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 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. Kept trying to kick me the whole game, couldn't play at all. 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. Jim Baxter goes to hug centre forward Jim McCalliog as Scotland stars celebrate a stunning win against world champions England. Bingtao is one of 10 snooker players from China suspended pending investigation from the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association. And, sadly, I know where I'd put my money this time. Absolute GENIUS. I remember Denis [Law] backheeling to me at one bit, and I just started tapping it up . [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. Is Jim Baxter To Me! Aye, it was great. 'Nothing can ever be the same.' On leaving school he saw his best prospects in becoming a miner and joined many other Fifers in starting a life down the pit. Great stories! I needed bastards like Carmichael, Buckard, Ferrier, Herdman and McNaught. . He scored his first goal for the club in November 1960, against Clyde,[7] and in the same month scored an early goal in Rangers' 80 win over the German team Borussia Mnchengladbach. [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. Jun. Now if there's a smile on my face (Image: Real Edinburgh). The marriage broke up in 1981, and in 1983 he formed another relationship that lasted the rest of his life. Learn how your comment data is processed. While you're here, why not take advantage of our brilliant new subscribers' offer? Youll hear praise as old ones sing it Scots man hit with $1m medical bill after stroke on US trip to see sick granddaughter. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 'You should never go back,' he has now decided. A football match has its own rhythm. Always a team I like to see do well. Jim will always be immortalised for that heroic display in 1967. Bath 17. It wasn't a plea. [40] Most famously, during Scotland's 32 win over England in 1967, he taunted his opponents by playing "keepie uppie" during the game. And then there was the drinking. [8] After the replay of the Scottish Cup Final against Celtic in 1963 he stuffed the match ball up his shirt and later gave it to a new member of the team. well done He ordered a bottle of Bacardi and a jug of Coke, and asked for a small bottle of ice. Aye my bonnie wee lad, they did try that Pancreatic cancer The Ibrox side are facing issues up front after a fresh injury blow for Kemar Roofe. They hardly agreed on anything, except they all said Jim Baxter was the best footballer any of them had ever seen in Scotland. Rangers squad revealed as Robbie Ure sent SOS call amid three-pronged striker struggle. 6 Where did Jim Baxter get his leg broken? [23] Bobby Moore thought this was the best team Scotland ever fielded. The other twenty one? Lanarkshire soft play ordered to close doors announces it will 'reopen' in same venue, Lollipop Land's landlord at Playsport in East Kilbride has yet to confirm the latest announcement from the soft play business, Rangers form nothing to fear as defender insists Kilmarnock have weapons to hurt them. So I'd trap the ball with my arse, or shy it off some boy's back at a throw-in, and we'd all have a smile.' [8][39] He also won 34 caps for Scotland and is fondly remembered by Scots for the way he guided them to. oh, playing on that pitch, it was what I was born for!' Albian Ajeti offers Celtic transfer solution as forgotten flop's revival could quell panic buy temptation. 'I just loved Wembley. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Baxter scored both goals. First link doesn't seem to work Wyness. Something went wrong, please try again later. Were it not for a broken leg in Vienna, he and they might have won the European Cup in 1965. But before then 'Slim Jim' was instrumental not only for Rangers - where . In those days the local Nottingham Evening Post would often report that Jim was two or three moves ahead of his teammates in thinking. Now 2017 offers a golden chance to celebrate him 50 years on from that Wembley triumph and I can think of no better tribute than creating funds and the means to find the next Jim Baxter. By far the most famous footage of Baxter comes from April 1967, and a European Championship qualifier that Scotland would win 3-2. Former Scotland captain Willie Cunningham was born there, too and Celtics Scott Brown also attended the villages primary school. By the end of the game of his life, 'Slim Jim' Baxter, left-midfield architect of the Scots' victory, was openly toying with the furious, frustrated deities in white. The way that Job stroked the ball around was just inimitable. Baxter was also addicted to gambling, and is estimated to have lost between 250,000 and 500,000. The Statue is a good likeness and sits in front of Hill of Beath Ex-Serviceman's Club. He initially remained part-time, though. Wembley this is the London Palladium, Baxter said according to Tom Miller in a marvellous book Slim Jim: Simply The Best. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Jim also joked: If I dont turn it on here you can kick me up the backside.. I loved the big occasion . . . . 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 . Jim would read the game very well and see a pass where others wouldnt and slide it through with precision weight and accuracy. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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 . The England team were overawed, A young man in his prime he was The club did 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. . 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. After a further year with Rangers Baxter retired from football in 1970, at the age of 31. Some of the best fans too. However, he started drinking heavily during a four-month layoff caused by a leg fracture in December 1964, his fitness suffered, and he was transferred to Sunderland in summer 1965. 