Birch future in balance

Some stories suggest Bircham had signed a new 2-year deal at Loftus Road while others are claiming he is signing for Sheffield United.

There has been no official comment from club or player regarding his future today but we can only assume talks are still ongoing.

Bircham has always insisted he hopes to stay at Rangers for the remainder of his footballing days but spoke of his worry that the club may not match his desires to reach the Premiership. After winning promotion this season Bircham wished that the club could push on and consolidate in the first division while strengthening the squad and pushing on to battle for a place in the countries elite. Kevin Gallen echoed Bircham’s thoughts and many fans believe the club is on the way, slowly, to back where many consider the club should be.

When I heard the news of Birch talking to other clubs, especially Cardiff along with Ipswich, Sheffield, Wolves and Coventry I was a little suprised but after analysing it I did find it perfectly normal. He is simply exercising his rights and as he put it "seeing what else is on offer". Obviously if Rangers did not offer him a new deal he should look for a new club for employment. But it seems formality that the club will offer him a new deal and I expected him to sign, after all he rejected Premiership football two years ago in favour of a move to us in the second division.

After his excellent displays in the final part of this season it seems he rises to the occasion of big games and whether he has blue hair or not he was and is a key part of the side. If we do lose him on a free transfer it will be a massive blow and may be Ollie has lined up Micah Hyde as a replacement rather than a partner. If the club do not match his ambitions it seems he may be on his way out sooner rather than later and if we do not offer Clarke Carlisle a decent deal it looks like he’ll be heading in the same direction- North to Yorkshire and Sheffield United to join Neil Warnock’s Blades.

For all the latest contract news, transfers, rumours and pre-season info log on to us at QPR MAD as Rangers prepare for the 1^st division.