James Robert Baxendale (born 16 September 1992) is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Pontefract Collieries. Early life Born in Thorne, South Yorkshire, Baxendale attended The McAuley Catholic High School in Doncaster. Career 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 second-half substitute for Ashley Hemmings, in a 3–0 loss against his former club, Doncaster Rovers in the opening game of the season. He then scored his first goal for the club, in a 2–1 win over Portsmouth on 15 September 2012. Seven days later, on 22 September 2012, he scored again, in a 3–1 win over Preston North End. Due to his impressive performance at Walsall, he signed an 18-month contract with Walsall in January 2013. He later added two more goals against Preston North End and Oldham Athletic. Towards the end of the season, Baxendale found himself in and out of the starting eleven for the side. In