Baker back for a third season
Striker Lewis Baker has signed for Berwick Rangers for another season, and he is looking for the side to use their strong finish to last season to push on in the 2023/24 campaign.
The 28 year old, who came to Shielfield early into the 2021/22 season, had previously played with Albion Rovers and East Fife, as well as IFK Mora and IFK Östersund in Sweden. Baker has already chalked up 56 competitive appearances in a Berwick shirt, scoring 16 goals in the process. He is sure to want to add to both of those tallies next year.
With a career change on the horizon away from the pitch, Baker was worried about how this would affect his football, but manager Stuart Malcolm was quick to reassure the striker that he was still very much part of his plans. ‘I’m absolutely delighted to be staying with Berwick for another season. This is the best changing room that I’ve been a part of, with a real close-knit group,’ reflected Baker. He added, ‘The gaffer has been brilliant with me regarding work commitments heading into next year, and once he made it clear to me that he wanted to keep me regardless, signing again really was a no brainer.
Baker also has his sights set on a strong year for the Wee Gers. ‘I believe this squad has the ability to get the club back to where it belongs. If you look at the last six to seven months of last season, we were probably one of the form teams in the country. Everyone knows the expectations and standards the gaffer demands, so for us as players, looking at the season ahead, if we apply ourselves week to week, home and away, then I’m sure the fans will be excited with the football we play and will hopefully have something to celebrate come the end of the season.’
Berwick have strengthened their squad in a number of areas in preparation for the season, with Jamie McCormack, Drew Cummings, Kane O’Connor and Callum McKay all joining. It is clear that Baker is keen to link up with his new team mates, as he said, ‘With the talent we have added this summer, I’m sure we can put together a really positive season. The boys have returned to pre-season looking fit and ready, so we’re ready to get back into it and start this season strongly.’
Lewis Baker, along with his brother Kyle and the rest of the Berwick Rangers men’s squad, will have their first opportunity to set a marker for the new season at home to Haddington Athletic this Saturday, 1 July, with a 3pm kick off at Shielfield Park. Fans will want to be part of this match, and we will have some news to share with you later this week with regards to the fan experience. Buy your tickets online today here. Or, go one better, and pick up a Berwick Rangers membership to guarantee your place at all Park’s Motor Group Lowland League fixtures next season, as well as the friendlies against Haddington and Hibs in July.
