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Fury FC Sign English Midfielder James Bailey
Bailey has vast experience playing in his native country
Ottawa Fury FC Staff | Jan 15, 2016
Ottawa Fury FC announced Friday the signing of former Derby County standout James Bailey, pending ITC.
The English midfielder brings a wealth of experience to the Ottawa having played in England's Championship Division (Derby County), League One (Coventry City, Crewe Alexandra, Barnsley) and League Two (Coventry City). Bailey joins the club from Indian Super League club FC Pune City.
"James is a really cultured player with a fantastic range of passing and possessing the technical qualities that are vital for the possession-based game we want to play," head coach Paul Dalglish said. "He also possesses the athletic ability to go box-to-box and play our aggressive pressing game."
Bailey, 27, began his professional career at the age of 19 in League One with Crewe Alexandra. After featuring in 55 matches, the Bollington, England, native moved up the ladder to English Championship side Derby County in 2010. The promising central midfielder played in 59 matches for the Rams and was named the Sammy Crooks Young Player of the Year in 2011.
"I am absolutely delighted about the opportunity," Bailey said. "When Paul called me and told me about the opportunity I didn't have to think about it for even a minute; I was immediately set on joining Ottawa Fury FC.
"I've been told the Ottawa supporters are the best in the league. I know I'll have to work hard every single day here to make sure we perform for them and win."
He was loaned out to Coventry City for the 2012 and 2013 campaigns where he featured in 30 matches for the Sky Blue before a permanent move to League One club Barnsley in 2014. Bailey would feature 25 times for Barnsley before his move to India where he joined Indian Super League club FC Pune City this past July.
Bailey brings over 180 matches of experience against some of the top footballers in England's second and third divisions.
