VILLA NEW BOYS FORCE BAKER EXIT
GERRY FRANCIS ON STAN BOWLES, ONE OF FOOTBALL’S GREATEST No.10s, WHO IS NOW BATTLING ALZHEIMER’S
IT is with mixed emotions that Gerry Francis will return to QPR today.
TOP TEAM: Bowles and Francis in 1976 TWILIGHT OF A STAR: Pages 24, 25 STEVE BRUCE cashed in on Nathan Baker after being so impressed with Aston Villa new boys John Terry and Chris Samba.
Home-grown defender Baker (right), 26, has been allowed to join Bristol City.
His sale is one of a raft of exits as Villa balance their books to comply with Financial Fair Play.
But Mirror Sport also understands that boss Bruce sanctioned the sale after being delighted with veteran duo Terry, 36, and Samba, 33.
Both players joined on one-year contracts this summer and their pre-season form, fitness and attitude has impressed both the coaching staff and their new Villa team-mates.