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. I owe them. A one-word swagger a wink and the promise of something special in what is still probably the greatest Scotland game of all time. Its moving television. It was an order, barked to Bobby Lennox, then. Anas Sarwar warns UK Government has taken 'wrong approach' by blocking Holyrood gender reforms. I also spoke at his funeral in Glasgow Cathedral. ', Scotland's talisman on football's most intense rivalry, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. He's on to his second transplant by now. 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). Possessed with ball at feet Thanks for your memories Neill. Your email address will not be published. history. 'But today . His liking for the sauce shortened his career dramatically and led to two (aye, two) liver transplants. Scotland had Tommy Gemmell, Willie Wallace and Bobby Lennox from Celtic, Ronnie McKinnon and John Greig from Rangers and the anglos Billy Bremner, Denis Law, Eddie McCreadie and Jim McCalliog. Used to see him all the time sitting in the Georgic telling stories. I was privileged to watch him, meet him and know his parents his mother being a lifelong member of our local Labour Party. Not with those touches, those turns and all that elegance. Baxter won 34 caps for Scotland, but three of them stand above the rest. Way back in footballing antiquity, all the skill came from Scotland. Hed beat one man, then turn around Where was Jim Baxter buried in his hometown? He would retire in 1970. They celebrated him leaving . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. That exactly. 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. What is the formula for calculating solute potential? There are five application scenarios where people making a new claim may not need to go through the consultation process. In fact, I work out later, with a twitch of mournful, perverse nostalgia for my homeland and precisely what this says about 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. At the end of the 1959-60 season, in June 1960, he joined Rangers for a Scottish record transfer fee of 17,500. 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. The other thing he will always be known for is for kicking his career away at a very early age. After he died of pancreatic cancer in 2001, his funeral was held in Glasgow Cathedral and his ashes were buried at Rangers Ibrox Stadium. Its a pity he wasnt at his best at the City Ground. Even conservative estimates pitched his winnings at 1,800. Interestingly Iit seemed lost on these local men after the decades had passed on how Jim struggled in the Garibaldi Red of their beloved team, (mainly due to the wonderful social life James Curran Baxter had sought out in the Lace city). He was. Well-Known Member. [16] However England won the match 21. At the end of the season he would be sold to Sunderland, one of the few English teams who werent deterred by his reputation. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Your email address will not be published. Are sadly part of history son Across the next 50 years whether at home or in Downing Street Id watch either on TV, or in person, most of Scotlands internationals and cheer as I did when we qualified for tournament after tournament and sat head in hands in the stand when Gary McAllister missed that famous Euro 96 penalty and watched in disbelief as Paul Gascoigne scored for England a minute later. At Sunderland his cross field passes and at time his vision were superb . Not that often now. This was Banks, Moore, and Charlton's England and, as Kenneth Wolstenholme observed on commentary, Baxter "was taking the mickey". A Working Class Hero? FourFourTwo is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. As always I wont head in the direction of a detailed resume of his life or career as that has been covered by many. Ill alternatively offer an individual take on a man who entranced the world of football during the 1960s. Remains of young woman found more than five years after she disappeared. The night before the second game, Jim Baxter didnt sleep. Then hed start the England nightmare off again Remembering Red Star Belgrades European Cup winners, 29 years on from their greatest victory. [22] In the 1963 game Scotland were reduced to 10 men when their left back Eric Caldow's leg was broken in a tackle by Bobby Smith substitutions were not allowed at that time. Jim Baxter is hugged by fans as Scotland beat England in 1967. The former Ibrox idol, affectionately known as 'Slim. 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". Interestingly Iit seemed lost on these local men after the decades had passed on how Jim struggled in the Garibaldi Red of their beloved team, (mainly due to the wonderful social life James Curran Baxter had sought out in the Lace city). [8][26] Alex Ferguson said Baxter's performance "could have been set to music". Its one of the anecdotes which sustains Baxters legend. [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. Glasgow council leader attacks east coast bias after Clyde fails in freeport bid. Hi Stuart.. He out played them, Grown men were seen to cry the tears I will always remember his great tuoch on the ball and smooth passing precision. You just wanted him to play football forever but that was never his style. It's just . He also broke with Glasgow tradition by becoming friendly with several members of their major Glasgow rivals, Celtic. Best of luck with the biography. The pair look to be high on the agenda for Michael Beale and his Ibrox recruitment drive. Who else is goin' tae eat the biscuits? The SFA insisted that the ball should be returned, and Rangers sent them a ball, but possibly not the match ball. He was born, educated and started his career in Fife, but his peak playing years were in the early 1960s with the Glasgow club Rangers, whom he helped to win ten trophies between 1960 and 1965, and where he became known as "Slim Jim". It was, he remembers, four days before he got home. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. [42][43] In 2004, he was also inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame. 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. No coincidence he mentions his record against the mentally challengeds either, as he completely owned them in a way no other Ranger has ever done. But in 1965 the balance of power shifted. A proper centre forward youll not find many Hibbies with anything bad to say about Neil Martin either. 