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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Tom Houghton

Ex-Everton forward Jose Baxter announces retirement on LinkedIn after social media push to find new club

A footballer has announced his retirement on LinkedIn after a late push by the former Premier League pro to use the online network to find a new club.

Jose Baxter, who was once Everton's youngest ever player, has retired from professional football at the age of 29.

On Sunday, Merseyside-born Baxter took to social media to say he feels like he underachieved in his career - despite stints at Sheffield United, Oldham Athletic, Plymouth Argyle, a spell in America and 17 appearances for England youth teams.

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Baxter made his Premier League debut under David Moyes in Everton's opening day defeat to Blackburn Rovers in 2008 when he was aged just 16 and 191 days.

He was signed for Sheffield United by former Blues defender David Weir, and scored for the Blades in a FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

But he was suspended from football after failing a drugs test during his time with the Blades in 2015 and was released in 2016.

He was handed a lifeline with the Toffees, who offered him a 12-month contract to help him get back into football.

He said: "I write this today with lots of mixed emotions. But let me tell you about my roller coaster career.

"From being a kid from council estate with dreams like everyone else. I set myself 4 goals / dreams at 13. I managed to tick 3 of (sic) by 20. Last one I never got to do.

"From playing in Premier League , Europa League, Captaining country at youth level, scoring at Wembley in FA Cup Semi Finals to playing hundreds of league games, travelling the world playing football and still sit here feeling down and I underachieved.

"But my own silly mistakes got in the way and 3 years out the game at 21 coming back with my body never being the same was always a uphill battle.

"I would like to thank every person who’s been apart of my journey. From my coaches at Everton (Tosh, Robbie, lloydy Martin etc) as a kid to my first loan manager to every manager I had (Les Parry, Paul Dickov, Paul Scholes, Nigel Adkins, Nigel Clough, David Moyes, Ryan Lowe ).

"Every set of fans I played for (Everton , Tranmere, Sheffield United, Oldham, Plymouth, Memphis901) and mostly my family and friends (Mum , Dad, Liv, Cindy , Dave , Kim , Hana , Kim, Nans Peter & Col who stuck by me through the bad times as well as the good.

"So if I could say some words my 13 year old self who had them dreams it would be

"YOU LIVED IT SON."

The 29-year-old went on to make 15 appearances in the blue of Everton, playing a total of 238 games and scoring 52 goals during his career.

Baxter's statement came after a push last month in which he used LinkedIn to advertise his credentials to potential employers.

As well as stating that he can play "10, 9, 8, 6", he cited his experience including in the Europa League, Premier League and USL Championship - linking to an Instagram video featuring his career highlights and titled 'The Journey So Far'.

The post received almost 90 likes and various supportive comments from his connections.

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