Ian Baird

Playing career

Southampton Baird started his career playing for local sides Bitterne Saints and St. Mary's College before signing with Southampton in 1982–83. He was also chosen to represent Hampshire at county level and was capped for England at schoolboy level. He turned professional in April 1982 and played a handful of matches for the first team. At the start of the 1984–85 season, he moved on loan to Newcastle United, making five appearances, scoring one goal, and was booked in all of his appearances. He made his debut for the club in a 3–1 defeat to Portsmouth on 12 March 1985, scoring his first goal in his fourth appearance, a 2–1 victory over Manchester City one month later.

Despite not scoring many goals, Baird's first spell at Leeds was a success. His aggression, whole-hearted attitude, skill and goals made him immensely popular amongst the Leeds fans. Baird was made Leeds captain by manager Billy Bremner at the start of the 1986–87 season and his performances alerted Portsmouth to his abilities, as he helped lead Leeds to both the FA Cup semi-final (lost 2–3 (aet) to Coventry City and the final of the inaugural Second Division promotion/First Division relegation play-offs. Leeds drew the two-legged play-offs final with Charlton Athletic (1–0, 0–1) but lost a one-off deciding rubber (1–2 aet) at St Andrews and remained in the Second Division.

Portsmouth At the end of the 1986–87 season, Baird's contract with Leeds had expired leaving him free to move elsewhere. After rejecting Bremner's contract offer to remain with Leeds, Keen to move back to the South of England, he was signed as a replacement for Micky Quinn, who was expected to leave the club soon after and his sale used to fund Baird's arrival. In his first season, Baird enjoyed a strong start to the season, scoring eight times. However, he suffered a torn thigh muscle that restricted his appearances and later claimed that returning early from the injury severely affected his form as he failed to score during the second half of the season. Mounting injury problems eventually forced Baird to retire in 1997 after being advised by a surgeon that continuing would damage his knee. taking over from David Hughes. After five years in charge, he was dismissed on 11 September 2012.

Baird was appointed assistant manager at Sutton United in October 2014 under manager Paul Doswell. At the end of March 2019, Doswell was fired and Baird took over as caretaker manager. Baird left the club on 29 April 2019.

In May 2019, Paul Doswell was appointed manager of Havant & Waterlooville and Baird followed him as his assistant. Baird resigned in August 2023.

Life outside football Baird's authorised biography, Bairdy's Gonna Get Ya!: The Ian Baird Story, written by Marc Bracha, was published in September 2013.

Honours Plymouth Argyle Football League Third Division play-offs: 1996