Phil Baker, signed from Bangor City,  was brought to Exeter City by manager Gary Peters towards the end of the ill-fated 2002-03 season which ended with relegation to the Conference. He appeared six times, including the final game against Southend, before enjoying a highly-successful career in Welsh football with TNS.   

Phil had begun his career with Tranmere Rovers as a scholar, earning a full contract for the 2001-02 season, but never made the first team.

He was signed by the Grecians on non-contract forms, having been at Bangor City since the summer of 2002, and made his debut for the Grecians as a substitute in a 2-1 home defeat against Bury in April 2003.

After playing in each of City’s final six games before relegation, Phil returned to the Welsh Premier with Aberystwyth Town and, after a brief spell with Droylsden, rejoined Bangor City in September 2004.

He moved to TNS (later The New Saints) in the summer of 2005 where he played through until 2017 making over 340 league appearances and playing more than thirty times in European competitions including matches against Liverpool, RSC Anderlecht, CSKA Sofia and Legia Warsaw.

After 12 years at TNS Phil was loaned to Aberystwyth Town in March 2017 and later had spells at Warrington Town, Marine and Bangor City before retiring from playing in October 2018.