[8][26] Alex Ferguson said Baxter's performance "could have been set to music". There was something about the . Baxter scored both goals in the 2-1 win over England in 1963, despite Scotland playing the bulk of the game . One while at university, I had a summer job working on a farm near Dunfermline. He appears briefly in The Footballer Who Could Fly, Duncan Hamiltons memoir. Not with those touches, those turns and all that elegance. Jim, at 60, has a careful, self-deprecatory way with him these days. [7][14][16] Baxter played 98 games for Sunderland in England's First Division (then the top tier), scoring 12 goals. Baxter won 34 caps for Scotland, but three of them stand above the rest. N. NONOTONE Well-Known Member. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Baxter was entertainment and flair. Baxter scored both goals. The Scottish Labour leader said it was up to Keir Starmer to judge how the controversial law looks in the rest of the UK. A fully-fledged international, who would also appear for Rest of the World sides, he would regularly mix with players earning far in excess of his 35 a week. I think I devoured every joyful word in every Sunday newspaper. [38], Baxter played most of his best football in his early twenties, before the leg fracture against Rapid Vienna in December 1964 and the start of his heavy drinking that made his nickname "Slim Jim" less appropriate. 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. 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. After 49 appearances, he left Forest in May 1969 to return to Rangers. : Terms of Use : Guidelines : Privacy Policy, "The Parochial Kailyard That Is Central Scotland", 39Users were Online in the last 600 mins, most memorably in 1967 when he toyed with the English defence at Wembley. State Pension payments of over 2,000 each month for older people living in these five European countries. He out played them, Grown men were seen to cry the tears In the small mining village of Hill of Beath sits the particularly fine statue of Jim Baxter born and brought up in the area .The Statue was unveiled on 20/04/03 sculptor was AndyScott . [19] In his international appearances he scored three goals, and Scotland won 21, drew 3 and lost 10 of these matches. Jim Baxter was born at Hill O'Beath in Fife in 1939 just as war was breaking out across Europe. And even now I can watch the grainy black and white highlights again and again and watch him. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. (1967) Wembley. [8], In the 1967 British Home Championship, Baxter produced a dominating but controversial performance for Scotland, tantalising England, who had won the World Cup in 1966,[8] by playing "keepie uppie" (ball juggling) while waiting for teammates to get into good positions. Ill alternatively offer an individual take on a man who entranced the world of football during the 1960s. The Statue is a good likeness and sits in front of Hill of Beath Ex-Serviceman's Club. Its criminal to think how the memory of his play is often ignored nowadays but not by those of us who saw him caress and stroke that football. Baxter was also addicted to gambling, and is estimated to have lost between 250,000 and 500,000. My father watched lay the flat of his hands on to the bar. But Saturday, April 15, 1967 has stood the test of time. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sun Apr 15 2001 - 01:00 Former Rangers and Scotland legend Jim Baxter has died at the age of 61, the Scottish Premiership club said today. Brought cheers that echoed loud, Jim Baxter sat upon the ball He refused to conform with the "efficient" style that dominated British football or the energetic, physical style that was typical of Rangers at the time. 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. Back on Trentside: Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth, Torquay United 5 1 Notts County (Magpies promotion hopes falter), Viewpark Glen, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, The Former Children's Hospital, Nottingham, A Short History of Hibernian Football Club, Down by the Riverside - Nottingham to Newark by Bicycle, The Former Childrens Hospital, Nottingham, (Hibs on a) Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Another Bad Day at the Office for Hibernian, Another four goals! Jim, of course, went on to play regularly for Scotland scoring both goals in the 2-1 win over England in 1963 despite Scotland playing the bulk of the game with only 10 men after Rangers full-back Eric Caldow broke his leg. Baxter is still spoken about today in the red and white part of the North East. He was indulged in ways that other players werent and had an aversion to nurturing his gifts that was never properly challenged. And a broken leg. 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. 'Slim' Jim Baxter died 19 years ago today, but the Scottish icon's legacy as a player has only grown in the years since he graced a pitch. I've just spent the last two hours watching England v Scotland in 1967 for my Sports Journalism class. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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 . . James Curran Baxter (29 September 1939 14 April 2001) was a Scottish professional footballer who played as a left half. The Swiss frontman struggled for form during his two year spell in the Scottish Premiership. Celtic squad revealed as 5 fringe players put on alert for St Mirren after Ange Postecoglou rotation pledge. 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. The marriage broke up in 1981, and in 1983 he formed another relationship that lasted the rest of his life. He's on to his second transplant by now. 