Ron Baynham, former goalkeeper for Luton Town and England, passed away at the age of 94. During his time with the Hatters, Baynham made 434 appearances and helped the team win promotion to Division One in 1955. He also earned three international caps and was the oldest surviving international player for England at the time of his death. Baynham was known to receive a warm reception from fans when he visited Kenilworth Road later in life.
Born in Birmingham in 1929, Baynham initially fell in love with cricket as a child. However, he was introduced to football when his brother formed a team and put Baynham in goal. Baynham was offered a trial with Wolverhampton Wanderers but opted to join Worcester City instead. Two years later, he signed on with Luton Town for £1,000.
Baynham’s playing career reached its pinnacle when Luton Town faced Nottingham Forest in the 1959 FA Cup final. However, the team’s performance on the day caused Baynham to describe it as the “biggest disappointment” of his career. He fractured his skull during a home game against Sheffield United in 1960, but he recovered in time to keep playing. Baynham’s final appearance in goal came in a reserve game despite a serious pelvic injury.
Following his football career, Baynham worked as a painter and decorator and at Luton Airport before retiring to Silsoe, Bedfordshire. Luton Town historian Roger Wash wrote an obituary for the club’s website and noted that Baynham was “the life and soul of the party” during the club’s FA Cup final 40th anniversary celebration in 1999
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