Burnham's Ryan Bird living the dream in the Football League

Former Burnham FC goalscorer Ryan Bird said he is living his dream of playing professional league football.

The 26-year-old was one of many men to migrate on the chaotic transfer deadline day on Monday, September 1.

The former electrician was released from Portsmouth, who he joined from Burnham last year.

His move saw him reconnect with Cambridge United, where he enjoyed a successful loan spell earlier this year.

"That's what I wanted in the summer," he said.

"Obviously I went on loan and did really well and scored lots of goals - it just clicked.

"The way they play is great for me because they create chances, which is obviously what you want as a striker."

While he was limited to cameo appearances off the substitutes' bench at Pompey, he found a place in The U’s side, bagged nine goals in 13 outings and helped them achieve promotion to League Two.

He also netted the first goal in the club's 4-0 FA Trophy final victory over Gosport Borough at Wembley.

His aim now is to do what he does best: keep scoring goals propel his team up the league.

It is the fulfilment of a life-long ambition for the former Franklin Avenue resident.

"I wake up every morning doing what I want to do," said Ryan

"Most lads dream is to do that and thankfully I get to."

Despite his new career, Ryan has kept his roots planted in the area.

Far from living the playboy lifestyle like many young pros, he has moved into a new home in Taplow with girlfriend Emma and travels back to stay on his days off.

He is also still a Burnham fan and goes online every weekend to check the results of the team where he launched his career with more than a century of goals.