Fact File: Chris Baird

Derby County announced that Chris Baird became the club's fifth signing of the summer, dcfc.co.uk looks back on the versatile operator's distinguished club and international career to date...

FACT FILE:

Born in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, Chris Baird’s long and distinguished path into football began at his hometown club Ballymena United before moving to Southampton as a 16-year-old.After working his way through the youth set-up at St Mary’s, the versatile operator made his Premier League debut as a late substitute in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.Baird’s first senior start came on the final day of the 2002/03 campaign, helping the Saints to a 1-0 win over Manchester City.His performance earned him a starting role in the FA Cup final a week later, but although he put in a Man of the Match display, he could not help Southampton falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.Needing regular first team football for the next step of his career, Baird made two loan spells over two years – the first with Walsall where he made 10 appearances, before linking up with Watford a year later where he made a further eight outings.After his parent club, Southampton, got relegated at the end of the 2004/05 season, Baird re-established himself as a regular starter under George Burley.The 2006/07 campaign proved to be a notable one for the all-action performer as the commanding centre half was named as the Saints’ Player of the Year.The Premier League came calling again in the summer of 2007 as he secured a move to Fulham for just over £3 million.Initially struggling to break into the side proved to be a blessing for the centre half as the then manager, and current England boss, Roy Hodgson, brought out a versatility within the defender – making him indispensable to the squad.Like 2006/07 proved to be notable, 2009/10 stands out as the one to remember in Baird’s career to date.Making 54 appearances in all competitions as Fulham finished 12th, Baird played a starring role in helping the West London club reach the UEFA Europa League final, overcoming teams like Juventus, Wolfsburg and Hamburg on the way.Baird started in the final against Atletico Madrid, but could not prevent them falling from a 2-1 defeat in Germany.His fine career at the back and midfield led to him extending his stay at Craven Cottage where at the end of the 2010/11 he, unusually, picked up the Goal of the Season title for his strike against Stoke City in a 2-0 win – earning him the nickname ‘Bairdinho’.Baird continued to be a regular at Fulham until he moved on to the next stage of his career in September 2013 when he sealed a six-month contract with Reading – making his debut against Derby County in a 3-1 win.He went on to make nine appearances, before leaving in the January to link up with Burnley until the end of the campaign, helping them achieve their aim of returning to the top flight.In the summer of 2014, Baird was on the move again as Baird signed a one-year contract with West Bromwich Albion where he made 16 outings.

INTERNATIONAL CAREER:

Whilst gaining experience aplenty in the top flight of English football, Baird has been an established senior international footballer since 2003 after making his debut in June against Italy.

Before that, he represented Northern Ireland at Under 18 and Under 21 level – scoring his only goal on the national stage for the latter.

Since then, Baird has made 71 appearances for his country – 65 of which has been starts and has played an integral part in Northern Ireland coming within four games of securing their place in the finals of the European Championships next summer.

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