But the influential midfielder would swap all the personal plaudits he has received for a place in the Unibond One North play-offs.

Baker won the Supporters' Club Player of the Year award and was Star Shayman for 2008-09.

He was delighted to have won both, but would have preferred to have been preparing for a knockout match tonight rather than contemplating what might have been.

"I just go out there and do the best I can," he said. "I was happy to come here when I signed and I am glad to have turned out to be an important player but I am disappointed that the team has not done well.

"I know people say it is about the team but genuinely, hand on heart, I believe that.

"If I play well and contribute to winning a game that's great.

"But I wanted to be in the play-offs and I wanted to get promoted. That's why I came here."

Town's campaign ended in anti-climactic fashion with a goalless draw at Chorley on Saturday.

And Baker acknowledged that the final game had summed up the season as a whole.

"We should have won again," he said. "We dominated, created the best chances and that sums us up.

"We have not punished sides and, more often than not, we have been punished ourselves."

With just two players - Ashley Stott and Mark Peers - contracted for next season, Baker is part of the vast majority of the squad currently in limbo until a new manager is appointed.

And he knows it is just a matter of sitting and waiting for the club to make the next move.

"You don't make plans," said Baker.

"I have not spoken to anyone and no one has spoken to me.

"I am happy here and I have enjoyed my football even though things have not gone how we wanted them to.

"It is a matter of waiting to see what happens."

Skelmersdale United entertain Curzon Ashton in the first of the Unibond One North play-off semi-finals tonight with Newcastle Blue Star hosting Colwyn Bay tomorrow.