Ian Baird

Southampton

Baird started his career playing for local sides Bitterne Saints and St. Mary's College before signing with Southampton in 1982–83. He was also chosen to represent Hampshire at county level and was capped for England at schoolboy level. He turned professional in April 1982 and played a handful of matches for the first team. He spent part of the 1983–84 season on loan at Cardiff City scoring six goals in 12 appearances. Discussions were held over making the transfer permanent but Cardiff eventually pulled out of the deal over the proposed fee. At the start of the 1984–85 season, he moved on loan to Newcastle United, making five appearances, scoring one goal, and was booked in all of his appearances.

Leeds United

In March 1985 after only 22 appearances and five goals for Southampton he moved to Leeds United for £75,000, having turned down transfers to Manchester City and Middlesbrough earlier in the season. He made his debut for the club in a 3–1 defeat to Portsmouth on 12 March 1985, scoring his first goal in his fourth appearance, a 2–1 victory over Manchester City one month later. Despite not scoring many goals, Baird's first spell at Leeds was a success. His aggression, whole-hearted attitude, skill and goals made him immensely popular amongst the Leeds fans. Baird was made Leeds captain by manager Billy Bremner at the start of the 1986–87 season and his performances alerted Portsmouth to his abilities, as he helped lead Leeds to both the FA…

After retiring from his playing career Ian went to Hong Kong taking charge of Instant-Dict, a team in their top division, and also the national side in 1999 for the 2000 Asian Cup qualifiers. He also played non-league football for Salisbury City (1997–2000) and Farnborough Town (2000–2001). After returning from Hong Kong he worked for a Leeds-based football agent but resigned after 3 years as he didn't enjoy the job. Ian set up his own contract hire and vehicle leasing company in 2003. He took over the part-time managerial post at Havant & Waterlooville in November 2004. He currently lives in Southampton with his second wife and two teenage children. On 3 October 2007, he was appointed manager at Conference South rivals Eastleigh, taking over from David Hughes. After five years in charge, he was dismissed on 11 September 2012. Baird was appointed assistant manager at Sutton United in October 2014 under manager Paul Doswell. At the end of March 2019, Doswell was fired and Baird took over as caretaker manager. Baird left the club on 29 April 2019. In May 2019, Paul Doswell was appointed manager of Havant & Waterlooville and Baird followed him as his assistant. Baird resigned in August 2023.

Baird was born in Rotherham, West Riding of Yorkshire, England but grew up in Hampshire.

Baird's authorised biography, Bairdy's Gonna Get Ya!: The Ian Baird Story, written by Marc Bracha, was published in September 2013.