I think it’s safe to say that Chris Baird took a lot of flak, some deserved, during his first season for the club with some disappointing displays at right back under the dodgy management of Lawrie Sanchez.
However, those who witnessed him when at Southampton, will know he always played at centre back and did a fine job.
So, as the story goes, Sanchez was sacked and Hodgson was brought in and many thought Baird’s time at Fulham was coming to an end when he was dumped to the bench with Paul Stalteri preferred at right back in the remaining games of the ‘Great Escape’ season.
He struggled for games last season as the team remained injury free for pretty much the whole season with only cameo roles giving him the chance to prove himself. However, when he did get time on the field, it is fair to say he impressed. Perhaps things were changing for Baird under Hodgson’s management?
This season, that question has been answered. He has improved greatly and arguably been one of the standout players this season. His performance against Sofia in the Europa League was particularly impressive whilst he shone out of position in defensive midfield whilst filling in for Dickson Etuhu.
In a relatively short time at the club, he has gone from zero to hero. A lot of credit has to go to Chris himself for not moaning when he didn’t play and for working hard on the training pitch to impress the Fulham faithful this season.
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