James Joseph Bailey (born 18 September 1988) is an English footballer who most recently played for Yeovil Town. He primarily plays in midfield, but can also play as a right-back.
Career
Crewe Alexandra
Born in Bollington, England, Bailey started his football career at Bollington United Juniors before joining Crewe Alexandra, where he signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2007.
Bailey made his full Crewe debut at right back at 19 years of age, when he came on as an 89th-minute substitute for Danny Woodards in a League One home fixture against Doncaster Rovers on 22 December 2007, with Crewe 2–0 down. Doncaster scored twice in the final minute for a final scoreline of 4–0. This proved to be Bailey's sole appearance of the 2007–08 season, but he earned a one-year deal with the club, which he signed in May 2008, with first team coach Steve Holland stating "We are delighted that James has signed a new contract. He has been given another year and we will review it again in relation to his progress. He has made progress this year and now it is up to him to go on again and compete for a place in the squad."
An impressive pre-season saw Bailey return to the side for the opening fixture of the 2008–09 season, where he started in his now familiar midfield role, as Crewe lost 2–1 to Brighton & Hove Albion. Although the season was a disappointing one for Crewe, who were relegated to League Two, it was a personal success for Bailey, as he kept his place in the side with a number of mature performances in central midfield alongside Michael O'Connor and earned a new and improved contract until 2011, as he recorded 31 league and cup appearances throughout the campaign, with only injury preventing him appearing in more after he was ruled out for much of the season from January onwards.
Bailey made his first appearance of 2009–10 season, coming against Dagenham & Redbridge in the opening game of the season, where he played 27 minutes after coming on as a substitute, as Crewe Alexandra lost 2–1. However, he suffered an injury that kept him out for a month. It wasn't until on 3 October 2009 when Bailey returned to the starting line–up against Rotherham United and played the whole game, as the club lost 3–2. He then started in the next five matches before suffering a lower abdominal injury that eventually kept him out for three months. It wasn't until on 12 February 2010 when Bailey returned to the starting line–up and helped Crewe Alexandra win 2–1 against Burton Albion. He then played a role on assisting goals on three occasions, including two consecutive assists against Barnet and Grimsby Town between 6 March 2010 and 9 March 2010. Despite suffering further injuries later in the season, Bailey retained his position in the first team for the club's 2009–10 season, making 23 appearances in all competitions.
Following the end of the 2009–10 season, his performances for Crewe impressed and he was linked with a move to Championship club Derby County, alongside Crewe teammate John Brayford, in a joint £1m deal in May 2010, where he was seen as a long-term replacement for veteran midfielder Robbie Savage. Crewe confirmed that an offer for the pair, believed to be £1m rising to £1.3m with add-ons and a percentage sell on clause, had been accepted on 18 May 2010.
Derby County
Bailey formally completed his move to Derby County on 19 May 2010 for an undisclosed fee and took the number 16 shirt, signing a three-year contract. On this signing, Derby manager Nigel Clough said, "James is a determined midfielder who has been impressive every time we have watched him and we're delighted he has… joined us."