Charles Baker

Born in Stafford, he first played for Stafford Rangers before joining Stoke in April 1889. He made one appearance at the end of the 1888–89 season; the following season he appeared fairly regularly making twelve league appearances, scoring twice as Stoke finished at the foot of the Football League table and failed to be re-elected for the following season. As a consequence, Stoke played 1890–91 in the Football Alliance, finishing the season as champions. In August 1891, he moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers where he played alongside Will Devey and England international forwards Harry Wood and Robert Topham. In 1891–92 he was a virtual ever-present, making 24 appearances in the league scoring five goals, as well as four FA Cup appearances (four goals). The following season, he lost his place to Joe Butcher and returned to Stoke in January 1893. Although he made four appearances for Stoke at the end of the 1892–93 season, he made no appearances at all in the first team in the following season, presumably as a result of injury. On 26 April 1893, he was part of a Stoke side who were invited to play a friendly match against Southampton St Mary's, played at the County Cricket ground in Northlands Road, Southampton. The "Saints", who included the 18-year-old Charles Miller (considered to be the father of football in Brazil) in their line-up, were "outplayed fairly and squarely on every point", although the spectators "thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition" and looked forward to…

Stoke

Football Alliance champions: 1890–91