He is the only referee in the League's history to have had a significant career previously as a professional player.
[2] Baines started his career with nearby Nottingham Forest, and made his debut in the 1972–73 season, but only played twice before being transferred to Huddersfield Town.
He made over one hundred appearances for that club before moving to local rivals Bradford City in 1977.
Only two other referees – Bob Matthewson and John Lloyd – had previous professional playing experience but the pair only made five League appearances between them.
However he was still able to serve eight years as a Football League referee during which he had a low rate of red and yellow cards.