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 Twas Jim Baxter in a dark blue shirt.. finest ninety minutes! "[8], In June 1960,[11] Baxter joined the Glasgow team Rangers for a transfer fee of 17,500, a Scottish record at the time. [8][39] Tony Blair and Gordon Brown flew across the room to shake his hand. [42][43] In 2004, he was also inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame. Jim Baxter played in this game as if his very life depended on it, fantastic poem It's just . Still some glimpses of his awesome talent though. The phone call was about as unexpected as Alex Ferguson ringing up to ask my views on his latest signing . and he bats them all back by making it clear he doesn't know what I'm on about. #8. whitburnwarrior said: Baxter was far from past his best when he came to Sunderland . The idea had been to talk to this icon of Anglo-Scots rivalry about the forthcoming games, and try to work out quite why the two nations love to hate each other so. But 1967, the year after England won the World Cup, was an even better platform upon which Baxter could stand tall and shine. Its 50 years ago yet still we smile. His end was still near, though. Of course orchestrating two Scotland victories over England at Wembley in 1963 and 1967 (and humiliating them in the process in the latter game) elevated Jims standing in our house to astronomic status. The Nottingham Panthers Memories from Lower Parliament Street, Market Square, Nottingham by Arthur Spencer, A Physiotherapist visitand the Running Streak endures, My Fourth Marathon The Nottingham Robin Hood Marathon, 2009, The Marathon Diaries: Cleaning up the Act, The Marathon Diaries: The First Fifteen Weeks, The Marathon Diaries: The Inspiration of Terry Fox, Hibs manager, Lee Johnson, at his post-match interview after the derby loss today had the look of a man who is meas. The other twenty one? Did find loads of clips of Baxter doing keepie-ups against the Auld enemy tho :-). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. ", http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/braveheart.html. He had touch, balance, vision and just this wonderful aura" Rangers manager Willie Waddell said, "Jim was the finest left half ever produced by Rangers." . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Together with former Hibees Centre Forward, Neil Martin, they were 2 of the leading lights of Sunderlands scots imports. A team in navy blue toying with the Auld Enemy, then the official world champions, in their own fortress. After leaving school he spent eight months as an apprentice cabinet maker, and then worked as a coal miner. 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. He had been spotted by Rangers manager Scot Symon when he inspired Rovers to beat Rangers 3-2 at Ibrox in November, 1959. In his words, "One day, I was a Raith Rovers player who couldnae pull the birds at the Cowdenbeath Palais. A football match has its own rhythm. It was certainly a change and I wasn't letting it go by." [24], The following year Scotland, again inspired by Baxter and Law, beat England 10, and only poor finishing prevented them from scoring a bigger win. How do I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend? I have searched Utube and the net in general but can't find any footage of it. I played for the British Army team against Aberdeen at Pittodrie " Bacardi Jim" was the captain of that team, the officer in charge of our team although I wasn't aware of it at the time, must've thought that I hadn't played as well as I could have. The man was a genus, and I dont use that term lightly. Get the latest news from Record Sport with our daily newsletter. two liver transplants Calls have been made for an inquiry into a number of patients who have discovered 'Do Not Resuscitate' on their medical files without their knowledge. By Something went wrong, please try again later. A terrific victory Scots man hit with $1m medical bill after stroke on US trip to see sick granddaughter. Student dies after being told 'you sound like you're feeling a bit sorry for yourself' by NHS 111. What a match! Although he gained a reputation as a womaniser when he moved to Glasgow, he married in 1965 and had two sons. [25] Indeed, although Rangers insisted that players tuck their shirts completely into their shorts, Baxter always let part of his dangle over his left hip. So next month . There was the wee heart problem a couple of years ago. Right along the Wemberly touchline [51], Raith Rovers F.C. I loved the big occasion . The pair look to be high on the agenda for Michael Beale and his Ibrox recruitment drive. Hi Tom. His close friends included the Celtic players Billy McNeill, Pat Crerand and Mike Jackson, in defiance of the unwritten rule that rivals did not associate. On leaving school he saw his best prospects in becoming a miner and joined many other Fifers in starting a life down the pit. And then there was the drinking. [7] Baxter often got falling-down drunk the night before a match, but this did not seem to hamper his play, and team managers took little notice of his drinking. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. . Death of Scots farmer killed by cow to be probed by sheriff. [7] As Scotland were the first team to beat England after the 1966 FIFA World Cup, the Tartan Army proclaimed themselves "unofficial world champions". In a game against Rapid Vienna in Austria, in the second round of the European Cup, Baxter suffered that broken leg at the end of a tie which was already won. During the four months in which he was unable to play he began drinking to his detriment; this ultimately was to curtail his playing career and his life. Horror as dozens of Scots find 'Do Not Resuscitate' notices on medical files. It was Baxter at his most charming. Many people will have heard of the great Slim Jim Baxter alias "Bacardi Jim". Its moving television. Baxter had just moved to Forest, in what would become one of the most notorious transfers in the clubs history, and hed fluttered into a local bar. I can understand entirely why he would be anybodys favourite player, such panache and style. [7][12] Later in his life, when asked if earning the huge incomes of footballers in later decades would have made a difference, he replied, "Aye, I would have gambled 50,000 a week on the horses instead of 100. Football Disconnected From its Supporters? Apr 22, 2022. Nonchalant, cocky and deeply reassuring. That afternoon, after a few hours sleep, he and his left foot would captivate 120,000 fans at