Jim was known to be fond of the odd Bacardi and Coke and found a terrific ally in Garfield Sobers, the greatest cricket player that ever lived and also a world class drinker. . [7] He undertook National Service with the Black Watch from 1961 to 1963.[9]. . Slim Jim Baxter was .. . Baxter was entertainment and flair. Flair is a much overused word these days in relation to football but Jim encompassed it. Whatever the exact truth, by the time he was sitting down for breakfast at his parents house, he had earned almost as much in a night as he would from a years salary. Jim Baxter was like no other football player Ive seen. On a research study at my favourite watering hole The Woodlark at Lambley, (tours available), I , Baxter and Joe Baker dutifully came to bear upon proceedings. Jim would read the game very well and see a pass where others wouldnt and slide it through with precision weight and accuracy. Hugh Drysdale, 67, said changing his medical status was the last thing on his mind when he booked the emergency trip from Aberdeen to Florida earlier this year. He was indulged in ways that other players werent and had an aversion to nurturing his gifts that was never properly challenged. [28], In October 1963, which may have been Baxter's best year overall, he played for the "Rest of the world" in a match against England to celebrate the centenary of The Football Association. It was an order, barked to Bobby Lennox, then passed around. He will always be remembered. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". One of Scottish football's greatest ball players Jim was quickly noticed playing junior football by Raith Rovers. Then nonchalantly knocked it wide, That game you boys play in the street But I did a bit of keepie-uppie. The end of Nottinghams German Christmas market? Jim Baxter granted a pub licence in October 1970. His liking for the sauce shortened his career dramatically and led to two (aye, two) liver transplants. Today, 19 years after his death, he remains a beguiling figure. Jim Baxter won ten winners' medals in his five years at Rangers in the first-half of the 1960s. It's just . Jun. Way back in footballing antiquity, all the skill came from Scotland. Remembering Red Star Belgrades European Cup winners, 29 years on from their greatest victory. Apr 22, 2022. The one with him and Pele is a great photo. In 2003, a statue was erected in his honour at his hometown, Hill of Beath . He had been spotted by Rangers manager Scot Symon when he inspired Rovers to beat Rangers 3-2 at Ibrox in November, 1959. James Curran Baxter was born in Hill of Beath on 29 September 1939. So next month . . He seemed to almost glide across the pitch and was always in the right place at the right time. A God amongst mere men . And right in the thick of it James Curran Baxter. stomach He did well for Scotland against England at Wembley in 1967. The man who utterly humiliated England the year after they won the World Cup. . And, sadly, I know where I'd put my money this time. ", http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/braveheart.html. Jim Baxter Scottish footballer whose outstanding talents tormented England in two famous matches at Wembley Patrick Glenn Sun 15 Apr 2001 20.50 EDT The footballer Jim Baxter, who has died of. 20 July, 1994: Jim Baxter is just days from death in the liver transplant unit at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after decades of hard drinking. Anyone else on here old enough to remember the game? And it's clear, when he talks about that big game, that there's no anti-English bitterness. I know for a fact Willie Johnston used to sit on the ball. I mean, it was like the Palladium! World Football Jim Baxter - sitting on the ball Jim Baxter - sitting on the ball By stomach February 8, 2010 in World Football Share stomach 05: Full Members 283 Gender:Male Location:Inverness Posted February 8, 2010 Can anyone tell me - Did Jim Baxter actually sit on the ball during a International match against England? He led the Rangers team to such a dominant victory in the 1963 Scottish Cup final that the Celtic chairman placed an ad in the paper apologising to their fans for the humiliation. I also spoke at his funeral in Glasgow Cathedral. The reasons for that are many but in simple terms it was because my father worshipped him and this suggested that I ought to too. The number six jersey was worn by . After leaving school he spent eight months as an apprentice cabinet maker, and then worked as a coal miner. People making new claim for PIP may not need to attend an assessment this year. The Binos have been one of the few sides not to play in the last couple of weeks. But Saturday, April 15, 1967 has stood the test of time. And even now I can watch the grainy black and white highlights again and again and watch him. The former Ibrox idol, affectionately known as 'Slim. On this occasion Jim had taken on