Newcastle Town boss Neil Baker in recovery after suffering heart attack

Baker has been absent from the club's recent matches, and it has now been confirmed that he spent a week in hospital as a result of the medical issue.

The 65-year-old will now be monitored at home over the next few weeks, as was first reported in the Stoke Sentinel.

In the absence of the former Leek Town boss, assistant Paul Wright will take charge of first team affairs.

“I’m not great – but it’s an improvement on a week ago. I was absolutely rotten," Baker said.

"It was a tough week and it will be the same with the recovery. The doctors and the nurses were fantastic, as you’d expect.

“I haven’t had any procedures done and they’re hoping to treat it with medication. We will see what happens over the next month or so.

“I’ve got to take it steady. It’s common sense now, I can’t dash about, we’re no spring chickens anymore, and I’ve got able deputies at Newcastle Town who have done very well in the last couple of games without me.”

Baker was appointed Newcastle Town boss back in December 2023.

He has led the club to 14th and 16th-place finishes during his two completed seasons in charge. This term, they find themselves in a mid-table position in the NPL West Division.

Newcastle Town chairman Gavin Appleby said: “There’s no pressure from our end. Neil’s his own man and we’re there to support him with whatever he needs. 

"It’ll be up to him, his family and his doctors to decide the best course of action.

“It just goes to show you that life is fragile, but Neil is a fighter and in life as well as in football. This is his second full season with us and he’s great, we’re delighted to have him. 

“He’s very experienced, never panics and always has a masterplan. He is well respected and quite right too.”