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What is Jose Baxter’s Everton coaching role and how have fans reacted to his appointment?

The former Toffees player is back at Goodison Park in a backroom role.

By The Newsroom
Published 29th Oct 2021, 11:22 BST
Updated 29th Oct 2021, 11:51 BST

Jose Baxter has recently taken up a coaching role at Everton.

The former Toffees attacking midfielder has joined the club’s under-23s set-up.

Baxter was in the dugout for the 2-0 victory over Burnley in Premier League Two at Southport’s Haig Avenue on Monday night.

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He’s working under director of academy David Unsworth and under-23s assistant manager John Ebbrell.

What’s been said

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Baxter said: "Yeah I love it. To be around Unsy and John and learn from them, there's not many people I'd rather learn from.

Everton director of academy David Unsworth. Picture: Lewis Storey/Getty ImagesEverton director of academy David Unsworth. Picture: Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Everton director of academy David Unsworth. Picture: Lewis Storey/Getty Images

“It's brilliant, for me, it's been a great experience and long may it continue.

“We've done a lot of unit work where I get the strikers, Unsy gets the defenders, John gets the midfielders - Bainesy (Leighton Baines) comes in and does the unit work as well.

“So it's nice to get them and hone into that individual stuff. We do get to do it. With the busy schedule, it's not really enough with the training, game, rest cycle.

“Hopefully throughout the year, we get to do more of it.”

Background

Baxter came through the youth ranks at Everton and was highly regarded.

He made his debut in August 2008 aged 16 years and 191 days - becoming the club’s youngest-ever player at the time.

Baxter would only make a further 13 appearances for the Blues before his departure in 2012.

He dropped down to League One with Oldham and then earned a move to Sheffield United the following season.

Jose Baxter in action for Oldham against Everton in February 2013. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesJose Baxter in action for Oldham against Everton in February 2013. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images
Jose Baxter in action for Oldham against Everton in February 2013. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

However, he received two suspensions in nine months for drug use while at Bramall Lane - after taking ecstasy and cocaine.

Baxter was given a lifeline by Everton when he returned in July 2017 and played 10 times for the under-23s.

He then had a second spell at Oldham before having a spell at Plymouth and then moved to America to link up with Memphis 90.

However, Baxter called time on his playing career when he announced his retirement in August at the age of 29.

According to The Athletic, Baxter is now studing for his senior Uefa coaching qualifications during his time at Finch Farm.

How have Everton fans reacted?

There’s been a mixed response to Baxter being handed a coaching role with the under-23s.

Here’s what some supporters have had to say on Twitter.

Related topics:Premier League TwoBurnley