Jose agrees two-and-a-half year deal
Latics have pulled off a major transfer coup by signing Jose Baxter on a two-and-a-half year contract.The 20-year-old striker completed the formalities shortly before kick off for today's npower League One match against Brentford.
Baxter, whose short-term contract expires on Tuesday, had been courted by a number of npower Championship clubs.
Manager Paul Dickov is delighted that Baxter has committed his future to the club.
He said: "It is fantastic signing, not only for the team, but also the club and our supporters.
"I was always hopeful that Jose would stay and it is credit to him, his family and agent that he has decided to stay because he could easily have moved to a club at a higher level.
"Jose has enjoyed his football here and the fact he has shown such commitment to the club should be applauded.
"When you look at the way he has been playing, you couldn't have held it against Jose had he decided to move."
Dickov added that he rates Baxter as one of the best talents outside the Barclays Premier League as his performances have demonstrated.
Latics' manager says Baxter needs to be playing, something which will happen with Latics, rather than possibly having a lesser role elsewhere.
Dickov said: "Sometimes players and agents get bad publicity, but I cannot praise both Jose and his representative highly enough.
"Jose appreciates how much work we have put in with him.
"Now he needs to kick on and I will work as hard as I can to make him even better because he has the ability to play at the highest level."
Baxter added that the lure of Boundary Park was being a regular in the team.
He said: "The fact I have been playing every week helped make up my mind as well as the fans who have been brilliant.
"The gaffer and the lads have been great and I have loved every minute of my time here.
"In the summer I had no club and the gaffer took a gamble and I wanted to repay him by signing a two-and-a-half year contract.
"I am still only young and have plenty of time. I am looking to get the experience from playing regularly and for my career to kick on."
Baxter is pictured signing his new contract with Dickov looking on.