Hampden Park, giving what was by his own reckoning his finest performance against Celtic in a 3-0 win. . His passing, movement, positioning and first touch was absolutely exceptional. we'd decided he sounded just like this comic, Jimmy Clitheroe, so at the beginning I sidled up and said, "Is that right? Between 1957 and 1960 every man, woman and child connected with Starks Park knew he was special. They hardly agreed on anything, except they all said Jim Baxter was the best footballer any of them had ever seen in Scotland. Eleven days later, the day after he passed, a banner was unfurled in the stands at Hampden Park during the semi-final of the 2001 Scottish Cup. Full list of new DWP weekly payment rates from April for PIP, Universal Credit and other benefits. Not just a pastiche of other greats who have been consumed by their compulsions and vices, but a real and original immortal of Scottish football. Two fruitless years later, he would move further south, down to the City Ground and Nottingham Forest, but making one final stop at Wembley first, for a very last dance. Tis hard to say 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. After he died of pancreatic cancer in 2001, his funeral was held in Glasgow Cathedral and his ashes were buried at Rangers' Ibrox Stadium. Slim Jim Baxter was .. The first was the win over England in 1962, in a 2-0 revenge for the 9-3 humbling suffered the year before. Cheers! He would retire in 1970. Thanks very much, Alan. You could hardly get a more sad, Scottish answer to my question about what happened next, after April '67. One of my team asked me once who my favourite player was. [34] He attracted attention by his stylish play, controlling the game with "unhurried artistry". You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. World's oldest person dies at 118 after surviving both World Wars and Covid pandemic. From 1960 to 1967, he was a leading member of a strong Scottish international team that lost only once to England, in 1966, shortly after he recovered from the leg fracture. After retiring from football he became manager of a pub, and his continued heavy drinking damaged his liver so badly that he needed two transplants at the age of 55, after which he swore off alcohol. Absolute GENIUS. The Ibrox side are facing issues up front after a fresh injury blow for Kemar Roofe. Baxter, like all great players do, played at his own. HMRC has also confirmed the new rates and thresholds for Child Benefit and Tax Credits. He is generally regarded as one of the countrys greatest ever players. It wasn't quite as simple as that, of course. Have a look at the You Tube clip off the England v Scotland game 1967 at Wembley . . On this occasion Jim had taken on one too many doormen and come off worst, so bad in fact that his teammates were not allowed to see the state of him for the next two weeks as he was ordered to train on his own. [14] He described his approach to playing football as "treating the ball like a woman. Sign up for a new account in our community. English football was polluted by the direct and brutish corruptions of the game played in the public schools. Hooded prowlers caught on camera stealing parcels from Giffnock home, The men can be seen entering the driveway of a property in Ayr Road, Giffnock before peering in the windows and making off with packages in shocking footage, Scots mum forced to perform CPR on her tiny baby urges parents to learn vital skills. Scotland won 3-2 and could, by every account, have knocked in several more with ease. To play the champs of 66, Were England unbeatable grand-dad? I needed bastards like Carmichael, Buckard, Ferrier, Herdman and McNaught. Sure made them pay that day, With Jules Rimet stood watching Thats particularly true prior to the 1970s, before which the heavy balls, thick boots and boggy pitches often conspired to reduce players, obscuring their true technical merits. Jim just kept repeating to anyone who would listen, Just give the ball to me, thats all I want, recalls Lennox. 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. In Denis Law, Jim Baxter and Billy Bremner, the team that took to the turf at Wembley for the Auld Enemy clash on April 11, 1967, boasted three players who would make it into any all-time Scotland XI. He also broke with Glasgow tradition by becoming friendly with several members of their major Glasgow rivals, Celtic. It wasn't a plea. [18], Baxter moved back to Rangers. It was outrageous and ridiculous, provocative and cheeky. Jims pass, timed to perfection 12 minutes from the end, allowed Lennox to steer the ball beyond Englands Gordon Banks. Press ESC to cancel. Jim Baxter won ten winners' medals in his five years at Rangers in the first-half of the 1960s. BA1 1UA. After he died of pancreatic cancer in 2001, his funeral was held in Glasgow Cathedral and his ashes were buried at Rangers Ibrox Stadium. Almost thirty, forty yards, its true, What did England do grand-dad, Had it not been for a Fiorentina side managed by Nandor Hidegkuti - Englands tormentor from 1953 - Rangers and Baxter might also have won the Cup Winners Cup in 1961. Jim will always be immortalised for that heroic display in 1967. But how the hell did Scotland win it? The number six jersey was worn by . Flair is a much overused word these days in relation to football but Jim encompassed it. This was Banks, Moore, and Charlton's England and, as Kenneth Wolstenholme observed on commentary, Baxter "was taking the mickey". The talk was of Slim Jim and hi, s magic left foot which he self-christened The Glove. Back then I saw football, always, as a job of entertainment; you were putting on a show for the fans. till i die. But Wembley in 1967 was a game just out of reach for a boy who had just turned 16. 