NEW Queen's Park Rangers signing Marc Bircham looked across the Loftus Road pitch and admitted: "This is a dream come true."

Bircham, who signed on a free transfer from Millwall this week, is from a family full of Rangers fans and went to his first game when he was only two years old and spent much of his childhood sitting in the Upper Loft.

Bircham has joined on a two-year contract and was also attracting interest from Premiership Birmingham City and Charlton Athletic.

"For professional reasons I had to look at everything that is available that's the same thing that anyone would do in any job.

"But as soon as I knew Rangers wanted to sign me it felt right. If I hadn't signed I don't think my family would have forgiven me!

"Some people may look at it and say if clubs like Birmingham and Stoke are interested that I should have gone there. But I want to help QPR get back up to Division 1. We have a great chance. Winning promotion with Millwall from Division 2 was a great experience I want more of the same with QPR."

With so many of his friends and family supporting QPR, Bircham is going to need a whole block of seats for each game. He said: "I counted up last night and I reckon I've got around 45 friends and family who support Rangers.

"I am so looking forward to pulling on a Rangers shirt and playing at Loftus Road. I can't wait for the Celtic game."

July 11, 2002 10:00