Bircham exit looking likely as McClaren builds QPR backroom team

Marc Bircham’s future is uncertain, with new QPR manager Steve McClaren determined to appoint his own backroom staff.

Rangers’ owners have indicated to Bircham that they want him to stay at the club.

However, McClaren is keen to bring in more new faces following the arrival of John Eustace as his assistant.

It leaves Bircham, who has been first-team coach since Ian Holloway returned in November 2016 for a second spell as Rangers manager, effectively facing a demotion if he remains at Loftus Road.

The former midfielder made 167 appearances for Rangers and had spells as youth coach and Under-21 boss.

He is well liked by the club’s owners, who believe he played a major role in the emergence of several youngsters last season under Holloway, who was sacked two weeks ago.

But Bircham has ambitions to be a manager, had a significant role under Holloway, and would not want a reduced role.

And by Friday evening it was looking increasingly likely that a financial settlement will eventually be reached in order for him to amicably move on.

Eustace’s appointment was confirmed on Friday morning, having been agreed in principle earlier this week.

It is expected to be the first of several additions to the coaching staff McClaren makes this summer.