Andy Baird (born 18 January 1979) is a Scottish former professional footballer who plays for Evesham United. He is capable of playing at centre forward or centre back.[1][2]

Andy Baird
Baird (left) in Oxford City strip
Personal information
Full name Andrew Baird
Date of birth (1979-01-18) 18 January 1979 (age 45)
Place of birth East Kilbride, Scotland
Position(s) Central defender, forward
Team information
Current team
Evesham United
Youth career
–1998 Wycombe Wanderers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1998–2002 Wycombe Wanderers 79 (13)
2002–2005 Brackley Town
2005–2008 Banbury United
2008–2010 Oxford City
2024– Evesham United
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

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Baird was born in East Kilbride, Scotland, but began his professional career in England as a trainee with Wycombe Wanderers. He made his debut on 25 April 1998, whilst still a trainee, coming on as a late substitute for Mark Stallard in the 1–1 draw at home to Chesterfield.

He turned professional the following summer and soon established himself in the first team. However, a series of injuries later restricted his appearances and in the summer of 2002 he was released by the club because he was too prone to injuries.[3]

He joined Brackley Town where he found that a first team place was hard to come by. However, in 2005 he joined Banbury United where he has become an integral member of the team. In 2008, he transferred to Oxford City. He departed the club in 2010 due to work commitments.[4]

In March 2024, Baird came out of retirement at the age of 45 to sign registration forms with Southern Football League Division One South club Evesham United.[5]

Coaching career

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In June 2023, Baird was appointed as first-team coach of Evesham United Ladies.[6][7]

References

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  1. ^ "Andy Baird". Neil Brown. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  2. ^ Andy Baird at Soccerbase
  3. ^ Andy Baird - Player File from Chairboys on the Net
  4. ^ Farrant, Nick (7 January 2010). "FOOTBALL: 'Warrior' Baird is quitting City". Oxford Mail. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  5. ^ "Baird and Lamb Sign". www.eveshamunitedfc.com. 28 March 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  6. ^ Cossali-Francis, Marcello (21 June 2023). "New management announced for Evesham United Ladies". Worcester News. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  7. ^ "Meet the EUFC Women's Management Team". www.eveshamunitedfc.com. 19 June 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2024.