Former England and Luton goalkeeper Ron Baynham dies, aged 94

Former Luton goalkeeper Ron Baynham, believed to have been the oldest living England international footballer, has died aged 94.

Birmingham-born Baynham appeared 434 times for the Hatters and also earned three caps for England, the first of which came in a 5-1 victory over Denmark in 1955.

Luton on Monday night released a statement confirming the death of their one-time first-choice keeper, who joined the Hatters from Worcester City for £1,000 in 1951.

The statement read: “The sad news has reached Kenilworth Road of the passing of Luton Town legend Ron Baynham at the age of 94.

“Apart from appearing in goal 434 times for the Hatters, Ron was England’s oldest surviving international at the time of his death.

“For most Luton supporters of a certain age, memories of Kenilworth Road in the 1950s conjure up the likes of Stanley Matthews, Nat Lofthouse and Tom Finney bearing down on the Luton goal where a tall, strong and athletic goalkeeper was there to see off their efforts.

“Ron Baynham was the goalkeeper whose name was on everyone’s lips as he formed the last line of defence behind an accomplished side that more than held its own in the top-flight of English football.”

Baynham, who initially held aspirations in cricket, was in goal when the Hatters lost 2-1 to Nottingham Forest in the 1959 FA Cup final, an experience he later said remained a bigger achievement than playing for England – despite the defeat.

Quoted on Luton’s website, he said: “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.”