Matthews praise for “misunderstood” Baker
http://www.eleven-a-side.com/premier...p?newsid=10995
April 19, 2004
Longford Town manager Alan Matthews has paid tribute to the forward Dessie Baker, insisting he can regain his status as one of the top players in the domestic game with the midlanders this season.
Baker brothers Dessie and Richie both opted to bring an end to their long-standing allegiance with Shelbourne after last season’s title win, with the younger heading for the United States and New England Revolution and Dessie rejoining former Shelbourne assistant boss Matthews at Flancare Park.
Baker was restricted to a wing berth for the first few games of the season as Shane Barrett, Sean Francis and ex-Bohs man Paul Keegan vied for striking roles, but responded with an impressive performance when restored to his traditional attacking spot for the game against his former club last Friday evening.
And Matthews has been delighted with the impact the 26-year-old has made since switching to the unfashionable midlanders.
Matthews told the Irish Daily Mirror: “Dessie is a little misunderstood. He is a good bloke, an excellent player with as lovely touch and good technique. He may not be the bravest player in the world but he is a good finisher. And I also think that if he is on song then he could be one of the best players in the league
