Carl Baker

For the heavyweight boxer, see Carl Baker (boxer).

Carl Baker
Baker playing for Stockport County in 2011
Personal information
Full name Carl Paul Baker
Date of birth (1982-12-26) 26 December 1982 (age 41)
Place of birth Prescot, England
Position(s) Winger, Attacking midfielder
Youth career
Liverpool
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003 Prescot Cables
2003–2007 Southport 130 (31)
2007–2008 Morecambe 42 (10)
2008–2010 Stockport County 42 (12)
2010–2014 Coventry City 160 (21)
2014–2016 Milton Keynes Dons 66 (12)
2016–2017 Portsmouth 47 (9)
2017 ATK 0 (0)
2018 Coventry City 0 (0)
2018–2019 Nuneaton Borough 16 (1)
2019–2020 Brackley Town 34 (6)
2020–2021 Nuneaton Borough 12 (5)
2021–2023 AFC Telford United 22 (1)
2023 Quorn 2 (0)
Total 573 (108)
International career
2006–2007 England C 2 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Carl Paul Baker (born 26 December 1982) is an English former professional footballer who played as a winger or as an attacking midfielder.

He made over 350 career appearances in the Football League, including 160 appearances for Coventry City.

Born on 26 December 1982 in Prescot, Merseyside,[1] Baker came up through the Liverpool Academy before moving to Prescot Cables. Shortly after, he moved to Southport in 2003, with whom he helped win the Conference North title. An impressive four-year spell saw him earn a move into the Football League with Morecambe, where he found the net 11 times in 48 appearances. Two years at Stockport County followed prior to completing a switch to then-Championship club Coventry City in the summer of 2010. He went on to play 182 times for the Sky Blues and was captain for the final two years of his four-year stay. In September 2014, he signed for Milton Keynes Dons after being released by Coventry. Baker signed for Portsmouth in June 2016. He signed with Indian Super League franchise ATK in the following year but was released without playing a match due to an injury which ruled him out for the entire season. In March 2018, Carl returned to Coventry City on a short-term deal until the end of the season, before concluding his career in non-league football.

On November 21, 2021, Baker was appointed assistant manager at AFC Telford United alongside manager Paul Carden.

He has represented England at semi-professional level playing for England C.

Club career

Born in Prescot, Merseyside, Baker started his career with Liverpool at schoolboy level before playing for Prescot Cables.[2] He signed for Southport in 2003.

Southport

Baker's career was forged at Southport. Spotted playing for Prescot by Southport manager Liam Watson, Baker was quickly snapped up by the Merseyside club, and soon established himself as one of non-league's exciting talents. He was an important member of the Southport Conference North Championship winning team in the 2004–05 season.[2] In 2005, he was a member of the Middlesex Wanderers F.C. that visited Japan.[3]

After again playing an important role in helping keep Southport in the Conference National in the 2005–06 season, Baker signed his first full-time contract, for the next season as the club turned fully professional, whilst much of the championship winning, and relegation surviving team, (fan favourites Steve Dickinson, Steve Daly, Earl Davis) all not willing to leave their non-footballing jobs, left unable to make the transition to full-time.[citation needed]

Despite Southport's relegation from the Conference National in the 2006–07 season, Baker swept the board with Player of the Year awards, voted on by his fellow players, the fans and local press. He was a fan favourite with the club's fans, being one of only two players left from the 2005 title winning squad.[citation needed] Although only on a year's contract meaning he could move on for free, the club's official website announced he had signed for another year at the club. This meant that any interested team would have to pay for his services.[4]

Morecambe

On 11 July 2007, he signed for Football League Two newcomers Morecambe for a club record, though undisclosed fee.[5] He signed a three-year contract with Morecambe.[6][7] In August 2007 Baker scored Morecambe's first goal when they beat Football League Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers 3–1 in extra time in a League Cup match.[8]

In November, Baker was named North West Non-league player of the year, at the North West Football Awards, for his efforts playing for Southport in 2006–07, beating his new Morecambe teammate Adam Yates to the prize.[9]

Stockport County

On 22 July 2008, Baker signed a three-year contract at Stockport County, with the club paying Morecambe a £175,000 fee.[10]

His 2008–09 season was a in-different one for Baker, he played 27 times for County in his first season, scoring 3 goals, all these were before January, when Baker received a knee injury which required surgery.[citation needed]

The 2009–10 season started well for Baker on the pitch and he was seen to be one of Stockport's main assets.[citation needed] By mid-October he was County's leading scorer with 10 goals. Baker became the first County player to score successive away hat-tricks, with stunning performances against Brighton & Hove Albion & Crewe.[citation needed] Baker scored his 10th goal-of-the-season for Stockport from the penalty spot in the game away to Tranmere Rovers, which was live on Sky – dedicating the goal to his brother Mike whose name he bears on his shirt collar.

