Shaun Barker has backed Derby County star Max Bird’s commitment to the club and questioned whether Rams fans who are unhappy with the midfielder’s move, value showing their displeasure over the possibility of promotion.
Bird’s contract with Derby was set to expire at the end of this season and the Rams decided to let him join Bristol City in the recently closed window but keep him on loan at the club for the rest of the season.
However, a section of the Derby faithful have been unhappy with Bird’s move to Bristol City and the club’s decision to take him back on loan.
Barker questioned whether the fans who are showing displeasure with the midfielder’s move value their disappointment in Bird signing for the Championship outfit over the hope of promotion with the player’s skillset.
The ex-Rams star also pointed out that Bird has already proven his commitment to Derby and stated that the player has every right to choose whether he wants to move on or not after his contract expires.
When asked about a section of Derby fans showing displeasure with Bird’s move, Barker told Rams TV. “I ask those people whether they value the possibility of getting promoted or showing disappointment to a player who has shown nothing but commitment and dedication to this football club while he is here.
“Any player has the right, when their contract finish to not sign if they do not want to.
“It is the club’s objective and opportunity to try and get them to sign and for whatever reason Max feels it is a good opportunity to move on and now saying that he has to put in a performance when he is here and he did this afternoon.”
Bird is a product of the Derby County academy system and has featured in 192 games for the senior team so far in his career.
