Villa legends take fans on nostalgia trip in memory of former favourite Paul Birch

Oct 17 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

RON Atkinson and Paul McGrath will be taking Villa fans on a nostalgia trip during a fundraising event in memory of another former favourite, Paul Birch.

Atkinson and McGrath will be appearing at the New Bingley Hall, Hockley Circus, Birmingham, from 7.30pm on Friday, November 13.

The 1994 League Cup winning manager will be the main speaker, while club legend McGrath will chat to fans in a question and answer session.

An Evening with Ron Atkinson and Paul McGrath is the brainchild of Villa fan Chris Cooper in aid of the Paul Birch Trust. Birch, who played alongside McGrath and under Atkinson, died in February, aged 46, after a long battle against bone cancer.

“It should be a great evening because Big Ron is a wonderful speaker and has plenty of great tales to tell,” said Chris.

“And Paul McGrath is one of the biggest Villa legends of all time, so it’s a great opportunity for fans to meet him and quiz him on his career.

“There will also be an auction/raffle where there will be signed memorabilia on offer, so it promises to be a very enjoyable night.

“Of course the main thing is raising as much money as we can for the Paul Birch Trust in memory of another great Villa player.”

It is the third fundraiser Chris Cooper has organised in honour of Birch, having taken part in a sponsored cycle to Paris and having staged a dinner with another Villa old boy Paul Merson.

Tickets for the Atkinson and McGrath evening, including a curry meal, are available priced £38 each or £350 for a table of ten.

To book, call Chris on 07545 508378 or email him at chris.cooper@hotmail.co.uk