Wellens' delight after sealing Baxter deal

Athletic boss Richie Wellens has spoken of his delight after it was announced the club had agreed a deal with Jose Baxter for the striker to return to Boundary Park.

Baxter will sign a one-year contract with an option of a further year.

A product of the Everton youth academy, Baxter first joined the club in September 2012 originally on a four-month contract.

The 26-year-old excelled and scored 10 goals before being rewarded with a new contract in January 2013.

He netted 15 times for Latics in 45 appearances during the 2012/13 season and was part of the side which beat Premier League side Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round.

His good form for Latics led to interest from other clubs and Sheffield United secured his services for an undisclosed fee in August 2013.

He went on to score 28 goals in 121 appearances for the Blades before his release in 2016.

Baxter will become the club's first signing of the summer.

He has not been without his off-field problems, however.

On May 16, 2015, Baxter was suspended by Sheffield United after failing a drugs test. 

In July, 2015, the FA handed him a five-month suspension (three of which suspended) for testing positive for ecstasy, which he claimed was ingested in a spiked drink.

He was suspended by his club again in February 2016, before being released in May of that year.

Despite those issues, Wellens is delighted to have re-captured Baxter for Athletic, and the gaffer is expecting plenty from the front-man next season.

“Signing someone like Jose at this level is a real signal of intent," said Wellens.

“For me, he’s a Championship player. He’s made mistakes, but I always believe that lads deserve a chance to try and put those mistakes right.

“We’ll give him a stage to perform on now.

“Maybe I would have said it was a risk after his ban, but the fact that he’s been at Everton for quite a while now, and played for their 23s, means he’s got his head down now and is working hard.

“He’s been looking good in 23s football, but now I expect him to come back here now and get going again in the men’s game.

“He’s just had a young child, so there’s a lot at stake for him and this will be a chance for him.

“I expect big things from him. He’s played at a big club before in Sheffield United, and started off at Everton of course, so I expect to handle the pressure and be one of our best performers next season.

“He needs get playing and get his head right, and I fully trust him to do that."

Meanwhile, two of Athletic's players have been in international friendly action this week.

Defender Ryan McLaughlin featured as a second half substitute during Northern Ireland’s 0-0 draw with England's World Cup finals opponents Panama in Panama City.

The 23-year-old was brought on to replace Liam Boyce in the 72nd minute of the game, marking his first appearance for his national side since 2015.

Goalkeeper Johny Placide played 90 minutes for Haiti and captained his national side against Argentina.

The South American side, who are amongst the favourites to win the forthcoming World Cup in Russia, ran out 4-0 winner on the night.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as well as setting up Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero for the fourth goal.