Chris Baird Bio Send To Friend  

The Northern Ireland international came through the ranks at Southampton, before being snapped up by Fulham for a fee of around £3million ahead of the 2007/08 season.

Bought by ex-Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez, Baird was expected to bolster the Fulham defence with his tough-tackling and ability to play anywhere across the back line, but Fulham's subsequent battle with relegation failed to endear him to the supporters.

Baird made his Saints debut as a substitute in the 2-2 home draw against Aston Villa in March 2003, before being loaned out for experience: First came a spell at Walsall at the end of September 2003, and then a stint with Watford in mid-March 2004.

On his return he made only his fourth Southampton appearance of the 2003/04 campaign against Charlton in the last game of the season.

Failing to get a single game in the 2004/05 season he remained a regular part of the full Northern Ireland squad, and managed to re-establish himself in the Southampton squad under manager George Burley ahead of the 2005/06 season when he made 17 appearances.

Burley singled Baird out for praise after his versatility allowed him to flourish in 2006/07 in the centre back role after an injury to Claus Lundekvam.

The runaway winner of the Saints Player of the Season award, Baird made 46 starts and scored 3 goals in the campaign, before deciding to test his skills in the Premier League with Fulham.