Where are they now?: Joe Baker
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JOE BAKER views Arsenal's meeting with Torino tonight from a unique perspective, having played for both clubs. The Liverpool-born forward moved to Turin from Hibernian in May 1961. Arsenal paid a club record pounds 70,000 for him 14 months later.
'I loved being in Italy - apart from the football,' he said. 'The savagery of defenders was unbelievable. I almost lost an eye in my first game.' Even so, he scored 11 goals in 34 games and appreciated the benefits. 'Against catenaccio, a chance was so rare you had to take it. I came back half a second quicker and got 34 goals in my first season at Arsenal.'
Returning from Italy was a culture shock almost profound as arriving there. 'Torino owned you, body and soul. You could compare it for discipline with the army, or even prison. I laugh now when clubs here talk about controlled diets and training camps, things the Italians were doing 30 years ago.'
Baker moved on to Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, Hibs again, and Raith Rovers before he retired in 1974 with eight England caps. He has since been a publican, a car salesman and run an ice-cream business. He trained Albion Rovers for nine seasons but had to stop when he suffered a heart attack two years ago.
Now 53, he lives near Motherwell with his Scottish-Italian wife Sonia, daughter Nadia, 28, and son Colin, 24. 'Since the attack, I don't have the same energy, but I just get on with life. I work for local radio in Edinburgh, covering Hibs and Hearts, which I enjoy.'
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments