Ron Baynham dies aged 94 as tributes flood in for former England and Luton Town goalkeeper

Ron Baynham dies aged 94 as tributes flood in for former England and Luton Town goalkeeper

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 18/03/2024

- 21:15

Updated: 18/03/2024

- 22:49

Ron Baynham was England's oldest-surviving international at the time of his death.

Former England and Luton Town goalkeeper Ron Baynham has passed away at the age of 94.

Baynham made 434 appearances for Luton during his playing career having made his debut for the club in 1951.


He went on to make three caps for England in games against Denmark, Northern Ireland and Spain - all of which the Three Lions won.

In 1959, Baynham helped Luton Town reach the FA Cup final against Nottingham Forest.

Ron Baynham has passed away at the age of 94

Ron Baynham has passed away at the age of 94

GETTY

And the former goalkeeper admitted later in life that he ranked the FA Cup final above earning a cap for England.

However, the match was also the "biggest disappointment" of Baynham's career with Luton losing to Forest.

“Both were tremendous highlights but I rated Wembley for the cup final, even though it brought me the biggest disappointment of my career when we lost to Nottingham Forest.

"Sadly, the team that day did not play like the team I knew.”

The year after Luton's FA Cup final defeat, Baynham fractured his skull in a match against Sheffield United.

Miraculously, he returned to the club five months later and continued playing sporadically until his final appearance came in 1965.

Baynham spent his post-career years as a painter and decorator as well as at Luton Airport before retiring to live in Bedfordshire.

Luton produced a touching tribute to Baynham on the club's website with fans and others also sending their condolences.

Ron Baynham was England's oldest-surviving international at the time of his death

Ron Baynham was England's oldest-surviving international at the time of his death

GETTY

One supporter wrote: "Best goalkeeper we've ever had RIP Ron."

Another said: "Rest in peace Ron. What a great servant for the town."

England's official X account posted: "We're saddened to learn that former #ThreeLions goalkeeper Ron Baynham – who won three international caps in 1955 – has passed away aged 94.

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Ron Baynham made 434 appearances for Luton

Ron Baynham made 434 appearances for Luton

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"Our thoughts are with Ron's loved ones."

Another message read: "Sleep tight, Luton and England goalkeeper Ron Baynham."

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