Bad news in threes

Paul Birch has died at the age 46.

If that doesn't make you wince, nothing will.

It was only nine months ago that news broke that he was to undergo treatment for bone cancer.

It's all too easy to say something along the lines of: "He was the nicest bloke you will ever want to meet" when a person dies.

But in Birch's case, so many people are saying exactly that. That he was down to earth and just happy to help others.

Just ten years ago he was playing professional football for Exeter City.

Just a few weeks ago he was enjoying a few drinks at Walsall Cricket Club where I had gotten to know one of his best mates.

A group of them were all due to have a good night out together down Sutton Coldfield a few weeks back. But he he wasn't up to it and cancelled.

Now he is no longer with us.

All this on the day that Vic Crowe is being laid to rest at Sutton Coldfield Crematorium.

And 24 hours before Johnny Dixon's funeral.

West Bromwich born Birch began his career in the Villa youth team, becoming a regular first-team player in 1983/84 season after making his league debut on 29 August 1983 in a 1-0 win at home to Sunderland.

He was a tigerish performer with bags of energy. A firm favourite indeed.

After ten years Birch was sold to Wolves in early 1991 for £400,000 where he joined up with former manager Graham Turner. He was awarded a testimonial by the club (against Wolves) in August 1991.

Birch stayed at Wolves for five years in the second tier. He was almost an ever-present under Turner.

He was finally released by Wolves in Summer 1996, and finished his career with a season at both Doncaster Rovers and Exeter.

Villa and Wolves fans everywhere will be saddened by this news.

But they do say that God only takes the best ones early.