The League Paper

CARL’S FOUND A NEW VOCATION!

by
The LeaguePaper Team
30 August 2026

By Chris Dunlavy

FOR a several months after becoming a professional referee, Carl Baker still thought like a footballer.
“Honestly, it was so difficult,” laughs the former Stockport and Coventry winger. “I’ve spent 20 years showing for the ball and trying to find little pockets of space and trying to get on the end of crosses.
“As a referee, it’s the exact opposite. You’ve got to stay out of those spaces, which feels so alien.
“For the first two or three games, I was constantly fighting my instincts. Like the ball would go wid...

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