POSH SIGN THE NEW HANSEN - NOT A DUD!
ANDY Hessenthaler said he wasn’t cut out for the Football League while his former Hartlepool boss Neale Cooper compared him to Liverpool legend Alan Hansen – so it’s fair to say new Peterborough defender Jack Baldwin divides opinion.
But as far as Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony is concerned he has just invested in the best young centre back outside the Premier League, and for a bargain £500,000.
Such drastic contrasts would weigh heavy on most shoulders, but the 20year-old Baldwin takes it all in his stride.
Even his 11th-hour transfer on deadline day from Pools – where he had played a total of 85 times , scoring six goals – was handled with little fuss.
“I got a call on Friday evening and left my dinner on the table. I shot off,” said London-born Baldwin.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be here. Geographically as well it is perfect really. I grew up in east London so I’m about an hour away from home.
“And seeing what this club does with young players really appealed. They bring them in and send them on their way better players the majority of the time.”
There was a time, though, when it appeared that Baldwin was destined for a life in the shadows.
A degree in physiotherapy at the University of Kent was his plan before Gillingham, and Hessenthaler, offered him a glimmer of hope with a trial.
But the former Gills boss’s frank assessment of his talents still rankles with the former Chatham and Faversham Town centre back – much more than any praise that he has been given by MacAnthony – or a big transfer fee.
“I’m not getting too carried away with all the kind words,” he added. “I’ll keep it stored in the memory bank and it’s nice that the chairman rates me very highly – no pressure there then!
“The fee is also a bit of added pressure, whenever someone spends that amount of money it adds pressure but I try not to think about it. I like to think I can live up to it. I
love play- ing in front of crowds, it doesn’t faze me because before I signed for Hartlepool there was a time where I thought this might not happen
“I grew up in Barking and at the age of 13, I went south of the River Thames to Gravesend & Northfleet – now Ebbsfleet United.
Trial
“At 16, I moved further into Kent to Chatham Town and when I was 17, I moved to Faversham in the Ryman Division One South, where I played everywhere – left back, right back, midfield and central defence.
“I was ready to go to university, I was all set to go in September 2011 before I went on trial with Gillingham and then Andy Hessenthaler said I wasn’t ready for league football.
“I thought maybe it wouldn’t happen, but fortunately it all fell into place a week later when I got offered a deal at Hartlepool.
“I’m delighted the way everything
has turned out. I wouldn’t change anything. At some point I’d like to go to university and do the course, but for now I’m concentrating on this exciting challenge.”
Another exciting new challenge will await at the start of March when Baldwin’s partner Victoria is set to give birth to their first baby. Having a new family was another reason why Baldwin was desperate to make the move to London Road happen.
But his motivation has always been football, so much so that when his former manager Cooper first drew comparisons with three-time European Cup winner Hansen, he immediately turned toYouTube to see what sort of a player Hansen had been.
“I laughed it off at first, but I thought I’d have a look and I can see where he was coming from to be honest,” continued Baldwin, who speaks with the assurance of a Match of the Day pundit despite his young age.
“I like to think I’m calm in posses- sion, I can put in a strong tackle and I can read the game well. It’s about keeping that back door closed though and that’s what Hansen was all about.
“A few other people have said similar things since and it’s obviously nice. I like to think I can deal with the step up to League One pretty comfortably.
“I played a bit of League One football with Hartlepool before we were relegated.
“We want to kick on from here though.We’re in a pretty good position at the moment and the play-offs are in reach hopefully.
“That’s where we need to be and promotion is what we want.
“I’ve played in midfield a few times for Hartlepool so I’m comfortable there, but I’d like to think I’m more of a centre back.
“Hopefully I can get in the team pretty sharpish and play my part in a successful end to the season.”