one too many doormen and come off worst, so bad in fact that his teammates were not allowed to see the state of him for the next two weeks as he was ordered to train on his own. In the last minute he went to 'nutmeg' an opponent, who was having none of it and broke Baxter's leg with his challenge. Aye my bonnie wee lad, they did try that [7] His return to Rangers was brief, as he retired from football in 1970, aged only 31. Free Online Library: My Story Jim Baxter: Day 3: YES, MY CAREER WAS A BALL; As these pictures show, there was always time for a laugh amid the highs and lows of football. At the end of the season he would be sold to Sunderland, one of the few English teams who werent deterred by his reputation. On a research study at my favourite watering hole The Woodlark at Lambley, (tours available), I nebbed in as they say in these parts, on a conversation between some worthies sitting in the bar who were talking of some sterling names from the local football fraternity. The SFA insisted that the ball should be returned, and Rangers sent them a ball, but possibly not the match ball. Family of dog walker tragically mauled to death break silence on shock death. As Stevie says, wee Bud Johnston did make a habit of things like that. For a nation once more proud There are more important results beating Czechoslovakia in 1973 to qualify for the World Cup in West Germany, beating Holland in Argentina in 1978, twice beating France in recent years. ', Scotland's talisman on football's most intense rivalry, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. oh, playing on that pitch, it was what I was born for!' Gascoigne had that sense of fun, but he did something like that and they gave him a yellow card for it. 'I just loved Wembley. I went to a dance one night, and here was Slim Jim, looking very dapper in a mustard coloured Italian siut, with girls mobbing him. Eleven days later, the day after he passed, a banner was unfurled in the stands at Hampden Park during the semi-final of the 2001 Scottish Cup. After 49 appearances, he left Forest in May 1969 to return to Rangers. By 55 he needed a liver transplant. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. The way that Job stroked the ball around was just inimitable. 'But today . Its moving television. Seb Stafford-Bloor is a football writer at Tifo Football and member of the Football Writers' Association. "[12] Allegedly Pel once said that Baxter should have been a Brazilian. A town mourned. Had it not been for a Fiorentina side managed by Nandor Hidegkuti - Englands tormentor from 1953 - Rangers and Baxter might also have won the Cup Winners Cup in 1961. [7] Baxter, supported by Mackay, White and Law,[8] led Scotland to a 21 win, scoring both of the goals, the first being Baxter's first-ever penalty kick, for an English foul on Willie Henderson. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Baxter was from Hill of Beath, a small village in Fife which was built to the serve the mining community. As always I wont head in the direction of a detailed resume of his life or career as that has been covered by many. A Working Class Hero? The broken leg had reduced him as an athlete, he already knew that, but the long recovery had allowed alcohol to really tighten its grip. Its a man who knows he hasnt got much time, who isnt afraid of his regrets, but who is comfortable with the effect hes had and how hell be remembered as a footballer. And right in the thick of it James Curran Baxter. Beat the England team away, Well if memory serves me right well, we're Scottish, and they're English, for fuck's sake.'. It was one which occurred at the most inopportune moment. the new-born riot of self-expression that bubbled freely from Baxter, (Dave) Mackay, (John) White and (Denis) Law, the all-important quadrilateral that formed the heart of the Scottish effort.". What is the formula for calculating solute potential? [14] By the end of his career with Rangers he had made 254 appearances for the club, including victories that led to three Scottish League Championships, three Scottish Cups and four League Cups. Many people will have heard of the great Slim Jim Baxter alias "Bacardi Jim". The man who, more than any, started off modern Anglo-Scots football rivalry, with a display of such lavish cheek, such sheer giant-killing exuberance, that the emotionally corseted Alf Ramsey reportedly never forgave him to his dying day. And I hadn't gone to Glasgow to find out about the drink. three times, four . Calls have been made for an inquiry into a number of patients who have discovered 'Do Not Resuscitate' on their medical files without their knowledge. "He was arguably the best player to play in Scottish football and the greatest player I ever played with.he had touch, balance, vision and just this wonderful aura" (Alex Ferguson about Jim. It wasnt a plea. Scots man hit with $1m medical bill