Sources: Ex-QPR coach Bircham makes up mind on becoming Gillingham manager after talks
Former QPR first-team coach Marc Bircham has ruled himself out of the running for the Gillingham manager’s job, Football Insider understands.
Bircham was the favourite to replace Steve Evans at the Priestfield Stadium following his departure from the League One strugglers earlier this month.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Bircham held talks with Gillingham over the vacancy, but is no longer interested in the role.
The Gills have been without a manager since parting ways with Evans on January 9.
The 59-year-old left Priestfield by mutual consent following a 4-0 defeat at home to Ipswich Town.
Steve Lovell was brought in as caretaker manager following Evans’ exit as the club search for a permanent appointment.
However, Lovell has been unable to turn the Gills’ fortunes around.
He has suffered two defeats and a draw in his first three games.
The club currently sit 23rd in League One.
Gillingham’s hunt for a manager led to club chiefs holding talks with Bircham.
The former Canada international has been out of work since November after being sacked from his first managerial role at Waterford.
The 43-year-old started his coaching career among QPR’s youth setup.
He was handed temporary charge of the first team, alongside Steve Gallen, for one game back in 2009.
Bircham took on the Waterford job back in May 2021.
Having impressed during his early games in charge, he was handed a two-and-a-half-year contract in August before being sacked.
Having held discussions about succeeding Evans at Gillingham, Bircham has ruled himself out of the running.
The Gills face Oxford United at home on Saturday (29 January).
In other news, Port Vale in talks to sign League One star.