Baker to take short break from the game

Slough Town confirmed this week that joint manager Neil Baker would be taking a short break from football to concentrate on caring for his father as he undergoes chemotherapy treatment.

Baker, who has been travelling to and from Fakenham in Norfolk to support his father, will step back from his role as joint manager until at least the end of January.

For the past few weeks Baker has been unable to go into the Rebels dressing room due to the risk of him contracting COVID-19 and passing it on to his father.

Baker had the following message for supporters: “Further to the recent news regarding the ever increasing COVID-19 levels and the concern with where this pandemic is going, I have today, in consultation with Unders and the club, decided to take a break from football until at least the end of January.

“Some people will know that my father is currently having chemotherapy for an incurable cancer, and whilst living on his own in Fakenham, Norfolk I have been back and forth as his support bubble trying to help him get through the treatment (which will continue until the end of January).

“As such he is classed as extremely vulnerable, and whilst I have been trying my utmost to socially distance, it is almost impossible to do so because of the very nature of football and the environment that we are put in.

“With the latest news, I don’t feel that I can continue to justify the extra risks I am putting on him. Just recently, two clubs known to me have had situations of seven and nine positive cases of infection in their changing rooms - and despite all the good work clubs do with COVID-19, without any form of testing involved at our level I just don’t feel that it is enough due to peoples’ habits. I have to stress that I am not walking away from the club or Unders, and I intend to be back as and when it is safe to do so.”