Baker steps down to step up at Earlsmead

By David Watters

Chipstead & Harrow Borough

Steve Baker was unveiled as Harrow Borough's new manager on Sunday, a few hours after resigning from his post at Ryman South Chipstead.

Baker, pictured, beat 30 other candidates to step up to the Ryman Premier and succeed former manager Dave Anderson at Earlsmead.

Anderson resigned earlier this month after four years at the helm and played a hand in the appointment of his successor after agreeing to stay on and hold the fort.

He is expected to take charge for a final time on Tuesday of the club's re-arranged Middlesex Senior Cup quarter-final clash at North Greenford United, ironically the club where the former AFC Wimbledon boss kicked off his managerial career.

In a statement on the Surrey club's website announcing the departure of Baker and his assistant Jess Smith from the High Road, Chipstead officials wished the pair well.

"We would like to thank them for all their hard work and wish them well in the future," said the club.

In their own statement, Boro said they were delighted to appoint Baker who will be introduced to his new charges by Anderson on Tuesday.

Baker carved out a reputation as a player with Hayes from 1992 to 1997 followed by Yeading, Hendon and Egham Town before becoming player coach with Chertsey Town in 2003 and going on to spend four years at the club.

After two years managing Egham Town, he stepped back to hone his coaching skills with Beaconsfield Sycob and Wingate & Finchley before moving back into management for a short stay at Walton & Hersham in 2013.

Baker's new side are currently second from bottom and three points adrift of safety with Wingate & Finchley next up at home on Saturday.

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