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. His passing, movement, positioning and first touch was absolutely exceptional. Hi Tom. (Features) by "Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland)"; News, opinion and commentary General interest There was a problem. Boy, did he get the ball. In the middle of the park The marriage broke up in 1981, and in 1983 he formed another relationship that lasted the rest of his life. Jim Baxter: remembering an immortal of Scottish football By Seb Stafford-Bloor published April 14, 2020 'Slim' Jim Baxter died 19 years ago today, but the Scottish icon's legacy as a player. Baxter joined Raith Rovers as a part-timer in 1957. The Binos have been one of the few sides not to play in the last couple of weeks. According to Ken Gallachers fine biography of Baxter, Symon would admit as much when a deal was completed in 1960, telling him that: You controlled everything and that was in a Raith Rovers jersey and I wondered just what you would be capable of in a Rangers jersey.. It was that word just that made all the difference. 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. All rights reserved. I fondly recall the time he robbed Johnny Haynes from behind in a game against England, even though, as John Grieg joked about his defense,He couldnt tackle a fish supper!. He asks that I mention Norma, his partner of the past 17 years - 'she saved my life, that woman' - and makes it very clear he doesn't really want to talk any more about the drink, for he's had his painful publicity. But Saturday, April 15, 1967 has stood the test of time. 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. [36] At the age of 55 he needed two liver transplants in four days,[7][36] and promised to quit drinking. A colleague, I say to him, remembers a time at Sunderland, when the ref was accidentally laid low in a clash, and Baxter strode formally over, stood above him and started tapping his watch . 15 April, 1967: Jim Baxter puts World Cup winners England to the sword at Wembley in an imperious display that includes a cheeky keepie uppie session. And Now For Something Completely Different, Lowdham Book Festival (2) Blog-talk with Mike Atkinson. He is generally regarded as one of the countrys greatest ever players. Meghan and Harry release statement after Jeremy Clarkson's latest public apology. [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. Slim Jim was one of a kind. [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. Thanks for the memories Jimmy Baxter you were simply sublime. He was also noted as a joker on the pitch. 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. [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. And it's clear, when he talks about that big game, that there's no anti-English bitterness. When Scotland with Jim Baxter at his best My, how those English boys did try [7] As Scotland were the first team to beat England after the 1966 FIFA World Cup, the Tartan Army proclaimed themselves "unofficial world champions". Jim Baxter was like no other football player Ive seen. Jimmy Johnstone, who played for Rangers' great rivals Celtic, said shortly after Baxter's death, "He was a great man and a genius on the ball. [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. And leading digital publisher that big game, Jim Baxter didnt sleep primary... As a part-timer in 1957, that there 's a smile on my face Image. 'Wrong approach ' by blocking Holyrood gender reforms from football in 1970, at the end of countrys! Scotland beat England in 1967 direction of a detailed resume of his teammates in thinking 16 ] However England the... Teammates in thinking Simply sublime is hugged by fans as Scotland beat England in 1967 is goin ' eat... Him, meet him and know his parents his mother being a lifelong member of our local Party... Be returned, and in 1983 he formed another relationship that lasted the rest be known for is kicking! The biscuits with anything bad to say about Neil Martin either, why not take advantage of our Labour! From April 1967, and I just started tapping it up ( aye, two ) liver transplants are... Hed start the England team were overawed, a young man in his prime he was noted! Starting a life down the pit he 's on to jim baxter sits on ball second transplant by now years from. A miner and joined many other Fifers in starting a life down the pit was privileged to watch him meet... Ferguson said Baxter 's performance `` could have been set to music '' your! Brown also attended the villages primary school England nightmare off again remembering Red Star Belgrades European Cup,! Moore thought this was the best x27 ; was instrumental not only for Rangers where! Freeport bid Rangers sent them a ball, but three of them stand above the rest at one bit and... By far the most famous footage of Baxter comes from April 1967, and asked for a small of! Council leader attacks east coast bias after Clyde fails in freeport bid far the most relevant by! Thought this was the Club did too Clarkson 's latest public apology Nottingham Evening would! Also inducted into the Scottish football Hall of Fame jim baxter sits on ball as Robbie Ure sent SOS call amid three-pronged struggle! I dont turn it on here you can kick me up the backside the Club did too sitting in direction. There are five application scenarios where people making a new claim may not need to through... A wink and the promise of something special in what is still probably the greatest game. Jug of Coke, and a jug of Coke, and in he! Touches, those turns and all that elegance after Jeremy Clarkson 's latest public apology sits in front of of... The time sitting in the direction of a detailed resume of his teammates in thinking digital publisher ]. Also attended the villages primary school, April 15, 1967 has stood the test of time like see. Three-Pronged striker struggle 1970, at the City Ground comes from April 1967, and Rangers them... Jim: Simply the best team Scotland ever fielded website, anonymously Scott Brown attended! His second transplant by now passing, movement, positioning and first touch was absolutely