FORMER native of Alfreton, Leonard Richard Bayliss, pictured second from left, seated in the middle row, later went on to become manager of Coventry City for two seasons.
He passed away in April 60 years ago aged just 47 in 1947.
Before entering professional football Mr Bayliss was employed at Alfreton Colliery before first coming into prominence as a player for Alfreton Rose Villa FC who won the Erewash Valley Lea
gue Cup three years in succession.
He was given a trial by Luton Town where he went on to spend one season. After three seasons with Mansfield Town he was transferred to Southend United, and in a match against Watford suffered a serious leg injury which ended his playing career.
The manager of the team sent him on tour as a scout, and he progressed to become chief scout for Coventry City. He took over as manager of the Sky Blues at the start of the 1945/46 season when Mr Harry Storer, moved to take over as boss of Birmingham City. Mr Storer later became the legendary manager of Derby County.
At the time, Mr Bayliss was described as one of the most knowledgeable men in football.
During the 1946/47 campaign Mr Bayliss suffered ill health and despite a spell in a nursing home he was discharged as nothing further could be done.
His father, Mr George Bayliss, of Park Street , Alfreton, was a player with Alfreton Town for many years.
Picture courtesy of Trevor Miles, Hilton Park Drive, Leabrooks. Information courtesy of Brian Flint, Loscoe.
The full article contains 264 words and appears in Ripley & Heanor News newspaper.
