Nathan Baker

[manic-road]

Happy that Baker has signed a new contract, I think he will continue to improve.

Wouldn't mind seeing a few selected others sign new contracts either.

[PaulWinch again]

Glad he's signed, now he needs to show the ability to learn the positional side of the game.

[Greg N'Ash]

Deserves a new contract on balance. Thrown in the deep-end somewhat and did ok at times. Good for the club because we'll know in 18months time if he's going to be good enough to not just survive in the premiership but make the next step up.

[LeeB]

Deserves a new contract on balance. Thrown in the deep-end somewhat and did ok at times. Good for the club because we'll know in 18months time if he's going to be good enough to not just survive in the premiership but make the next step up.

That's fair enough.

[Risso]

I think he's potentially a much better defender than Clark, just needs to work on his concentration and to cut out the silly mistakes.  I wouldn't want to see him and Vlaar starting as our first choice centre half pairing next year.  Either Baker OR Vlaar next to somebody good would be ideal.

[LeeB]

I think he's potentially a much better defender than Clark, just needs to work on his concentration and to cut out the silly mistakes.  I wouldn't want to see him and Vlaar starting as our first choice centre half pairing next year.  Either Baker OR Vlaar next to somebody good would be ideal.

I agree with that too.

Man, the world's a beautiful place.

[Risso]

It is.  I've had the week off work enjoying the TT in glorious sunshine, my best mate has been over and the world is good.  Back to work tomorrow though so usual misery arse service will be resumed then.

[seanthevillan]

I think he's potentially a much better defender than Clark, just needs to work on his concentration and to cut out the silly mistakes.  I wouldn't want to see him and Vlaar starting as our first choice centre half pairing next year.  Either Baker OR Vlaar next to somebody good would be ideal.

I agree with that too.

Man, the world's a beautiful place.

I disagree - I think Clark has shown more potential (not saying he had a better season) than Baker. Granted Baker has played twenty or so fewer top-flight games, but I think he will not be able to improve his technical ability or positional awareness enough.

Love to be proven wrong though, and people who were at games towards the end of the season gave him decent ratings.

[LeeB]

I think he's potentially a much better defender than Clark, just needs to work on his concentration and to cut out the silly mistakes.  I wouldn't want to see him and Vlaar starting as our first choice centre half pairing next year.  Either Baker OR Vlaar next to somebody good would be ideal.

I agree with that too.

Man, the world's a beautiful place.

I disagree - I think Clark has shown more potential (not saying he had a better season) than Baker. Granted Baker has played twenty or so fewer top-flight games, but I think he will not be able to improve his technical ability or positional awareness enough.

Love to be proven wrong though, and people who were at games towards the end of the season gave him decent ratings.

Nah, Clark looks like a good player, but for me is lacking a bit to be either a quality centre-half or a midfielder.

[nigel]

Deserves a new contract on balance. Thrown in the deep-end somewhat and did ok at times. Good for the club because we'll know in 18months time if he's going to be good enough to not just survive in the premiership but make the next step up.

I think Baker will go from strength to strength next season.
I have to disagree with Risso, I think Vlaar and Baker will make a very good pairing for next season. We certainly need another CB, though.
People tend to forget that both were playing their first season, proper, in the Prem in an inexperienced back four. Their partnership can only get better.

[Toronto Villa]

Baker needs to play less and not be put into a seniot CB position at a PL club before his time. If he's patient and is willing to learn he can be very good. However, we need someone with more knowledge and experience back there. It's too soon for Baker and too much for Vlaar to make up for.

[eastie]

Baker is a more natural central defender - Clark is a decent player who can fill in at left back, central defence or defensive midfield and both will be useful players for us in future years in my opinion.

[ciggiesnbeer]

good. Baker is a top man. Loves the club and puts it all in. made mistakes but he will get better.

[ktvillan]

Don't think either Clarke or Baker are good enough for us if our ambition is top 8, which it should be.  Clark was woeful at times last season and reminded me of Titus Bramble at his bumbling worst.   Baker is like a cross between Dunne and Warnock,  brainlessly diving in to ridiculous challenges and conceding penalties and dangerous free kicks. Hopefully they will both just be backup next season.   

[pauliewalnuts]

Neither are ready to start week in, week out, and either alongside Vlaar scares me a bit.

Ideally, we'd sign an experienced CB to play alongside Vlaar or Baker (Lescott maybe?), but if i had to choose between the two, I'd say Baker looks like he could become a very decent CB, whereas I don't think Clark shows anything like as much promise in that position.