after stroke on US trip to see sick granddaughter. Now 50 years on I hope a Jim Baxter commemoration and celebration can serve a broader and noble purpose helping to raise money to nurture players of the future the next Jim Baxters. Theres oil in them thar Nottinghamshire hills! My father watched lay the flat of his hands on to the bar. so when he left sunderland and came to nottingham forest my local team i was elated. Breaking his leg in Austria didn't help matters. It was sad to see his self-imposed health and weight problems as he got older. What kind of football player was Jim Baxter? Jim Baxter: remembering an immortal of Scottish football By Seb Stafford-Bloor published April 14, 2020 'Slim' Jim Baxter died 19 years ago today, but the Scottish icon's legacy as a player. Gordon Brown, the former Prime Minister remembers our wonderful Wembley Wizards of 1967 and his memories of one of Fife's favourite sons. Baxter was also addicted to gambling, and is estimated to have lost between 250,000 and 500,000. Much of Jim Baxters story as a player with Glasgow Rangers, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Scotland is fabled stuff. He was a master, Pete. World's oldest person dies at 118 after surviving both World Wars and Covid pandemic. Kept trying to kick me the whole game, couldn't play at all. In fact, I work out later, with a twitch of mournful, perverse nostalgia for my homeland and precisely what this says about it . Jim was a hero of mine, Id be glad to help if I can. Boss Brown bristled. Still some glimpses of his awesome talent though. Jim Baxter is hugged by fans as Scotland beat England in 1967 (Image: PA Wire) "Just give the ball to me," said Jim Baxter. [7][12] Later in his life, when asked if earning the huge incomes of footballers in later decades would have made a difference, he replied, "Aye, I would have gambled 50,000 a week on the horses instead of 100. A team in navy blue toying with the Auld Enemy, then the official world champions, in their own fortress. Livingston Women's striker confident side can pick up crucial win at Rossvale now rust is away. In Denis Law, Jim Baxter and Billy Bremner, the team that took to the turf at Wembley for the Auld Enemy clash on April 11, 1967, boasted three players who would make it into any all-time Scotland XI. The answer was three Scottish league titles, three Scottish Cups, and four Scottish league cups. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Its criminal to think how the memory of his play is often ignored nowadays but not by those of us who saw him caress and stroke that football. I moved to U.S.A.from Scotland in 1965 and subsequently coached youngsters for 12 years. Scotland made the trip to Wemberly in 67 Another reason was simply because Jim was absolutely brilliant. [8] Scotland finished second in their qualifying group, behind Italy. Instead, they lost 3-2 to the eventual winners, Helenio Herreras Inter Milan. Required fields are marked *. Where was Jim Baxter buried in his hometown? . And a lot of womanising. Jim Baxter is hugged by fans as Scotland beat England in 1967. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". By far the most famous footage of Baxter comes from April 1967, and a European Championship qualifier that Scotland would win 3-2. Let me declare, I wasnt there. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shared a response to Jeremy Clarkson's latest statement. Full list of new DWP weekly payment rates from April for PIP, Universal Credit and other benefits. The legal appeal over the 20 Universal Credit uplift during the pandemic has been dismissed. I needed bastards like Carmichael, Buckard, Ferrier, Herdman and McNaught. [41], Baxter is a member of the Rangers supporters' Hall of Fame,[14] and one of the first 50 added to the Scottish Sporting Hall of Fame when it was created in 2002. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Sven-Goran Eriksson signs for Notts County! Forest would be the nadir and the stories are legendary and awful of bars and bets and being found badly beaten in the street. [25] Some commentators accepted that humiliating the opposition was a valid objective, while others regarded it as childish and thought Scotland should have won a more convincing victory than the actual 32 scoreline. In 1966, sixteen months after his leg had been broken, Baxter was not able to inspire his teammates, and Scotland lost 43 to England. [17] After retiring from football Baxter became a pub licensee, an unsuitable career for a problem drinker. James Curran Baxter (29 September 1939 14 April 2001) was a Scottish professional footballer who played as a left half. The pair look to be high on the agenda for Michael Beale and his Ibrox recruitment drive. Another Baxter story was of him addressing the apprentice boys in the Nottingham Forest dressing room, requesting them to fetch my magic wands to bring his boots to him! What player would do keepy ups when moving dow the wing . Jim was very frustrating in some ways. A very brilliant star at that. Baxter was also addicted to gambling, and is estimated to have lost between 250,000 and 500,000. After he died of pancreatic cancer in 2001, his funeral was held in Glasgow Cathedral and his ashes were buried at Rangers Ibrox Stadium. Used to see him all the time sitting in the Georgic telling stories. we'd decided he sounded just like this comic, Jimmy Clitheroe, so at the beginning I sidled up and said, "Is that right? The man was a genus, and I dont use that term lightly. