Rebecca proud to carry on Oldham link

Photo: PICTURE by DARREN ROBINSON

REBECCA Baker, from Royton, has replaced Bernard Halford as club secretary at Manchester City.

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Royton girl has key role at Eastlands

OLDHAM’S presence in the halls of power at Manchester City shows no sign of waning.
Life president Bernard Halford, born and bred in Chadderton, has handed over his club secretary duties to Rebecca Baker (nee Firth), who lives in Royton.

And the 28-year-old, who grew up keeping score for Heyside Cricket Club, couldn’t be more proud.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I’m more than happy to keep the Oldham link going here at City,” she said.

“I could never have foreseen me taking over from someone like Bernard Halford when I was scoring for Heyside all those years ago.”

When Rebecca was 11, she spent weekends with dad David, a successful Heyside player and later club secretary.

She soon got a taste for sport and became a scorer for the club and later the Saddleworth and Cricket District League.

The Firths enjoy a rich history at Heyside — Rebecca’s grandfather, Anthony, is still president.

When her dad sadly passed away in January, Rebecca’s brother Steven (24) took over his club secretary post.

She added: “I was going to help out so it could be a bit of a joint effort, but he has done so well, he doesn’t need his big sister to hold his hand!”

Rebecca’s progress at Eastlands over the last decade is testament to her determination and work ethic.

City legend Mike Summerbee, now a club ambassador, told the Chronicle: “Rebecca is a wonderful woman who is doing great things for the club.

“She has worked hard since coming to Manchester City and she deserves this chance.”

Her first role in the box office at the turn of the century was meant to be a stop-gap before university.

But when a secretarial post presented itself she nailed the interview.

“It was a dilemma but I decided to stay, and obviously looking back I’m so glad I did,” Rebecca continued.

“I loved the job and what I tried to do was become familiar with every department so I could learn as much as possible. I was doing it all — PR, marketing, accounts, whatever they could throw at me.

“When Sara Billington, PA to Chris Bird, who was chief executive at the time, was promoted to head of operations, I was given the chance to replace her.

“It was a strange period because three weeks later Chris and chairman David Bernstein left the club

“But I knuckled down and enjoyed the work, before I ended up working alongside Bernard as his PA, and what an experience it’s been.

“He is the perfect gentleman, his knowledge is unbelievable, and he is like a dad to me in many ways.

“I suppose it is fitting that the Chadderton lad is handing over to the Royton girl.

“I’m just glad Bernard is still going to be around the place in his life president capacity, because I can always call on him for advice.”