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 On the pitch his defending evoked memories of the past and, although it’s becoming an increasingly outdated concept, one of his trademark bruising tackles could lift Ashton Gate as much as any great shot or piece of individual skill.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.
