The former Bradford Park Avenue man was one of the success stories of Halifax's first campaign in Unibond One North, sweeping the board at the end of season player awards.

And he was the first of the squad assembled by former manager Jim Vince to agree a new deal with Aspin.

"You obviously want to bring in your own players when you arrive at a club as manager," said Aspin.

"But it is nice to have players who have been with a team to maintain some continuity."

Baker seemed to get stronger as Town's season got more disappointing.

And by the final few games under Nigel Jemson, he was wearing the skipper's armband despite playing with a back problem.

"Tom was player of the year, he is well known in non League and I watched him play a couple of times as well," said Aspin.

"Speaking to him I got a good feeling about him. I knew he was the kind of lad I wanted to play for the club.

"He decided that he wanted to stay and try to get the club out of the division.

"We could not afford to let him go and I am delighted he is staying."

European Under-21s Championship hosts Sweden booked a semi-final clash with England, after posting a 3-1 win over nine-man Serbia.

Marcus Berg scored twice in the first half - the second from the penalty spot - and Ola Toivonen added a third after Gojko Kacar had pulled a goal back for the Serbs, who had Nenad Tomovic and Nikola Petkovic sent off.

The result means Sweden finish second in Group A, behind Italy, setting up a last-four clash with England - who topped Group B after two wins and a draw from their three games.

In last night's other Group A game, Italy emerged victorious against Belarus to line up a semi-final clash with Group B runners-up Germany.

The Italians fell behind when Sergei Kislyak swept home but they were level before the break, Robert Acquafresca slotting home a penalty after Mikhail Afanasiev handled.

Italy sealed victory when Acquafresca tapped home a second 15 minutes from time.

West Ham have completed the signing of forward Luis Jimenez from Inter Milan on a season-long loan, with a view to a possible permanent transfer.

The Hammers moved quickly to fend off interest from other teams for the player, who will officially join on July 1.

Jimenez said: "I am very happy, very excited and very determined to show what I can do."