Michael Bakare

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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]

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]

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

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]

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

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]

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

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

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

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]

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

• Michael Bakare at Soccerbase
• Michael Bakare at Soccerway