 Baker playing forStockport County in 2011 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Carl Paul Baker | ||
| Date of birth | (1982-12-26)26 December 1982 (age 42) | ||
| 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 professionalfootballer who played as awinger or as anattacking midfielder.
He made over 350 career appearances in theFootball League, including 160 appearances forCoventry City.
Born on 26 December 1982 inPrescot,Merseyside,[1] Baker came up through theLiverpool Academy before moving toPrescot Cables. Shortly after, he moved toSouthport 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 withMorecambe, where he found the net 11 times in 48 appearances. Two years atStockport 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 forMilton Keynes Dons after being released by Coventry. Baker signed for Portsmouth in June 2016. He signed withIndian Super League franchiseATK 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 innon-league football.
On November 21, 2021, Baker was appointed assistant manager atAFC Telford United alongside managerPaul Carden.
He has representedEngland at semi-professional level playing forEngland C.
Born inPrescot,Merseyside, Baker started his career withLiverpool at schoolboy level before playing forPrescot Cables.[2] He signed forSouthport in 2003.
Baker's career was forged atSouthport. Spotted playing for Prescot by Southport managerLiam 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 SouthportConference North Championship winning team in the 2004–05 season.[2] In 2005, he was a member of theMiddlesex Wanderers F.C. that visitedJapan.[3]
After again playing an important role in helping keep Southport in theConference 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]
On 11 July 2007, he signed forFootball 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 beatFootball League Championship clubWolverhampton Wanderers 3–1 in extra time in aLeague 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 teammateAdam Yates to the prize.[9]
On 22 July 2008, Baker signed a three-year contract atStockport 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 againstBrighton & Hove Albion &Crewe.[citation needed] Baker scored his 10th goal-of-the-season for Stockport from the penalty spot in the game away toTranmere Rovers, which was live onSky – 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 sideCoventry City. Baker's last game for Stockport County was against League 1 leadersLeeds United in which he scored a freekick. The goal was his 13th goal of the season.
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 clubMorecambe, in aLeague Cup First Round tie. Coventry fell to a 2–0 defeat. The Sky Blues made up for their 2010 cup loss toMorecambe by beating them 2–1 in the 2012–13FA Cup 2nd Round. Baker scored the winning goal curling the ball roundMorecambe keeperBarry 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]
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 againstYeovil Town. Baker scored his first goal for his new club on 8 November 2014 in theFA Cup first round 3–4 away win againstPort 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 againstDoncaster 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 2014–15League One season in a 5–1 home win againstYeovil Town, achieving promotion with Milton Keynes Dons to theFootball League Championship.
Baker signed a 2-year deal withPortsmouth F.C. in June 2016, having previously worked with managerPaul Cook at Southport. He scored on his debut in a 1–1 draw withCarlisle United on 6 August 2016.[17]
On 4 September 2017, Baker moved abroad, signing forIndian Super League franchiseATK.[18] After suffering an injury during the pre-season, he was ruled out of play for the entire season.[19] He was subsequently replaced byRyan Taylor.[20]
On 9 March 2018, Carl returned toCoventry 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]
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 atCurzon Ashton the following day.[24] He left the club in January 2019.[25]
After his departure from Nuneaton Borough, Baker joined fellowNational League North clubBrackley Town. He scored twice on his home debut, againstBradford Park Avenue on 26 January 2019.[26]
On 30 July 2020, he re-signed forSouthern Football League Premier Division side Nuneaton Borough, at the age of 37.[27]
On 26 November 2021, he was appointed as assistant manager toPaul Carden atNational League North sideAFC Telford United and also continued to feature as a player.[28]
In February 2023, Baker signed forQuorn.[29]
In November 2005 Baker was called up to theEngland C squad, but was recalled by Southport due to an FA Cup replay againstWoking.[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]
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 ofleukaemia; despite that Carl went on to play just two days later and score 2 goals in Stockport's 2–2 draw withYeovil 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 forRobert Rock.[35]
| 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 | ||
Southport
Milton Keynes Dons
Portsmouth
Individual