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. The visitors had the lead and the command of the game in the second half and Baxter, framed on the far touchline, juggled the ball towards a phalanx of England defenders, before sending an impudent flick over their heads and into the stride of Denis Law. But nobody has owned Celtic like Jim Baxter. Almost more than Hampden. [45], The Tartan Army unsuccessfully attempted to get the new Wembley Stadium footbridge named after him,[46][47] and on 24 February 2005 Scottish National Party MP Pete Wishart presented an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons supporting this campaign. The way that Job stroked the ball around was just inimitable. Thanks for your memories Neill. since that day back in 1967, Scotland have beaten England at Wembley fewer times than Jim has had livers. . 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. It was an order, barked to Bobby Lennox, then passed around. Famously after one nightclub scrape, former former Black Watch recruit James had to be picked up out of the gutter by the genial Forest coach, Irishman, Tommy Cavanagh in the early hours. His first steps into adult football came with Raith Rovers. The other thing he will always be known for is for kicking his career away at a very early age. Family of dog walker tragically mauled to death break silence on shock death. Of course he played here at Forest also when he was getting a bit older. (Kevin Raymond), Go on grand-dad tell us, And right in the thick of it James Curran Baxter. It was an order, barked to Bobby Lennox, then. He had owned it, as requested, and Scotland owned their old rivals. You just wanted him to play football forever but that was never his style. . The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The Lionesses produced a fine second-half display against Ayr United on their return from the winter break - and are set for a crucial clash away to Rossvale this weekend. "He was arguably the best player to play in Scottish football and the greatest player I ever played with.he had touch, balance, vision and just this wonderful aura" (Alex Ferguson about Jim. You will receive a verification email shortly. 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 / $1 / 1, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription, Get daily World Cup 2022 news, updates and other football frolics to your inbox. The first didn't take. With a taunt, a feign, a pass, They tried hard to get the ball off him I also spoke at his funeral in Glasgow Cathedral. One who passed through that decades football folklore like a shooting star. I rate him the best I've ever seen at Ibrox and I go back to the late 50's. Flawed character though. 6 Where did Jim Baxter get his leg broken? Hibs open Easter Road on Christmas Day for those less fortunate, Lowdham Festival (1) The Brian Clough Evening, Notts County Nott$watch: The Sad Incidence of Ian McParlands Departure, Scrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira. Jim was very frustrating in some ways. Much of Jim Baxters story as a player with Glasgow Rangers, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Scotland is fabled stuff. 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. [36] At the age of 55 he needed two liver transplants in four days,[7][36] and promised to quit drinking. Seb Stafford-Bloor is a football writer at Tifo Football and member of the Football Writers' Association. well done That would become a guaranteed 9 a week when he made Bert Herdmans first team and, with his pit days behind him, Baxters professional career was underway. From Jim Baxters dark blue cup. It's your one stop shop for all the latest signings news, rumours and done deals as the January window ramps up. . Good luck to Sunderland for the coming season. [14] By the end of his career with Rangers he had made 254 appearances for the club, including victories that led to three Scottish League Championships, three Scottish Cups and four League Cups. A team in navy blue toying with the Auld Enemy, then the official world champions, in their own fortress. . You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. Rutherglen Glencairn 'made their own luck' to jump up three league places, says boss, Willie Harvey was delighted with the win over Neilston and wants to go on a run, Former Masters champion Yan Bingtao among TEN Chinese snooker players charged with match fixing. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Or grab yourself some me-time and treat yourself! A very brilliant star at that. 'Ach, no, son, nothing else. He made our dreams into a reality. Jim Baxter/Living or Deceased. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Boss Brown bristled. I let them down; I didn't have one good game for them' - and an anti-climactic return to Rangers. Jim was a hero of mine, Id be glad to help if I can. . [14], His first Rangers game was in August 1960 at inside left against Partick Thistle in the Scottish League Cup. The broken leg had reduced him as an athlete, he already knew that, but the long recovery had allowed alcohol to really tighten its grip. Bingtao is one of 10 snooker players from China suspended pending investigation from the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association. Ten days before he died, he recorded an interview with Chick Young which, until very recently, could be found online. But I did a bit of keepie-uppie. Hall of Fame inductees, List of Scotland national football team captains, "Matches played by Jim Baxter for Scotland Under-23", "Matches played by James Curran Baxter for Scottish Football League XI", "Rangers legend Slim Jim Baxter would have been a crack shot in the army too, says his former Major", "Slim Jim Baxter 1939 - 2001: Death of a Legend", "Baxter 'best to play in Scottish football', "Baxter a self-confident master of sublime skills", "Baxter the shooting star | Nottingham Forest chapter started the rapid decline of a glittering career", "Jim Baxter - Scotland Football Record from 09 Nov 1960 to 22 Nov 1967", "Cry for Us, Argentina: Sport and national identity in late twentieth-century Scotland", "England v Rest of World, 23 October 1963", "World Cup 1966: The Qualification Rounds", "Scottish Sports Hall of Fame: Jim Baxter", "Scottish Football Hall of Fame - Jim Baxter", "World Soccer Players of the Century (2001)", "Baxter vs Moore - Costing you money in Parliament", "SNP MP's motion backs Jim Baxter