Neil Baker set to stay at Crewe Alexandra (From Crewe Guardian)

Neil Baker set to stay at Crewe Alexandra

7:13pm Thursday 28th May 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

NEIL Baker looks set to stay with Crewe despite being axed as assistant manager.

The long-serving number two is expected to take up a new role within the club’s scouting operation.

Gudjohn Thordarson’s desire to bring in his own man appeared to have ended Baker’s 15-year association with the Alex.

However, talks between the duo and Crewe chairman John Bowler have progressed as they bid to retain a man who has spotted the likes of Luke Varney and Steve Jones.

Baker had been interviewed for the manager’s role at League newcomers Burton Albion but the Brewers opted for former Stoke, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham striker Paul Peschisolido.

Thordarson made his thoughts on the number two role clear.

“I want to bring in my own assistant and that is what I am aiming to do now,” he explained.

“They have got to have the desire to go and make things happen.

“I have spoken to six or seven people about it.

“I need a competitive, honest and hard-working person and the people I have spoken to know what is required.”

Notts County assistant David Kevan had been tipped for the role having served under Thordarson at Stoke.

But the fellow League Two club have denied receiving any approach and insist Kevan is staying put.

Nantwich Town’s Steve Davis and former Stafford Rangers boss Phil Robinson are believed to be in the frame.

Thordarson was beaming with his first summer signing – centre-half Patrick Ada.

The 24-year-old put pen to paper on a two-year contract last week after his contract with FA Cup heroes Histon had expired.

Hailing from Cameroon, Ada spent two successful seasons with the Blue Square Premier side and several clubs were chasing his signature.

“I’m delighted to have signed Patrick,” he said.

“He is a player who was recommended to me in the winter and I have kept an eye on him.

“He is quick, strong and aggressive and is a good defender who will only improve.

“He is desperate to do well and improve his life and that is the sort of character we need at the club.

“I was worried that someone was going to come in and try to nick him so we moved really fast.

“Credit to the chairman who got it sorted.

“It was good business and that is the way we need to do things.”

Thordarson hopes to bring in more bargains given Crewe’s limited budget for next term.

“We have to be cool and calm and if I don’t think it is right, then I will leave it,” he added.

“It is easy to lose your path and end up in misery.

“We have seen too many clubs do that recently.

“So clubs try to milk the cow for all its worth but then don’t feed the cow.

“Others go mad and end up killing the cow.

“You cannot do it.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)