Robert Sean Bayly (born 22 February 1988) is an Irish

footballer A football player or footballer is a sportsperson who plays one of the different types of football. The main types of football are association football, American football, Canadian football, Australian rules football, Gaelic football, rugby le ...

. His two uncles Ritchie Bayly and Martin Bayly had distinguished careers in the League of Ireland.

Career

Leeds United

Capped at Ireland youth and Under-18 level while playing for Cherry Orchard, Bayly made his debut for Leeds United as a substitute in an Football League Cup, English League Cup match against Southend United F.C., Southend United on 24 October 2006. On 26 October 2006, Bayly signed a professional two-year contract with Leeds.Leeds United (26 October 2006)
"'Bocca' Bayly inks new deal"
LeedsUnited.com (accessed 26 Oct 2006) Bayly made his full debut in the final game of the 2006–07 Championship season away to Derby County F.C., Derby County. However, it was a debut to forget as he was shown a straight red card attempting to headbutt Craig Fagan. Bayly was released by Leeds early on during the 2008–2009 season despite featuring on a few occasions for Leeds during pre season. During his time in England he also played for the Republic of Ireland national under-19 football team, Republic of Ireland U19's.

Sporting Fingal

Bayly joined Sporting Fingal F.C., Sporting Fingal before the start of the 2009 League of Ireland First Division season. He made his League debut on the opening day of the 2009 season against Waterford United F.C., Waterford United In an extraordinary season he scored the goal that clinched Sporting's promotion to the Premier Division against Bray Wanderers A.F.C., Bray Wanderers in a play-off and then six days later won his first senior medal winning the FAI Cup at Tallaght Stadium following Fingal's 2–1 victory over Sligo Rovers F.C., Sligo Rovers. Despite a successful season at Sporting Fingal, Bayly parted company with the club at the end of the season.

Shamrock Rovers

Bayly signed for Shamrock Rovers F.C., Shamrock Rovers on 15 March 2010. He made his debut as a substitute the next day at Tallaght Stadium. He scored Rovers' equaliser in the Europa League tie against Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv F.C. in the first European game at Tallaght Stadium. In total, Bayly scored three goals in 35 appearances for the Hoops.

Bohemians

In February 2011, Robert signed for Pat Fenlon's Bohemians just in time for the new season. "Boccer" made his debut for the Gypsies in a Setanta Sports Cup match against Portadown F.C., Portadown on 1 March but due to suspension would have to wait til the fourth league game of the season until he could make his league debut for the club. This came in a 1–0 defeat to Galway United F.C., Galway United at Dalymount Park. He scored his first goal for the club against Shelbourne F.C., Shelbourne on 25 April in an FAI League Cup, EA Sports Cup tie at Tolka Park. Bayly left Bohemians in October 2011 after 26 league appearances for the club. His last appearance came against Shamrock Rovers on 5 October in a 1–1 draw.

Monaghan United

In December 2011, Robert signed for Roddy Collins' Monaghan United team. On 18 June 2012, the club announced their withdrawal from the League of Ireland and all of their playing staff were released by the club.

Longford Town

Robert joined Longford Town F.C., Longford Town on 26 July 2012. He made his debut for the Midlands club the very next day in a 3–1 away win over SD Galway at Eamon Deacy Park. He was released at the end of the 2012 season.

Shelbourne

Bayly joined Shels in January 2013

Shamrock Rovers

Bayly re-joined Shamrock Rovers in 2014

Cliftonville

Bayly joined Cliftonville F.C., Cliftonville in January 2015 and was released in June 2015 after a number of poor performances with champions Cliftonville finishing 5th.

Return to League of Ireland

In July 2015, Bayly returned to the League of Ireland by joining Drogheda United F.C., Drogheda United.

Waterford United

In July 2016 he signed for former boss Roddy Collins at Waterford United. He made an impressive debut against Limerick in the RSC. He scored a long range stunner as they gave the runaway league leaders a very good game but a late flurry of Limerick goals saw them run out 5-1 winners.

Personal life

Prison

Bayly was jailed in 2018 for smuggling cannabis.

Honours

;Cliftonville *County Antrim Shield : 2015 County Antrim Shield, 2015 *Northern Ireland Football League Cup : 2014–15 Northern Ireland Football League Cup, 2014-15 ;Shamrock Rovers * League of Ireland (1): 2010 League of Ireland, 2010 ;Sporting Fingal *FAI Cup (1): 2009 FAI Cup, 2009

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bayly, Robert 1988 births Living people Association footballers from Dublin (city) Republic of Ireland association footballers Republic of Ireland youth international footballers Association football midfielders Leeds United F.C. players English Football League players Sporting Fingal F.C. players Shamrock Rovers F.C. players Bohemian F.C. players Longford Town F.C. players Shelbourne F.C. players Cliftonville F.C. players League of Ireland players Cherry Orchard F.C. players Monaghan United F.C. players NIFL Premiership players Criminals from Dublin (city) People convicted of cannabis offenses