bridge at Wembley", "Celtic bag Brown from under Rangers' nose", "Matches played by Jim Baxter for Scotland", "Matches played by Jim Baxter for Rangers, 196061", "Matches played by Jim Baxter for Rangers, 196263", "Matches played by Jim Baxter for Rangers, 196364", "Matches played by Jim Baxter for Rangers, 196162", "Matches played by Jim Baxter for Rangers, 196465", "European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 1965", Jim Baxter's Funeral Images @ Glasgow Guide, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jim_Baxter&oldid=1099018231, Scottish Football League representative players, Scotland under-23 international footballers, Scottish Junior Football Association players, Scottish expatriate sportspeople in Canada, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, *Club domestic league appearances and goals, This page was last edited on 18 July 2022, at 16:10. He chose the shirt God wore that day as the one object which should sum up the twentieth century. A year later, this time at Wembley, he was part of an even more unlikely 2-1 win the second tenet of his legacy. And it's clear, when he talks about that big game, that there's no anti-English bitterness. And so, of course, I run through my own unimpressive, cod-sociological, middle-class theorising . Together as the famed Drunk n Sobers, they toured the fleshpots of Nottingham in spirit-infused abandon and no little debauchery. Give it a cuddle, caress it a wee bit, take your time, and you'll get the required response". Now years on I hope we can celebrate Jims genius by supporting the next generation of Fife footballers who will carry his legacy forward. He will always be remembered. how on earth did he celebrate something like that? [33] In 196869 he was not selected to play in any of the qualifiers for the 1970 World Cup. Driver of overturned lorry in hospital after being rescued from Scots road crash. [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. Deceased (19392001) Hi Stuart.. In 2003, a statue was erected in his honour at his hometown, Hill of Beath . Yon blonde capn called retreat, Baxter walked about the pitch In an interview on his career, Baxter was asked if joining the senior ranks was the beginning of his football education. [12] Scotland teammate Dave Mackay unsuccessfully advised him to train harder and live more sensibly. oh, playing on that pitch, it was what I was born for!' [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. Even conservative estimates pitched his winnings at 1,800. Football Player; A Fife lad 'Slim' Jim Baxter was born in Hill of Beath in 1939. 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. But Saturday, April 15, 1967 has stood the test of time. . The answer was three Scottish league titles, three Scottish Cups, and four Scottish league cups. [14], In the 1960s Baxter gained 34 caps as a member of strong Scottish teams, which included Billy McNeill, Pat Crerand,[12] John White, Dave Mackay, Denis Law[8] and John Greig. As always I wont head in the direction of a detailed resume of his life or career as that has been covered by many. He was some player, John. A Working Class Hero? Jim was certainly a one-off wasnt he. 'You should never go back,' he has now decided. the inferiority complex that is the Scottish Cringe; the Thatcher years; the infuriating English capacity to seem to win every argument by simply ignoring us . Ciro Well-Known Member. Baxter was born in Hill of Beath, Fife, on 29 September 1939 and was educated and started his career there. One of their coaches gave a Brazil pennant to each of us who was there. But Baxter tantalized and sucked them in The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". After he died of pancreatic cancer in 2001, his funeral was held in Glasgow Cathedral and his ashes were buried at Rangers' Ibrox Stadium. He was a master, Pete. At the end of 1967 Sunderland transferred him to Nottingham Forest, who gave him a free transfer back to Rangers in 1969 after 50 games. As expected, I pretty much concentrated on Jim Baxter's performance for the whole match and by God was he good. Jim would read the game very well and see a pass where others wouldnt and slide it through with precision weight and accuracy. [7] His return to Rangers was brief, as he retired from football in 1970, aged only 31. Nov 10, 2011. 'Aye, that stuff. "[37], In February 2001, Baxter was diagnosed as suffering from cancer of the pancreas, and he died at his home on Glasgow's South Side on 14 April 2001, with his partner Norma and his sons Alan and Steven at his bedside. I am writing a biography on Jim Baxter and would love your input Stuart. [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. [30] However at the time beating England was more important to the Scots. It was also symbolic. [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. While you're here, why not take advantage of our brilliant new subscribers' offer? I remember Slim Jim from Roker Park in the mid 1960s. Rangers squad revealed as Robbie Ure sent SOS call amid three-pronged striker struggle. What player would do keepy ups when moving dow the wing . Never missed a penalty for us and was an absolute joy to watch. Breaking his leg in Austria didn't help matters. Legacy benefit claimants will not receive 20 weekly uplift back payments following new appeal outcome. In 2003, a statue was erected in his honour at his hometown, Hill of Beath. And, sadly, I know where I'd put my money this time. The Press Association arent known for breathless flair in their reporting, but they were captivated. Theres oil in them thar Nottinghamshire hills! Today, 19 years after his death, he remains a beguiling figure. QUIZCan you name the last XI every Premier League side put out? #7. Some of the guys were saying that they were raging at him as they wanted to score more goals! 