Max Bird’s impressive breakthrough season at Derby County has come to an unexpected halt due to the Coronavirus pandemic - but the youngster knows there’s more to life than football right now.
The 19-year-old midfielder had been a regular in manager Phillip Cocu’s plans since the turn of the year before the COVID-19 outbreak suspended the season in early March.
Bird is one of a number of players to have come through the club’s Academy ranks and into the first-team set-up this season alongside the likes of Louie Sibley, Jason Knight and Morgan Whittaker.
His performances in the middle of the park were belying his young age and he was beginning to hit his stride when the football season across most countries in the world were suspended during March.
The football authorities have collectively agreed that the professional game in England will not resume until it is safe to resume and while the UK Government’s guidelines and social distancing rules remain in place.
Bird admits he is missing the daily thrill of pulling on his boots and playing the game he loves, but he is well aware of the bigger picture and the seriousness of the situation across the country.
“First and foremost, the safety of others is more important than football at this moment in time,” Bird told RamsTV as part of this week’s interview for the recently launched project named ‘Stay Safe. Stay Fit. Stay Connected.’
“It was difficult at first (not being in training and playing games) as it was initially a week off for us and then it progressed to the stage we’re at now.
“I’ve made a bit of a breakthrough this season and I’ve enjoyed it. I was focussed on ending the season on a high and continuing to perform, before looking back on everything at the end of the season.
“I was fortunate to win an award at the EFL Awards (Apprentice of the Year) and play a few games last year, but it didn’t sink in until the end of the season as I just wanted to keep going, keep improving and developing.
“When the season finished I was able to reflect on things, so this year hasn’t really sunk in yet. I’ve got my mind on finishing the season well and cementing my place in the first team, whenever and however that may be.”
Bird, like the rest of Derby’s squad, is remaining in shape by following individual fitness programmes provided by the club’s medical and fitness specialists.
He is also using the unexpected break to recharge his batteries after surging onto the first-team scene earlier in the year, following an impressive first half of the campaign with Derby’s Under-23s.
“Like most players, I’ve been given a programme and things to do,” Bird explained.
“I’ve kept in contact with the staff and had some good communication with them. It’s about keeping yourself in shape but not doing too much.
“When football does come back, we have to be ready and recharged because it’s probably going to be a longer season than usual. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you get some rest as well.”
He added: “We’re in a completely different environment at the minute and I miss going in every day, training and seeing the boys.
“The important thing right now is that everyone is healthy and safe and then when the football season is able to get back going than we’ll be ready.”
Bird is a level-headed individual, anyone who listens to him speak will be acutely aware of that fact, and his family are a big part of his day-to-day life.
He lives at home with his mum and brother and deserves huge credit for the way he has conducted himself over the last year following the sad passing of his dad, Andrew, at the age of 45 last year.
Bird is clearly enjoying the opportunity to spend more time with his family and admits he has enjoyed the challenge of trying his hand at being the family chef.
He said: “Obviously it is challenging for us all being inside most of the day, but I’ve tried to keep myself busy by doing runs, gym stuff at home in the living room and some football in the garden when I can with my brother.
“We’ve been cooking some nice meals to pass a bit of time with the family. I wouldn’t say cooking is a passion of mine but something I’ve taken hold of. In these circumstances we can take more time to prepare meals better.
“We have used the extra time we have to adventure into cooking. We’ve done loads of stuff, taking it in turns most nights, and cooking stuff like chilli, stir-fry and Paella; lots of nutritious things.”
He added: “I’ve spent time with the family and we have kept each other busy.”
Bird, who made his first-team debut at the age of 16 in the Carabao Cup, has made 27 first-team appearances in all competitions.
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