20-year-old Baxendale is a product of the Leeds United youth system.
He joined The Whites in 2008 and signed pro terms in 2010, sadly he failed to make a first team appearance at Elland Road and departed for Doncaster Rovers in 2011 but again failed to make much of an impact, only managing two first team appearances.
Following loan spells with Northern Premier League side Buxton and former npower League Two side Hereford United James penned a one year contract at The Banks's Stadium at the beginning of this season.