NEWPORT County AFC have strengthened their defence by bringing back Matt Baker from Stoke City on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old made an impression at Rodney Parade when getting a first taste of senior football in the second half of last season.
The Wales Under-21s international, who is currently recovering from a minor injury, made 18 appearances, initially as a holding midfielder before moving back to his preferred position of central defender.
A deal has been struck with the Potters to bring the bright prospect back for a second spell in Newport, to the delight of boss Graham Coughlan.
“Matt desired to return. The manager stated, “In actuality, he never wanted to leave.” It’s obvious when you have players who are that eager to play for this football team.
He understands who we are and provides us with solid coverage at two or three places.
“He’s a great addition, and our chances of winning the war are better the more good men we have in the trenches with us.”
Baker is not eligible for tomorrow’s League Two match against AFC Wimbledon. Baker is from Kent, but he plays for Wales thanks to his mother from Narberth.
He will try to return to County for the Saturday trip to Crawley, and he’ll give Coughlan more options.
Baker has demonstrated that he can play across a back three or as a sitting midfielder, and if necessary, he can certainly play right back.
With summer signing Kyle Jameson out due to a hip injury, he joins captain Ryan Delaney, James Clarke, the back-up Declan Drysdale, and rookie Josh Seberry as a central defence option.
Due to a busy schedule throughout the autumn, Baker supplies additional players, allowing County to alternate between formations.
Adding goalkeeper Jonny Maxted, defenders Delaney, Jameson, and Seberry, right-backs Shane McLoughlin and Lewis Payne (loan), left-backs Adam Lewis and Matty Bondswell (both loan), attacker Nathan Wood, midfielder Bryn Morris, and strikers Seb Palmer-Houlden and Olly Thomas (both loan) completes his 13th summer signing class.
Due to Palmer-Houlden’s hamstring injury, County can only include five loanees in their matchday squad. However, this won’t be a problem until at least December.
