Roy Bailey

Roy Bailey (26 May 1932 – April 1993) was an English professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He made a total of 433 Football League appearances for Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.

Early life Bailey was born in Epsom, Surrey, the fifth child in a family of thirteen. During World War II, he was evacuated to Somerset, and was educated in Weston-super-Mare, before returning to his native Surrey at the age of 15. He played for Tottenham Juniors; however, it was a long way to travel from Epsom to North London, so he joined nearby Crystal Palace as an Amateur. During his National Service, he served in Germany, where he represented B.A.O.R., also reaching the quarter finals of the Army Cup.

Playing career Bailey signed professional terms in June 1949 and made his League debut against Torquay United at the age of 17 when Palace lost 3–1. However, he did not make regular appearances until after his Army service. Bailey missed only one match in the 1953–54 season and was granted a benefit, along with Jack Edwards in 1954.

He moved to South Africa in 1964 on retiring as a player, and lived there until he died in April 1993 at the age of 60.

Honours Ipswich Town Football League First Division: 1961–62 Football League Second Division: 1960–61 Football League Third Division South: 1956–57

Individual Ipswich Town Hall of Fame: Inducted 2011