Ex-Premier League star announces he's got his manager's daughter pregnant

Former Sheffield United and Scotland striker Oli McBurnie has surprised fans by announcing that he is expecting a child with his partner, who is the daughter of one of his former managers. The 29-year-old forward, who played under Gary Bowyer during a successful loan spell at Blackpool earlier in his career, took to social media to share the personal milestone with his followers. McBurnie and Bowyer's daughter, Tash, shared a series of images confirming the pregnancy, sparking a wave of reactions from across the footballing world. The news adds a unique layer to the traditional player-manager relationship, as McBurnie effectively becomes a member of the family of a coach who played a pivotal role in his early professional development.

The report highlights the lighthearted and positive reaction to the news, with many former teammates and fans pointing out the unusual coincidence of the connection. Gary Bowyer, who managed McBurnie during the 2017-18 season, is a well-respected figure in English football, and the news has been treated as a heartwarming "small world" story within the sport. McBurnie, currently playing in Spain with Las Palmas after leaving the Premier League last summer, appears to be embracing this new chapter of his life away from the intense scrutiny of English top-flight football. The couple’s announcement featured a sonogram and a celebratory message, confirming that the baby is due later this year.

Beyond the personal headlines, the news serves as a reminder of the close-knit nature of the professional football community, where personal and professional lives often intertwine in unexpected ways. While McBurnie has often been a polarizing figure due to his outspoken nature and on-field persona, this announcement has drawn widespread congratulations from figures across the EFL and Premier League. Supporters have enjoyed the irony of the situation, noting that Bowyer’s influence on McBurnie’s career has now extended far beyond the tactical instructions given on the training pitch. For McBurnie, the move to La Liga has coincided with this significant personal milestone, marking a period of major change both on and off the field.

As the 2025-26 season progresses, McBurnie remains focused on his performances in Spain, but this personal update has briefly shifted the spotlight back to his life in the UK. The striker’s journey from a promising youngster under Bowyer’s tutelage to a Premier League regular and now an expectant father highlights the rapid evolution of a modern footballer's career. With the arrival of the new addition to the family expected in the coming months, McBurnie and his partner are preparing for a life-changing transition that will undoubtedly keep them connected to the English game and the Bowyer family for years to come.