YEOVIL Town have paid tribute to the role played by departing physio Simon Baker, saying his decision to leave creates an opportunity for a new appointment.

The former Glovers youth and reserve team player stood down from his Huish Park role last week in order to spend more time with his family.

Baker was appointed in the summer of 2009 after working alongside now-technical coach Darren Way in his rehabilitation from a serious car crash in December 2008.

Yeovil assistant manager Nathan Jones hailed Baker's efforts, who left the club a week after keeper coach Ben Roberts was signed by npower League One high-flyers Charlton Athletic.

Jones said: "We have known Simon's decision for a long while and the wheels have been in motion for a long time.

"It was a personal decision from Simon, which we totally respect and that is fair enough. When Terry (Skiverton) took over (as manager) he wanted like-minded people who were ambitious and people who were going to take the team forward.

"We believe Simon did that, he has been a pleasure to work with and we wish him all the best in his new endeavours.

"Simon, for his own reasons, wanted to pursue other avenues and we totally respect that. He is a friend of all the staff and, just like Ben Roberts, we wish him all the best.

"People have careers in the game that could be 10 or 15 years long, they have friends and their teammates and colleagues change massively on a seasonal basis. That is no different with back room staff."

The Glovers are yet to announce a replacement for Baker, who helped introduce sports science techniques along with the rest of the club's management team.

Jones said Baker's exit opens a door for another physio keen to progress the club, adding they would have expected future enquiries about the one-time full back's services from bigger clubs.

"It gives other people opportunities," said Jones. "They (Baker and Roberts) were both good a what they did.

"Of all the choices of keeper coaches we had we wanted Ben. I know him, we worked with him and he did very well.

"If somebody does well they are attractive to other people, which is the same in any other business or walk of life.

"Something slightly different has happened with Simon, although the way Simon would have progressed there probably would have been a time in his career when someone would have spoken about him and his future."