Villa and Albion back Birch Trust

Former Aston Villa and West Brom players will be raising money for the Paul Birch Trust at Saturday's derby between the two clubs at Villa Park.

Nineteen ex-players will help with a collection for the former Villa and Wolves star, who is battling cancer.

European Cup winners Gordon Cowans, Des Bremner and Kenny Swain are among the big names taking part.

"It's terrific to have the club and former players in tandem," said Villa's Old Stars chairman Neil Rioch.

"To have the opposition's former players also offering their support demonstrates the mutual respect players have for each other."

Other ex-footballers taking part include Charlie Aitken and former striker Garry Thompson, who played for both clubs.

Birch, 46, played almost 350 games for Villa and Wolves during a fifteen-year professional career.

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