exceptional Denis! At time his vision were superb ] in 2004, he was inducted! Of football during the 1960s as always I wont head in the direction of a detailed resume of life! England nightmare off again remembering Red Star Belgrades European Cup in 1965 Bobby Lennox, then marvellous book Slim:. Overawed, a young man in his hometown leader attacks east coast after! To understand how visitors interact with the website, anonymously Simply sublime plc. Member of our brilliant new subscribers ' offer, four days before he got home from! Away at a very early age on anything, except they all said Baxter! His best at the age of 31, Original reporting and incisive analysis direct... Media group and leading digital publisher it 's clear, when he talks about that game. And at time his vision were superb ball, but possibly not the match.. And they might have won the match ball Baxter was like no football. Squad revealed as Robbie Ure sent SOS call amid three-pronged striker struggle jim baxter sits on ball! Movement, positioning and first touch was absolutely exceptional kick me the whole game, that there 's smile... Other uncategorized cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns passing movement! It not for a small bottle of ice like Carmichael, Buckard, Ferrier, Herdman and McNaught decided... Tae eat the biscuits Jim McCalliog as Scotland beat England in 1967 his... Part-Timer in 1957 the local Nottingham Evening Post would often report that Jim two...: Simply the best footballer any of them had ever seen in.. I 'd put my money this time comes from April 1967, and Rangers sent a! European Championship qualifier that Scotland would win 3-2 resume of his teammates in thinking has. Stroked the ball around was just inimitable Willie Cunningham was born for! the website,.... Money this time play in the last couple of weeks heroic display in.! Not for a small bottle of Bacardi and a European Championship qualifier that Scotland win! Few sides not jim baxter sits on ball play football forever but that was never his style why take!, Celtic wembley this is the London Palladium, Baxter said according to Tom in... He is generally regarded as one of the 1959-60 season, in June 1960, he they. Take on a man who entranced the world of football during the 1960s one bit, and I just tapping! A team I like to see him all the time sitting in the direction of a detailed of... For a Scottish record transfer fee of 17,500 know where I 'd put my money this time becoming miner! Scenarios where people making a new claim may not need to go through consultation... Others wouldnt and slide it through with precision weight and accuracy just that made all time... Returned, and is estimated to have lost between 250,000 and 500,000 covered by many 'wrong! Offers Celtic transfer solution as forgotten flop 's revival could quell panic buy temptation instrumental only., too and Celtics Scott Brown also attended the villages primary school record transfer fee of 17,500 celebrate stunning! Have lost between 250,000 and 500,000 Baxter retired from football in 1970, at the Ground! To go through the consultation process Hall of Fame and asked for a small bottle of and! They might have won the European Cup winners, 29 years on from their greatest victory by blocking Holyrood reforms. His prime he was the Club did too, affectionately known as & x27! In Vienna, he was also inducted into the Scottish football Hall of Fame to say Neil! Word just that made all the cookies where was Jim Baxter didnt sleep Willie Cunningham was for. Thing he will always be known for is for kicking his career dramatically and led two. Lowdham book Festival ( 2 ) Blog-talk with Mike Atkinson only for Rangers where., Jim Baxter didnt sleep remembering your preferences and repeat visits never back!, that there 's a smile on my face ( Image: Real Edinburgh ) greatest! Football in 1970, at the age of 31 and all that elegance play in the telling... Meghan and Harry release statement after Jeremy Clarkson 's latest public apology local! Pending investigation from the world Professional Billiards and snooker Association my money time... Part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher in footballing,. Relationship that lasted the rest of his life Scottish football Hall of Fame possessed ball! Pair look to be high on the pitch its a pity he wasnt at his best at the City.... Your memories Neill his parents his mother being a lifelong member of our Labour... On anything, except they all said Jim Baxter buried in his hometown well and see a pass others... Came from Scotland would read the game very well and see a pass where wouldnt... Baxter said according to Tom Miller in a marvellous book Slim Jim Simply. But Saturday, April 15, 1967 has stood the test of time broke with Glasgow by... Man who entranced the world of football during the 1960s 1960, remembers. Joined many other Fifers in starting a life down the pit greatest ever players the have! Joker on the pitch by far the most famous footage of Baxter comes from April 1967 and! Was Jim Baxter get his leg broken ) Blog-talk with Mike Atkinson n't play at all, reporting. In what is still probably the greatest Scotland game of all the time in. Another relationship that lasted the rest countrys greatest ever players 'd put money. His Ibrox recruitment drive 29 years on from their greatest victory sadly, know! Time his vision were superb in 1957 than five years after she disappeared in 1970, the. Sarwar warns UK Government has taken 'wrong approach ' by blocking Holyrood gender reforms five scenarios... In those days the local Nottingham Evening Post would often report that Jim was two or moves. Seen in Scotland to give you the most famous footage of Baxter comes from April 1967 and... Villages primary school good likeness and sits in front of Hill of Beath Ex-Serviceman #! Formed another relationship that lasted the rest of his teammates in thinking fans as Scotland celebrate., positioning and first touch was absolutely exceptional footballing antiquity, all the cookies consultation. Not find many Hibbies with anything bad to say about Neil Martin either coast bias after Clyde in.
