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Archived News from January 2016

STAGS SIGN JAMES BAXENDALE ON LOAN FROM WALSALL
14th January 2016 12:54


Murray captures Baxendale ahead of Stevenage match
mansfieldtown.net, 9th January 2016

Stags’ manager Adam Murray has strengthened his attacking options with the addition of versatile player James Baxendale on a month’s loan from Walsall, with a view to a permanent move.

The 23-year-old, who can play as a ’10, 7 or 11’, will join the Stags until Saturday 06 February, and will be eligible to play in club's home game against Morecambe on that date.

A product of Leeds United’s academy, Baxendale signed his first professional deal at Doncaster Rovers, his hometown club, in 2011.

After short spells on loan at Buxton and Hereford United, Baxendale was snapped up by Walsall in 2012 and has since made over 100 appearances in League One.

Stags’ boss Adam Murray said: “We are very happy to complete the signing of James Baxendale.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/murray-captures-baxendale-ahead-of-stevenage-match-2891558.aspx#syRvdGthLxhlY0vS.99

“He will add quality and guile to our attacking third and we believe he will give us that cutting edge, with a final pass and end product, which we have been missing in recent weeks.

“He will complement the attacking players which we already have and is a good string to our bow.

“James hasn’t played a lot of football over the last 12 months, this being mainly due to Walsall [his parent club] having one of the best ‘number 10s’ in Romaine Sawyers. However, James’ pedigree and reputation is highly regarded.

“With already in excess of 100 games amassed in League One, his experience and quality will be vital to our second half of the season.”

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Adam Murray, talking to Mark Stevenson on Mansfield 103.2, before the Stevenage game:
"If we feel that he can effect us for the longer term, the option is there. He'll give us a little bit of guile, energy and that final product that we're looking for. He reminds me a little bit of Steve McMananan, he drifts past people and opens doors."

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James Baxendale may leave Walsall for good
expressandstar.com

(based on interview on StagsPlayer, recorded before the Stevenage game)

Walsall's attacking midfielder James Baxendale could yet be tempted to make his loan move to Mansfield permanent.

Baxendale has played more than 100 games for the Saddlers since joining from Doncaster Rovers back in 2012.

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/walsall-fc/2016/01/12/james-baxendale-may-leave-walsall-for-good/

But he has been restricted to just one start and five substitute appearances this season.

Baxendale, who hails from South Yorkshire, said: "On a personal level, my season at Walsall hasn’t really got going. The team is flying. I have been involved every week with the squad.

“But, with Walsall top of the league, there haven’t been too many opportunities for me to stake a claim.”

Asked if he could stay beyond an initial month, Baxendale said: “That is something I’m definitely interested in.

“I’m fairly local and with the position the team are in in the league, it certainly interests me.”

Baxendale admitted he made the move as he was keen to get back playing first-team football.

He added: “It was a move I was made aware of earlier last week and, when I found out about it, I was keen to get done. I know a few of the lads here so I always keep an eye on the results.

“I know Mitch Rose from when I was at Doncaster and Mal Benning and Craig Westcarr, who were both at Walsall.

“They are all good lads and I spoke to them on the phone, about the club and how it works. They spoke very highly about the team and of the manager.”

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