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Page last updated at 16:40 GMT, Friday, 21 January 2011

Departed Graham Baker 'gave Woking his heart and soul'

By Adrian Harms
BBC Surrey's Woking commentator

Graham Baker
Baker left "disgruntled" after six years at Kingfield

The old saying is "make sure you go out whilst at the top", and following Woking's FA Trophy giant-killing of AFC Wimbledon, that was certainly the case for manager Graham Baker and his assistant Jimmy Dack.

Indeed, having already enjoyed a lucrative FA Cup run this season, and with a mid-table league position in Blue Square Bet South, why on earth would Baker decide to leave?

Baker certainly felt an element of the fans who constantly questioned his tactics on the pitch would eventually 'hound him out'.

That's an expression he used himself on BBC Surrey recently. But beneath the surface, other issues were clearly concerning the Woking boss.

The lack of regular training facilities was a constant source of irritation, and the uncertainty surrounding the future direction of the club when current chairman Chris Ingram stands down at the end of the season was clearly a worry to Baker.

However, perhaps the departure of former chairman Shahid Azeem back in the autumn was the catalyst to this week's events. Azeem was very much a hands-on chairman, very visible at both home and away games, and appeared to enjoy a good working relationship with Baker.

His departure heralded a change at Kingfield, and Baker and Dack gave the impression of becoming isolated from the board, their views seemingly not heard or ignored, resulting in frustration and disillusionment.

Baker is also well connected in the game, and the current squad contains Elvis Hammond, who is another one who could play at a far higher level

Baker's legacy at Woking is a good one. He spent five years running the Woking academy, nurturing talent including Ross Worner, who now plays at Charlton, Giuseppe Sole and Joe McNearney.

In addition, last season both Tony Sinclair and Harry Arter left Woking to play in the Football League, and this season Lee Sawyer has gone to Southend United.

Baker is also well connected in the game, and the current squad contains Elvis Hammond, who is another one who could play at a far higher level.

It speak volumes for Baker's ability to bring quality players to the club.

So who's to blame?

Did Baker make unreasonable demands of the board? Were the board guilty of poor communication with their manager? Or was it a combination of both? Probably, we will never know.

However, with Woking appointing Garry Hill as their fifth manager in five years this week, it's a situation that seems to call for stability and a clear vision for the future sooner rather than later.



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see also
Woking part with Baker and Dack
19 Jan 11 |  Non League
Woking's Baker wants fan patience
02 Sep 10 |  Non League
Woking boss pays striker's wages
13 Mar 10 |  Non League
Dack handed Woking assistant role
12 May 09 |  Woking
Baker ready for Woking challenge
22 Apr 09 |  Football


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