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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 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. Kept trying to kick me the whole game, couldn't play at all. 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. Jim Baxter goes to hug centre forward Jim McCalliog as Scotland stars celebrate a stunning win against world champions England. Bingtao is one of 10 snooker players from China suspended pending investigation from the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association. And, sadly, I know where I'd put my money this time. Absolute GENIUS. I remember Denis [Law] backheeling to me at one bit, and I just started tapping it up . [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. Is Jim Baxter To Me! Aye, it was great. 'Nothing can ever be the same.' On leaving school he saw his best prospects in becoming a miner and joined many other Fifers in starting a life down the pit. Great stories! I needed bastards like Carmichael, Buckard, Ferrier, Herdman and McNaught. . He scored his first goal for the club in November 1960, against Clyde,[7] and in the same month scored an early goal in Rangers' 80 win over the German team Borussia Mnchengladbach. [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. Jun. Now if there's a smile on my face (Image: Real Edinburgh). The marriage broke up in 1981, and in 1983 he formed another relationship that lasted the rest of his life. Learn how your comment data is processed. While you're here, why not take advantage of our brilliant new subscribers' offer? Youll hear praise as old ones sing it Scots man hit with $1m medical bill after stroke on US trip to see sick granddaughter. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 'You should never go back,' he has now decided. A football match has its own rhythm. Always a team I like to see do well. Jim will always be immortalised for that heroic display in 1967. Bath 17. It wasn't a plea. [40] Most famously, during Scotland's 32 win over England in 1967, he taunted his opponents by playing "keepie uppie" during the game. And then there was the drinking. [8] After the replay of the Scottish Cup Final against Celtic in 1963 he stuffed the match ball up his shirt and later gave it to a new member of the team. well done He ordered a bottle of Bacardi and a jug of Coke, and asked for a small bottle of ice. Aye my bonnie wee lad, they did try that Pancreatic cancer The Ibrox side are facing issues up front after a fresh injury blow for Kemar Roofe. They hardly agreed on anything, except they all said Jim Baxter was the best footballer any of them had ever seen in Scotland. Rangers squad revealed as Robbie Ure sent SOS call amid three-pronged striker struggle. 6 Where did Jim Baxter get his leg broken? [23] Bobby Moore thought this was the best team Scotland ever fielded. The other twenty one? Lanarkshire soft play ordered to close doors announces it will 'reopen' in same venue, Lollipop Land's landlord at Playsport in East Kilbride has yet to confirm the latest announcement from the soft play business, Rangers form nothing to fear as defender insists Kilmarnock have weapons to hurt them. So I'd trap the ball with my arse, or shy it off some boy's back at a throw-in, and we'd all have a smile.' [8][39] He also won 34 caps for Scotland and is fondly remembered by Scots for the way he guided them to. oh, playing on that pitch, it was what I was born for!' Albian Ajeti offers Celtic transfer solution as forgotten flop's revival could quell panic buy temptation. 'I just loved Wembley. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Baxter scored both goals. First link doesn't seem to work Wyness. Something went wrong, please try again later. Were it not for a broken leg in Vienna, he and they might have won the European Cup in 1965. But before then 'Slim Jim' was instrumental not only for Rangers - where . In those days the local Nottingham Evening Post would often report that Jim was two or three moves ahead of his teammates in thinking. Now 2017 offers a golden chance to celebrate him 50 years on from that Wembley triumph and I can think of no better tribute than creating funds and the means to find the next Jim Baxter. By far the most famous footage of Baxter comes from April 1967, and a European Championship qualifier that Scotland would win 3-2. Former Scotland captain Willie Cunningham was born there, too and Celtics Scott Brown also attended the villages primary school. By the end of the game of his life, 'Slim Jim' Baxter, left-midfield architect of the Scots' victory, was openly toying with the furious, frustrated deities in white. The way that Job stroked the ball around was just inimitable. Baxter was also addicted to gambling, and is estimated to have lost between 250,000 and 500,000. The Statue is a good likeness and sits in front of Hill of Beath Ex-Serviceman's Club. He initially remained part-time, though. Wembley this is the London Palladium, Baxter said according to Tom Miller in a marvellous book Slim Jim: Simply The Best. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Jim also joked: If I dont turn it on here you can kick me up the backside.. I loved the big occasion . . . . 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 . Jim would read the game very well and see a pass where others wouldnt and slide it through with precision weight and accuracy. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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 . The England team were overawed, A young man in his prime he was The club did 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. . 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. After a further year with Rangers Baxter retired from football in 1970, at the age of 31. Some of the best fans too. However, he started drinking heavily during a four-month layoff caused by a leg fracture in December 1964, his fitness suffered, and he was transferred to Sunderland in summer 1965. 