I am today announcing my retirement from International Football.
I would like to thank the England Managers who should have selected me for what should have been my many, many caps. Through them, I have gained all the skills and tactical insight required to lead OWFC to many a 2-1 defeat having taken an early lead, and based on results so far this season, a new generation has taken this on.
While I never actually made it out onto the field for England, representing and captaining my country is what I dreamed of as a boy. Were I to have done so, it would have been a truly great honour. To have not quite stood shoulder to shoulder with England legends like Seth Johnson, Francis Jeffers and David Nugent is something I will treasure for all my days.
It breaks my heart to make this decision, but to once again schedule friendlies when Chamonix awaits showed a total lack of respect and has made my position untenable. I nearly swerved off the road when I heard the news.
Gordon Baker is 52.
I now look forward to playing for OWFC, and challenging for both Arthurian League (Div 1) and Arthur Dunn Cup honours, and I want to thank the fans, the club and the mule for their continued support.
Tom Vernon