Luton – The Legends Series – Ron Baynham

For the latest in our ongoing series covering those who have achieved legendary status among the support, we feature another former player who became a fans favourite.

Following on from those already covered – John Moore, David Preece, Mal Donaghy, Brian Lewis, Bruce Rioch, Fred Jardine, Brian Horton, Kevin Nicholls, Tony Read, Steve Foster, Mike Keen, Ian Buxton, Lars Elstrup, Peter Anderson, Graham French, Alan West, David Moss, Terry Branston, John Aston, Paul Futcher and John Ryan, Syd Owen, Marvin Johnson, Malcolm MacDonald, Bob Hatton, Steve Buckley and Chris Coyne.

The latest subject of our ongoing series is Ron Baynham, as suggested by Big Al.

Now I should admit I’m entering, once again, unchartered territory when it comes to looking at the career of Ron Baynham.

His spell between the posts, at Kenilworth Road, came before I had my interest in Luton Town nurtured by my late father.

However, I will admit that I’ve always had an interest in goalkeepers with, during my younger days – Tony Read, Keith Barber, Graham Horn, Jake Findlay and Milija Aleksic being heroes of mine.

Perhaps that interest was increased due to the fact I played in goal for both my junior and high schools before the offer of an evening paper round tempted me away from a possible tilt at going further in the game.

Yes, money talks!

The career of Ron Baynham has, on researching, thrown up some interesting facts.

It appears he was reluctant to begin a career in goal, rejecting advances from Wolverhampton Wanderers, a top club in the 50’s, as he doubted his own ability, despite proving his worth during his spell in the Army doing National Service.

After finally being tempted to show what he was capable of, with Worcester City, and with his confidence boosted, he accepted an offer to join Luton Town, in 1951.

It was a move that was to see Ron stay at the club for 13 years, something that is unheard of in the modern football of today.

But it wasn’t all plain sailing for Ron, for the first four seasons he was with the Hatters, he had to compete with Bernard Streten for the green jersey. However, his perseverance ensured he was the first choice come 1955.

Baynham went on to make an impressive 388 appearances for the Hatters and during his time with us earned 3 England caps.

Ron also kept goal for Luton Town in their only ever FA Cup Final appearance, in 1959 against Nottingham Forest.

Unfortunately, Ron was to be part of the Luton side that slipped down the divisions and ended up in the old fourth division, before retiring in 1964 at the age of 35.

Research shows that Ron is the oldest surviving player to have represented England, a fine feat may I say.

Footage of Ron keeping goal for Luton in that aforementioned FA Cup Final can be seen in the You Tube clip below, courtesy of British Pathe.

Ron Baynham – Mini Fact File

Name – Ronald Leslie Baynham

Date of Birth – 10-June-1929

Place of Birth – Birmingham, Warwickshire, England

Position – Goalkeeper

Height – 6 feet 1 inch

Career – Erdington Rovers, Bromford Amateurs, Worcester City, Luton Town

International Career – England (3 appearances)

If you feel able to share any of your thoughts or memories on the Hatters career of Ron Baynham, please feel free to do so in the comment facility beneath this article.

If you can think of anyone who deserves nominating for coverage in this ongoing series, please drop their name into the comment facility beneath this article.

My thanks go to those who have already nominated faces from the past, they will all be covered, in time.

Next up in the series will be – John Still suggested by Mad Hatterl

COYH’s

Previous article by Mad Hatter

Luton – The Legends Series – Chris Coyne