James Baxendale

Early career

Doncaster Rovers

Baxendale came through the youth setup at Yorkshire rivals 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. After leaving the club, he signed a one-year contract for Football League Championship side Doncaster Rovers on 1 July 2011 on a free transfer. He made his professional debut on 9 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 United. On 24 November 2011, he moved on loan to Northern Premier League side Buxton. Baxendale won Buxton's player of the month for December 2011 after a string of impressive displays. His loan spell at Buxton soon extended by 60 days, the maximum allowed under FA rules. In early March, Baxendale's loan spell at Buxton had soon ended. On 22 March 2012, Hereford United then signed both Baxendale and James Chambers on loan from Doncaster Rovers. On 13 April 2012, Baxendale came onto replace Chambers against Barnet at Underhill to make his debut for the 'Bulls'. The game resulted in a 1–1 draw. In May 2012, Baxendale was released by the club after the expiry of his contract.

Walsall

On 2 August 2012, Baxendale signed a one-year contract with League One side Walsall and was given number 16. Baxendale made his Walsall debut, coming on as a…

Baxendale was appointed manager of Armthorpe Welfare in August 2023. He was joined by assistants Matthew Flanagan and Andrew Steptoe, and Baxendale was confirmed to also be registering as a player. Baxendale was successful in avoiding relegation with the club and securing a place in the NCEL Division One for the 2024-2025 season. In May 2024, Baxendale was appointed first team manager of NCEL Premier Division team Frickley Athletic, and was once again joined by assistants Matthew Flanagan and Andrew Steptoe. Following a poor start to the season, Baxendale resigned in October, with the team only two points ahead of the relegation places. Two days later, he returned to Armthorpe Welfare as manager.

Born in Thorne, South Yorkshire, Baxendale attended The McAuley Catholic High School in Doncaster.

Growing up, Baxendale supported Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday, having received a season ticket at Nottingham Forest as a young kid. Even after leaving Doncaster Rovers, Baxendale said he "still live in Doncaster in the summer. My home is there and I go back quite regularly so I will have a lot of friends and family there at the game – Doncaster fans who will want tickets in the Walsall end!".