Funeral held of Villa legend Paul Birch at West Bromwich Crematorium

GRASSROOTS fans joined some of football’s best-known faces to pay a final farewell to Villa legend Paul Birch, who died this month aged just 46.

Hundreds of mourners packed West Bromwich Crematorium and spilled outside into the grounds where loudspeakers relayed yesterday’s moving service.

They applauded each eulogy, but fell silent when the words of Paul’s young daughter Olivia were read out.

The 11-year-old said she knew she had never met all the dads in the world but added: “I could never have had a better dad.

“He was such a kind, caring, talented person. He was so determined to do the best in every challenge thrown at him.

“We had some great times together. He always used to make me laugh, cheer me up.

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