Steve Baker interview 27/12/21

Some quotes from Steve included the following; On his team's reaction and performance following the 7-1 defeat at Taunton: 'Midweek was a disaster, but it happens sometimes. We asked the players for a reaction and I think we got one. I'm disappointed with the result after being 2-0 up and we could have gone in (at half time) with a few more. It feels like we've lost, but I couldn't have asked for any more from the players today'. On Lovre Drazic's debut in goal (after Josh Strizovic was recalled by Dagenham due to COVID in their squad) 'I think he was fantastic. He didn't have loads to do, but everything he did, he did well. He trains with us every Thursday and we've seen enough of him to not be concerned (about stepping up from the Under 23s) and I thought he did really well today'. On penalty decisions: 'Their penalty is a penalty 100% for me even from 60 yards away. The more annoying one for me is the penalty not given for the handball (against a Hendon defender). It's as blatant as day and their manager also couldn't believe that it wasn't given. It wasn't a difficult decision as the guy has put his hand towards the ball. On George Moore's red card: 'There was about eight tackles in five seconds, that I thought were good tackles. Their bench reacted to something and the referee has said that George pushed his knee into their player's face while they were on the floor. George has said their player had hold of his leg and was trying to get away. We'll look at it on the video to see whether we'll appeal as George is a big player for us'. On Shaun Preddie's injury: 'He's been struggling with his knee, which we've been trying to manage, but today he felt a slight tweak of his hamstring. Shaun is sensible enough to come off when he knows something isn't right and we should know how serious it is in a few days'. Steve confirmed that even before Shaun's injury, he was already looking to bring in defensive reinforcements in January and that some extra height and physicality is needed throughout the squad. His verdict at the half way point of Borough's season: 'I think we're still punching above our weight, which is a credit to the players. We're still only two points off a playoff spot, as well as what we did in the FA Cup, and I would have bitten your hand off for that at the start of the season, especially after where we were in pre-season. Realistically, I don't think we'll make the playoffs given the other sides we would need to finish above. Another 5 or 6 wins means we're safe in the league, then who knows where the rest will take you. On the passing of Stuart Hobbs: 'I'm gutted, really really gutted. I've been here for coming up to 7 years (in February) and worked closely with Stuart. You couldn't meet a nicer bloke and he'd always go out of his way to help you. He was just a really nice bloke who supported the club through thick and thin. I felt for Peter (Rogers) as well, as he worked closely with Stuart. He's not only lost a big supporter of the club , but a close friend too'.