BS4 on Tour... Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 All the panic about us not replacing Webster - I think the man is Baker. Hard as nails and a great defender. I’ve read lots on here over the last few years about Baker being a liability because he is a ‘red card waiting to happen.’ When I was growing up watching City we had Gerry Gow prowling around in midfield - he scared the living daylights out of many fine players (and I know for a fact Paul Mariner was one of them) which stopped them playing, he was rock hard and got stuck right in - he was awesome at that but he could also play, boy could he play! But he was the epitome of ‘a red card waiting to happen.’ Back then Liverpool had Tommy Smith then Graeme Souness, Derby had Dave MacKay, Leeds had Norman Hunter, Johnny Giles and Billy Bremner, Ipswich had John Wark ... etc. All hard, no nonsense players who gave it everything. Having a rock hard defender who doesn’t mind getting stuck in is an asset, it plays on the mind of the player they are marking straightaway - a reputation of being a bit mad and crazy doesn’t do you any harm. I was lucky enough to spend some social time with Gerry Gow after he left Man City - he told me many tales of winding up opposition players in the tunnel before a game and making them shit scared of him before the game had even started! Absolute legend! Nothing wrong with having a reputation like that - get Baker out there, revved up and ready to go! I know the game has changed but let’s get our psycho centre half in the game before we lose him ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendyredredrobin Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 Haha. Got to get him fit and keep him fit to do that. Agree with your sentiments though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickolas Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 Long ball merchant. Gets caught with the ball over the top and looks very casual. However i do like him and love his ‘red card waiting to happen’ moments where he turns into the monk from mean machine and looks like he want to snap the next opponent in front of him in half! When he was on loan he was reckless. Not the same since he was made permanent but a good player and one we should definitely be using and perhaps saving a transfer fee on Websters replacement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eardun Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 I have no problem with Baker, as long as he avoids his injury problems. I personally think the red card risk is old news; it goes back to when he was on loan here rather than more recent times. I was also impressed by Moore on Sunday. So I’m pleased we have prioritised other positions over a direct replacement for Webster. And it’s not even as if we have ignored the defence - we have recruited at RB, LB and RCB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColeCiderRed Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 I don't think it's his potential bad discipline it's also his fitness. Picks up knocks that keep him out for a while. Was not even thought of when Gerry Gow played. Born a few years after he left. My uncle tells me similar tales of how he scared the shi* out of many a player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merrick's Marvels Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 I would pick him ahead of Wright and Moore, absolutely. At his best he's a top end of the Championship player. I like him but the problem, as already mentioned, is the question marks against his fitness and discipline - he just not going to play 46 games a season for us, is he? I also wonder about his desire - a player of his quality shouldn't be happy with life as a reserve at Championship Bristol City (I'm happy he is though!). Does he like the money and the lifestyle and isn't too bothered about playing?? I don't know but I do wonder. Lastly, his defending against set pieces into our box is frequently of schoolboy standard - the number of times he loses his man is scary. All of which leaves me staggered that we haven't replaced Webster but, as I say, he's still the best of the rest when it comes to finding a partner for Kalas. And if he proves his doubters wrong by getting a run of games under his belt, maintaining his fitness, not picking up needless cards, forming a miserly partnership with Kalas, I will be absolutely delighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joenaldo Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 I presume he would of started against Leeds until his head injury!! Should see him soon and I am sure he will be revved up for his opportunity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loosey Boy Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 Needs to play alongside Kalas on Saturday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCFC Grim Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 Hard as nails? He'll go off the pitch with a nose bleed. Can't be relied on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-mat Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 It's got nothing to do with being a red card waiting to happen, but he's completed less games than he's had injuries whilst here. Whilst I do feel bad for him, he can't be relied upon so I'd much rather Bailey or Taylor get the games. Taylor has earned a run in the championship Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judda Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 7 hours ago, BS4 on Tour... said: All the panic about us not replacing Webster - I think the man is Baker. Hard as nails and a great defender. I’ve read lots on here over the last few years about Baker being a liability because he is a ‘red card waiting to happen.’ When I was growing up watching City we had Gerry Gow prowling around in midfield - he scared the living daylights out of many fine players (and I know for a fact Paul Mariner was one of them) which stopped them playing, he was rock hard and got stuck right in - he was awesome at that but he could also play, boy could he play! But he was the epitome of ‘a red card waiting to happen.’ Back then Liverpool had Tommy Smith then Graeme Souness, Derby had Dave MacKay, Leeds had Norman Hunter, Johnny Giles and Billy Bremner, Ipswich had John Wark ... etc. All hard, no nonsense players who gave it everything. Having a rock hard defender who doesn’t mind getting stuck in is an asset, it plays on the mind of the player they are marking straightaway - a reputation of being a bit mad and crazy doesn’t do you any harm. I was lucky enough to spend some social time with Gerry Gow after he left Man City - he told me many tales of winding up opposition players in the tunnel before a game and making them shit scared of him before the game had even started! Absolute legend! Nothing wrong with having a reputation like that - get Baker out there, revved up and ready to go! I know the game has changed but let’s get our psycho centre half in the game before we lose him ... All great players.... However they'd be sent off every other week in this day and age... times and rules have changed to protect the players. I like Baker though. Would have no concerns about his starting for us.... he may get sent off over the season but not as much as some might think! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redstart Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 It's a shame cus I like Baker but he is often more of a 'substitution waiting to happen' I fear. Never know if he's going to last 9 or 90 minutes, a number of times we've had to sub him off early in games which has then reduced our ability to change a game tactically later on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
italian dave Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 I don't argue with his qualities, it's just that a) comparing with the likes of Gerry Gow and Norman Hunter, neither of whom would have lasted 10 minutes without a red card nowadays b) he's as likely to get injured as he is red carded, often through his own very rash challenges. Who else starts a new season with concussion?! Im ok with him alongside Kalas, tho would prefer Webster, but we just need to have a plan B ready and waiting and more than just a stop gap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarksRobin Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 I would like to see him get a run in the side. He is an excellent defender and one of our highest paid players. The only way to prove he is fit enough is to play a few matches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartockRed Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 Baker and Wright have lived in the shadow of Flint, Webster and Kalas the past couple of seasons. They’re perfectly capable championship defenders in my opinion. The worrying element is their fitness record. People who say it’s essential to have a ball playing centre back forget we played our best attacking football without one (run to semis in league cup and pushing wolves in 2nd). We’ve also signed some technically gifted players in other areas, so maybe this will take the emphasis away and place it on the importance of just being solid. Baker would be my choice to partner Kalas as he’s a lefty and gives us balance. Happy to see what Moore can do in the meantime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamalagerdrinker Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 If it's against a certain loan striker when we play Leeds I don't mind.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoystonFoote'snephew Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 3 hours ago, BCFC Grim said: Hard as nails? He'll go off the pitch with a nose bleed. Can't be relied on. Hardly. He had to be ordered off at Stoke. He was determined to play on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
INCRED Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 9 hours ago, BS4 on Tour... said: All the panic about us not replacing Webster - I think the man is Baker. Hard as nails and a great defender. I’ve read lots on here over the last few years about Baker being a liability because he is a ‘red card waiting to happen.’ When I was growing up watching City we had Gerry Gow prowling around in midfield - he scared the living daylights out of many fine players (and I know for a fact Paul Mariner was one of them) which stopped them playing, he was rock hard and got stuck right in - he was awesome at that but he could also play, boy could he play! But he was the epitome of ‘a red card waiting to happen.’ Back then Liverpool had Tommy Smith then Graeme Souness, Derby had Dave MacKay, Leeds had Norman Hunter, Johnny Giles and Billy Bremner, Ipswich had John Wark ... etc. All hard, no nonsense players who gave it everything. Having a rock hard defender who doesn’t mind getting stuck in is an asset, it plays on the mind of the player they are marking straightaway - a reputation of being a bit mad and crazy doesn’t do you any harm. I was lucky enough to spend some social time with Gerry Gow after he left Man City - he told me many tales of winding up opposition players in the tunnel before a game and making them shit scared of him before the game had even started! Absolute legend! Nothing wrong with having a reputation like that - get Baker out there, revved up and ready to go! I know the game has changed but let’s get our psycho centre half in the game before we lose him ... If he can stay fit then for me he is a shoe in to be paired with Kalas Nowhere near as good as Webster in playing from the back but maybe playing into our new technically gifted midfield and fullbacks is all that’s required Baker is a good defender and better than Moore so LJs priority is to have a strong back line and solid defensively first and foremost We will see! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCFC Grim Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 22 minutes ago, RoystonFoote'snephew said: Hardly. He had to be ordered off at Stoke. He was determined to play on. I didn't realise he'd actually gone off with a nose bleed, was just making a general point Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbored Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 Baker is as hard as nails, just as GG was but in today’s game GG would not have been allowed to get away with his tough ‘get stuck in’ style. He’d have to tone it down if he were around these days to avoid yellows and reds and that would restrict his game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnr1986 Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 Always rated Baker , a kalas Baker partnership is still solid for this level and a improving Moore as back up is good opinion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berkshire Red Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 10 hours ago, BS4 on Tour... said: All the panic about us not replacing Webster - I think the man is Baker. Hard as nails and a great defender. I’ve read lots on here over the last few years about Baker being a liability because he is a ‘red card waiting to happen.’ When I was growing up watching City we had Gerry Gow prowling around in midfield - he scared the living daylights out of many fine players (and I know for a fact Paul Mariner was one of them) which stopped them playing, he was rock hard and got stuck right in - he was awesome at that but he could also play, boy could he play! But he was the epitome of ‘a red card waiting to happen.’ Back then Liverpool had Tommy Smith then Graeme Souness, Derby had Dave MacKay, Leeds had Norman Hunter, Johnny Giles and Billy Bremner, Ipswich had John Wark ... etc. All hard, no nonsense players who gave it everything. Having a rock hard defender who doesn’t mind getting stuck in is an asset, it plays on the mind of the player they are marking straightaway - a reputation of being a bit mad and crazy doesn’t do you any harm. I was lucky enough to spend some social time with Gerry Gow after he left Man City - he told me many tales of winding up opposition players in the tunnel before a game and making them shit scared of him before the game had even started! Absolute legend! Nothing wrong with having a reputation like that - get Baker out there, revved up and ready to go! I know the game has changed but let’s get our psycho centre half in the game before we lose him ... 4 straight reds and 2 second booking reds in a career starting in 2009 doesn't sound terrible does it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatalist Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 Of course, he is guaranteed a good welcome at Birmingham! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merrick's Marvels Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 1 hour ago, iamalagerdrinker said: If it's against a certain loan striker when we play Leeds I don't mind.. Yep, and I'd bring Jamie Mac out of retirement too!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oizys Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 I like Baker, but for me he's not been the same player since seeing red against QPR. Something is missing from his game (besides fitness) and if we can find the Nathan Baker who was on loan to us then he's a huge asset. If not.........I'm concerned... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maltshoveller Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 Im not worried about this "Red card waiting to happen" bit The way the game is now with the slightest thing getting a yelllow and Red cards for great tackles every player is a red card waiting to happen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon bristol Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 14 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said: Yep, and I'd bring Jamie Mac out of retirement too!! We could put ashton in goal too, just to make sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Isewater Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 4 hours ago, BCFC Grim said: Hard as nails? He'll go off the pitch with a nose bleed. Can't be relied on. I’m inclined to agree. This is a massive season for Baker he has been the Anti-Flint but now needs to show that he can be depended on for a full season or he will find himself the ‘ forgotten man ‘ . