RON BAYNHAM has died aged 94, the FA have confirmed.
The goalkeeper earned three caps for the Three Lions during the 1950s.
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Ron Baynham has died at the age of 94 Credit: Getty
Baynham represented Luton Town with distinction between 1951 and 1966.
During this incredible season he earned three caps for England in 1955.
After learning of his sad passing, the national team wrote in a statement on social media: “We are saddened to learn that former #ThreeLions goalkeeper Ron Baynham – who won three international caps in 1955 – has passed away aged 94.
“Our thoughts are with Ron’s loved ones.”
Luton also wrote on social media: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of goalkeeper Ron Baynham.”
The Hatters paid tribute to their legendary former goalkeeper on their website.
They wrote that he played 434 times for the Kenilworth Road club and was the oldest surviving England international before his sad death.
Paying tribute, Luton added: “For most Luton fans of a certain age, memories of Kenilworth Road in the 1950s conjure up Stanley Matthews, Nat Lofthouse and Tom Finney crashing into the Luton goal where a tall, strong and athletic goalkeeper was there to see off their effort.
“Ron Baynham was the goalkeeper whose name was on everyone’s lips as he formed the last line of defense behind a successful side that more than held its own in the top flight of English football.”
Cricket was Birmingham-born Baynham’s first passion, although he found himself a natural between the wickets after his brother convinced him to try football.
After turning down a trial with Wolves while in the army, he signed for Southern League side Worcester City.
After impressing for Worcester, Baynham moved to Luton for £1,000.
He eventually succeeded another former England international, Bernard Streten, to become Luton’s No.1 and helped them earn promotion to the First Division in 1955.
He earned his trio of caps for England that year, featuring in matches against Denmark, Northern Ireland and Spain – with the Three Lions winning all three matches.
Baynham was between the sticks as Luton battled to their only FA Cup final in their history in 1959.
The Hatters were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Nottingham Forest that day.
Asked about the experience compared to playing for England, Baynham later said: “They were both great highlights, but I rate Wembley as a cup final, although it brought me the biggest disappointment of my career when we lost to Nottingham Forest.”
Incredibly, Baynham played a game in advance during his final years at Kenilworth Road.
After losing the No. 1 spot after suffering a nasty skull fracture, Baynham eventually retired from the game in 1966.
Of his life after football, Luton’s obituary revealed: “Ron worked as a painter and decorator as well as at Luton Airport for a number of years before retiring to Silsoe.
“He was a welcome guest at the Hatters in 1999 for the 40th anniversary of the FA Cup Final and proved the life and soul of the party.
“He’s been back a few times since his half-time appearances on the field to a standing ovation despite saying no one will remember him.”
Baynham is survived by his partner Dee.
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Baynham, fourth from left, won three caps for England Credit: Action Images – Reuters
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