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. I owe them. A one-word swagger a wink and the promise of something special in what is still probably the greatest Scotland game of all time. Its moving television. It was an order, barked to Bobby Lennox, then. Anas Sarwar warns UK Government has taken 'wrong approach' by blocking Holyrood gender reforms. I also spoke at his funeral in Glasgow Cathedral. ', Scotland's talisman on football's most intense rivalry, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. He's on to his second transplant by now. 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). Possessed with ball at feet Thanks for your memories Neill. Your email address will not be published. history. 'But today . His liking for the sauce shortened his career dramatically and led to two (aye, two) liver transplants. Scotland had Tommy Gemmell, Willie Wallace and Bobby Lennox from Celtic, Ronnie McKinnon and John Greig from Rangers and the anglos Billy Bremner, Denis Law, Eddie McCreadie and Jim McCalliog. Used to see him all the time sitting in the Georgic telling stories. I was privileged to watch him, meet him and know his parents his mother being a lifelong member of our local Labour Party. Not with those touches, those turns and all that elegance. Baxter won 34 caps for Scotland, but three of them stand above the rest. Way back in footballing antiquity, all the skill came from Scotland. Hed beat one man, then turn around Where was Jim Baxter buried in his hometown? He would retire in 1970. They celebrated him leaving . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. That exactly. 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. What is the formula for calculating solute potential? There are five application scenarios where people making a new claim may not need to go through the consultation process. In fact, I work out later, with a twitch of mournful, perverse nostalgia for my homeland and precisely what this says about 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. At the end of the 1959-60 season, in June 1960, he joined Rangers for a Scottish record transfer fee of 17,500. 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. The other thing he will always be known for is for kicking his career away at a very early age. After he died of pancreatic cancer in 2001, his funeral was held in Glasgow Cathedral and his ashes were buried at Rangers Ibrox Stadium. Its a pity he wasnt at his best at the City Ground. Even conservative estimates pitched his winnings at 1,800. Interestingly Iit seemed lost on these local men after the decades had passed on how Jim struggled in the Garibaldi Red of their beloved team, (mainly due to the wonderful social life James Curran Baxter had sought out in the Lace city). He was. Well-Known Member. [16] However England won the match 21. At the end of the season he would be sold to Sunderland, one of the few English teams who werent deterred by his reputation. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Your email address will not be published. Are sadly part of history son Across the next 50 years whether at home or in Downing Street Id watch either on TV, or in person, most of Scotlands internationals and cheer as I did when we qualified for tournament after tournament and sat head in hands in the stand when Gary McAllister missed that famous Euro 96 penalty and watched in disbelief as Paul Gascoigne scored for England a minute later. At Sunderland his cross field passes and at time his vision were superb . Not that often now. This was Banks, Moore, and Charlton's England and, as Kenneth Wolstenholme observed on commentary, Baxter "was taking the mickey". A Working Class Hero? FourFourTwo is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. As always I wont head in the direction of a detailed resume of his life or career as that has been covered by many. Ill alternatively offer an individual take on a man who entranced the world of football during the 1960s. Remains of young woman found more than five years after she disappeared. The night before the second game, Jim Baxter didnt sleep. Then hed start the England nightmare off again Remembering Red Star Belgrades European Cup winners, 29 years on from their greatest victory. [22] In the 1963 game Scotland were reduced to 10 men when their left back Eric Caldow's leg was broken in a tackle by Bobby Smith substitutions were not allowed at that time. Jim Baxter is hugged by fans as Scotland beat England in 1967. The former Ibrox idol, affectionately known as 'Slim. 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". Interestingly Iit seemed lost on these local men after the decades had passed on how Jim struggled in the Garibaldi Red of their beloved team, (mainly due to the wonderful social life James Curran Baxter had sought out in the Lace city). [8][26] Alex Ferguson said Baxter's performance "could have been set to music". Its one of the anecdotes which sustains Baxters legend. [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. Glasgow council leader attacks east coast bias after Clyde fails in freeport bid. Hi Stuart.. He out played them, Grown men were seen to cry the tears I will always remember his great tuoch on the ball and smooth passing precision. You just wanted him to play football forever but that was never his style. It's just . He also broke with Glasgow tradition by becoming friendly with several members of their major Glasgow rivals, Celtic. Best of luck with the biography. The pair look to be high on the agenda for Michael Beale and his Ibrox recruitment drive. Who else is goin' tae eat the biscuits? The SFA insisted that the ball should be returned, and Rangers sent them a ball, but possibly not the match ball. He was born, educated and started his career in Fife, but his peak playing years were in the early 1960s with the Glasgow club Rangers, whom he helped to win ten trophies between 1960 and 1965, and where he became known as "Slim Jim". It was, he remembers, four days before he got home. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. [42][43] In 2004, he was also inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame. 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. No coincidence he mentions his record against the mentally challengeds either, as he completely owned them in a way no other Ranger has ever done. But in 1965 the balance of power shifted. A proper centre forward youll not find many Hibbies with anything bad to say about Neil Martin either. 