Baker added to his goals tally by scoring a penalty in the game against Tooting & Mitcham.

On 26 December 2009, Gary Ablett told reporters that Baker has signed a deal with Championship side Coventry City. Baker's last game for Stockport County was against League 1 leaders Leeds United in which he scored a freekick. The goal was his 13th goal of the season.

Coventry City

Coventry confirmed Baker as the club's fourth permanent signing in the January 2010 transfer window on 8 January 2010.[11] Baker joined Coventry for an undisclosed fee, which was confirmed by him in person as being £300,000.[12] In February 2010, Manager Chris Coleman praised Baker for his impressive performances since joining the club, likening his playing style to that of Sky Blue legend Tommy Hutchinson.[13] On 10 August 2010, Baker returned to former club Morecambe, in a League Cup First Round tie. Coventry fell to a 2–0 defeat. The Sky Blues made up for their 2010 cup loss to Morecambe by beating them 2–1 in the 2012–13 FA Cup 2nd Round. Baker scored the winning goal curling the ball round Morecambe keeper Barry Roche just 18 seconds into the second half. During his time at the club he became a fan favourite due to his consistently skillful and dedicated performances, and was club captain for more than two years from 2012 to 2014.

Baker had his Coventry City contract cancelled by mutual consent on 1 September 2014.[14]

Milton Keynes Dons

On 26 September 2014, following his release from Coventry City, fellow League One side Milton Keynes Dons announced Baker had signed for the club,[15] and made his debut on 4 October 2014 in a 0–2 away win against Yeovil Town. Baker scored his first goal for his new club on 8 November 2014 in the FA Cup first round 3–4 away win against Port Vale. Baker also scored his first league goal for the club, again against Port Vale a week later in a 1–0 home win.

On 22 April 2015 Baker scored twice in the 3–0 home win against Doncaster Rovers.

On 28 April 2015 at the club's end of season awards ceremony, Baker was named Player of the Year 2014–15, voted for by supporters of the club.[16]

On 3 May 2015 Baker scored on the final day of the 2014–15 League One season in a 5–1 home win against Yeovil Town, achieving promotion with Milton Keynes Dons to the Football League Championship.

Portsmouth

Baker signed a 2-year deal with Portsmouth F.C. in June 2016, having previously worked with manager Paul Cook at Southport. He scored on his debut in a 1–1 draw with Carlisle United on 6 August 2016.[17]

ATK

On 4 September 2017, Baker moved abroad, signing for Indian Super League franchise ATK.[18] After suffering an injury during the pre-season, he was ruled out of play for the entire season.[19] He was subsequently replaced by Ryan Taylor.[20]

Return to Coventry City

On 9 March 2018, Carl returned to Coventry City on a short-term deal.[21] On 4 May 2018, it was announced that Carl had left the club by mutual consent due to injury; during this second spell with the club he was unable to make an appearance.[22]

Nuneaton Borough

On 31 August 2018, Nuneaton Borough announced that Baker had signed for the club.[23] He made his début for Nuneaton Borough in a 1–0 win at Curzon Ashton the following day.[24] He left the club in January 2019.[25]

Brackley Town

After his departure from Nuneaton Borough, Baker joined fellow National League North club Brackley Town. He scored twice on his home debut, against Bradford Park Avenue on 26 January 2019.[26]

Return to Nuneaton

Baker playing for Nuneaton Borough in August 2021.

On 30 July 2020, he re-signed for Southern Football League Premier Division side Nuneaton Borough, at the age of 37.[27]

AFC Telford United

On 26 November 2021, he was appointed as assistant manager to Paul Carden at National League North side AFC Telford United and also continued to feature as a player.[28]

Quorn

In February 2023, Baker signed for Quorn.[29]

International career

In November 2005 Baker was called up to the England C squad, but was recalled by Southport due to an FA Cup replay against Woking.[30] However, he was called up again for a match against Italy on 15 February 2006,[31] which England won 3–1.[32] He played for England C in their 1–0 win over Finland on 1 June 2007. [33]

Personal life

On 21 August 2006, Baker pleaded guilty at North Sefton Magistrates Court to failing to provide a specimen for analysis, after he had been stopped on 13 August by police in Southport, who suspected Baker had been drink driving. Magistrates disqualified him from driving. Baker made a public apology.

In October 2006 he was suspended for a week and fined by Southport for what was described as a "serious breach of club discipline".[34]

On 16 September 2009 it was confirmed that Baker's older brother (Michael) had died of leukaemia; despite that Carl went on to play just two days later and score 2 goals in Stockport's 2–2 draw with Yeovil Town; his other brother has also been diagnosed with leukaemia. At the end of the Yeovil game Carl was presented with a card signed by the travelling Stockport fans.

