Former Leeds & Doncaster Midfielder Joins Alfreton

Baxendale, 25, joins until the end of the season and has spent this season at Orange County but came through the youth set-up at Leeds United and was a regular for the under-18 side. However, he failed to win a professional contract at Elland Road and was released at the end of the 2010/11 season.

He signed a one-year contract for Football League Championship side Doncaster Rovers in July 2011 on a free transfer.

He made his professional debut in August 2011, in the League Cup win over Tranmere Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium, coming on as a substitute for Ryan Mason.

He made his League debut four days later against West Ham. Loan spells then followed at Evo-Stik Northern Premier League side Buxton, Baxendale won Buxton's player of the month for December 2011 after a string of impressive displays.

In March 2012, Baxendale joined Hereford United on loan before he was released by Doncaster in May 2012.

In August 2012, Baxendale signed a one-year contract with League One side Walsall.

Due to his impressive performances at Walsall, he signed an eighteen-month contract in January 2013 before he was then rewarded with a new three-year deal in August.

However, despite making forty appearances in the 2013/14 season, he had niggling injuries and found himself out of the first-team.

In January 2016, Baxendale signed for Mansfield Town on a one-month loan.

He made his move to Field Mill permanent in February 2016. He was then released by Mansfield at the end of the 2016/17 season after making twenty-two appearances.

Baxendale then moved to the USA and joined United Soccer League side Orange County SC and has made fourteen appearances for them this season.

Reds boss John McDermott told his club`s official website: “We are delighted to have James with us, he’s a very good player, excellent with either feet, intelligent, good movement and he creates.

“He does well to keep hold of it, he can interchange in and around the box. He can play the number 10 role and If we need him to he can switch onto either wing. He loves to roam and is a very fit player. Very hardworking, he always wants the ball and he will make us tick.

“We’ve beaten other clubs to his signature and it hasn’t been down to money, he’s a local lad and we’ve had lots of chats, it’s been a long process to get him. It’s stepping stones for the club at the moment, getting the right players in to suit the style and James is another who does that.”

On Boston’s visit this Saturday: “Yeah, we haven’t had a fixture for a few weeks, but the lads are looking good, we are in high spirits and are really looking forward to getting back out there and playing the football we want to play.

“It’s going to be a tough game, we lost the reverse at their place and they will make it difficult for us. It’s a big three points for both sides but the lads look the best I’ve seen them train and they look sharp. We can’t wait to get going and get points back on the board”.