Paul Baker

David Paul Baker (born 5 January 1963) is an English former professional footballer, football manager and scout who works as academy scout at Premier League club Newcastle United.

A forward, he played more than 500 league matches during a career that included two spells each with Carlisle United and Hartlepool United, as well as spells with Motherwell, Gillingham, York City, Torquay United and Scunthorpe United.

After his playing career, Baker moved into coaching, management and scouting, including managerial spells with Blyth Spartans, Newcastle Benfield and Newcastle Blue Star. He has also worked in academy recruitment and scouting.

Playing career

Early career and Carlisle United

Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Baker played for Wallsend Boys Club and Bishop Auckland before joining Southampton in July 1984 for a fee of £4,000.

Baker left Hartlepool in August 1992 to join Scottish club Motherwell for a fee of £77,500. He joined a Gillingham side fighting to retain its place in the Football League and scored in a 2–0 victory over Halifax Town on the final day of the 1992–93 season, a result which secured the club's league status.

Baker remained at Priestfield the following season and ultimately made 62 league appearances for Gillingham, scoring 16 goals.

Baker was involved in one of York's most notable cup results when the club faced Manchester United at Old Trafford in the second round of the 1995–96 League Cup. York won the first leg 3–0 on 20 September 1995. Baker began the match as a substitute and was introduced during the second half, but was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.

During the 1998–99 season, Baker also became involved in the management of the first team. Following the departure of manager Mick Tait, Baker and Brian Honour were placed in joint caretaker charge before the appointment of Chris Turner.

Baker left Hartlepool at the end of the 1998–99 season.

Carlisle United

In August 1999, Baker returned to Carlisle United, twelve years after leaving the club for Hartlepool.

Baker subsequently worked within the academy setup at Newcastle United before returning to senior management.

Newcastle Benfield

In September 2005, Baker was appointed manager of Northern League club Newcastle Benfield.

During the 2006–07 season, he led the club to the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time in its history. Newcastle Benfield also won the Northern League Cup in 2007, defeating Nissan 1–0 in the final.

Baker resigned as manager in December 2007.

Newcastle Blue Star

In March 2008, Baker joined Newcastle Blue Star as assistant manager to Tommy Cassidy.

Later that month, Cassidy left the club and Baker was appointed manager. His spell in charge was brief, and he left Newcastle Blue Star in May 2008 to take up a scouting position with Norwich City.

Scouting and academy career

Norwich City

In May 2008, Baker left his position as manager of Newcastle Blue Star to join Norwich City as a scout. Norwich were managed at the time by former Newcastle United manager Glenn Roeder.

Hartlepool United

Baker later returned to Hartlepool United in a scouting capacity. By 2013, he was working as a scout for the club.

Newcastle United

Baker subsequently joined the academy recruitment operation at Newcastle United. In December 2016, he was reported to have been appointed to a scouting role focused on identifying young players in Europe.

Baker later took on a senior role within Newcastle's academy recruitment structure. In January 2021, the club identified him as the academy's Head of National and International Recruitment when announcing the signings of three youth players: Cameron Ferguson, Charlie Wiggett and Remi Savage. Interim academy manager Steve Harper credited Baker and his recruitment team for their work in bringing the players to the club.

Baker has continued to work within Newcastle's academy scouting and recruitment structure.

Honours

Player

Hartlepool United Football League Fourth Division promotion: 1990–91

Manager

Newcastle Benfield Northern League Cup: 2006–07