After retiring from professional football, Baker became a professional golf caddie for Robert Rock.[35]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Southport 2003–04[36] Northern Premier League Premier Division 23 5 0 0 — 5[a] 3 28 8
2004–05[37] Conference North 31 8 2 0 — 9[b] 0 42 8
2005–06[38] Conference National 36 7 3 0 — 4[c] 0 43 7
2006–07[39] Conference National 40 11 1 0 — 4[d] 1 45 12
Total 130 31 6 0 — 22 4 158 35
Morecambe 2007–08[40] League Two 42 10 1 0 3 1 2[e] 0 48 11
Stockport County 2008–09[41] League One 22 3 2 0 1 0 2[e] 0 27 3
2009–10[42] League One 20 9 1 1 1 0 2[e] 3 24 13
Total 42 12 3 1 2 0 4 3 51 16
Coventry City 2009–10[42] Championship 22 0 0 0 0 0 — 22 0
2010–11[43] Championship 32 1 2 1 1 0 — 35 2
2011–12[44] Championship 26 1 1 0 0 0 — 27 1
2012–13[45] League One 43 12 3 1 3 1 6[e] 1 55 15
2013–14[46] League One 37 7 5 2 1 1 0 0 43 10
Total 160 21 11 4 5 2 6 1 182 28
Milton Keynes Dons 2014–15[47] League One 32 9 2 1 0 0 1[e] 0 35 10
2015–16[48] Championship 34 3 0 0 3 2 — 37 5
Total 66 12 2 1 3 2 1 0 72 15
Portsmouth 2016–17[49] League Two 45 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 46 9
2017–18[50] League One 2 0 0 0 1 0 1[e] 0 4 0
Total 47 9 1 0 1 0 1 0 50 9
ATK 2017–18 Indian Super League 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 0 0
Coventry City 2017–18 League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Nuneaton Borough 2018–19[51] National League North 16 1 0 0 — 0 0 16 1
Brackley Town 2018–19[51] National League North 15 6 0 0 — 1[f] 0 16 6
2019–20[51] National League North 19 0 1 0 — 1[f] 0 21 0
Total 34 6 1 0 — 2 0 37 6
Nuneaton Borough 2020–21[52] Southern League Premier Division Central 1 0 1 0 — 2[g] 2 4 2
2021–22[52] Southern League Premier Division Central 11 5 2 0 — 3[h] 1 16 6
Total 12 5 3 0 — 5 3 20 8
AFC Telford United 2021–22[51] National League North 15 1 0 0 — 0 0 15 1
2022–23[51] National League North 7 0 0 0 — 0 0 7 0
Total 22 1 0 0 — 0 0 22 1
Quorn 2022–23[53] United Counties League Premier Division North 2 0 0 0 — 0 0 2 0
Career total 573 108 28 6 14 5 43 11 658 130
  1. ^ One appearance in FA Trophy, one appearance in Northern Premier League Challenge Cup, three appearances three goals in Liverpool Senior Cup
  2. ^ Five appearances in FA Trophy, one appearance in Conference League Cup, one appearance in Liverpool Senior Cup, two appearances in Lancashire Junior Cup
  3. ^ One appearance in FA Trophy, one appearance in Liverpool Senior Cup, two appearances in Lancashire Junior Cup
  4. ^ Two appearances one goal in FA Trophy, one appearance in Liverpool Senior Cup, one appearance in Lancashire Junior Cup
  5. ^ a b c d e f Appearances in Football League Trophy
  6. ^ a b Appearances in National League North play-offs
  7. ^ Appearances in FA Trophy
  8. ^ Two appearances in FA Trophy, one appearance one goal in Southern League Cup

Honours

Southport

Milton Keynes Dons

Portsmouth

Individual

References

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  2. ^ a b Pearce, James (11 July 2007). "Southport star Carl Baker set for Morecambe move". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 30 December 2007.
  3. ^ "Middlesex Wanderers Association Football Club Tour to Japan 2005". Middlesex Wanderers. 2005. Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2007.
  4. ^ "Baker signs Port deal". Southport Visiter. 16 May 2007. Retrieved 26 March 2009.
  5. ^ "Latest news: Double signing". Morecambe F.C. 11 July 2007. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 30 December 2007.
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  7. ^ "Sammy delight at record signing". Morecambe Visitor. 13 July 2007. Retrieved 30 December 2007.
  8. ^ "Sensational Shrimps tame the Wolves". Morecambe Visitor. 28 August 2007. Archived from the original on 12 December 2019. Retrieved 30 December 2007.
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  13. ^ "Jon Stead Strike sparks play-off ambitions". Coventry Telegraph. 1 March 2010. Retrieved 12 March 2010.
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  35. ^ "How an ex-footballer is trying to become a caddie… starting at the US Open". bunkered.co.uk. 7 June 2024.
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  46. ^ "Games played by Carl Baker in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  47. ^ "Games played by Carl Baker in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  48. ^ "Games played by Carl Baker in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
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