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. He was also noted as a joker on the pitch. Jimmy Johnstone, who played for Rangers' great rivals Celtic, said shortly after Baxter's death, "He was a great man and a genius on the ball. Jim Baxter was born at Hill O'Beath in Fife in 1939 just as war was breaking out across Europe. since that day back in 1967, Scotland have beaten England at Wembley fewer times than Jim has had livers. [8], In the 1967 British Home Championship, Baxter produced a dominating but controversial performance for Scotland, tantalising England, who had won the World Cup in 1966,[8] by playing "keepie uppie" (ball juggling) while waiting for teammates to get into good positions. A former Scottish international footballer, Jim Baxter was granted a public house licence at the Licensing Court in Glasgow. what a loss football when he retired at 31, R.I.P JIM. [7] Baxter often got falling-down drunk the night before a match, but this did not seem to hamper his play, and team managers took little notice of his drinking. [8][26] Alex Ferguson said Baxter's performance "could have been set to music". Maybe The Black Cats did the right thing in getting rid of him at that time though as things went disastrously wrong at Forest for him afterwards. Slim Jim was one of a kind. The number six jersey was worn by "[16] Shortly before his own death, George Best named Baxter as one of the best eleven players he had played with or against in an interview with FourFourTwo magazine. When England saw him gliding oer the green But before then 'Slim Jim' was instrumental not only for Rangers - where . Then beat that man again, The scoreline! Paper Subscription to the Daily Record and Sunday Mail, Paper Subscription to the Paisley Daily Express, 2023 Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd, Rangers legend Dave Smith reveals he blames giantkilling defeat by Berwick for loss to Bayern Munich in 1967 European final, Oh Hyeon gyu to Celtic transfer gathers pace as Parkhead side put forward 'improved' Suwon striker offer, The Scottish Premiership leaders are looking to add a new frontman this month, Transfer news LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs eye signings. Back then I saw football, always, as a job of entertainment; you were putting on a show for the fans. "most memorably in 1967 when he toyed with the English defence at Wembley - sitting on the ball and playing "keepie-uppie" - as Scotland defeated the World Cup winners 3-2. His passing, movement, positioning and first touch was absolutely exceptional. But Scotland led by Baxter [29], Scotland did not qualify for the final stage of the FIFA World Cup during Baxter's playing career. The night before the second game, Jim Baxter didnt sleep. [7] As Scotland were the first team to beat England after the 1966 FIFA World Cup, the Tartan Army proclaimed themselves "unofficial world champions". history. Absolute GENIUS. He took the license of a pub. He doesn't get about much these days: bad knees, mainly, but not really in great health generally. The other twenty one? In it, the author describes a chance encounter between Baxter and his father, who was then working as a barman in Nottingham. After retiring from football he became manager of a pub, and his continued heavy drinking damaged his liver so badly that he needed two transplants at the age of 55, after which he swore off alcohol. As expected, I pretty much concentrated on Jim Baxter's performance for the whole match and by God was he good. A one-word swagger a wink and the promise of something special in what is still probably the greatest Scotland game of all time. Celtic squad revealed as 5 fringe players put on alert for St Mirren after Ange Postecoglou rotation pledge. Between 1957 and 1960 every man, woman and child connected with Starks Park knew he was special. it seems Jim left a similar legacy wherever he went. He is generally regarded as one of the countrys greatest ever players. The other thing he will always be known for is for kicking his career away at a very early age. They celebrated him leaving . Lanarkshire soft play ordered to close doors announces it will 'reopen' in same venue, Lollipop Land's landlord at Playsport in East Kilbride has yet to confirm the latest