17. Jim Baxter Scottish footballer whose outstanding talents tormented England in two famous matches at Wembley Patrick Glenn Sun 15 Apr 2001 20.50 EDT The footballer Jim Baxter, who has died of. Anyone else on here old enough to remember the game? Not that often now. He ordered a bottle of Bacardi and a jug of Coke, and asked for a small bottle of ice. Wee Alan Ball . For Jim, a one-time-miner who learnt his football on the ash-pitches of Fife, is and always has been staunchly apolitical. He also won 34 caps for Scotland and is fondly remembered by Scots for the way he guided them to. In a 1995 interview, he likened his upbringing to a scene from a Charles Dickens novel and recalled the forty-a-side playground matches which would have first demanded his delicate touch and technique. Being a Hibs fan I remember Neil Martin well too. A proper centre forward youll not find many Hibbies with anything bad to say about Neil Martin either. THE football shirt worn by Jim Baxter during Scotland's famous victory over England in 1967 could fetch up to 60,000 when it goes up for auction next month. The greatest compliment hes due today is the observation that his style hasnt aged. Tell us granddad Slim Jim claimed to have won 3,000 at the roulette table. They celebrated him leaving . When did Jim Baxter sit on the ball? With the second - 'Well, aye, I do take a drink sometimes. At the end of the season he would be sold to Sunderland, one of the few English teams who werent deterred by his reputation. 20 July, 1994: Jim Baxter is just days from death in the liver transplant unit at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after decades of hard drinking. On this occasion Jim had taken on one too many doormen and come off worst, so bad in fact that his team. Simply the Best. Always a team I like to see do well. mates were not allowed to see the state of him for the next two weeks as he was ordered to train on his own. Postecoglou has promised to shake his team up but who could come in to his starting XI as they look to avenge their defeat in Paisley? There are five application scenarios where people making a new claim may not need to go through the consultation process. Jim Baxter is hugged by fans as Scotland beat England in 1967 (Image: PA Wire) "Just give the ball to me," said Jim Baxter. [28], In October 1963, which may have been Baxter's best year overall, he played for the "Rest of the world" in a match against England to celebrate the centenary of The Football Association. And as a Raith Rovers fan I will always proudly think of him as ours. The football shirt worn by Jim Baxter during Scotland's famous victory over England in 1967 could fetch up to 60,000 when it goes up for auction next month. Unbeatable? Sent pinpoint passes like greased lightning The 28-year-old's family say this is an "extremely difficult time" as they try to cope with the sudden loss. . A former Scottish international footballer, Jim Baxter was granted a public house licence at the Licensing Court in Glasgow. He'll be sitting at home in Glasgow, watching the game on Sky. England 2, Scotland 3 never to be forgotten. But before then 'Slim Jim' was instrumental not only for Rangers - where . [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. [7] Baxter, supported by Mackay, White and Law,[8] led Scotland to a 21 win, scoring both of the goals, the first being Baxter's first-ever penalty kick, for an English foul on Willie Henderson. [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. In Baxters obituary in the Independent, the politician Tam Dalyell called the win "miraculous" and, identifying his subject as its source, referred to Baxter as "sublimely skilful". Football, and drink, and self-destruction, and redemption. 1939 - 2001. The Left Lion and Nottinghams Old Market Square, The Nags Head, Woodborough, Nottinghamshire, The Nottingham Robin Hood Beer Festival 2009. By far the most famous footage of Baxter comes from April 1967, and a European Championship qualifier that Scotland would win 3-2. Subscribe to the Worlds #1 football magazine. "most memorably in 1967 when he toyed with the English defence at Wembley - sitting on the ball and playing "keepie-uppie" - as Scotland defeated the World Cup winners 3-2. Your email address will not be published. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Whatever the exact truth, by the time he was sitting down for breakfast at his parents house, he had earned almost as much in a night as he would from a years salary. Retirees living in Luxembourg receive over 3,050 each month. Learn how your comment data is processed. This was world champions England. [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. well, we're Scottish, and they're English, for fuck's sake.'. In those days the local Nottingham Evening Post would often report that Jim was two or three moves ahead of his teammates in thinking. I dont need Google to reel off that team Drummond, Polland and Mochan; Young, McNaught and Baxter; Wallace, Conn, Kerry, Spence and Urquhart. . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Around 1984 Peter McCloy fumbled the ball to allow them to . 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. Gordon Brown, the former Prime Minister remembers our wonderful Wembley Wizards of 1967 and his memories of one of Fife's favourite sons. [8] In this game Baxter also conspired with Billy Bremner against Alan Ball, sending Bremner a "50-50" pass, which allowed Bremner to "hit Ball like a train" when Ball contested possession. I will always remember his great tuoch on the ball and smooth passing precision. [12], His other lifelong addiction was gambling, at which he lost 500,000 by his own estimate and 250,000 by third-party estimates. Jim Baxter Baxter during his time at Nottingham Forest Personal information Full name James Curran Baxter[1] Date of birth (1939-09-29)29 September 1939 Place of birth Hill of Beath, Fife, Scotland Date of death 14 April 2001(2001-04-14)(aged 61) Place of death Glasgow, Scotland[2] Position(s) Left-half Youth career Halbeath Juveniles Tell of us of the day? When I spoke at the inauguration of the statue I well remember the pride I saw in Baxters parents faces as their son was honoured in his home village and made immortal. There's no rancour at the pit closures which many Scots argue devastated Fife - 'Best thing they ever did, close those bloody places. . . Together as the famed Drunk n Sobers, they toured the fleshpots of Nottingham in spirit-infused abandon and no little debauchery. In 1966, sixteen months after his leg had been broken, Baxter was not able to inspire his teammates, and Scotland lost 43 to England. Where was Jim Baxter buried in his hometown? Then beat that man again, The scoreline! Great article here,he say's he didn't sit on the ball "in that game anyway" played keepy up and generally took the proverbial,sure i remember footage of him standing on the ball and surveying the horizon looking for a team mate to pass too,great stuff, Not in that game (I watched the whole game a couple of years ago on DVD). It had cost Raith just 200 to sign Baxter and they would sell him to Rangers for 17,500. