Keith Bailey 1980, 1981; 1982 (id)

Keith Bailey, was born in Ontario, Canada but raised in England, started playing soccer at six. Moved up the ranks of English School Boy soccer, he trained with second division Sheffield United and Burnley until he signed a two year apprenticeship with Bradford City, but sadly never making the first team. Keith is pictured on the front row, second from the left with the 1978-79 Bradford City team.
Then it was off to the USA. Persistance and lucky timing earned Keith a tryout with the Rowdies midseason of 1980. Coach Gordon Jago was so impressed with his skills, he signed and started him June 17th against the Minnesota Kicks.

A picture perfect cross earned him an assist in his very first NASL appearance and scored on his home debut against the San Diego Sockers a week later. He had made 8 appearances before tragedy cut short his season.

Keith fractured his left tibia and fibula in an early August practice session which would keep him out of action for nine months.
After months of rehabilitation, Keith sat out the entire 1980-81 indoor season, but made his contribution off the field rather than on it. Played his first game after the injury on April 18th 1981 against the Jacksonville Tea Men, made a total of 15 appearances that season.
Then made 9 appearances during his final indoor season 1981-82.