Family comes first for coach

The Greenbacks acknowledged the key role Bird played in developing their younger stars in a statement on Wednesday announcing he'd stepped down from his post at The Oval for personal reasons.

Paying tribute to his achievements, including guiding the EVO-STIK NPL First Division South club's U21s to a league and cup double last season before being named manager of the year, the Greenbacks said: "His spell at the club has seen a number of the squad progress through to first team level under his knowledgeable guidance, his hard work and input seeing players improve their qualities and boosting the club's future.

"He spent many long hours and dedicated his time with us. He was always pushing his players foward on the field progression, their hard work reaping it's rewards last year. The club as a whole acknowledge the commitment and work Chris put in, we thank him and wish him all the best in the future."

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