"I don't blame him" - Max Bird claim made as Derby County negotiate Bristol City transfer | OneFootball

Highlights

This article is part of Football League World’s 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Derby County midfielder Max Bird has made over 190 appearances for the Rams since making his senior debut in 2017, and has played a role in the success of Paul Warne's men so far this season, providing three goals and six assists as the Derbyshire outfit push for a Championship return.

Championship outfit Bristol City confirmed the signing of Bird on transfer deadline day for an undisclosed fee, but have loaned the 23-year-old back to the Rams for the remainder of the current season, meaning he still has the chance to get promoted with the club whose academy he came through.

Robins fans will hope that upon his arrival at Ashton Gate, Bird will be able to add to the already impressive crop of young players who have impressed in the West Country this season, as the presence of the likes of 21-year-old forward Tommy Conway has been felt in the Championship.

The Rams, meanwhile, will hope that Bird will be able to continue producing the goods at Pride Park as the Rams are involved in an extremely tight and exciting race for promotion from League One to the second tier.

Rams fan pundit provides verdict on Bird transfer deal

FLW's Rams fan pundit, Shaun said: "I think we've done the right thing with Max Bird.

"He's obviously made noises that he wants to leave, and I don't blame him.

"Personally, I don't think the style of football we play suits his game at all.

"I don't think he's progressed this season in the way that a lot of fans thought he might, and he does look happy particularly in a Rams shirt, so if we can get some money for him now, he moves on to a Championship club, and he stays here til the end of the season, hopefully now he can put in some good performances and help us get promoted.

"Yes, it then does seem a bit silly that he's left us to go to a team potentially in the same league as us, but we've made money on him and I think under Paul Warne, I don't think we'll ever see the best out of Max Bird, so I think he needs to move to a club that suits his playing style."

Bird could still have a lot to offer the Rams

Although the midfielder may not have met the expectations of Rams supporters this campaign, he has still provided nine goal contributions so far this campaign, and has featured in Warne's lineup on 23 occasions this season in League One.

Bird has also been on good form recently, and got the assist for Nathaniel Mendez Laing's winning goal against Charlton Athletic on Saturday as the Rams won 1-0 at the Valley, and he also scored a late winner as his side defeated lowly Cheltenham Town 2-1 on the last weekend of January.

However, a move to the Robins may benefit the ace in the long-term, as manager Liam Manning seems to be doing a great job at developing young talent at Ashton Gate, so Bird has the potential to hit a new level next season at his new club.

But if the 23-year-old performs well for the Robins in the Championship and the Rams earn promotion, they may regret allowing the ace to depart for pastures new before he had the opportunity to play under Warne in the second tier.