Robins pay emotional tribute to retired Baker

NIGEL Pearson and Joe Williams paid tribute to Nathan Baker after the club showed their appreciation for his career in an emotional gesture on Saturday, writes Richard Forrester.

At half-time in Bristol City’s 0-0 draw with Watford, the retired City favourite was handed a guard of honour from players and staff members as Ashton Gate rose to its feet. Baker, holding his baby boy Jax with his wife Catherine at his side, was presented with a framed signed shirt by manager Pearson.

It was a powerful moment of unity with Baker visibly emotional alongside a number of City players and fans who had seen him in action. The 31-year-old called time on his football career in the summer on medical advice.

Baker suffered two concussions in quick succession last season, but his time at Ashton Gate, which dates back to his initial loan move from Aston Villa in 2015, will be remembered fondly for not only his quality but his personality and character on the pitch.

A gentle giant off the pitch, Baker had a reputation for his full-blooded challenges, winning headers that seemed inconceivable and playing with his heart on his sleeve during his 148 appearances. It was his commitment that became the foundation of his relationship with the fans and the club.

Speaking after the game on Saturday, Williams said of Baker: “He’s probably the opposite to what he’s like on the pitch. A quiet, lovely lad.

“He’s a brilliant lad and that was emotional. A few of the lads were welling up a bit just because of how good he is. I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s a brilliant character and a brilliant person and I’m just happy I wasn’t on the receiving end of any of his tackles.”

Pearson added: “It was good that we could show our appreciation, both fans and his team-mates in particular. I think that was a nice touch.

“He’s a really nice guy, and like Joe said, he’s probably the opposite of what you see on the pitch. It’s a really difficult thing (retiring) but his health is the most important thing.”

■ Northern Premier League outfit Ashton United claim to have made a cheeky bid to sign Erling Haaland on loan from neighbours Manchester City during the World Cup.

With top-flight football taking a break for the global showpiece in Qatar, the prolific Haaland will be out of action as his country Norway failed to qualify.

Ashton, of the seventh tier, believe they can offer the formidable striker the perfect solution to help him maintain his match fitness.

“It just makes sense,” Robins boss Michael Clegg said. “City aren’t playing, and we want to help by keeping Erling fit. It makes more sense than him playing golf for six weeks.

“We think he will be a great fit for us and would slot in with our squad dynamic really well.”

Ashton, who are based just six miles from City’s Etihad Stadium, are 11th in their division and were beaten 2-0 in front of a crowd of 622 at Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday.

Haaland has scored 23 goals in just 18 appearances for Premier League champions City since his £51 million move from Borussia Dortmund.

City manager Pep Guardiola said last week Haaland would be allowed some time off – which he expected him to split between a holiday in Marbella and a visit home to Norway – before going back to training in early December.

Ashton are yet to receive any response from Manchester City.