# Jay Bird (footballer)

Jay Gregory Maison Bird (born 6 May 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for National League side Rochdale on loan from EFL League One club Exeter City.

## Club career
### Milton Keynes Dons

Born in Milton Keynes, Bird joined the academy of Milton Keynes Dons at the age of eight, and progressed through several age groups before signing professional terms with the club on 25 June 2019. In August 2019 he joined Southern Premier Central club Hitchin Town on loan for the 2019–20 campaign, but after only two matches a serious injury resulted in Bird being ruled out for the rest of the season.
On 6 October 2020, Bird made his first team professional debut for the club, scoring twice in a 3–2 EFL Trophy group stage away victory over Stevenage. The following 2021–22 season saw limited first team opportunities for Bird, with the player spending the first half of the season out on loan to National League club Wealdstone. At the end of the season Bird was one of six players released by MK Dons.

### Dagenham & Redbridge

On 19 November 2022, Bird signed for National League club Dagenham & Redbridge on a non-contract basis. Bird made his debut that same day off the bench, scoring a late winner as his new side defeated Scunthorpe United.

### Arbroath

Bird signed a one-year contract with Arbroath in July 2023. He departed the club at the end of his contract.

### Exeter City

On 2 July 2024, Bird signed a one-year contract with EFL League One club Exeter City, with the option of a further year.
On 25 February 2025, Bird joined National League side Rochdale on loan for the remainder of the season.

## Career statistics

    As of match played 11 February 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition :
| Club | Season | League | League | League | National Cup | National Cup | League Cup | League Cup | Other | Other | Total | Total |
| Club | Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Milton Keynes Dons | 2017–18 | League One | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Milton Keynes Dons | 2018–19 | League Two | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Milton Keynes Dons | 2019–20 | League One | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Milton Keynes Dons | 2020–21 | League One | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Milton Keynes Dons | 2021–22 | League One | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Milton Keynes Dons | Total | Total | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Hitchin Town (loan) | 2018–19 | SL Premier Division Central | 11 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 0 | 12 | 1 |
| Hitchin Town (loan) | 2019–20 | SL Premier Division Central | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 0 |
| Hitchin Town (loan) | Total | Total | 13 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 0 | 14 | 1 |
| Wealdstone (loan) | 2021–22 | National League | 8 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 1 | 0 | 10 | 1 |
| Dagenham & Redbridge | 2022–23 | National League | 13 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | 15 | 2 |
| Arbroath | 2023–24 | Scottish Championship | 33 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 40 | 10 |
| Exeter City | 2024–25 | League One | 14 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 20 | 2 |
| Career total | Career total | Career total | 83 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 11 | 6 | 105 | 19 |
* ↑ Includes FA Cup
* ↑ Includes Scottish League Cup
* 1 2 3 Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy.
* ↑ Appearance(s) in Hertfordshire Charity Cup
* 1 2 Appearance(s) in FA Trophy
* ↑ Appearance(s) in Scottish Challenge Cup