Gary Birch had two loan periods at Exeter City in 2001: the first at the end of one season; the other at the start of the next. He then returned to Walsall and was to later make Football League appearances for Barnsley, Kidderminster and Lincoln before enjoying a long non-league career.

Beginning his career with Walsall as a trainee, where he was highly rated, Gary signed a full contract for the Saddlers in October 1998 and eventually totalled 68 league appearances for the club, scoring seven goals.

The first of Gary’s loan spells at St James’ Park commenced in March 2001, when he made his Grecians’ debut as a substitute in a 2-1 home win over Kidderminster Harriers. Scoring twice in nine first team outings, Gary returned to Walsall at the end of the season.

Gary was back at the Park though in August 2001 for another loan spell, and this time failed to hit the target in five starts and ten substitute appearances.

Gary’s loan travels were not over though as Walsall allowed him to make temporary moves to Nuneaton and Barnsley before he left the Saddlers to sign for Kidderminster Harriers in December 2004. After being loaned by Kiddy to Nuneaton Borough, Gary played for Lincoln City and Hucknall Town (loan) prior to signing for AFC Telford United in January 2007. Thereafter Gary was with Rushall Olympic (loan), Chasetown and Solihull Moors.

Gary then went into management at Lichfield City, Hednesford Town and Walsall Wood before, as of 2022, working as assistant manager at Bromsgrove Sporting.