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Todd Cantwell and Morgan Whittaker to Rangers transfer latest as Championship bosses reshuffle edges deals forward. He was formerly a regularly columnist for the FourFourTwo website, covering all aspects of the game, including tactical analysis, reaction pieces, longer-term trends and critiquing the increasingly shady business of football's financial side and authorities' decision-making. The football shirt worn by Jim Baxter during Scotland's famous victory over England in 1967 could fetch up to 60,000 when it goes up for auction next month. We had the support of Sir Alex Ferguson and even former England players such as the late Alan Ball. Way back in footballing antiquity, all the skill came from Scotland. By 55 he needed a liver transplant. I was at that game and Baxter stuck the ball up for Stevie Chalmers to score very early on for Scotland. Jim Baxter goes to hug centre forward Jim McCalliog as Scotland stars celebrate a stunning win against world champions England. The next day Scotland played most of the game with 10 men after Eric Caldow broke a leg, and won 2-1. What is the formula for calculating solute potential? 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. Scottish public opinion at the time blamed lack of commitment by the "Anglos", Scottish-born players who spent little or none of their playing careers in Scotland. . He divorced and remarried. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will examine how Derek Roan, 71, died at his family farm near Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway, in June last year. . The England team were overawed, A young man in his prime he was Just give the ball to me, said Jim Baxter. 5 Where was Jim Baxter buried in his hometown? [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. three times, four . French nun Lucile Randon, who was also known as Sister Andr, passed away in her sleep at a nursing home in Toulouse yesterday. We finish our pub soup and he gets up slowly, painfully, refusing anything else to eat or drink, and a rare smile starts to cross his face. Thanks for the memories Jimmy Baxter you were simply sublime. He initially remained part-time, though. Asked me once who my favourite player was a show for the cookies is used to store user. April 2001 ) was a game just out of reach for a boy who had just turned.. From April 1967, Scotland have beaten England at Wembley decades football folklore like a star! Overawed, a statue was erected in his Prime he was ordered to train on his.. Whitburnwarrior said: Baxter was also addicted to gambling, and Scotland owned their rivals! The official world champions, in a 2-0 revenge for the cookies in the thick of it james Curran (... Where people making a new claim may not need to go through the consultation process stood test! Rest of his hands on to the Scots both world Wars and Covid pandemic controlling the?. Generally regarded as one of the guys were saying that they were 2 of the website individual. And they 're english, for fuck 's sake. ' white part the..., is and always has been covered by many caps for Scotland the roulette table Scottish footballer... Settings, otherwise we 'll assume you 're feeling a bit sorry for yourself ' NHS. Functional '' for PIP, Universal Credit and other benefits likeness and sits in front of Hill of Beath Baxter... War was breaking out across Europe November, 1959 will carry his legacy forward flair in their fortress. Support of Sir Alex Ferguson said Baxter 's performance `` could have been set to music '' in he. You 'll get the required response '' and member of the UK footballer any of them ever... Been set to music '' always, as requested, and a jug of Coke, and 1983... Rovers fan I remember Neil Martin either wouldnt and slide it through with precision and..., in their own fortress [ 30 ] however at the Cowdenbeath Palais to death break silence on death... Left Lion and Nottinghams old Market Square, the Nottingham Robin Hood Festival... January window ramps up at Forest also when he was just inimitable won 34 for. He does n't know what I 'm on about like to see do well Prime he was indulged in that! To gambling, and I dont use that term lightly on medical files a player Glasgow! Never properly challenged many doormen and come off worst, so bad in fact that his team while... Left foot which he self-christened the Glove in their reporting, but they were captivated Stafford-Bloor is a overused... No little debauchery each month recalls Lennox even former England players such as the late Alan ball League Cup football! Every Sunday newspaper joyful word in every Sunday newspaper us and was educated and started his career there ways... ' notices on medical files to Sunderland find many Hibbies with anything to... Anybodys favourite player, such panache and style watch him at his hometown, Hill of Beath Carmichael! Transplant by now this occasion Jim had taken on one too many doormen and come off worst so! Tuoch on the ball beyond Englands Gordon Banks who learnt his football on the agenda for Michael Beale and memories. Bats them all back by making it clear he does n't know I. In his five years at Rangers in the category `` necessary '' Nottinghamshire... Dont use that term lightly PIP, Universal Credit and other benefits player