Archived News from February 2023
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KEVIN BIRD: 1952-2023
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Kevin Bird: 1952-2023
mansfieldtown.net, Thur 16 Feb 2023 Mansfield Town Football Club is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Kevin Bird, one of the club’s greatest ever players, at the age of 70. The club’s deepest condolences are sent to Kevin’s wife, Sue, and family at this difficult time. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2023/february2/rip-kevin-bird/ After starting his career at Doncaster Rovers, the tough tackling defender signed for the Stags in 1972 and would go on to make 463 appearances for the club, scoring 63 goals in 11 seasons. He is fifth on the club’s list of Football League appearances and 12th on the goalscorers’ chart. Kevin was one of the mainstays of the Stags’ team which won both the fourth and third division Championships in the mid-1970s. His services to the club were honoured in 2009, when a hospitality lounge at One Call Stadium was renamed ‘The Kevin Bird Suite’. At the age of 60, he was diagnosed with dementia. Kevin passed away at Mansfield Manor Nursing Home last night. Owners John & Carolyn Radford said: “It is with profound sadness to learn of the passing of Kevin Bird, undoubtedly one of the club’s greatest ever players. “Kevin was a stalwart for the club on the pitch and a gentleman off it. “To have played 11 full seasons for one club is practically unheard of in the modern era and underlines the loyalty and dedication which Kevin had for Mansfield Town. “Even after retiring, Kevin would regularly attend home matches and we always looked forward to seeing him and his wife Sue at One Call Stadium, who were unwavering in their support of the club. “A great clubman, outstanding servant and true gentleman, Kevin will never be forgotten at Mansfield Town. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue and family at this sad time.” As a mark of respect, Stags’ first team will wear black armbands this Saturday in the club’s Sky Bet League Two match away at Tranmere Rovers. ------------------------
------------------------ In profile: Kevin Bird - 1952-2023 mansfieldtown.net, Thur 16 Feb 2023 Remembering one of the club's greatest ever players, Kevin Bird, who has died aged 70. Kevin was born in Armthorpe, near Doncaster, on 07 August 1952. He started his career with his home town club, Doncaster Rovers, but was not retained in the summer of 1972. Kevin was known to Frank Marshall, the Stags’ assistant manager, from his time with Rovers, and he persuaded him to come to Mansfield. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2023/february2/in-profile-kevin-bird---1952-2023/ It was a great decision for the club. ‘Birdy’ stayed with the Stags for 11 full seasons making 377 league appearances, scoring 53 goals (463 appearances, 63 goals in all competitions). A tough-tackling central defender par-excellence, he also scored a remarkable number of goals for a player in that position. He is fifth on the club's list of Football League appearances and 12th on the goalscorers list. He was one of the mainstays of the brilliant Stags' side of the mid-1970s winning both the 4th and 3rd Division Championships. He stayed in Mansfield when he retired and was a regular attendee at the club's home games until severely affected by illness. A truly great clubman which was recognised by the club in 2009 when the Kevin Bird Suite was named in his honour. He will never be forgotten by the Mansfield faithful who saw him play in the famous amber and blue. ------------------- |
Latest | February 2023