Ron Baynham

Ronald Leslie Baynham (10 June 1929 – 18 March 2024) was an English professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, spending most of his career with Luton Town. He played three times for England.

Early life Baynham was born in Erdington, Birmingham, on 10 June 1929. He began playing football in his youth when he was put in goal by his brother for their local junior team.

Club career He took up goalkeeping during a spell in the army on National Service, and declined a trial with Wolverhampton Wanderers soon after, thinking himself not good enough. He joined the Bromford Amateurs upon his discharge from the army and was signed to Worcester City by manager Jack Vinall in August 1950.

He played for Luton in the 1959 FA Cup Final in May 1959, which they lost 2–1 to Nottingham Forest. He described the loss as the "biggest disappointment" of his career.

No further caps followed as Baynham was overlooked in the goalkeeper position for Reg Matthews.

Later life and death Baynham later worked as a painter and decorator and at Luton Airport, before retiring to the village of Silsoe, Bedfordshire.

He died on 18 March 2024, at the age of 94. At the time of his death he was the oldest surviving England player.

Honours Luton Town FA Cup runner-up: 1958–59