Ryan Bird

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. As a part-time footballer, he was also an electrician.

In 2010–11, Bird scored 24 goals and finished the season as the club's topscorer. He signed a new contract with Burnham in June 2011. In 2012–13, Bird scored an impressive mark of 45 goals in 45 matches (41 league goals in 39 matches), being again topscorer as Burnham were crowned champions. 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.

Portsmouth

Bird returned to Portsmouth on a trial basis in early June. On 9 July, he scored twice in a friendly match against Havant & Waterlooville. On the 22nd, Bird revealed on his Twitter account that he had signed a contract with Pompey. A day later, the deal was officially announced, with Bird signing a one-year deal.

Bird made his Portsmouth debut on 6 August, in a 0–1 away defeat against Bournemouth. He was handed his first start on 3 September, in a 0–0 away draw against Torquay for the season's League Trophy. On 19 September, Bird joined Havant & Waterlooville in a one-month loan deal. After appearing three times with the Hawks, he returned to Pompey.

Bird scored his first professional goal on 26 October, in a 1–1 away draw against Torquay. He netted twice in his first league start in the following weekend, in a 3–2 home win over Exeter City. Bird joined Cambridge United on loan on 24 January, and scored twice in the first 16 minutes on his debut against Dartford in the following day. He was instrumental in sending Cambridge to the FA Trophy final for the first time in their history, scoring all three goals over two legs against Grimsby in the semi-finals. Bird scored the first goal in the FA Trophy final tie against Gosport Borough in a 4–0 win at Wembley Stadium.

Bird was recalled by Portsmouth on 27 March, and left the U's after scoring nine goals. However, a groin injury took him out of the season's finale at Pompey, but the club did exercise the one-year extension on his contract on 9 May.

On 1 September 2014 Bird left Pompey by mutual consent, in an attempt to find regular football elsewhere.

Cambridge United

Following his release by Portsmouth, Bird re-signed for Cambridge United on 1 September 2014 on a permanent deal following a spell on loan during the 2013/14 season. On 25 February 2015 he was loaned to fellow league team Hartlepool United in a one-month deal. At the end of the 2014–15 season the club did not offer him a new deal when his contract expired.

Yeovil Town

On 14 July 2015, Bird joined League Two side Yeovil Town on a two-year contract.

Eastleigh

On 1 August 2016, Bird signed for National League side Eastleigh.

Newport County

On 23 January 2017, Bird joined League Two side Newport County. He made his debut for Newport in a Football League Two match on 28 January 2017 in a 3–1 win against Hartlepool United, scoring the opening goal after 15 minutes. He was released by Newport at the end of the 2016-17 season after scoring 6 goals in 19 games.

Dover Athletic

On 27 June 2017, Bird joined National League side Dover Athletic on a one-year contract. He made his debut on the 5 August 2017, in an opening day 1-0 away win against Hartlepool United. He scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 victory over Wrexham on 12 August 2017, both Bird's and Dover's third game of the season.

Career statistics

¹ Including FA Trophy, Berks & Bucks Senior Cup, Southern League Cup, Wycombe Senior Cup, Southern League play-offs and Football League Trophy.

² Including all matches since 2004.