Jim Baker (footballer)

James William Baker (15 November 1891 – 13 December 1966) was a professional footballer most notable for being the first captain of Leeds United He was the brother of Alf Baker who played for Arsenal. Another brother Aaron Baker also played football professionally and briefly played for Leeds.

For other people named Jim Baker, see James Baker (disambiguation).

Jim Baker
Personal information
Full name James William Baker
Date of birth (1891-11-15)15 November 1891
Place of birth Ilkeston, England
Date of death 13 December 1966(1966-12-13) (aged 75)
Place of death Leeds, England
Height 5 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1.74 m)[1]
Position(s) Central defender
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1910–1912 Derby County
1912 Portsmouth
1912–1914 Hartlepool United
1914–1920 Huddersfield Town 56 (3)
1920–1926 Leeds United 200 (2)
1926–1927 Nelson 28 (6)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Jim was born in Ilkeston and started his career at Hartlepool United, and played at Portsmouth before moving to Huddersfield Town, where he played under future Leeds manager Arthur Fairclough. When Fairclough moved to the newly formed Leeds United F.C. to become its first manager, Jim followed him and was handed the captain's armband to command from the center of defence. Jim played for six seasons at Elland Road being captain for the whole period, and even helped Fairclough guide the team to their first silverware and Second Division championship in 1923–24, being a rock at the heart of the Leeds defence along with Ernie Hart. Jim left Leeds after two seasons of just surviving in the First Division at the end of the 1925–26 season, moving to Nelson.

He served on the Board of Directors for Leeds United between 1959 and 1961.[1]

References
  1. Jarred, Martin; MacDonald, Malcolm (1986). Leeds United : a complete record 1919-1986. Derby: Breedon Books Sport. p. 296. ISBN 0-907969-17-8. OCLC 14977257.
  • Dykes, Garth (2009). Nelson F.C. in the Football League: A Complete Record 1921–31. SoccerData. p. 13.
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