Bailie started at Glentoran when it was still called Belfast United, as a nimble left winger but she has since transitioned into a no-nonsense defender in the twilight years of her career.
She has won every domestic trophy possible, but when asked what the main driving factors behind staying at the Glens for so long she said it was “the club, the environment and the people”.
Having admitted she contemplated going out on a high and retiring last year after Glentoran pipped Cliftonville to the Women’s Premiership title, she confirmed that this year is “definitely” the end and has reflected fondly on all she has achieved for club and country.
“Lucky enough I haven’t had any serious injuries, I know some players have had horrific injuries and difficult times,” she added.
“The other thing is I’m pretty determined, so when I put my mind to something I’m all in and that’s what I’ve done this year.
“I didn’t even know there was a Northern Ireland team, I never went into football thinking I want to play for Northern Ireland, I just wanted to play football. You got the call-up and it was just surreal. It was hampered a little by work-life balance, you had to get it off work [for games] but I can’t believe I got 56 [caps].”
Despite not starting every game for Glentoran, who are now managed by her former teammate Kim Turner, Bailie remains the consummate professional and scored highly in the club’s pre-season running and strength testing.
In order to continue playing at the highest level well into her 40s, Bailie knows the importance of looking after herself off the pitch and prioritising good sleep and nutrition for recovery.
“I’m better at it now than I ever was because the game has developed. I would have went out on a Saturday night and showed up for training on Sunday morning!” she joked.
“When you’re young it didn’t phase you, now, I’m quite disciplined, I’ll be in bed for 10pm and get my sleep, I’ll eat right as much as possible and when we get programmes, I’ll go to the gym and do them or I wouldn’t be sitting here.
“When you’re younger you can get away with cheating it a little bit but when you’re older you can’t.”