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sh1t_ref_again Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 Thought I heard LJ said about the selection of Morre on Sunday was easy as Baker & Wright had not trained for 2 weeks, so not not sure if injured and fitness level. Would also say Morre has the shirt with his performance on Sunday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phileas Fogg Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 18 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said: Yep, and I'd bring Jamie Mac out of retirement too!! He was a tough player in his day. That Johnson playoff side had a lot of players like that actually.. Orr, Carey, Jamie Mac, Elliot, Adebola, Brooker, Vasko, Showumni, Trundle, McIndoe, Jevons, McCombe - lots of them were either tough and/or niggly players that got in the faces of the opposition and the referee. Lots of seasoned pros in that side too, especially compared to the current squad. More than one way to have success in this league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merrick's Marvels Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 2 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said: He was a tough player in his day. That Johnson playoff side had a lot of players like that actually.. Orr, Carey, Jamie Mac, Elliot, Adebola, Brooker, Vasko, Showumni, Trundle, McIndoe, Jevons, McCombe - lots of them were either tough and/or niggly players that got in the faces of the opposition and the referee. Lots of seasoned pros in that side too, especially compared to the current squad. More than one way to have success in this league. (I've run out of Likes) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bristolcitysweden Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 Baker is a liability with his self-perceived concussions. If anything he will be subbed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nibor Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 I'd be tempted to play him for Leeds away at least... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Offside Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 Baker, when fit and focused, is a good defender and would be my choice to partner Kalas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red white and red Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 Baker is a top player when he is fit, confident and alongside a good partner etc. But there is too many variables to that. Plus, for a so called hardman, he’s got the resilience of a rhyvita. He’s a good back up but no more than that really. This is why I’m gutted we didn’t sign another CH. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCFC Grim Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 Bravo @swanker! Hes doing a brilliant job, fingers crossed he keeps proving me wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex_BCFC Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 Injuries have been more costly than the odd red card. He will get one at some point tho - probably in an important game . Been very good this season so far - long may it continue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1bristolcity Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 3 minutes ago, Alex_BCFC said: Injuries have been more costly than the odd red card. He will get one at some point tho - probably in an important game . Been very good this season so far - long may it continue. Was just going to say red card 1-3 matches missed..injuries who knows? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pillred Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 On 08/08/2019 at 23:20, BS4 on Tour... said: All the panic about us not replacing Webster - I think the man is Baker. Hard as nails and a great defender. I’ve read lots on here over the last few years about Baker being a liability because he is a ‘red card waiting to happen.’ When I was growing up watching City we had Gerry Gow prowling around in midfield - he scared the living daylights out of many fine players (and I know for a fact Paul Mariner was one of them) which stopped them playing, he was rock hard and got stuck right in - he was awesome at that but he could also play, boy could he play! But he was the epitome of ‘a red card waiting to happen.’ Back then Liverpool had Tommy Smith then Graeme Souness, Derby had Dave MacKay, Leeds had Norman Hunter, Johnny Giles and Billy Bremner, Ipswich had John Wark ... etc. All hard, no nonsense players who gave it everything. Having a rock hard defender who doesn’t mind getting stuck in is an asset, it plays on the mind of the player they are marking straightaway - a reputation of being a bit mad and crazy doesn’t do you any harm. I was lucky enough to spend some social time with Gerry Gow after he left Man City - he told me many tales of winding up opposition players in the tunnel before a game and making them shit scared of him before the game had even started! Absolute legend! Nothing wrong with having a reputation like that - get Baker out there, revved up and ready to go! I know the game has changed but let’s get our psycho centre half in the game before we lose him ... the thing is some red card offences today would probably have not been deemed a bookable offence in the 70s, the game has changed beyond all recognition and not all for the good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCFCadam Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 I think the main difference between Baker and Webster is that Webster was better going forward. Baker is more of a no-nonsense, get rid of it, classic centre back. Both quality in their own ways! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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