MARC Bircham has labelled Alan McDonald as ‘one of his idols’ ahead of the memorial match to remember the former club captain on Monday night.
Fans’ favourite Bircham – a former player and now Head Coach of Elite Development in W12 – will line up in the QPR Legends XI against their Northern Ireland counterparts in aid of the Alan McDonald Trust.
Other R’s legends set to be involved include Les Ferdinand, Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen and Bradley Allen, with many other former Hoops due to make up the squad.
The match takes place at Seaview (Crusaders FC) in Belfast on Monday evening – kick-off 7.30pm.
Speaking to London Call-In, Bircham - who watched McDonald from the Loftus Road terraces and also played under our former assistant manager - said: “Legend is an over-used word a lot of the time at clubs but Alan McDonald was a legend at QPR, particularly for the amount of years he spent here.
“He played at the highest level for QPR and I remember that I started watching Northern Ireland just because of Alan McDonald. I also remember watching World Cups when he was there.”
He added: “Anyone who knew Macca knows he was the life and soul. There was that element in his coaching. There was enjoyment, but there was also a seriousness as well.
“I think in the short time he did coach us, the lads really enjoyed it.
“For me personally, just to be coached by one of your idols that you used to watch was an honour. I know Kevin Gallen thought that too.
“I’m looking forward to it (Monday night). It will be great to meet up with all the old players to talk about Macca. The stories will probably go on long into the night!”
Tickets – priced £10 adults and £7 concessions – will be available on the turnstiles on Monday evening.