John Anthony Bailey, born Liverpool, England, April 1, 1957. Known primarily as a left-back, John Bailey made a significant impact during his time with Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Newcastle United, and Bristol City.
John Bailey’s footballing odyssey began at Blackburn Rovers, where he spent six formative years. Joining the club as a young talent, he quickly developed into a reliable defender, earning a reputation for his tenacity and tactical awareness. His contributions on the pitch did not go unnoticed, and in July 1979, he made a pivotal move to Everton for a then-considerable transfer fee of £300,000. Bailey’s technical abilities extended beyond just defensive duties and his knack for joining the attack and delivering accurate crosses added a new dimension to Everton’s playstyle. As part of a formidable squad, he would go on to win the First Division in 1985, the FA Cup in 1984, the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1985, and the Charity Shield in 1985 and 1986. In 1985, following his success at Everton, Bailey was transferred to Newcastle United, where he continued to showcase his talents. The move to Newcastle presented its own challenges, yet Bailey’s adaptability and professionalism allowed him to settle in and contribute effectively to the team’s defensive line-up. Although his time with The Magpies was relatively brief, making 40 League appearances, it was another important chapter in his career. After his stint at Newcastle, Bailey found a new lease on life at Bristol City in 1988. His arrival at Ashton Gate proved beneficial, as he quickly became a stalwart in the team’s defence and he made nearly 100 league appearances, demonstrating his enduring commitment to the game and his ability to compete at a high level. Across his career, John Bailey amassed over 400 appearances in the Football League, a testament to his durability and consistency.