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Ex-Aston Villa, Lincoln, Bristol City player retires age 31 on medical grounds

Ex-Aston Villa, Lincoln, Bristol City player Nathan Baker retires at the age of 31 on medical grounds following an incident in 2021.

The Robins defender is sadly stepping away from professional football after sustaining two serious concussions last season.

Baker hasn’t played since leaving the field against Sheffield United on the 28th of November after landing awkwardly following an aerial challenge, which left him hospitalised for 24 hours. That came five weeks after a similar injury at West Brom.

He then spent the next nine months of assessments coupled with treatment and recuperation at home, but now he has been advised by medical professionals that carrying on playing at a professional level would, “represent a significant risk to his ongoing and future health”.

Bristol City have stressed that the 31-year-old is without any neurological or cognitive issues, but is likely to be monitored with further testing in the future.

CLUB STATEMENT:

Bristol City regrets to announce the retirement of defender Nathan Baker on medical grounds.

The 31-year-old will step away from the game as a consequence of the head injury he sustained at Sheffield United in the Championship game on November 28th, 2021.

Baker was hospitalised for 24 hours following the incident and has since been undergoing tests, treatment and recuperation in an effort to resume his career.

 

Having assessed his progression over a period of nine months, Nathan has been advised by medical professionals that to carry on playing at a professional level would represent a significant risk to his ongoing and future health.

He is currently well, without any neurological or cognitive issues, but is likely to be monitored with further Neuro-Psychology testing in the future.

Baker joined Bristol City on loan from Aston Villa in 2015, before making the move permanent for a fee of £3.5m. The former England Under-21 international made 138 appearances for the

Robins, scoring three goals in his time at Ashton Gate. He quickly became a firm fans favourite for his athletic strength and robust challenges.

Chief Executive Richard Gould said: “It is a great shame that Nathan will now retire from professional football, but we fully support the decision made by the medical consultants to avoid any future risk to his health.

“Nathan has been a wonderful player for the Club and will always be a welcome guest. He is greatly respected, and it is such a shame his illustrious career has been cut short. But it is the right decision, and we fully support the conclusion that has been reached by all parties.”

Manager Nigel Pearson added: “It’s a sad day for any player when they have to step away from the game, especially in Nathan’s case when it’s a lot earlier than he had planned. However, the health and safety of players must come first and we fully support the advice given to Nathan to ensure his health is the primary concern.

“Nathan was a fabulous servant to our club and popular in dressing room as well in the stands with the supporters. We wish him all the best for the future as he starts his life away from the pitch with his young family.”

Speaking on his retirement, Baker said: “Football has been a massive part of my life from a very young age, so this has not been the easiest decision for me, however I must take the advice from the medical team and consultants.

“It’s sad to think I won’t be playing football again, there are so many things I am going to miss, such as my teammates, the friendships made, plus a good tackle! But I must put my health and family first, it’s not worth the risk.

“I’d like to thank all the staff at Bristol City for doing all they can to help me through this tough time. And I’d like to thank the fans who have supported me throughout my career at Bristol City and Aston Villa. I’m so grateful and lucky to have had the opportunity to play for such great clubs and even represent my country. There are so many memories that will always stay with me.”

Fans reacted as the ex-Aston Villa, Lincoln, Bristol City player retires age 31 on medical grounds…

@RickyHodge3: Good luck for the future Bakes 🤜🏼

@eddiesphone: Wish him luck. Great player.

@bigalbcfc: Sad to see but hardly surprising. One of them rare defenders that would die for the team. Good luck Nathan.

@jake_cogzell: Bakes 😥

@benwilliamsbutt: Gutted for the man. Sadly hampered by injuries but an absolute stalwart at the back, and one of the best CBs in the Championship on his day. All the best in the future @Bakesy23, whatever you do.

@bcfc_beth: All the best for the future Bakes 👏

@mathwivs: Gutted for you Nathan. Best wishes for the future.

@bcfctom_: Best of the luck for the future Bakes ❤️

@nickday1980: Such a shame. Always loved the flying tackles and desire to block anything that came his way.

@eadebcfc1: Bakes played like a fan in that he always gave everything in a game and that included being braver than any of us. Health is more important than anything & I wish him and his family nothing but the best. Thank you Nathan as you certainly left an impact on us all.

@Flatsy1: He was the exact same at Villa. Even when he was starting out, you could see he would put himself where few others would dare, often to his own detriment. A true warrior.

@PtrckBrrtt: Always put his head and heart on the line for villa, gutted for him

@Trentvilla1: I seem to recall him having a few concussions at #avfc as well, worrying, hope he is okay. All the best Bakes…

@DailyWanderers: Very sad to see. Hope too see Nathan in a coaching role or some sort of football career

@liam_fowler: So sorry to hear this @Bakesy23 absolute warrior of a defender and he will be missed throwing himself infront of anything hurled your way, legend in my eyes 🤌🏻

@lpmoffatt: Gutted. Always gave 100% to the cause, not afraid to put his body on the line and producer of some tremendous/terrifying tackles on opposition forwards. In my time watching City I’d put him up there with the great Shaun Taylor as the ‘scariest’ centre half. Go well @Bakesy23 💔

@DanATPWilliams: Sad day but health comes first! All the best to him – excellent defender, will always remember his tackle at Villa on Grealish which was about 20 mins late 🤣🤣, old school defender! Will be missed

@Stevejm_Britton: Sad day for everyone concerned especially Bakes. Can he come out on the pitch before the Huddersfield game so fans can say goodbye and applaud him for all his efforts?

@andymozz8: Sad day for the lad. One of the best centre halves in the league on his day. Wish him nothing but the best for the future in what ever he does. Hopefully he looks to remain in the game in some capacity

@ARWURZELBS3: A credit to our club and hope he recovers and becomes a permanent fixture within at some level the club 👏🏻❤️

@djrowe149: @Bakesy23 a sad day, but as said health and the care of the family are priorities, more so than ever. Thank you for your service to @BristolCity and hope that there is a way you can stay involved at the club. Let’s’ remember the great games you played for us. With best wishes.

@matthew1985_23: One of my favorite ever players for city, played with 100% commitment every single game he played, played with his heart on his sleeve, hope the club do something for him as an appreciation for his service. Wish him all the best for the future.

@AJ3point0: Always thought this would happen because he would literally head a brick and would have a bandage on most games because he put his head where it hurt. Always liked him. Sad to see this but hope he is ok ❤️💙

@KingEightyOne: Best of luck in retirement. We will always remember how he loved a slide tackle!!! ♥️💙🦁

@avfc_kel: 🎶 if you throw a brick at him he’ll head the fucker back 🎶 👑

@PhilipKeenan12: Ohhh nathan bakers magic

@albrighton_nose: Bakes was hard as nails and always put his head where it hurt. All the best in your retirement 💜💙

@FGRAdam: Really sad when a player that has no intentions of retiring and loves the sport is told he can no longer play professionally for something he worked all his life for, best of luck to his future endeavours

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