NEIL BAKER completed an emotional return to hometown club Farnborough after 25 years away – and insisted it didn’t feel weird without his long-standing co-boss Jon Underwood.
The 44-year-old spent 13 years as a management partner to his former centre-back partner Underwood – first at Godalming Town and then at Slough Town, where the pair racked up over 600 games in charge over nine-and-a-half seasons, guiding the Rebels from Step 4 to an established side at Step 2.
But while Underwood took over the reins at Southern League Beaconsfield Town last March, Baker opted to continue taking a break from the game to refresh following the death of his father, former Farnborough and Aldershot FC professional Keith.
Now, however, Baker is back where it all began for the legendary pair after agreeing to join Spencer Day’s management team in the club’s quest to break into the National League South play-off places.
Surroundings
Saturday’s home game with Dartford at Cherrywood Road marked an emotional homecoming for the local favourite, as a crowd of over 1,000 welcomed him back, 25 years after leaving the club at the end of the 1998-99 season for George Borg’s Aldershot Town.
Baker, for one, was lost for words with the welcome and is relishing his new role amid familiar surroundings.
“I had discussed a potential return with Spencer since the summer,” Baker told The NLP.
“I’ve known Spencer for years and with it being Farnborough; my old club, Dad’s old club, and just around the corner for me, going back was always something I’d strongly consider.
“After Slough, I wanted a good break. I needed it after losing Dad. I had to get my head right and to make sure I still wanted to be involved in football which I really did.
“I’ve missed being around people, the interaction of people and of course the football itself.
“I’m just here to offer some views and opinions to Spencer and that suits me and my lifestyle right now. I’m quite happy with that.
“I’m just enjoying being around a good club with some fantastic people – people who have been around si
