The Canadian-born midfielder also impressed on the other side of the Atlantic, a popular player with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

He helped the American side reach the finals of the 1981-82 NASL Indoor season.

A fractured leg forced him to quit the game at that level, but after joining Steeton in 1988, he had a successful 12 years at the club.

Keith was born in Toronto but his family moved to West Yorkshire when he was just a few months old and he grew up in Bradley.

And after coming through the ranks as an apprentice at the Bantams, he went on to make three first-team appearances in Division Four as a teenager in 1979.

But with some help from family in Florida, he left the UK and enjoyed a successful trial with Tampa, making an assist for them on his NASL debut.

Keith Bailey (23) never shirked a tackle or challenge for the ball, despite his slight frame. (Image: UGC)

Despite that horror injury hampering his spell, outdoor and indoor, with the Rowdies, he was fondly thought of in America.

And after returning to West Yorkshire, he flourished once Bob Craven brought him to Steeton.

Not the tallest or strongest, Keith often came in for some roughhouse treatment from opposition players, but his remarkable talent saw him through.

He went on to become one of the highest goalscorers in the club’s history, while also helping them to a memorable Keighley Cup, League Cup and league treble.

He finally hung up his boots at the age of 40 just after the turn of the century.

Keith also turned out for Stanley Road and Silsden on Sunday mornings with his friends, further showing his commitment to football in the local area.

He was fondly remembered as a wonderful person too, not just a footballer, and he was also a much-loved painter and decorator around the Steeton area.

Steeton will be holding a minute’s applause in Keith’s memory and honour prior to tomorrow’s home fixture against Daisy Hill.