Full name Kieron Richard Baker Years Team Position Goalkeeper 1965–1967 Fulham Height 1.83 m | Playing position Role Football player Place of birth Ryde, England Name Kieron Baker | |
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Date of birth (1949-10-29) 29 October 1949 (age 66) | ||
Kieron Richard Baker (born 29 October 1949) is an English retired professional football goalkeeper who appeared in the Football League for Bournemouth and Brentford. He also played in Canada.
Contents
- Early years
- Bournemouth
- Montreal Olympique loan
- Brentford loan
- Ipswich Town
- Norwich City loan
- Phoenix Fire
- Oxford City
- Weymouth
- Yeovil Town
- References
Early years
A goalkeeper, Baker began his career as an apprentice at Division One side Fulham in 1965. He appeared for the Cottagers' youth and reserve teams, but failed to be awarded a professional contract. Baker left the club to return to his native Isle of Wight for a short spell with Ryde County Old Boys.
Bournemouth
Baker returned to the mainland to sign for Division Three side Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic in July 1967. He had to wait until the 1969–70 season to make his debut, making 17 league appearances in a disastrous season which saw the Cherries relegated to Division Four. A return to Division Three football in 1971 (under the name 'Bournemouth') saw Baker make just 13 league appearances over the following three seasons, but he finally broke through into the first team during the 1973–74 season, making 33 league appearances. He was a regular in goal until the end of the 1977–78 season, missing just five league games in each of his final two seasons at Dean Court. Baker departed Bournemouth in June 1978, having made 248 appearances in 11 years for the club. That summer, he was awarded a testimonial for his service to the club.
Montreal Olympique (loan)
Baker moved to Canada to join North American Soccer League side Montreal Olympique on loan for the 1971 season. He appeared in 18 games of a poor season for the side, which finished bottom of the Northern Division.
Brentford (loan)
Out of favour at Bournemouth, Baker joined struggling Division Three side Brentford on a one-month loan in February 1973, which was later extended until the end of the 1972–73 season. He made six appearances for the Bees before being recalled by Bournemouth.
Ipswich Town
In a surprise move, Baker signed for Division One side Ipswich Town in a £20,000 deal in the summer of 1978. He failed to make a single first team appearance, instead making 18 appearances for the reserves. An injury forced Baker to retire from football at the end of the 1978–79 season.
Norwich City (loan)
Baker joined Ipswich's East Anglian rivals Norwich City on loan during the 1978–79 season, but failed to make an appearance.
Phoenix Fire
Baker moved to the United States to sign for new American Soccer League side Phoenix Fire in early 1980, linking up with former Bournemouth teammate Harry Redknapp. The club folded due to financial irregularities before the beginning of the 1980 season.
Oxford City
Baker returned to England and linked up again with Harry Redknapp (now assistant to manager Bobby Moore) at Isthmian League Division One side Oxford City in 1980. He made 38 appearances for the club.
Weymouth
Baker moved back to the south coast to sign for Alliance Premier League side Weymouth in June 1981. He established himself in the first team and made 75 league appearances before departing in 1983.
Yeovil Town
Baker followed Weymouth teammates Trevor Finnegan, Gary Borthwick and Billy Elliott to Alliance Premier League side Yeovil Town in 1983. Baker found first team chances hard to come by, making just 21 appearances during the 1983–84 season.