If there were ever a perfect way to conclude your time at Derby County, it would be by scoring a crucial goal that helped secure promotion on your milestone 200th appearance for the club. That’s precisely what midfielder Max Bird accomplished during the unforgettable 2-0 victory against Carlisle United at Pride Park Stadium last month, marking the end of an equally unforgettable period for the 23-year-old in Derbyshire.
Having emerged from the Rams’ Academy, Bird swiftly became a beloved figure at Pride Park after making his senior debut at just 16 years old in 2017. Now, with 200 appearances under his belt, he bids farewell to an incredible initial phase of his career.
The midfielder is set to take on a new challenge with Bristol City, having signed for them in February and then returning on loan for the remainder of the season. However, he carries with him memories that will endure a lifetime.
In his farewell interview as a Ram, Bird recently spoke with RamsTV to reflect on his fondest memories, the unforgettable final day, and to convey a final message to everyone connected with Derby County Football Club.
On what he thinks of when he looks around Pride Park…
Home, really. It’s all I’ve ever known. I’ve played a lot of times here; in the FA Youth Cup, for the Under-21s, for the first team, and had some really good moments. It’s not going to be home anymore, but it’s treated me well.
On moments that stand out for him…
There are many highlights. Starting with my time in the Academy, forming lasting friendships, and winning the Premier League with the Under-18s was significant. I also had the honor of captaining the Under-21s. Progressing through the ranks has been memorable. In the first team, I cherish moments like scoring my first goal and what I consider my breakout performance against Charlton Athletic in 2019, where I assisted Jason Knight’s goal. These are just a few of the moments that I take pride in and will always treasure.
On what it’s been like for him growing up in front of 30,000 fans…
I’ve played in games at Pride Park where the stadium has been full many a time. I say to my brother, we can be on the golf course and that’s more nerve-wracking for me than playing in front of that many people. I’ve never once taken it for granted because it’s the job I’ve always wanted to do and it’s the best job in the world. I’ve always wanted to play in front of that many people and, more so, why be afraid of it?
On people that have been important to him throughout his Derby County journey…
It would be difficult for me to pick out certain ones. You’ve got so many people that are behind the scenes that have helped me so much, especially at the time of the passing of my Dad. The Academy staff deserve all the praise they get, it’s not just me that has come through the Academy but they’ve helped me get to where I am today. Wayne Rooney was a big part for me. He brought out something that was being kept inside of me; he gave me loads of confidence, told me loads of good things. He showed me how he wanted me to play and it suited me and that was the first season where I felt I made my mark. Paul Warne has been absolutely brilliant with me. He’s brought out another side of me as a man with the confidence and fearlessness and enjoying every moment of the present. I could sit here for hours and talk about each individual that I’ve come across and who I’ve been delighted to work with. I want to keep in touch with all of them.
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On his team-mates and friends; Eiran Cashin, Louie Sibley & Liam Thompson…
I’ll miss them. We’ve grown up together, we’ve had success together, we’ve been relegated together and promoted together. We all came through at different times. Me, Cash and Tommo sit next to each other in the changing room and there’s loads of little things like that I’ll miss. It’s part of football, moving on. New challenges and new opportunities come but it will be tough. They’ve helped me on and off the pitch. To leave them and to go somewhere else will be difficult but it’s something I’m looking forward to.
On winning promotion during his final game with the club…
I was always going to score! You can ask the lads, you can ask anyone. I had it on my whiteboard at home from when I got injured. So, for about six or seven weeks, I had on my whiteboard that I’d score the goal to get this football club promoted. I envisioned it, I visualised it. Whether you believe in that sort of stuff or not, I knew I was going to score and I knew we’d be promoted, it’s just how I felt. It was exactly how I visualised it and I couldn’t have wished for a better send off.
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On how he was able to keep his emotions in check on the final day of the season…
It was tough and the hardest bit for me was when the lads came up to me on the pitch when i was taken off late on. The way the gaffer is, I sort of knew that if we were winning that I was going to come off. I was just expecting to come off and the fans would give me a clap but I wasn’t expecting them to sing my name, I wasn’t expecting the lads to come and give me a huge hug and tell me it’s been a pleasure; that was really tough to hold back. I think there’s a clip of me on the bench where I’m trying really hard to keep it all in and it really did mean a lot.
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On his final message to all of those associated with Derby County Football Club…
I will always be deeply thankful to everyone who has contributed to shaping me as a player – the staff, the fans, and my fellow players. The decision to move on wasn’t easy, but I felt it was the right opportunity at the right time. Upon returning on loan after signing with Bristol City, our goal was clear: to secure promotion for this club. Achieving that alongside my teammates and the staff was a fantastic experience.
The fans have been incredible supporters since I was 16, through thick and thin. They’ve stuck by me through both good and tough matches, and hearing them chant my name during the last match of the season is a memory I’ll cherish forever. I owe so much to this football club, and perhaps one day, I’ll return.
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