Longford confirm Baker signing

[Xlex]

Longford confirm Baker signing
07/01/2004 - 10:54:59 am

Having missed out on the signing of former Shelbourne goalkeeper Chris Bennion earlier this week, Longford Town have confirmed the signing of 26-year-old out-of-contract midfielder Dessie Baker from the champions.

Baker, whose younger brother Richie was also released and is currently looking for a club in the United States, has been given a two-year-deal by the 2003 FAI Cup winners, having spent seven seasons at Tolka Park.

Town boss Alan Matthews said of his arrival: "I worked with Dessie for four seasons and know his potential.

"He’s a good asset to us and he has something to prove to people after his last two seasons which have seen him play very little football."

Baker commented: "It’s a fresh start for me and I’m looking forward to getting my career back on track and hopefully I’ll get a new lease of life at Flancare Park.

"I know Alan well and the squad of players he has should see us challenging for more silverware next season."

http://www.breakingnews.ie/2004/01/07/story128451.html

[max power]

your tread didn't come up when i entered the forum so i posted a thread as well ??? so what are your thoughts on the signing then ??

this is from the shels web site

Dessie joined Shelbourne from Manchester United. He has been capped for the Republic of Ireland at Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 level. He was a member of the Irish Youth's team that finished third in the World Cup in 1997 and scored Ireland's opening goal in the third-place play-off against Ghana. Dessie played with Mark's Celtic and Stella Moris before he moved to Old Trafford at the age of 15. While there he won English Youth League and Cup honours. Dessie made his league debut for Shels in December 1996 against UCD at Belfield.

[Xlex]

Hard to know Max, I don't thing he'll solve a problem in the middle of the park... could be a good signing, he has loads to prove, Alan knows him best and better than us mortals and in Alan I trust so I'm happy enough.

[pineapple stu]

Looked handy enough when he played for us, but very short of match fitness. He seems to be getting over the injuries, and if so, he could be a brilliant signing.

[sorbothegreek]

Surely he's more forward than mid-fielder? Wouldnt have thought he'll bring to the team what we need most.
Hope im proved wrong though.

[Martinho II]

I always thought Dessie was a forward. He was very good in his day before the bad injury. John Martin has also being confirmed as a signing for us. But no details on hand on a fee or how long he is signing for us.

I agree with Sorbo-we still need a quality midfielder plus someone who can still score goals from setpieces. Hopefully Mr Murphy will change his mind and come to us.

Fingers crossed.......

[Schumi]

Originally posted by MARTINHO II
John Martin has also being confirmed as a signing for us. But no details on hand on a fee or how long he is signing for us.

No fee, he's out of contract.

[Xlex]

why do people believe a fee to be due despite the fact that the majority of transfers are free transfers and that the majority of players are out of contract each season. Most operate on short term contracts...

[pineapple stu]

Originally posted by Xlex
why do people believe a fee to be due despite the fact that the majority of transfers are free transfers and that the majority of players are out of contract each season. Most operate on short term contracts...

Because there's no such thing as a Bosman transfer if you're under 23, as far as I know (huge thread on this in the UCD forum).

But you're definitely right for most cases...

[Longfordian]

Originally posted by pineapple stu
Looked handy enough when he played for us, but very short of match fitness. He seems to be getting over the injuries, and if so, he could be a brilliant signing.

Add in the fact that while playing for ye Paul Dolin was in charge, someone Baker hates with a passion i believe, and he could be a good signing. As Xlex said Alan knows him best and believes he can do a very good job for us. Baker reckons that with Kirby supplying the bullets he'll score goals..Hopefully his confidence will be justified. He has played in midfield before too and may be used there again but primarily he is a striker..

[pineapple stu]

Originally posted by Longfordian
while playing for ye Paul Dolin was in charge, someone Baker hates with a passion i believe

Really? Didn't know that. Could explain why he only lasted one game with us before going back to Shels for disciplinary reasons, as far as I know.

Doolo's management strikes again...