Joe Baker

[Simon BTFC]

Statement re Joe/Aylesbury on website now (it's working again <img src="/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ) He hasn't signed yet but it is quite likely he will do so in next 48 hours - Aylesbury WILL have to find some money......

[Guest]

I for one will be absolutely gutted if he does go. We need players of his quality competing for a place in the team if we're to have any chance of maintaining our excellent start to the season. Yes, the Grahams are playing well at the moment but what if either of them get injured or lose form, who have we to replace them?? Also, Campbell has shown what we've been lacking up front until recently and that's PACE and SKILL, unfortunately, IMHO, Wallace & Fewings are just not quick or skillful enough and are not capable of a moment of brilliance that can turn a game, but JB is. Essendoh is an automatic choice along with Campbell and this combination looks a winner but pair Essendoh with one of the others and we look very one dimensional and predictable upfront, but im sure JB could do a good job there too.

Anyway, sorry to rant on but I'm REALLY p*ssed off that it looks like a deal is imminent and I feel it will be a BIG mistake if he does go. Does anyone else feel as strongly about this as me??

[Guest]

Can't say I'm really that upset about it. Joe was a fav of mine a couple of seasons ago but lost his edge last season (can't really blame him for that as the whole team performed like they had lead boots on at times).

 

I agree that we do need cover should the Golden Grahams get injured and Joe is a natural winger and subsititue for them should we need to change tactics or get a pair of fresh legs on the field but that is all I can see him being, a squad player.

 

There is another thing to consider. The attitude of himself and the management to each other. There seems to be a bit of angst there for some reason which could be another reason why he has been on loan. I know there are those that would deny this but words had been said from the touchline for all of those within ear shot to hear.

 

If he has been playing well and does go then I wish him all the best. Shame though it is, maybe it is for the best for club and player.

[&yB]

Sorry Andy P, but I'm with Gary (Clark and come to think of it Calder too) on this one. When enjoyed Joe at his best and off-form too. I know which I was happier to watch. It's obviously a shame to see a hero drift away but Joe needs to earn his crust too. If he does go and can make the grade again with The Ducks then good luck to him. Ironic though how the players who’ve picked up the Town Juniors POY award have so quickly departed the scene.

Why let him go? Do you keep your favourite childhood teddy bear on display, or is he tucked away in a cupboard? We can’t carry the old favourites just because that’s what they are.

INHO The management have currently assembled the strongest squad I’ve seen at New Lodge in the last quarter century. We should enjoy what we’ve got for as long as it’s possible, favourites come and go though, how much of an impression did Tomo and Culverhouse make on Tuesday night. Yesterday’s hero’s faded into obscurity….

 

[Simon BTFC]

Tough one this....

On the one have we have the season before last where Joe was exceptional, scoring plenty of goals, motm week in week out etc. Then we have last season where Joe was some way below the level of the previous season - played 37 league games, but failed to produce more than a handful of match winning performances.

 

This season, perhaps for the first time Joe's place is under threat pre-season from the arrivals of the Graham brothers. Joe fails to shine during preseason and is unsurprisingly on the bench for the opening game before later going out on loan to Aylesbury.

 

Now, we have the opportunity to a) get a well paid contract player who isn't performing off the paylist and make some money with a transfer fee. Although disappointed that Joe is to leave, I can totally understand the reasons why.

[BTFC Norway]

I quite agree on what Gary and Simon writes. It's clear that Joe is a very good player, but it's also 100% clear that for the last 12 months he hasn't performed as he is expected to do, and with more stronger competition to get into the first XI, he didn't answer to that challenge, and was loaned out to a less better team, where he's able to perform better.

 

So, I will remember him for the good effort he did the first season, and now, let's get on with life, and crush St.Albans completely on saturday.

 

I just wish I would be able to join you lads soon, but as now, it's not likely that I', coming over until late november.

 

Per-Helge

 

[BTFC Martin]

I agree with Andy P, Joe gives us something extra, which I think we miss at away games.

[Simon BTFC]

I think the problem is that he didn't, last season at any rate. A useless stat fact is that away from New Lodge Joe only scored 1 goal from open play last season, at Harrow Borough.

[Nitetime Neil]

And it was a header if i remember right? Hardly typical Joe Baker "magic".

Would be sorry to see him go, but understand the situation too.

[jl]

i agree with gazza &yB and simon. if/when joe goes everyone will remember him for his stunning performances of 12/18 months ago and he will be regarded as one of the best players ever to play for us rather than the forlorn mediocrity of his last 6 months with us. if he was with us now he would be on the bench at best. i wish him every success at aylesbury (except against us of course)

[GazzaBTFC]

jl, still at home I see?

 

How was the job interview. Wanna lift to St. Albans?

[jl]

i start on monday 28 th mate..so just managed to squeeze in haventaclueville then its no more saturdays games for moi sadly. ive already managed to ponce a lift to stalebuns off the equally kind tony l but appreciate the offer...ill just have to scream pinball wizard at the top of my voice to recreate your in car entertainment system.

[Guest]

I accept what everyone says that he wasn't at his best last season but apart from Willo,who was?? After virtually carrying the team the previous season he must have found it hard to continually motivate himself in such an average team. Surely with the motivation of fighting for a 1st team spot in a successful team this could be what's needed to revive the player we all know he is?? Form is something that does come and go but class is something that doesnt just disappear and I'm sure the 2 months away at Aylesbury will have given him some food for thought and he'd come back a different player.

[c'mon ricay]

disgraceful if we r 2 win da league we need a player of his match turning quality have we got any1 who else who can turn a game like him i think not

 

n he has been playing v. well 4 alyesbury reportedly thus da from is back

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest]

Yeah, who needs Joe Baker when we can cram the side with even more ex-Aldershot players.

 

Tragic waste of exceptional talent at this level.

[Guest]

He is starting to be absolute class now and is scoring a bit too. An exceptional player you must be mad to have let him go, but your loss is our gain. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/bounceblue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wavey.gif" alt="" />

[Andy P]

Not in the least bit surprised he's playing well for you lot, it was only a matter of time before he refound the form of the 2000/01 season, class doesnt just disappear. Calders lost the plot as far as i'm concerned, would love nothing better than to see Joe have a blinder when you lot visit.