Owen Bailey
Owen John Edward Bailey is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Doncaster Rovers.
Career
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Bailey began his career at Newcastle United, captaining the under-23 team. Bailey suffered from injuries which saw him out-of-action for 538 days. After being released by Newcastle, he played in non-league with Gateshead, before signing for Doncaster Rovers in June 2023, having trialled with the club in 2021.On 13 May 2023, Bailey signed for Doncaster Rovers on a two-year contract.
Bailey was a regular starter throughout the 2023–24 League Two season, making 59 first‑team appearances and featuring in all league matches as Doncaster finished 5th in the League Two table.
Bailey scored his first English Football League goal for Doncaster in a 1–0 victory against Wrexham on 2 April 2024, heading home from a James Maxwell cross just before half-time.
Ahead of the [2025–26 Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers F.C. season|2025–26 season], Bailey was named club captain having led the club through the majority of the title-winning 2024–25 season.
On 9 August 2025, he scored both goals in a 2–1 away win against Mansfield Town, equalising in the 76th minute and then scoring the stoppage-time winner.
Bailey was named the EFL League One Player of the Month for August 2025 following a series of strong performances at the start of the 2025–26 season. The Doncaster Rovers captain scored four goals during the month and played a key role as the club made a positive return to League One following promotion. He was selected ahead of fellow nominees Jamie Reid, Matty Stevens and Nathan Trott. Upon receiving the award, Bailey credited his teammates and coaching staff, stating that individual recognition was a reflection of the collective effort of the squad.
Honours
Doncaster RoversIndividual