Tom Baker (footballer, born 1905)


Thomas William Baker, sometimes known as Billy Baker, was an English professional football goalkeeper who played in the Football League for Brentford, Southport, Northampton Town and Rochdale.

Career

A goalkeeper, Baker began his career in his native North East with Northern League clubs Usworth Colliery, Crook Town, Shotton Colliery Welfare and Chilton Colliery Recreation. He later earned a move to the Football League with Southport, for whom he made 65 appearances before departing in 1932.
Baker signed for Third Division South club Brentford in 1932 on a free transfer. Originally signed by Harry Curtis as cover for Dave Smith, Baker quickly became manager Harry Curtis' first-choice goalkeeper and held the position until January 1934, when Jack Clough took over. He made 43 appearances during the Bees' 1932–33 Third Division South title-winning season. Baker left Brentford at the end of the 1933–34 season and made 65 appearances in his two years at Griffin Park.
Baker remained in the Third Division South to sign for Northampton Town and made 13 league appearances during the 1934–35 season. His final league club was Third Division North club Rochdale and he ended his career with North Eastern League club Horden Colliery Welfare.

Personal life

During his amateur football career, Baker worked as a miner.

Honours

Brentford