BAILEY, GARY RICHARD 1978-86

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Goalkeeper 78-86
6ft 2" 13st 2lbs
b.Ipswich,9th August 1958
Debut v Ipswich (h) 18/11/78

Career: Witts University(Johannesburg)
UNITED Jan 78
contract cancelled Sept 87
Kaiser Chiefs (South Africa) 88

It was something of a coincidence that Gary should make his League debut
against Ipswich Town as his father,Roy, also a goalkeeper, had earlier made
300 appearances for the Portman Road Club. Bailey Snr. won three
championships, The Third Div South in 57, Secound Div in 61 and the League
Championship in 62. The benefits of parental coaching were quickly evident
after Gary had left his home in South Africa to journey to OLD TRAFFORD.

Quote from Ethel Sleith SA jamie@global.co.za
"An interesting point to note is how Gary came to OT.  As a young lad,
 about 17/18 I think, he and a friend packed their bags and arrived at
 the Theatre of Dreams.  Quite simply, Gary knocked on the door, said,
 "I'm a goalkeeper, give me a trial", and the rest, as they say, is history."

Blessed with an imposing physical presence and vocal, confident attitude, he
quickly established himself as first-choice goalkeeper, appearing in a
Wembley final at the end of his debut season. Whilst the first FA Cup final
ended in disapointment, Arsenal winning 3-2, he was successful two
subsequent finals in 83 and 85. Gary had an identifiable weakness when it
came to leaving his line and dealing with crosses, but he was still capped
by England `B`, England Under-21(14 caps), and twice at full international
level. It was a training injury with the England squad in Feb 86 which
brought a premature end to his first class career. A severe knee problem
which failed to respond to treatment saw him leave OT in Sept 87 at an age
when the blond goalkeeper was just approaching the peak years for his
profession. Returning to SA he was eventually able to resume his career with
Kaiser Chiefs.

Appearances:
FL  294 - 0 g
FAC  31 - 0 g
FLC  28 - 0 g 
EUR  20 - 0 g   Total: 373 apps  0 goals


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