Jack Baldwin, a former regular for Bristol Rovers during their challenging 2020/21 season played behind closed doors, has completed a move to League One rivals Northampton Town. Baldwin has signed a two-year deal with the Cobblers for an undisclosed fee after three impressive seasons at Ross County in the Scottish Premiership, where he made 102 appearances and served as club captain.
Ross County confirmed in a statement that Baldwin’s transfer was driven by his desire to move closer to his family, with the defender originally hailing from Essex.
Baldwin may not be particularly fondly remembered by Gasheads, largely because few could watch him in action regularly during the behind-closed-doors season. He was a consistent presence under managers Ben Garner, Paul Tisdale, and Joey Barton, playing 45 games after joining from Sunderland in the summer.
However, in a turbulent season for the club, Baldwin struggled to find his best form, and the team was relegated to League Two with the worst record in the division. Now, Baldwin will have the chance to play before a packed Mem, an experience he missed during his time with Bristol Rovers.
After Bristol Rovers’ relegation to League Two, Jack Baldwin started four games in the following season and made four additional appearances, including two at the Mem once fans were allowed back. He was then sold to Ross County.
The 31-year-old defender may now have the opportunity to redeem himself, although Rovers fans might not appreciate it, as Northampton Town will face Bristol Rovers at the Mem for the opening game of the 2024/25 League One season. This match carries added tension due to the rivalry that developed after the dramatic final day of the 2021/22 season, when Rovers secured automatic promotion by thrashing Scunthorpe United 7-0, a result that cost Northampton their promotion spot.
Cobblers manager Jon Brady expressed his enthusiasm for Baldwin’s arrival: “Jack is a real leader, an organizer, and someone we are delighted to welcome to the club. He is a brave defender who wins his fair share of tackles and blocks but he can play too. He has a good pedigree and a lot of experience, having played at various levels in both England and Scotland. Jack will be part of a strong group of central defenders in the squad, and we are very pleased to welcome him to Sixfields.”
Baldwin is no stranger to the Mem, having previously played there with Peterborough United during the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons, as well as with Hartlepool United in 2013/14.
The current Bristol Rovers squad has undergone significant changes since the 2020/21 season, with only Jed Ward, who made his senior debut at Blackpool with Baldwin in the team, and Luke McCormick, who was on loan from Chelsea at the time, remaining from that period.
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