Owen Bailey

[Ian Nimmo]

It’s so good to read the accolades for many of the players, many who have stepped up and improved their games over this current season.
Just been listening to Owen’s recent interview, and what a great signing he has been for us over the last two years, playing every single game.
He gives his all, and he does take a lot of hefty challenges, but he nearly always gets  up and carries on with the job at hand.
He’s a really good guy, so pleasant to speak with him and he obviously loves it here. There is a similarity with Copps and his early career, so let’s hope he becomes another true legend for us.

[Jersey Rover]

Has been fantastic in the back 3, we have looked the real deal something that we were looking for all season. Surely he starts there next season?

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Has been fantastic in the back 3, we have looked the real deal something that we were looking for all season. Surely he starts there next season?

It's a great problem to have and gives GM options to switch formations during games.

Agree with the OP he's a very special player and leader.

[roversdude]

Wasn’t he rumoured to have injury problems when we first signed him - what a leader, what a player, we should be looking at extending his contract again

[StocksArmy]

What player has ever played every minute of every league for 2 seasons running can anyone tell me?

[Chris Black come back]

He has started every single league game in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 season, but he hasn't played every single league minute. He was subbed on 82 minutes in the 3-0 home win against Newport County on 1 March 2025 and subbed late in the game in four games in the 2023/24 season.

[ForsolongaRover]

…and a really great header of the ball.

[adamtherover]

Woody passing the trophy to bails to lift solo was a ceremonial changing of the guard. Old captain is passing the torch to the new regime, such a class act,

[StocksArmy]

He has started every single league game in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 season, but he hasn't played every single league minute. He was subbed on 82 minutes in the 3-0 home win against Newport County on 1 March 2025 and subbed late in the game in four games in the 2023/24 season.

I did think he might have been subbed but can’t fully remember. Still find it bizarre. Can’t think of a single player who has been consistently that fit. Even goalkeepers!

[roversdude]

Just so glad he wasn’t put off by Rovers after we rejected him previously.
The game at Newport where he got subbed you could have chosen any of the team to get subbed we were shocking

[Alan Southstand]

There isn’t a team sheet I could come up with, without his name on it! That’s how important he is to the team. The really positive thing about us going into next season is that there is now a solid core of players that are becoming irreplaceable.

[Ian Nimmo]

Wasn’t he rumoured to have injury problems when we first signed him - what a leader, what a player, we should be looking at extending his contract again

He had a potential career ending injury whilst at Newcastle and was out for around 18 months.
For a young kid to get through that will have been catastrophic, so that in itself just shows what he is made of.
Even more remarkable that he puts himself around and takes hefty challenges on a regular basis, even the recent challenge where he went flying through the air shows he’s somewhat fearless about being injured.

[PDX_Rover]

Is his Dad John Bailey who played for Newcastle? They have the same nose (well, not the exact same one obvs)

[JonWallsend]

No, his dad is Steve Bailey, Wallsend Boys Club and North Shields St Columbas. Still a decent player though.

[drfchound]

Does Owens brother come to our games.
In Hooters pre match a group of lads came in and one of them had a striking resemblance to Owen.

[JonWallsend]

Mum, Dad and brother were all there Saturday. Not sure about Hooters though.
Dad and Grandad and generally  mum do most games. Brother plays at a decent  standard ( The league that Cleethorpes  have just won) so he doesn't come to our games as often

[old lad]

Wasn’t he rumoured to have injury problems when we first signed him - what a leader, what a player, we should be looking at extending his contract again

https://youtu.be/p39rOxt-izg?si=QeoBdGz5KHqIJyzN
As I remember Grant McCaan said that although he had a recurring career threatening  injury, his pedigree with Newcastle, and the fact he had played 80+ games for Newcastle, if it was a risk, it was a risk worth taking.
A fantastic story Owen. An absolute credit.

[old lad]

Sorry, 80+ games for Gateshead.

[Draytonian III]

Mum, Dad and brother were all there Saturday. Not sure about Hooters though.
Dad and Grandad and generally  mum do most games. Brother plays at a decent  standard ( The league that Cleethorpes  have just won) so he doesn't come to our games as often

I happened to end up sat next to his Grandad away at Carlisle, didn’t know it was him until half way through the first half when he spoke to me in his broad Geordie accent about something that just happened. He introduced me to Owen’s mum and another older lady who I think was his grandad’s sister. The whole family were very knowledgeable about football and have totally bought into to everything Rovers, mentioning about Owen just bought a house in the Doncaster area.

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

Mum, Dad and brother were all there Saturday. Not sure about Hooters though.
Dad and Grandad and generally  mum do most games. Brother plays at a decent  standard ( The league that Cleethorpes  have just won) so he doesn't come to our games as often

I happened to end up sat next to his Grandad away at Carlisle, didn’t know it was him until half way through the first half when he spoke to me in his broad Geordie accent about something that just happened. He introduced me to Owen’s mum and another older lady who I think was his grandad’s sister. The whole family were very knowledgeable about football and have totally bought into to everything Rovers, mentioning about Owen just bought a house in the Doncaster area.

You must have sat in front of us that day as his family were just in front of us.  So passionate about the game was our observation, seamt good people.

[Lesonthewest]

Mr consistent, hopefully our captain for years to come.

[JonWallsend]

I'm biased as I know them relatively  well but you wouldn't  find a nicer bloke than Steve. Great family all round. As others have alluded to, Owen absolutely  loving his time here

[Ryaldinhio]

I'm biased as I know them relatively  well but you wouldn't  find a nicer bloke than Steve. Great family all round. As others have alluded to, Owen absolutely  loving his time here

Thats good to know. I think him, Moly and Sterry all being from that way on helps. If Olowu was a geordie he would have signed already!!!!

[Mike_F]

Fantastic to have some of our better players clearly loving it here and committed to the club. No doubt that happiness has a positive impact on performance. Also means it's unlikely that we'll lose them to the first club that comes sniffing.