Baker's Raw Treatment Helps No One.
A few weeks ago, Coventry City admitted their public relations weren't the best and vowed to improve. It was rather like a killer shark admitting it had an image problem. Then just a fortnight later,
the club have stripped club skipper Carl Baker of the captaincy, left him out of friendlies because he's, "injured" and not even allocated him a squad number.
After a summer fire-sale, you would think an experienced 31 year old midfielder with a goal scoring habit might be of value. But not if he has struck up too much of a rapport with the fans, for
in the world of owners SISU, there is no such thing. Too much communication, too many allusions that Coventry should play in Coventry. In short, Baker is being shunted out because of the non
footballing crime of dissidence. Oh, and because he's the highest wage earner.
And as usual, its in the most cack handed way possible. Last year, a group of players surplus to requirements were forced to train separately in the, "bomb squad." Its a term you could also apply
to the vast majority supporters who refuse to watch their "home" football in Northampton. This despite a chance to sell the club to a fan's group, have the Ricoh rent paid by the same people. Or
heal the path to a return home by settling half a million quid owed and just for a second, stop taking the City Council to court.
For hell have no fury like SISU scorned. Whether you're player, fan, or stadium owner, don't toe the party line and you're out. There is no room for negotiation, or a different viewpoint. For
SISU, admitting you just could be in the wrong is not an option.
The ostracism of Carl Baker is particularly galling. While not the most technically gifted player, he has sweated Sky Blue blood during his 160 appearances at the club, while weighing in with
crucial often brilliant goals. He has bridged the chasm between supporters and inflamtory owners. And for that he must depart.
Coventry City fans have a proud history of paying due respect to the players responsible for our proud history. The CCFPA, former players association, does sterling work in acknowledging the debt
to past players. Those from an era where you did not earn vast amounts of money playing football and returned to the factory floor when your career finished. It is all based on respect, something
the current regime lack in abundance.
The treatment of Baker is just another, "how low can they go?" moment. Where you must must explain to a youngster why that shirt with the ex captain's name and number on the back is now out of
date. Where you must wonder what the hell is happening to your football club. One that while not the most fashionable always tried to instill some decent values.
Carl Baker is in good company. When he departs, it would be good if he watched a game with the Sky Blue fans. An away game of course. For while hedge fund owners may try and cast those who
disagree with them into oblivion, it is for them the vacum of obscurity awaits. Every crass decision simply reinfirms the need to get rid of the disease that has dragged Coventry City into the
gutter.