Michael Adewale A. Oluwabunmi Bakare (born 1 December 1986) is an English professional footballer who plays for Glacis United. Formerly a forward, Bakare converted to a defender later in his career.

Career

Early career

Bakare started his senior career in the 2006–07 season, playing for Hertford Town and Waltham Forest.[2][3] The following season, Bakare signed for Welwyn Garden City.[4] In 2008, Bakare signed for Leyton, before spells with Welling United,[5] and Thurrock. In 2010, Bakare joined Bishop's Stortford.[6] It was here where he first made a real impact, converting from a full back and midfielder to a forward player.

Following an impressive 9 goals in 14 games early in the 2011/12 season, Bakare joined Conference South club Chelmsford City, in a free transfer on 19 October 2011.[7] He continued to impress at his new club, scoring 5 goals in 10 games, which earned Bakare a move to Football League side, Macclesfield Town on 17 January 2012.

Macclesfield Town

Bakare signed on a free transfer,[8] and made his first appearance as a substitute against Swindon Town on 21 January 2012. He was however limited to substitute appearances at Macclesfield, not starting a single game, and was released by the club, following their relegation at the end of the 2011/2012 season, making only 9 appearances.[9] His last game was against Southend United on 5 May 2012.

Southport

Conference National club Southport took Bakare on trial in July 2012. After a single appearance in a friendly against Skelmersdale United it was announced manager Liam Watson had signed the player to a contract for the 2012–13 season at the club's AGM on 27 July 2012.

Droylsden (loan)

In October 2012 he joined Droylsden on loan[10] and scored on his club debut on 27 October as the club beat Colwyn Bay.

2013–2016

From then on he has been somewhat of a journeyman, going on to play for Chelmsford City, Dover Athletic, Tonbridge Angels, Braintree Town, Bury Town, VCD Athletic and Witham Town[11] before rejoining his former club Welling United for the 2015/16 season.[12]

Wrexham

On 22 June 2016, he joined Wrexham, along with his Welling teammate Nortei Nortey, on a 1-year deal.[13] He made his debut for the club on the opening day of the 2016–17 season, in a 0–0 draw with Dover Athletic.[14]

On 24 November 2016, he joined Billericay Town on loan from Wrexham until January 2017. He made his debut in a league match against Metropolitan Police where he won his side a penalty before converting it himself, in a game that finished 1–1. Following the end of his loan spell, Bakare returned to Wrexham where his contract was cancelled by mutual consent on 23 January 2017.[15]

Warrington Town

Bakare signed for Warrington Town on 23 March 2017.[16]

Connah's Quay Nomads

In August 2017, Bakare joined Welsh Premier League side Connah's Quay Nomads, alongside his brother Mathias, after a successful trial period.[17] In May 2018, he scored in the Welsh Cup final, helping his team to a 4–1 win. In December 2018, Bakare extended his contract with Connah's Quay for a further year.[18]

Hereford

On 16 February 2021, Bakare joined National League North side Hereford on a short-term deal.[19]

Iceland

On 13 July 2021, Bakare signed for Icelandic 1. deild karla side Fjölnir, joining a team outside of the UK for the first time.[20]

Leatherhead

In November 2021, he returned to England and signed for Isthmian League Premier Division side Leatherhead.[21]

Arbroath

In February 2022, Bakare signed a short-term deal with Scottish Championship side Arbroath until the end of the season.[22]

HIFK

In July 2022, Bakare joined Veikkausliiga side HIFK until the end of the year.[23]

Enfield Town

In March 2023, Bakare returned to England and signed for Isthmian League Premier Division club Enfield Town on a contract till the end of the season.[24]

Glacis United

In August 2023 Bakare joined Glacis United in the Gibraltar Football League. He was appointed player-manager the following season.

References

  1. ^ "List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/01/2012 and 31/01/2012". The Football Association. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  2. ^ "Bees go back to front". Hendon & Finchley Times. 2 November 2006. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
  3. ^ "Bakare, Michael". Walthamstow F.C. 8 January 2019. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
  4. ^ "Michael Bakare". Aylesbury United F.C. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
  5. ^ "Latest moves ..." NonLeagueDaily.com. 13 September 2009. Archived from the original on 30 January 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  6. ^ "Stortford bring in new trio". NonLeagueDaily.com. 29 October 2010. Archived from the original on 30 January 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  7. ^ "Chelmsford sign Bishop's Stortford's Michael Bakare". BBC Sport. 19 October 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  8. ^ "Macclesfield chance for Bakare". NonLeagueDaily.com. 16 January 2012. Archived from the original on 30 January 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  9. ^ "Macc release sixteen players". NonLeagueDaily.com. 23 May 2012. Archived from the original on 30 January 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  10. ^ "Southport Loan Bakare To Droylsden". Blue Square North. 25 October 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  11. ^ "Ryman League Premier Division relegation-battlers Witham Town have signed Harry Cook from Tilbury and Michael Bakare from VCD Athletic". Pitchero. 22 June 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  12. ^ "Trio of New Wings". Pitchero. 22 June 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  13. ^ "Wrexham recruit Nortei Nortey and Michael Bakare". BBC Sport. 22 June 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  14. ^ "Wrexham 0–0 Dover Athletic". BBC Sport. 6 August 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  15. ^ Rob Griffiths (23 January 2017). "Michael Bakare leaves Wrexham AFC after seeing contract terminated". Daily Post. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  16. ^ Evo Stik (23 March 2017). "Final Moves before window closed". Evostikleague.co.uk. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  17. ^ Rob Griffiths (11 August 2017). "Former Wrexham AFC striker joins Connah's Quay Nomads". Daily Post. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
  18. ^ "Bakare extends his stay at top of the table Nomads".
  19. ^ "Bulls bring in Bakare". Hereford FC. 16 February 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  20. ^ "Fjölnir verður 25. lið sóknarmannsins". mbl.is (in Icelandic). 13 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  21. ^ "Leatherhead – Appearances – Michael Bakare". Football Web Pages. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  22. ^ "Michael Bakare". arbroathfc.co.uk. 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  23. ^ "Michael Bakare vahvistamaan HIFK:ta!" (in Finnish). HIFK Fotboll. 24 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  24. ^ "Enfield Town – New Arrivals". Enfield Town. 29 March 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
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