Eastbourne Borough are excited to announce the loan signing of Pierce Bird from AFC Fylde.

The centre back joins on an initial month-loan loan from the National League club, and is available for selection for tomorrow’s match with Farnborough.

At 24, Bird is a former Northern Ireland Under 21 international and played a key part in AFC Fylde’s National League North promotion last term.

The defender got his first big move in 2017 when he signed for Notts County after a successful trial.

During his time with The Magpies he had loan spells with Leek Town, Alfreton Town and Boston United before he moved south to join Eastleigh in 2020.

After a season at Silverlake Stadium, Bird joined King’s Lynn Town before he signed for AFC Fylde in the summer of 2022 for an undisclosed fee.

He was a virtual ever-present for Adam Murray’s side, and is now reunited with his former boss here on the Sussex coast.

“Obviously I’m very happy to have Pierce here,” said Murray. “He’s somebody who I worked closely with last season and has the experience of playing under pressure with last season’s promotion battle.

“He’s somebody who knows how I play and make the process quicker and I look forward to working with him once again.”