One of several Stoke players induced to Southampton in the mid 1890s, Charlie Baker arrived in time to captain the team in their inaugral Southern League season. His

“speedy rushes on the outside right soon made him a favourite with the Southampton public, with whom he is very popular. A neat dribbler, to great command over the ball he adds considerable pace. Besides he centres with judgement as well as accuracy and is altogether a dangerous forward”. (Famous Association Footballers 1895).

Unfortunately late in the 1895-96 season he sustained a bad knee injury which led to him to announce his premature retirement in September 1896. The Echo commented

“We are opening up columns for subscriptions towards the testiminial to Charlie Baker on his enforced retirement. He is one of the most popular players who ever donned the cherry squares”.

The cricketer Victor Barton was an early contributor saying “ please accept the enclosed 1/- for CB’s testimonial, a better trier never went on a local football ground”. Soon after his testimonial Baker returned to Stafford, was reinstated as an amateur and resumed his career as a shoe-finisher.