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Four seasons at Edgar Street
Matt Baker, who will be remembered more for his shot-stopping than his run of the mill goalkeeping, was at Edgar Street for four seasons.
The young goalkeeper signed for Hereford United in August 2000 from Hull City.
Baker turned professional in the summer of 1998 after graduating from the Hull City youth team and made his debut as a substitute in the 3-2 home defeat to Macclesfield, following Lee Bracey's red card. His next showing came at Torquay as a substitute, and ten days later was thrown on against Liverpool at Anfield following another Bracey dismissal.
In 2000, Baker was loaned out to Bradford Park Avenue to gain match experience. He was released at the end of the season and signed for United as reserve goalkeeper. The youngster had just two chances to prove his worth to the side in the first season. He made his debut against Southport in a 1-1 draw, a game in which he played very competently. He has played just one more match that season, a 1-0 home defeat by Woking. After Scott Cooksey's unfortunate injury in the summer of 2001, Baker played 2001/02 as first goalkeeper where he was recognised as a highly competent individual.
An arrangement with Aston Villa in 2002/03 meant Baker gained extra experience by training with the Premiership side once a week. He was capped by the England semi-professional team in 2003, and was their first-choice goalkeeper for the 2004 Four Nations Tournament.
He made 124 appearances for Hereford United.