FORMER Forest Green coach and Aston Villa legend Paul Birch has fallen seriously ill with bone cancer and is receiving chemotherapy.
The 45-year-old former midfielder played more than 200 times for Villa and also had five years with Wolves.
Birch spent more than two years as a coach at the Lawn, initially under Nigel Spink and subsequently with Colin Addision.
Rovers spokesman Colin Peake said: "When Paul left his role with the club to take on a coaching position with Birmingham City the club were sorry to see him move on because of the quality of his coaching, which was difficult to replace. He was well liked by everyone at the club and our thoughts are with him and his family at this time."
All FGR Supporters wish Paul well.
LM