Boreham Wood have completed the signing of striker Jay Bird on a short-term loan from Salford City. The move was confirmed by the club this week, adding a new attacking option to a squad that secured a 4th place finish in the England National League last season.
Luke Garrard, the manager, identified Bird as a target some time ago. "Jay is someone we have identified for some time," Garrard said in the announcement reported by Boreham Wood Football Club. "He has the profile we feel complements what we have in the building." The manager believes Bird's power and pace will be a valuable addition.
Who is new signing Jay Bird?
Jay Bird is a 24-year-old forward who began his career with an 11-year stint in the MK Dons academy. He progressed to the senior team, spending three years there while also gaining experience on loan at Hitchin Town and Wealdstone. After leaving MK Dons, he joined Dagenham & Redbridge on a non-contractual basis in 2022. He made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring a late winner against Scunthorpe United on his debut.
His career then took him north of the border to Scotland, where he signed a one-year contract with Arbroath in 2023. He scored six goals in 33 appearances for the Scottish side. A move back to England followed, with spells at Exeter City in League One and then Rochdale in the National League. At Rochdale, he found a rich vein of form, netting six times in just 11 league appearances.
What will Jay Bird bring to the team?
Bird describes himself as a fast and athletic player who likes to score goals. "I like to score goals," he stated simply. He also noted that the setup at Boreham Wood reminds him of the environment he enjoyed at Rochdale, which he described as a 'really good team'. Garrard pointed to Bird's previous loan metrics at this level as being very pleasing, suggesting the forward's style is well-suited to the National League.
The manager is confident that the quality of the existing Boreham Wood players will provide Bird with the platform to excel. The club's strong finish last term, with 90 points from 46 games and a recent form of WWWLW, shows a team capable of creating chances. They scored 95 goals last season while conceding 58, resulting in a healthy +37 goal difference. Fans can track the squad's progress on the official squad and stats pages.
Where does he fit into the first-team squad?
Bird's arrival adds depth and competition to the forward line. His pace offers a different dimension to Garrard's attacking options. The signing comes as the club prepares for the new campaign, building on a season where they were 18 points behind champions York in the final standings. Integrating a player who has proven he can score regularly at this level could be key to closing that gap.
The club's standings page details last season's strong finish. Bird's short-term deal gives both player and club a chance to assess the fit. If he replicates his Rochdale form, where he averaged better than a goal every two games, he will quickly become a fan favourite at Meadow Park.
Boreham Wood officially welcomed their new striker with the message 'Welcome to WD6, Jay Bird'. His loan move from Salford City is now complete.
