Sport

‘I’m here for two years’: Oldham Athletic top-scorer Jose Baxter insists future is looking bright at Boundary Park

By Matthew Lees

Oldham Athletic’s top-scorer Jose Baxter re-affirmed his commitment to the club at last night’s Meet the Manager event.

The meeting, held by Trust Oldham, took place at Shaw’s Playhouse 2 where Baxter was joined by teammate James Wesolowski, manager Lee Johnson and Tony Philliskirk.

The man previously labelled the next Wayne Rooney was put on the spot about his future and was keen to dampen speculation he may leave in the summer.

“It was fantastic for me that the club gave me that contract,” said Baxter.

“For me it was an easy decision as I settled right in.

“I can see my future here, as far as I go I’m here for two years.

“We’re going in the right direction. The future is looking bright.”

Baxter signed for Oldham after a successful trial period having left Everton, the club he had been at since the age of six.

Upon leaving Everton, Baxter found himself without a club until Oldham took him on.

During an eventful season, which has seen him net 15 times, the 21-year-old is just pleased to be playing regularly having been on the fringes at Goodison Park.

“We’ve competed with some of the top teams in the division,” added Baxter.

“Even the FA Cup we drew against a very good team and beat a very good team historically showing we can definitely compete with the best.

“I like to play football, for me it’s not about the wage packet.

“I like to play behind the striker but being picked in the first 11 is an honour so as long as I’m picked goalkeeper, left-back, I don’t care where it is.”

Having become a fan’s favourite with a chant of ‘Jose Baxter baby’ to the tune of Human League’s Don’t You Want Me? the ex-Toffee has also impressed his teammates.

Latics captain Wesolowski, who has Championship and SPL experience, said: “He’s probably one of the best players I have played with in my time as a footballer.”

Picture courtesy of BBC Sport, via YouTube, with thanks.

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