There was a point in the aftermath of Derby County’s promotion when Paul Warne’s voice began to tremble after being asked about Max Bird and the glorious end to his time at Pride Park.
One of the club’s favourite sons had struck one of the goals of the season that sent them hurtling to the Championship and there was no better way to say goodbye. It was a fitting finale for a player who has experienced the full gamut of emotions at a club he joined at the age of 10.
He is now primed for a new challenge at Bristol City this summer but he leaves Derby with priceless memories having bestowed them with the ultimate farewell gift of a first promotion in 17 years. Warne spoke with real eloquence about the player he says has felt like another son which had led him to make a speech about him at the club’s end-of-season awards which took Bird completely by surprise.
But amid all the euphoria of Saturday’s celebrations, it was when Derby’s head coach referred to the midfielder’s father, Andrew, who died at the age of 45 in 2019, that you could feel the emotion.
“He’s a classy kid and his departure has been equally so,” he said. “He was always going to go and play somewhere else this summer. He had been here a long time and when that is the case people decide you are really good at this, not so good at that. I understand why players don’t stay at a club forever and it’s a move that’s worked for all parties. But I bet when he scored the first thing he did was think about was his dad.
“I know being a father if that was my son scoring a goal like that, even if it was on the park, I’d be buzzing. To score in front of 30,000 of your childhood club is priceless. He’s played 200 games and the only mistake I made is that I should have taken him off on his own. I don’t know why I double-subbed it but I was just glad he could say thanks to the fans and for them to do the same. In football, you don’t usually get that.
“You usually go out the back door, your agent sorts the move and nobody knows and then you’re gone. He’s an impeccable young man and I said to him that I hope it doesn’t go too well in Bristol so I can nick you back.”
Derby County have made a triumphant return to the Championship, and we want you to join us to celebrate their achievements.
Our Man At The Rams, Leigh Curtis has penned a 48-page special souvenir edition of the Derby Telegraph which is completely dedicated to the remarkable change in fortunesof the club.
A club that has gone from the brink of extinction – to a glorious promotion.
Leigh follows the journey of the season and how a David Clowes owned Derby side managed to rebuild from the Ashes after narrowly missing out in the first season under the new owner and manager Paul Warne.
This season has had drama with highs and lows galore – all culminating in those incredible scenes on the pitch after the game against Carlisle United.
Pride Park was awash with joyous scenes at the final whistle as supporters stormed the pitch to celebrate their first promotion since Billy Davies guided the Rams to the Premier League in 2007.
It’s all in our special edition – which is on sale now for £3.50
Bird has always been a popular figure and his humble persona was summed up perfectly in the build-up to Saturday’s game when he bought gifts for some of the staff as he prepared to say his goodbyes. It was a classy gesture from a player with a big future and a big heart.
A lot of players leave clubs without that much consideration, but Bird has been appreciative of all the friends he has made since his journey began as a fresh-faced 10-year-old. He has experienced it all during his time at Pride Park, but it was fitting that he departed with a medal around his neck.
Bird will look to take his career to another level at Bristol City and as one of the scholars of the game, they are signing a player with a wonderful left foot and an incredible thirst for knowledge. But his father will continue to be a source of inspiration and he will continue the poignant tradition of writing the word Dad on his index finger before every game.
A new chapter awaits a humble young man who will look to carve a path that he hopes takes him to the Premier League. It is a journey that Derby fans will watch with interest after he exited the stage in a blaze of glory.
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