Expectant father Bird has fond memories

The imminent arrival of his second child has brought memories of the biggest match of David Bird's career flooding back.

The Cheltenham Town midfielder's wife Nikki was due to give birth the day Newcastle United came to town for the televised FA Cup fourth round tie in January 2005.

The Bird family were thrust into the media spotlight, with Nikki making regular appearances on BBC television as her husband went about his job of trying to cause an upset at Whaddon Road against the Premier League side.

Amelia Rose eventually arrived two weeks late and, in similar fashion, baby number two is keeping the Bird's on tenterhooks.

"It brings back some good memories and they were good times," Bird said.

"Nikki had more coverage than the players did," joked the midfielder.

"But she loved the attention and being on TV, so she wanted us to go on a good FA Cup run this time, so she could get back in the limelight, but unfortunately it didn't happen.

"With my first daughter, the birth had to be induced, so they don't seem to come on time, but there are going to be good times when it does eventually arrive,"

Bird will try put his personal affairs to one side tomorrow as Cheltenham welcome Hartlepool United to Whaddon Road.

He is hoping to be back in midfield after playing at right-back in the recent away matches at Swindon Town and Leicester City.

"I prefer midfield, but if I have to play right-back I will," added Bird.

Cheltenham (from): Brown, Lindegaard, Diallo, Townsend, Gallinagh, Ridley, Watkins, Bird, Westlake, Low, Hammond, Spencer, Connor, Puddy, Bignall, Hemmings.