If ever there was a true leader it was Bailey.
The barrel-chested half-back was a natural successor to the likes of Stan Cullis, Billy Wright and Bill Slater. He led the club back to the top flight as skipper in 1966–7 when he was voted Midland Footballer of the Year. His leadership, when absent through injury, was missed in the latter stages of Wolves’ 1972 UEFA Cup campaign which saw them beaten in the final by Spurs. He would certainly have made a difference if fully fit for the 1973 FA Cup semi-final when Wolves lost to Leeds. He made only a belated appearance as sub. Bailey got the reward his career deserved when he held the trophy aloft after Wolves won the Football League Cup at Wembley in 1974. Though often in the England squad it was a mystery to Wolves fans why he never added to the two caps won as a Charlton player. Uncompromising in the tackle, a creative passer of the ball and occasionally the scorer of spectacular goals, Bailey drove his men on, always leading by example.
Date of birth: February 27, 1942, Wisbech.
Years with Club: 1966 to 1976.
Club signed from: Charlton Athletic.
Appearances: 436.
Goals: 25.
International caps: 0 with Wolves, 2 for England with Charlton.
