Rangers Football Club has been the home to many great footballers from Paul Gascoigne to Ally McCoist to John Greig. But none have been greater than Jim Baxter.
Tom Miller has simply done the impossible in Slim Jim: Simply the Best, writing a book that captures the true spirit of Rangers’ greatest player. He uncovers all the stories, even the player’s deepest secrets, on his way to creating an incredibly enjoyable read.
Baxter was a man of the people, representing the working class of Scotland. He possessed a character larger than life and had a game that could back it up. He excelled on the world’s biggest stages, whether it be Old Firm matches or the early days of European football. Simply put, he was a player years ahead of his time. He was a bit of Messi and Ronaldo, a dab of Beckham and Ronaldinho, decades before these greats were even born. But unlike the superstars of today, he was humble and unassuming. He never forgot his roots and was indeed a “genuine hero” to so many in Scotland.
The book takes the reader on a roller coaster journey from Baxter’s early days at Raith Rovers to the bright lights of Sunderland and Nottingham Forest along with two memorable spells at Rangers.
The story is full of “what ifs” as the reader is left wondering if Baxter’s career and life might have been different if he had just taken it easy. He lived live to its fullest and then some, but his career came to a premature end in part because of this. Someone with so much talent, Baxter could have played five, maybe ten more years if he hadn’t resorted to a hard, partying lifestyle.
But what a brilliant career it was! Baxter was simply the best player on the pitch no matter where he played, whether it be England, Scotland, or across Europe. Baxter helped put Rangers on the map and it is a sad thing that so many did not get to see him play.
Baxter was great at whatever he did: playing the beautiful game, living life, and finding a place after his playing career was over. His touring days raised his profile even further, sharing some of that Slim Jim spirit with a new generation. However, the story of Jim Baxter came to a tragic end after two liver transplants and a difficult battle with cancer. Death is not the end of his story as his legacy and spirit lives forever at Rangers FC.
If you are looking for a Rangers title, look no further than our friends at Black & White Publishing. They have some great books coming out, including the highly anticipated Jock Wallace and Charlie Miller titles. Each would make a great holiday gift for your favorite Rangers fan or supporter of Scottish football.
