and Basham were centre midfield when we got trounced by a very aggressive Gillingham midfield.

I also remember a Posh fan saying before the game that their midfield had been overrun in all three of their previous games. United's midfield made if 4 out of 4 for Posh being overrun.

One of my gripes about the midfield is "we" are overrun when any opposition midfield closes us down and doesn't give us time to play - been a familiar problem for a few years now in this division.

So yes, well done to Baxter - we'll see what he and the rest of the midfield are like when some lesser footballing and more "agricultural" teams decide they are not going to let pretty Sheff Utd play football.

BTW - it's only last Saturday that Chezzers midfield out played us - they were just shit everywhere else.

The morale of the story - lets wait and see a few more games - now where have I heard that before?

UTB

 

[Bergen Blade]

Baxter's improved fitness this season has at least put an end to last season's big debate, "is he fat or not". Who'll admit they thought his physique was fine?

I think he played well last night. Clough gave him a Jan Mölby role, where less running was involved. Strange that Nigel Clough, who seems such a disciplinarian, let Baxter get away with it all the time. Maybe shows the old school element with Clough. Anyway Jose has kept the deep role under Adkins, but finally he seems able to hold his own defensively. Mind you he looks so much quicker and brighter now that he'd probably do much better in more advanced roles as well.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

We switched to 4-5-1 when Wallace came on, and although they seemed to rotate a bit, Basham was usually the deepest of the central trio.

We thought the 4-5-1 (a first for Adkins while he's been in charge?) was to try to get some bodies down our left. Someone. Anyone. Sammon went out there but unsurprisingly didn't really know the role. Adams was put out of the way up front.

 

[Darthblade]

I seem to recall that Baxter and Basham were centre midfield when we got trounced by a very aggressive Gillingham midfield.

I also remember a Posh fan saying before the game that their midfield had been overrun in all three of their previous games. United's midfield made if 4 out of 4 for Posh being overrun.

One of my gripes about the midfield is "we" are overrun when any opposition midfield closes us down and doesn't give us time to play - been a familiar problem for a few years now in this division.

So yes, well done to Baxter - we'll see what he and the rest of the midfield are like when some lesser footballing and more "agricultural" teams decide they are not going to let pretty Sheff Utd play football.

BTW - it's only last Saturday that Chezzers midfield out played us - they were just shit everywhere else.

The morale of the story - lets wait and see a few more games - now where have I heard that before?

UTB

Spot on here ....

I'm the first to admit that Baxter is probably our most talented player and its great to see him have a good game, however, can he maintain this over, say, 45 games this season ? Credit to him though for a better performance on Tuesday night.

I hope he does and I will readily come on here and offer my full and frank apologies for being a doubter of his effectiveness in THIS division. Peterborough were never going to be a team of cloggers though and having a lightweight midfield of their own it wasn't going to be the sternest test for Jose. His test will come against teams like Gillingham, of which there are many in this division and that is where his "ineffectiveness" will be felt most.

Regrettably; unless the referees in this agricultural division are suddenly given an epiphany, and start to recognise a foul and award it, he will not be able to influence the majority of our league games and will therefore, in my eyes need replacing by a player like Wallace (J), if fit, who can hold his own against this divisions "cage fighting" midfield players.
UTB & FTP

 

[Large Mendonca]

I don't think anyone needs to apologise for Baxter's under-par lifestyle induced performances last season.

Lets see how he goes on this season, but he certainly seems to have bucked his ideas up at the start of this one.

 

[Slim Man]

Nigel Adkins will save Jose's career

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Nigel Adkins will save Jose's career

After the recreational drug scare, Jose Baxter needs to save his own career.

The FA will probably not be so lenient next time - whatever the reason.

I would like to like to think the club have supported him but also (behind the scenes) have read the riot act as to the company he may keep when outside football.

UTB

 

[Blade56]

Thought this was a well done thread for staying clean for 6 months

Seriously, he can be so frustrating when he's asleep on the pitch dreaming of kebabs and so exciting when he does a killer pass.

Hope N2 can sort him

 

[Slim Man]

After the recreational drug scare, Jose Baxter needs to save his own career.

The FA will probably not be so lenient next time - whatever the reason.

I would like to like to think the club have supported him but also (behind the scenes) have read the riot act as to the company he may keep when outside football.

UTB

I think he has done that. He's shifted the weight, he seems dead set on concentrating on his career and Adkins will have played a big part in that.
Think both on and off the pitch Nigel is doing wonders for some of the lads confidence. No least Jose and Sammon.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

I think he has done that. He's shifted the weight, he seems dead set on concentrating on his career and Adkins will have played a big part in that.
Think both on and off the pitch Nigel is doing wonders for some of the lads confidence. No least Jose and Sammon.

I have been one of Baxters critics and it really isn't anything personal with any player.

We just need consistent performances from Baxter and others tbh, and if this happens I will gladly sing his praises.

Another CH to go at the side of Edgar will put me into raptures, so lets hope Adkins can pull another one out of the bag.

UTB

 

[Blade for Sale]

Adkins physio background certainly helps I think

I think his scouser background might play just as big a part you know, and my tongue is only slightly in my cheek when I say that. Don't underestimate the solidarity created by a shared origin, especially for a character like Jose Baxter who clearly needs an arm around him as much as a rocket up his arse sometimes. I live in Manc now but it's no coincidence that most of my mates over here are from Yorkshire!

 

[Deleted member 875]

The one thing that has always struck me about Jose Baxter especially in his media interviews and with a couple of his past misdemeanours is that he does come across as being exceptionally thick as shit.

I have long since suspected that this might impact in poor lifestyle choices that have an effect on his fitness levels, and also impact itself on not being particularly quick on the up take tactically either, as often if you watch him you can quite often tell that he doesn't know himself exactly what he is supposed to be doing.

I would imagine that NA has picked up on this quite quickly, has laid down the law to Baxter as a result of his drug test last season and subsequently given him some strict guidelines to work to. Wouldn't surprise me if he has been ordered to move away from Liverpool to Sheffield to keep him away from the bad influences who have nearly wrecked his career.

The other reason I think ther has been an improvement in Jose Baxter is that, the footballing tactics NA seems to employ appear to keep everything a lot simpler than the brand of football Clough played that seemed to be a lot more intricate and complicated. Also under Clough I would have been surprised if we had seen Baxter in the team early this season, as I would have expected him to either sack him or totally freeze him out.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

I think his scouser background might play just as big a part you know,

If you are meaning they have a habit of "finding" trouble then I would agree that L'pool is like no where else.
Used to work for a Construction company for 12 years and we worked all over the UK - We had as much trouble in L'pool as all the others put together. Somethings that happen in L'pool just don't happen anywhere else.

UTB

 

[sitwell]

It shows how poor he has been for 2 seasons when one half decent performance (and it was only that) results in numerous threads about what a great player he is. He has to up his game from Peterboro and keep doing it consistently ,then he will be worth a place. Can he do it ,I have serious doubts both in mentality and ability ,but would love to be proved wrong.