Walsall confirm death of former Saddlers and Aston Villa creative favourite Alan Baker
Former Walsall and Villa inside right Alan Baker has died, aged 81.
Baker, who was born in Tipton, was a popular creative player during his career in the 1960s.
He spent five years as a professional in the First Division with Villa having joined them as a schoolboy in 1958. Baker represented Brierley Hill and England at schoolboy level and played in a schoolboy international against West Germany in 1959.
He played 109 times for Villa in all competitions and scored 17 goals. Baker was part of a young team led by Joe Mercer in what were known as 'Mercer's Minors'.
Baker, who was known to many as 'Bilko', moved to neighbours Walsall in 1966 and was a big favourite at Fellows Park.
He excelled with the Division Three Saddlers and was hugely popular for his goals and creative passes for the Saddlers.
His career was cut short by a serious knee injury playing for Walsall against Tranmere in a game in which he scored in September 1970 aged 27.
Baker stayed local and lived in Walsall. He spent time at the club as youth coach and was also recognised as a talented cricketer.
