Dennis Bailey

Who is Dennis Bailey?

Dennis Lincoln Bailey is an English former professional footballer.

Bailey started his career at Watford playing their youth and reserve sides between 1982 and 1984. He subsequently joined Barking, before joining Fulham on non-contract terms in November 1986. He signed for Farnborough Town in February 1987, before returning to league football in December 1987 with Crystal Palace, joining for a fee of £10,000. He was loaned to Bristol Rovers in February 1989, before joining Birmingham City in August of the same year. He was loaned to Bristol Rovers again in March 1991.

Bailey signed for Queens Park Rangers for £175,000 in July 1991. He made his debut on the opening day of the 1991–92 season against Arsenal, scoring in a 1–1 draw.

On 1 January 1992 he scored a hat-trick in a 4–1 win away at league leaders Manchester United; one of the last league games to be broadcast live by ITV. He is the last player to have achieved the feat in the league at Old Trafford. The only player to do so since was Real Madrid's Ronaldo in the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League. Bailey though, is the last player to date to score a hat-trick at Old Trafford and be on the winning side.