GARY BAILEY
Bsc Physics, Manchester | MBA Henley,Oxford
Former Manchester United
and England Goalkeeper
I always through that Gary Bailey, our saviour in the '83 FA Cup final, was one of the best United ever had!
Martin Edwards
Former Chairman Man Utd
Peter said on ‘BBC Match of the day 3″ that Gary Bailey was his favourite goal keep of all time and that he idolised him as a youngster growing up in Denmark.
Peter Schmeichel
Former Man Utd player
FA World Cup Final – making a famous save in 1983
MANCHESTER UNITED
Gary Bailey is a Manchester United Legend, having played 375 first team games for the Red Devils in the late 70’s and 80’s, for England from 1979 to 1986 including won 2 FA cup in 1983 and 1985.
SOCCER PRESENTER AND COMMENTATOR
Gary currently commentates on both NWSL (Women’s soccer in USA) and USL (Men’s 2nd div USA) for Vista in Fort Lauderdale. He also does play by play commentary on Ligue 1 in France for BeIn Sports in Miami.
FAMILY LIFE
Gary met his current wife Michelle Mclean (Miss Universe 1992) in 2010, married March 2013. Gary and Michelle moved their blended family – Lara, Jenna and Ross, and Michelle’s son, Luke to Miami Beach in December 2013. They now live in Fort Lauderdale and Gary has 4 stunning grand kids.
SUPER SPORT – SOUTH AFRICA
He followed his football career by becoming a TV presenter and host, mostly with Supersport (South Africa) for 25 years – he hosted his own chat show, produced soccer programs and was the head of soccer for 5 years.
PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER
Gary was a global circuit speaker on the subject of “Success under Pressure” speaking too many of the top companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Nike, Coca Cola, AON, Mercedes Benz, SAB Miller and many many more. He was recognized for his speaking success by being inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame in 2010.
KAIZER CHIEFS
After retiring in the UK, Gary returned to South Africa, and after resting his knee, decided to return to play for glamour club Kaizer Chiefs with whom he won the league in 1989 and amassed 5 trophies in 2 years.
> image – reunion with Chiefs team mates in 2021
MANCHESTER UNITED
Thanks to his Dad’s expert coaching, and the support of Wits coach and former Manchester united star Eddie Lewis, he earned a trial at Old Trafford and signed for the club.
It took a year, and injuries to the top keepers, before Gary got his chance to start for the 1st team, and coincidentally it was against his Dad’s former club, Ipswich.
Manchester United won 2-0, Gary played well, and from then on he kept the first team spot for the next 10 years, playing 375 games for the Red Devils, winning 2 FA cup medals in 1983 and 1985, and finishing in top 4 of the league on 3 occasions. On the international scene, he won the European U21 championship with England in 1984, and also 2 England full caps, and was part of 1986 world cup squad in Mexico. Unfortunately for Gary, he had 2 of the greatest keepers in English history in front of him for the 10 years he played for England, Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence, and this severely restricted his international opportunities.
Ray Hudson (legendary USA commentator) , Christian Vieiri (legendary Italian Striker), Thomas Rongen (former USA U20 and MLS coach of the year) , Gary Bailey (just himself) – BeIN sports TV – Miami
Thomas Rongen and Gary Bailey
THE EARLY DAYS
Gary Bailey was born in Ipswich in 1958 and emigrated to South Africa when his father Roy Bailey left England to play soccer in Johannesburg.
Gary went to King Edward School and then later Rondebosch Boys High in Cape Town, but it was at Wits University that his goalkeeping talents were noticed and he became their regular keeper at 17 years of age.
Thanks to his Dad’s expert coaching, and the support of Wits coach and former Manchester united star Eddie Lewis, he earned a trial at Old Trafford and signed for the club.
It took a year, and injuries to the top keepers, before Gary got his chance to start for the 1st team, and coincidentally it was against his Dad’s former club, Ipswich.
Goodbye to Supersport
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