James Baxendale backed to be a success in new role at Worksop Town

Whitehouse (behind the fence) and Jeffs talking to the players. Pic by Lewis Pickersgill.

The former Football League player has been appointed as a player-coach following a reshuffle by Tigers’ boss Craig Parry.

Jeffs, Whitehouse, and Baxendale have all been given new jobs by Parry, with brothers Sam and Shaun Graham being appointed as part of the club’s scouting network.

Baxendale brings over 100 appearances of Football League experience to the management team but will also continue as a key figure in the starting side.

Jeffs believes that the 28-year-old’s newly-adopted role will help give the management another viewpoint of the squad from a player’s perspective.

“Mark and I had a very good relationship which strengthened our team, and now we bring Bax [James Baxendale] into the mix; we have a lot of respect for him, and it was just a no-brainer for Bax to come on board,” stated Jeffs.

“I think it will be a smooth transition; we all get on well as a team both on and off the pitch.

“Both are and were great players – Bax will still be playing and Mark was a good player – and they are very knowledgeable on the game. They understand the game and they understand what makes players tick.

“I think what Bax will add to the team is that he has seen it from the outside, so he can help us progress, and hopefully we can help him progress as well.

“I am really looking forward to us working as a team.”

Head coach Whitehouse will work more closely with the former Walsall midfielder and believes that he will have a positive impact on the side.

Whitehouse said: “I don’t think we need to shape Bax into anything really because every time we train, he – and I don’t want to blow smoke up his behind – is always at the front of the line in everything we do.

“He will pass that motivation onto the players and get them where we want them, which is mostly in regards to their fitness levels and making sure they can last for 90 minutes in a high tempo game.

“Paz (Craig Parry) rewards loyalty and Bax is loyal to the club; he has shown this by giving him that role.”