Career
Burnham
Bird began his footballing career at Burnham's academy, and was promoted to first team in December 2004. His main position was firstly a central defender, but later moved to a more forward role, establishing himself as a striker. [4] As a part-time footballer, he was also an electrician. [5]
In 2010–11, Bird scored 24 goals and finished the season as the club's top scorer. He signed a new contract with Burnham in June 2011. [6] In 2012–13, Bird scored 45 goals in 45 matches (41 league goals in 39 matches) in 2012–13 and was again top scorer as Burnham were crowned champions. [7] At the end of the season, Bird secured two trials, at Wycombe Wanderers and Portsmouth. He was also asked to return in pre-season training. [3]
Portsmouth
Bird returned to Portsmouth on a trial basis in early June. [3] On 9 July, he scored twice in a friendly match against Havant & Waterlooville. [8] Later that month, Bird signed a one-year professional contract, with the option of a second year. [9]
Bird made his Portsmouth debut on 6 August, in a 1–0 away defeat against AFC Bournemouth. [10] He made his first start on 3 September, in a goalless draw away to Torquay United in the 2013–14 Football League Trophy. [5] On 19 September, Bird joined Havant & Waterlooville on a month's loan. [11] After appearing three times with the "Hawks", he returned to Portsmouth. [12]
Bird scored his first professional goal on 26 October, in a 1–1 away draw against Torquay. [13] He netted twice the following weekend on his first league start, in a 3–2 home win over Exeter City. [14] Bird joined Cambridge United on loan on 24 January, [15] and scored twice in the first 16 minutes of his debut against Dartford the following day. [16] He was instrumental in Cambridge United reaching the final of the FA Trophy final the first time in the club's history, scoring all three of their goals against Grimsby Town in the semi-finals. [17] [18] Bird scored the first goal in the final at Wembley as Cambridge United beat Gosport Borough 4–0. [19]
Bird was recalled by Portsmouth on 27 March, and left the "U's" after scoring nine goals. [20] A groin injury kept him out of Portsmouth's run-in, but the club did exercise the one-year option on his contract, [21] although he was to leave by mutual consent at the end of the summer transfer window. [22]
Cambridge United
Bird rejoined Cambridge United, now newly promoted to League Two, on 1 September 2014 on a one-year permanent deal. [23] On 25 February 2015 he was loaned to another League Two team, Hartlepool United, for a month. [24] At the end of the 2014–15 season the club did not offer him a new deal when his contract expired. [25]
Yeovil Town
On 14 July 2015, Bird joined another League Two club, Yeovil Town, on a two-year contract. [26]
Newport County
Bird joined Newport County, also of League Two, on 23 January 2017. [28] He made his debut for Newport on 28 January 2017 in a 3–1 league win against Hartlepool United, scoring the opening goal after 15 minutes. [29] Bird was part of the Newport squad that completed the 'Great Escape' with a 2–1 victory at home to Notts County on the final day of the 2016-17 season, which ensured Newport's survival in League Two. [30] [31] He was released at the end of the 2016–17 season after scoring 6 goals in 19 games. [32] [30]
Dover Athletic
On 27 June 2017, Bird joined National League club Dover Athletic on a one-year contract. [33] He made his debut on 5 August, in an opening-day 1–0 away win against Hartlepool United. [34] He scored his first goal for the club in a 1–0 victory over Wrexham a week later in what was both Bird's and Dover's third game of the season. [35]
Bird finished the season as Dover's top scorer with 16 league goals in 43 starts. [12] [36]
Maidenhead United
He declined Dover's offer of a second year's contract and instead signed for National League rivals Maidenhead United. [37] Bird scored only one league goal for the Magpies in 26 games before leaving the club after one season.
Slough Town
On 3 June 2019, Bird signed for the Magpies' local rivals Slough Town, [38] where he reverted to a role in the centre of defence. [39]
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