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Birch comes back to roost
Marc Bircham gave up professional football two-and-a-half years ago when an ankle injury wrecked his career.
But now the former Canada international and QPR legend has returned to the pitch to play alongside his brother Lee.
Marc or 'Birch', 32, has signed for Leverstock Green FC, the club managed by Steve Heath, the man who brought him to Kings Langley FC - the last club he played for.
Heath, who moved from Kings at the beginning of last season, brought Marc's brother Lee with him to Pancake Lane, and now he has the set again.
However neither player nor boss expects Birch to be able to play week in week out, with the now father of four on the books at QPR as Youth Team manager.
He played his second game for Green on Saturday, having 45 minutes up front instead of in his usual central midfield role:
"My wife had a baby on Thursday so I only had a couple of hours sleep Friday - I probably shouldn't have played!" he said.
"It was enjoyable but I was absolutely shattered afterwards.
"If I could get some games for this year I would be happy."
Hemel man Birch, who felt his bad, left ankle during the game, said: "I wanted to come off but there were no subs left! I was just limping around."
Heath, who has signed another five players and is waiting on more, said: "It's just good having Marc around the players in training. He gives them good advice. I'm hoping he will be available to play more often than not."
Heath was pleased with Saturday's stalemate with Hemel and said he expected Colin Payne to do well this season with Hemel.
Green's face St Margaretsbury in their first competitive match - the Herts Charity Shield - next weekend with friendlies this week and next.
Brothers Marc and Lee Bircham during their Kings Langley FC days.
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -0 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -4 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
