Starting the new year was an interview with Steve Baker. Manager of Harrow Borough. Speaking to him after our New Year’s Day defeat at Walton Casuals, we discussed his time at the club. Including key aspects from his time with the Reds.
Q) Having joined Harrow from Chipstead, what was your first impressions of the club?
I knew quite a bit about the club before I got there. Back in my playing days, I’ve played against harrow quite a few times. The previous manager was a good mate of mine and he helped me get an interview with the club. So, my thoughts where they are a big non-league club, but having been struggling over the year before I came. It’s a club with history and have won things over the years. Certainly, a good job to get.
Q) Over the years you’ve met a wide range of people involved with the club. Who is one person who had a positive influence on you?
Various people to be honest. There is a lot of people at the club who work extremely hard behind the scenes. Who put a lot of money, and do work that is never seen. One person who is a positive influence is Peter, the chairman. Peter has been the same since day one. Always the same if we win or lose, takes pressure off at times. He allows me to do my job and help me. But he does not interfere, and put any added pressure.
Q) Going into this season Harrow have had two years of disruption. What were your goals going into the campaign?
Probably the same as every other season. To get safe in the league as soon as possible. To others that would sound negative, but with the budget I have it’s the key thing the club want to do. To stay at the level, we are not a million miles of. We need to get safe and four or five will do that. Another thing we ask of the lads is to have a cup run, we did that going down to Portsmouth.
Q) During this season’s incredible FA Cup run Harrow saw a vast increase in attendances. How important are supporters at this, and what role do they play?
Massive. Any games you go to if there is no one there the atmosphere is dead. Crowds do pick up in the cup, it’s a shame we don’t keep them. Chelmsford was really good. Boxing day against Hendon was good. If you look at across non-league it has picked this year.
Q) What has been your favourite moment managing the club?
Probably been a few. First year we came in, still don’t know how we stayed up. That was unbelievable. Obviously, we got to the first qualifying twice. Northampton and Portsmouth, those moments were extremely good. Taking the team out. Playing the last game at griffin park was great. I’d say probably, the one that tops it all. Qualifying first time around. We went to Margate away on the Tuesday night. Won 3-1 at their place. Not only was the performance fantastic, it got the club to the first round in years.
Thank you to Steve for taking time to answer my question. The club are lucky to have him.
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