Malcolm Bailey


Malcolm Roy Bailey was an English footballer who played as a right-half.
He failed to establish himself in the Football League with Port Vale, and so went into non-league football with Northwich Victoria and Runcorn in the 1970s. He played for Altrincham between 1977 and 1983, where he won two Alliance Premier League titles and triumph in the Cheshire Senior Cup, FA Trophy and Conference League Cup competitions. He later played for Telford United and Hyde United.

Playing career

Born in Biddulph, Bailey graduated through the Port Vale youth side to sign as a professional in May 1967. His Fourth Division debut came on 21 April 1969, in a 1–0 home win over Grimsby Town. He was only to play once more however before being given a free transfer in May 1970. He moved on to Northwich Victoria of the Northern Premier League, and then switched to league rivals Runcorn.
He signed with Altrincham, also of the Northern Premier League, for the 1977–78 season, and formed a partnership with John Owens. In his first season, he scored the winning goal against former club Runcorn that booked "Alty" a place in the 1978 FA Trophy Final. In the final Altrincham's beat Leatherhead 3–1. The following season the club finished second in the Northern Premier League. In the 1979–80 campaign he helped the club to claim the inaugural Alliance Premier League title and to reach the final of the Conference League Cup. The following season he picked up his second championship medal, and helped the club to League cup success over Kettering Town. The next season he helped the club to reach the 1982 FA Trophy Final and to lift the Cheshire Senior Cup. He struggled with injury at Moss Lane, though still managed to make 262 appearances for the club, scoring 20 goals.
He signed with Telford United, also of the Alliance Premier League, for the 1983–84 campaign. He signed for Hyde United in 1984, making his debut in a 4–1 win over Southport. He spent just half a season with the club, making 21 appearances in all competitions.

Personal life

As well as his footballing career, Bailey worked in the engineering trade.

Statistics

Source:

Honours

;Altrincham