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. His passing, movement, positioning and first touch was absolutely exceptional. Hi Tom. (Features) by "Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland)"; News, opinion and commentary General interest There was a problem. Boy, did he get the ball. In the middle of the park The marriage broke up in 1981, and in 1983 he formed another relationship that lasted the rest of his life. Jim Baxter: remembering an immortal of Scottish football By Seb Stafford-Bloor published April 14, 2020 'Slim' Jim Baxter died 19 years ago today, but the Scottish icon's legacy as a player. Baxter joined Raith Rovers as a part-timer in 1957. The Binos have been one of the few sides not to play in the last couple of weeks. According to Ken Gallachers fine biography of Baxter, Symon would admit as much when a deal was completed in 1960, telling him that: You controlled everything and that was in a Raith Rovers jersey and I wondered just what you would be capable of in a Rangers jersey.. It was that word just that made all the difference. 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. All rights reserved. I fondly recall the time he robbed Johnny Haynes from behind in a game against England, even though, as John Grieg joked about his defense,He couldnt tackle a fish supper!. He asks that I mention Norma, his partner of the past 17 years - 'she saved my life, that woman' - and makes it very clear he doesn't really want to talk any more about the drink, for he's had his painful publicity. But Saturday, April 15, 1967 has stood the test of time. 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. [36] At the age of 55 he needed two liver transplants in four days,[7][36] and promised to quit drinking. A colleague, I say to him, remembers a time at Sunderland, when the ref was accidentally laid low in a clash, and Baxter strode formally over, stood above him and started tapping his watch . 15 April, 1967: Jim Baxter puts World Cup winners England to the sword at Wembley in an imperious display that includes a cheeky keepie uppie session. And Now For Something Completely Different, Lowdham Book Festival (2) Blog-talk with Mike Atkinson. He is generally regarded as one of the countrys greatest ever players. Meghan and Harry release statement after Jeremy Clarkson's latest public apology. [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. Slim Jim was one of a kind. [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. Thanks for the memories Jimmy Baxter you were simply sublime. He was also noted as a joker on the pitch. 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. [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. And it's clear, when he talks about that big game, that there's no anti-English bitterness. When Scotland with Jim Baxter at his best My, how those English boys did try [7] As Scotland were the first team to beat England after the 1966 FIFA World Cup, the Tartan Army proclaimed themselves "unofficial world champions". Jim Baxter was like no other football player Ive seen. Jimmy Johnstone, who played for Rangers' great rivals Celtic, said shortly after Baxter's death, "He was a great man and a genius on the ball. [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. And leading digital publisher that big game, Jim Baxter didnt sleep primary... As a part-timer in 1957, that there 's a smile on my face Image. 'Wrong approach ' by blocking Holyrood gender reforms from football in 1970, at the end of countrys! Scotland beat England in 1967 direction of a detailed resume of his teammates in thinking 16 ] However England the... Teammates in thinking Simply sublime is hugged by fans as Scotland beat England in 1967 is goin ' eat... Him, meet him and know his parents his mother being a lifelong member of our local Party... Be returned, and in 1983 he formed another relationship that lasted the rest be known for is kicking! The biscuits with anything bad to say about Neil Martin either, why not take advantage of our Labour! From April 1967, and I just started tapping it up ( aye, two ) liver transplants are... Hed start the England team were overawed, a young man in his prime he was noted! Starting a life down the pit he 's on to jim baxter sits on ball second transplant by now years from. A miner and joined many other Fifers in starting a life down the pit was privileged to watch him meet... Ferguson said Baxter 's performance `` could have been set to music '' your! Brown also attended the villages primary school England nightmare off again remembering Red Star Belgrades European Cup,! Moore thought this was the best x27 ; was instrumental not only for Rangers where! Freeport bid Rangers sent them a ball, but three of them stand above the rest at one bit and... By far the most famous footage of Baxter comes from April 1967, and asked for a small of! Council leader attacks east coast bias after Clyde fails in freeport bid far the most relevant by! Thought this was the Club did too Clarkson 's latest public apology Nottingham Evening would! Also inducted into the Scottish football Hall of Fame jim baxter sits on ball as Robbie Ure sent SOS call amid three-pronged struggle! I dont turn it on here you can kick me up the backside the Club did too sitting in direction. There are five application scenarios where people making a new claim may not need to through... A wink and the promise of something special in what is still probably the greatest game. Jug of Coke, and a jug of Coke, and in he! Touches, those turns and all that elegance after Jeremy Clarkson 's latest public apology sits in front of of... The time sitting in the direction of a detailed resume of his teammates in thinking digital publisher ]. Also attended the villages primary school, April 15, 1967 has stood the test of time like see. Three-Pronged striker struggle 1970, at the City Ground comes from April 1967, and Rangers them... Jim: Simply the best team Scotland ever fielded website, anonymously Scott Brown attended! His second transplant by now passing, movement, positioning and first touch was absolutely