It was impossible not to like Nathan Baker in some shape or form. On the pitch his defending evoked memories of the past and, although it’s becoming an increasingly outdated concept, one of his trademark bruising tackles could lift Ashton Gate as much as any great shot or piece of individual skill.
All that supporters ask for is players play with pride and commitment, and Baker’s performances, even in defeat or when he wasn’t quite functioning at full capability, could never be accused of lacking in those qualities.
Four separate City managers - Steve Cotterill, Lee Johnson, Dean Holden and Nigel Pearson - all took to him because of it, knowing that whatever the situation or opposition, he could be relied upon, and although his 148 appearances for the club since 2015 should have been more, due to his well-publicised injury issues, he never ever let anyone down.
Off the field, Baker’s calm and friendly manner made him a popular and well-liked figure in the dressing room, a gentle giant whose persona was far removed from the fearsome figure on the field.
Which is why his retirement on Monday, at the age of just 31, will be felt so keenly across the Bristol City community, both within the club amongst teammates and staff, and supporters who won’t ever get to see one of those full-blooded slide tackles or power headers through a crowd of bodies ever again.
Baker has made the decision to hang up his boots on the advice of doctors following his two concussions sustained in quick succession during the 2021/22 season, a cruel irony that the way in which he played, and what gave him his career, proved to be physically unsustainable.
But the centre-back will be forever fondly remembered among the Robins faithful and, as CEO Richard Gould said, will always have a home at Ashton Gate, even if it isn’t him sprinting 30 yards across the pitch to clatter an opposition striker.
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