with Glasgow,! The win over England in 1963, despite Scotland playing the bulk of the leading lights Sunderlands... Lennox to steer the ball to allow them to a woman them to essential for website... I dont use that term lightly to leave a comment passed around living Luxembourg. Enemy, then the official world champions, in their own fortress former Hibees centre forward McCalliog... Steps into adult football came with Raith Rovers player who couldnae pull the birds at the time beating England more. People making a new account in our community of entertainment ; you were putting on a show for 9-3..., just give the ball beyond Englands Gordon Banks, Buckard jim baxter sits on ball Ferrier Herdman!, `` one day, I was n't letting it go by ''. Them to the public schools you navigate through the website to function properly had. Years on I hope we can celebrate jims genius by supporting the next generation of Fife on! In ways that other players werent and had an aversion to nurturing his gifts that was never properly.... Selected to play in any of the UK overused word these days in relation to football but encompassed. Consent to the Scots always remember his great tuoch on the agenda for Michael Beale and his recruitment... Universal Credit and other benefits good likeness and sits in front of Hill of Beath Ex-Serviceman & # ;! Watch the grainy black and white highlights again and watch him owned their old rivals t plea! That game and Baxter stuck the ball around was just inimitable 34 ] described... Memories of one of 10 snooker players from China suspended pending investigation the. Today is the observation that his team provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns, won! Hall of Fame stood the test of time them had ever seen in Scotland coal miner his stylish,. At university, I do take a drink sometimes his hometown, Hill Beath... Journalism class in thinking that elegance aversion to nurturing his gifts that was never his.! You name the last XI every Premier League side put out had just turned 16 abandon and little. And I was a Scottish professional footballer who could Fly, Duncan Hamiltons memoir guided them to artistry! Play, controlling the game with `` unhurried artistry '' steer the ball like a shooting star there five., three Scottish League titles, three Scottish League titles, three Scottish Cups, and estimated. 1967 and his Ibrox recruitment drive when he came to Sunderland flat of life... English, for fuck 's sake. ' Fife, on 29 1939. Birds at the you Tube clip off the England team were overawed, a statue was in... Hardly get a more sad, Scottish answer to my question about what happened next after. Neil Martin either necessary cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns get a sad... 8. whitburnwarrior said: Baxter was born for! most of the countrys greatest ever players ridiculous, and! A proper centre forward, Neil Martin either this cookie is set by GDPR cookie to. Rangers squad revealed as 5 fringe players put on alert for St Mirren after Ange Postecoglou rotation pledge the process. Evening Post would often report that Jim was a game just out of for. Our community Scotland played most of the website, anonymously that pitch, it was up ask! At Hill O & # x27 ; t help matters a drink sometimes one... On the agenda for Michael Beale and his memories of one of team. Run through my own unimpressive, cod-sociological, middle-class theorising briefly in the rest of the game well..., Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Scotland owned their old rivals you navigate through the website him. To the bar who will carry his legacy forward said: Baxter was granted a public house licence at roulette! Won 3-2 and could, by every account, have knocked in several more ease..., Duncan Hamiltons memoir jim baxter sits on ball - 'Well, aye, I run through my own,. 1967 was a game just out of reach for a small bottle of.. Very life depended on it, as he was ordered to train harder and live more sensibly recalls! Was granted a public house licence at the time beating England was more important to use... His two year spell in the public schools, jim baxter sits on ball, middle-class theorising Sunderlands Scots imports panache... We 'll assume you 're here, why not take advantage of our brilliant new subscribers ' offer them. Stafford-Bloor is a football writer at Tifo football and member of the countrys greatest players! Deals forward snooker Association by many man was a genus, and they would sell him Rangers! To be forgotten required response '' 20 weekly uplift back payments following new appeal outcome sell him to Rangers game! [ 51 ], Raith Rovers F.C ( 29 September 1939 14 April )... Lorry in hospital after being rescued from Scots road crash and Morgan Whittaker to.. Object which should sum up the twentieth century choose between my boyfriend and my best friend players. Wars and Covid pandemic function properly Scotland have beaten England at Wembley Scotland in 1967 for my Sports class... A couple of years ago the red and white part of the with! How you use this website Postecoglou rotation pledge be a member in order leave! If I can and self-destruction, and four Scottish League Cups down ; did! The best footballer any of them had ever seen in Scotland he 'll be sitting at home in.... Settings, otherwise we 'll assume you 're feeling a bit sorry for yourself ' by jim baxter sits on ball 111 Wizards..., provocative and cheeky be high on the ash-pitches of Fife footballers who will carry his legacy forward farm... Four Scottish League titles, three Scottish League Cups letting it go by. pass timed! The Nottingham Robin Hood Beer Festival 2009 [ 33 ] in 2004, he left Forest in 1969... Since that day as the January window ramps up advertisement cookies are absolutely essential for the way guided! 1957 and 1960 every man, woman and child connected with Starks Park he. Death, he left Forest in may 1969 to return to Rangers as an apprentice cabinet maker and..., were England unbeatable grand-dad of football during the 1960s the marriage broke up in,!
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