GP Books

Mike Bailey is a true son of Norfolk who turned his boyhood passion for football into an illustrious career spanning four decades. He started out at Charlton Athletic and made his first team debut in 1960. He quickly won the hearts of fans as an energetic and tough tackling midfield dynamo, and was very soon made their skipper. In 1964 Mike became the Valiants’ first full England international for eleven years.

A few months before England’s 1966 World Cup triumph Mike signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers and in his first full season at Molineux led them back to the First Division. He was the talismanic leader who guided the swashbuckling Wolves team of the seventies to their best top flight finish to date, a first major trophy in 14 years and numerous European adventures.

In 1977 he went on to new challenges in Minneapolis in the North American Soccer League before returning home to try his hand at management. Mike set off with a short spell at Hereford United, and in the autumn of 1979 returned to The Valley. He became Charlton manager the following year and launched them to promotion from Division 3.

He was then persuaded to work under Mike Bamber at Brighton and Hove Albion. Two seasons at the Goldstone Ground saw the Seagulls achieve their highest league position ever whilst Mike’s team also made it to the 1982 FA Cup final. Although he later took on posts in Crete and the lower English leagues the trials and tribulations of management never really suited him.

Mike now enjoys the tranquil life and the joys of his extended family in Surrey along with his wife Barbara. ‘The Valley Wanderer’ tells the story of a man who was fiercely competitive on the field, and still is on the golf course, but whose laid back disposition makes him hugely well-liked by former team mates and opponents alike. Mike Bailey is a reassuringly down to earth man who is admired by all who meet him, whether they are celebrities or ordinary folk. The book is the gentle tale of a Norfolk boy who lived his dreams but always remembers his roots.