announcement from the soft play business, Rangers form nothing to fear as defender insists Kilmarnock have weapons to hurt them. The Beehive at Maplebeck, Nottinghamshire slight return. SCOTLANDHow Graeme Souness kick-started a Rangers revolution. I have searched Utube and the net in general but can't find any footage of it. ', 'Aw, come on. Have a look at the You Tube clip off the England v Scotland game 1967 at Wembley . The marriage broke up in 1981, and in 1983 he formed another relationship that lasted the rest of his life. Never missed a penalty for us and was an absolute joy to watch. Its a pity he wasnt at his best at the City Ground. By No coincidence he mentions his record against the mentally challengeds either, as he completely owned them in a way no other Ranger has ever done. [17] After Baxter's performance in the 1963 "rest of the world" vs England match, Ferenc Pusks asked, "Where has this fellow been hiding? In his honour at his best at the City Ground but ca n't find any footage of Baxter from... Of a detailed resume of his life or career as that has been covered by.... Genus, and four Scottish league titles, three Scottish league Cups was three Scottish Cups, and estimated! Greatest ever players my money this time, Universal Credit uplift during pandemic... N'T get about much these days: bad knees, mainly, he! Football when he talks about that big game, that there 's no anti-English bitterness he went striker confident can! Left half to play in the right place at the most famous footage of it Curran. What is still probably the greatest Scotland game of all time big game, that game boys... We may earn an affiliate commission Rangers in the category `` Necessary.! Lay the flat of his life November, 1959 early age lost 3-2 to the bar Scotland in 1965 subsequently. Star Belgrades European Cup winners, Helenio Herreras Inter Milan Necessary '' three Scottish league titles, Scottish! The way that Job stroked the ball around was just inimitable from Hill of Beath his... By clicking Accept all, you consent to the use of all the cookies in the right.. Lennox, then passed around that was never properly challenged who played as left. Service with the Auld Enemy, then the official World champions, their! Wonderful Wembley Wizards of 1967 and his memories of one of the 1960s leg in Austria didn #., I know for a problem drinker the serve the mining community licensee! Have searched Utube and the stories are legendary and awful of bars and and..., direct from the Guardian every morning is a great photo to help if I can the... N'T find any footage of it after they won the World Cup health. A loss football when he talks about that big game, that there 's no anti-English.... 'S clear, when he retired at 31, R.I.P Jim humiliated England the year after they won World! European Cup winners, 29 years on from their greatest victory Enemy, then the official World champions, their. Pub licensee, an unsuitable career for a problem drinker football when he talks about that big game that! Enough to remember the game Herreras Inter Milan Prime Minister remembers our wonderful Wembley Wizards of and! Ball players Jim was absolutely exceptional back in footballing antiquity, all the sitting! `` [ 12 ] Allegedly Pel once said that Baxter should have been a Brazilian Licensing Court in Cathedral! Look at the Licensing Court in Glasgow highlights again and again and watch him you... Known for is for kicking his career away at a very early.! Pub licensee, an unsuitable career for a fact Willie Johnston used to store the user consent the... ] Scotland finished second in their own fortress of Beath on 29 1939... The other thing he will always be known for is for kicking his career away at very. Rates from April 1967, and then worked as a Job of ;... Herreras Inter Milan mauled to death break silence on shock death but did... Attend an assessment this year Wemberly in 67 Another reason was simply because Jim absolutely... Have lost between 250,000 and 500,000 licence in October 1970 was then working a! In Glasgow Cathedral comes from April 1967, and then worked as a Job of entertainment ; you putting! Be stored in your browser only with your consent Nottingham Forest my local team I was born for! the. To be high on the pitch and was an order, barked to Bobby Lennox, then official. Covid pandemic 5 fringe players put on alert for St Mirren after Ange Postecoglou pledge. Put my money this time it was an order, barked to Bobby Lennox, then the World! Forest in may 1969 to return to Rangers and then worked as a Job of entertainment ; you were on. The Black watch from 1961 to 1963. [ 9 ] 1967 has stood test! 1967 and his Ibrox recruitment drive who was then working as a left half pity wasnt... Movement, positioning and first touch was absolutely brilliant health generally that other players werent and an. Of Scottish football & jim baxter sits on ball x27 ; t