John Baird (footballer)
Encyclopedia
John David Baird is a Scottish
Association football striker currently playing for Raith Rovers
.
, and made his debut in May 2003, coming on as a substitute against Ayr United
. Baird signed a professional contract with Clyde in July 2003, but only made 1 more appearance for the club, in the Scottish Challenge Cup, before he was released from his contract along with 7 other youth players in December 2003.
He was then snatched up by St. Mirren
, where he became a fringe player. He had loan spells at Stenhousemuir
and Montrose
, before signing for Montrose on a permanent transfer in July 2007.
After finishing the season as the leagues top goal scorer, Baird was a much sought after player with first and second division teams looking at him. However it was announced through the local press that John Baird had signed a new, lucrative contract with Montrose for at least one more year. He has stated his desire to see Montrose promoted and also his eventual aim to get himself back to playing full-time football.
Manager Jim Weir
was axed after a 2–1 defeat away at Cowdenbeath
in September. The move saw Calum Smith go in the other direction. Baird waited until deadline day in January 2009 to make his decision to join Airdrie United
, Baird enjoyed a successful second half of 08/09 season where he established himself as a first team player with the new Diamonds. Baird scored crucial goals in the play-off battle to keep the club in Division 1
. On 26 May 2010 he signed for Raith Rovers
on a 2-year full-time deal. Since his arrival at Starks Park, Baird has become a fans favourite, scoring 13 league goals in his first season with the Kirkcaldy outfit during their 2010/11 title push.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
Association football striker currently playing for Raith Rovers
Raith Rovers F.C.
Raith Rovers Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Kirkcaldy, Fife. They are members of the Scottish Football League, currently playing in the First Division, having secured promotion from the Second Division as champions in 2009. Rovers have won one national trophy, the...
.
Career
Baird began his career with ClydeClyde F.C.
Clyde Football Club are a Scottish professional football team currently playing in the Third Division of the Scottish Football League. Although based for the last fifteen years in the new town of Cumbernauld, they are traditionally associated with an area that covers Rutherglen in South...
, and made his debut in May 2003, coming on as a substitute against Ayr United
Ayr United F.C.
Ayr United Football Club are a Scottish association football team based in Ayr, South Ayrshire, that plays in the First Division of the Scottish Football League. Formed in 1910 after the merger of former clubs Ayr Parkhouse F.C. and Ayr F.C...
. Baird signed a professional contract with Clyde in July 2003, but only made 1 more appearance for the club, in the Scottish Challenge Cup, before he was released from his contract along with 7 other youth players in December 2003.
He was then snatched up by St. Mirren
St. Mirren F.C.
St Mirren Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Paisley, Renfrewshire who play in the Scottish Premier League, having been promoted from the First Division in 2005–06.St...
, where he became a fringe player. He had loan spells at Stenhousemuir
Stenhousemuir F.C.
Stenhousemuir FC is a Scottish football club located in Stenhousemuir. The club is a member of the Scottish Football League and currently plays in the Scottish Second Division....
and Montrose
Montrose F.C.
Montrose Football Club is a Scottish semi-professional football team, based in the town of Montrose, Angus. They are members of the Scottish Football League and currently play in the Third Division.- Early years :...
, before signing for Montrose on a permanent transfer in July 2007.
After finishing the season as the leagues top goal scorer, Baird was a much sought after player with first and second division teams looking at him. However it was announced through the local press that John Baird had signed a new, lucrative contract with Montrose for at least one more year. He has stated his desire to see Montrose promoted and also his eventual aim to get himself back to playing full-time football.
Manager Jim Weir
Jim Weir
James "Jim" McIntosh Weir is a Scottish former professional footballer who is currently the manager of Brechin City.-Playing career:...
was axed after a 2–1 defeat away at Cowdenbeath
Cowdenbeath F.C.
Cowdenbeath Football Club are a professional Scottish football team based in the town of Cowdenbeath, Fife. They currently play in the Second Division of the Scottish Football League. The club plays its home games at Central Park in the centre of the town which has the unusual feature of a motor...
in September. The move saw Calum Smith go in the other direction. Baird waited until deadline day in January 2009 to make his decision to join Airdrie United
Airdrie United F.C.
Airdrie United Football Club are a Scottish professional football team based in the town of Airdrie, North Lanarkshire. They are currently managed by ex-Airdrieonians player and former Airdrie United Under 19s coach Jimmy Boyle. They are members of the Scottish Football League and play in the...
, Baird enjoyed a successful second half of 08/09 season where he established himself as a first team player with the new Diamonds. Baird scored crucial goals in the play-off battle to keep the club in Division 1
Scottish Football League First Division
The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system....
. On 26 May 2010 he signed for Raith Rovers
Raith Rovers F.C.
Raith Rovers Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Kirkcaldy, Fife. They are members of the Scottish Football League, currently playing in the First Division, having secured promotion from the Second Division as champions in 2009. Rovers have won one national trophy, the...
on a 2-year full-time deal. Since his arrival at Starks Park, Baird has become a fans favourite, scoring 13 league goals in his first season with the Kirkcaldy outfit during their 2010/11 title push.