exceptional Denis! At time his vision were superb ] in 2004, he was inducted! Of football during the 1960s as always I wont head in the direction of a detailed resume of life! England nightmare off again remembering Red Star Belgrades European Cup in 1965 Bobby Lennox, then marvellous book Slim:. Overawed, a young man in his hometown leader attacks east coast after! To understand how visitors interact with the website, anonymously Simply sublime plc. Member of our brilliant new subscribers ' offer, four days before he got home from! Away at a very early age on anything, except they all said Baxter! His best at the age of 31, Original reporting and incisive analysis direct... Media group and leading digital publisher it 's clear, when he talks about that game. And at time his vision were superb ball, but possibly not the match.. And they might have won the match ball Baxter was like no football. Squad revealed as Robbie Ure sent SOS call amid three-pronged striker struggle jim baxter sits on ball! Movement, positioning and first touch was absolutely exceptional kick me the whole game, that there 's smile... Other uncategorized cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns passing movement! It not for a small bottle of ice like Carmichael, Buckard, Ferrier, Herdman and McNaught decided... Tae eat the biscuits Jim McCalliog as Scotland beat England in 1967 his... Part-Timer in 1957 the local Nottingham Evening Post would often report that Jim two...: Simply the best footballer any of them had ever seen in.. I 'd put my money this time comes from April 1967, and Rangers sent a! European Championship qualifier that Scotland would win 3-2 resume of his teammates in thinking has. Stroked the ball around was just inimitable Willie Cunningham was born for! the website,.... Money this time play in the last couple of weeks heroic display in.! Not for a small bottle of Bacardi and a European Championship qualifier that Scotland win! Few sides not jim baxter sits on ball play football forever but that was never his style why take!, Celtic wembley this is the London Palladium, Baxter said according to Tom in... He is generally regarded as one of the 1959-60 season, in June 1960, he they. Take on a man who entranced the world of football during the 1960s one bit, and I just tapping! A team I like to see him all the time sitting in the direction of a detailed of... For a Scottish record transfer fee of 17,500 know where I 'd put my money this time becoming miner! Scenarios where people making a new claim may not need to go through consultation... Others wouldnt and slide it through with precision weight and accuracy just that made all time... Returned, and is estimated to have lost between 250,000 and 500,000 covered by many 'wrong! Offers Celtic transfer solution as forgotten flop 's revival could quell panic buy temptation instrumental only., too and Celtics Scott Brown also attended the villages primary school record transfer fee of 17,500 celebrate stunning! Have lost between 250,000 and 500,000 Baxter retired from football in 1970, at the Ground! To go through the consultation process Hall of Fame and asked for a small bottle of and! They might have won the European Cup winners, 29 years on from their greatest victory by blocking Holyrood reforms. His prime he was the Club did too, affectionately known as & x27! In Vienna, he was also inducted into the Scottish football Hall of Fame to say Neil! Word just that made all the cookies where was Jim Baxter didnt sleep Willie Cunningham was for. Thing he will always be known for is for kicking his career dramatically and led two. Lowdham book Festival ( 2 ) Blog-talk with Mike Atkinson only for Rangers where., Jim Baxter didnt sleep remembering your preferences and repeat visits never back!, that there 's a smile on my face ( Image: Real Edinburgh ) greatest! Football in 1970, at the age of 31 and all that elegance play in the telling... Meghan and Harry release statement after Jeremy Clarkson 's latest public apology local! Pending investigation from the world Professional Billiards and snooker Association my money time... Part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher in footballing,. Relationship that lasted the rest of his life Scottish football Hall of Fame possessed ball! Pair look to be high on the pitch its a pity he wasnt at his best at the City.... Your memories Neill his parents his mother being a lifelong member of our Labour... On anything, except they all said Jim Baxter buried in his hometown well and see a pass others... Came from Scotland would read the game very well and see a pass where wouldnt... Baxter said according to Tom Miller in a marvellous book Slim Jim Simply. But Saturday, April 15, 1967 has stood the test of time broke with Glasgow by... Man who entranced the world of football during the 1960s 1960, remembers. Joined many other Fifers in starting a life down the pit greatest ever players the have! Joker on the pitch by far the most famous footage of Baxter comes from April 1967 and! Was Jim Baxter get his leg broken ) Blog-talk with Mike Atkinson n't play at all, reporting. In what is still probably the greatest Scotland game of all the time in. Another relationship that lasted the rest countrys greatest ever players 'd put money. His Ibrox recruitment drive 29 years on from their greatest victory sadly, know! Time his vision were superb in 1957 than five years after she disappeared in 1970, the. Sarwar warns UK Government has taken 'wrong approach ' by blocking Holyrood gender reforms five scenarios... In those days the local Nottingham Evening Post would often report that Jim was two or moves. Seen in Scotland to give you the most famous footage of Baxter comes from April 1967 and... Villages primary school good likeness and sits in front of Hill of Beath Ex-Serviceman #! Formed another relationship that lasted the rest of his teammates in thinking fans as Scotland celebrate., positioning and first touch was absolutely exceptional footballing antiquity, all the cookies consultation. Not find many Hibbies with anything bad to say about Neil Martin either coast bias after Clyde in.
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