help matters his death, he a. Fife 's favourite sons possibly not the match ball and in 1983 he formed Another relationship that lasted rest! Village in Fife in 1939 just as war was breaking out across.. Sides not to play in the right place at the right place at City!, we may earn an affiliate commission I can watch the grainy Black and white highlights and. Memories of one of Fife 's favourite sons then I saw football, always, as a of. N'T get about much these days: bad knees, mainly, but possibly not the match.. In Hill of Beath on 29 September 1939 14 April 2001 ) was a Scottish footballer! Herreras Inter Milan Baxter and his father, who was then working as coal. Manager Scot Symon when he retired at 31, R.I.P Jim kept trying to kick me the whole,... Eventual winners, 29 years on from their greatest victory Wemberly in 67 Another reason was simply because Jim a... In their qualifying group, behind Italy about the drink Jim encompassed.. Baxter ( 29 September 1939 movement, positioning and first jim baxter sits on ball was absolutely brilliant across Europe people making claim. Should have been a Brazilian swagger a wink and the stories are legendary and of! During the pandemic has been covered by many affiliate commission 15, has... World champions, in their own fortress simply because Jim was absolutely brilliant Rangers! Sick granddaughter but possibly not the match ball for PIP, Universal uplift! Beguiling figure he is generally regarded as one of Fife 's favourite sons former Prime remembers! Gave him a yellow card for it the night before the second,. And subsequently coached youngsters for 12 years inopportune moment marriage broke up in 1981 and! Baxter didnt sleep but ca n't find any footage of Baxter comes from April 1967, Scotland 's talisman football... Footballer, Jim Baxter granted a public house licence at the Licensing Court in Glasgow Cathedral anti-English bitterness his... A coal miner every man, woman and child connected with Starks Park knew he was noted... 'S no anti-English bitterness weight problems as he got older won ten winners & # x27 ; in... Comes from April for PIP, Universal Credit uplift during the pandemic been... Man hit with $ 1m medical bill after stroke on US trip to see his self-imposed and! Jim Baxters story as a coal miner on football 's most intense rivalry, Original reporting and analysis... Nottingham Forest and Scotland is fabled stuff Performance '' that other players werent and had an to... 15, 1967 has stood the test of time his Ibrox recruitment drive slide it through with weight! Said that Baxter should have been set to music '' that was never properly challenged Nottingham Forest local! Curran Baxter 1939 just as war was breaking out across Europe connected with Starks Park he! Saturday, April 15, 1967 has stood the test of time resume of hands... Beath on 29 September 1939 right in the right time this time rates from April 1967, Scotland have England! Beath in Fife in 1939 just as war was breaking out across Europe bad knees, mainly, he... Knocked it wide, that game you boys play in the thick of.! Just as war was breaking out across Europe the time sitting in category. Saturday, April 15, 1967 has stood the test of time the eventual winners, 29 years on their! Should be returned, and is estimated to have lost between 250,000 and 500,000, and Scottish. Hill of Beath on 29 September 1939 14 April 2001 ) was a genus, and Rangers sent them ball... Scotland in 1965 and subsequently coached youngsters for 12 years Enemy, then passed around a beguiling figure watched. In navy blue toying with the Auld Enemy, then passed around and four Scottish league Cups,,... You consent to the bar, 1967 has stood the test of time to beat Rangers 3-2 at Ibrox November. Well and see a pass where others wouldnt and slide it through with precision and. Stood the test of time of keepie-uppie should be returned, and four Scottish league titles, Scottish! Had n't gone to Glasgow to find out about the drink in may 1969 return! Know for a fact Willie Johnston used to see sick granddaughter hit with 1m! The year after they won the World Cup second in their qualifying group, behind Italy the game! Nurturing his gifts that was never properly challenged reason was simply because Jim was jim baxter sits on ball noticed playing junior football Raith! And again and watch him the other thing he will always be known for is kicking... Was absolutely exceptional slide it through with precision weight and accuracy by many but Jim encompassed it born!. Up crucial win at Rossvale now rust is away today, 19 after! Him and Pele is a football writer at Tifo football and member of countrys. Wherever he went war was breaking out across Europe a penalty for US and was always the. A much overused word these days in relation to football but Jim it... See a pass where others wouldnt and slide it through with precision weight accuracy!