Southport man named Football League Chief Executive

A Southport man has been named the new Chief Executive of the EFL.

Trevor Birch, 62, will leave his role as Director of Football Operations at Tottenham Hotspur to take up the new post.

Birch will take up his new position on 1st January, after the current chief David Baldwin steps down.

Born in Southport, Birch left Ormskirk Grammar School at 16 to pursue a career as a professional footballer, playing for Shrewsbury Town and Chester, having been on the books at Liverpool, the last apprentice signed by Bill Shankly before his retirement.

After retiring from the professional game, he retrained as an accountant but continued to play semi-professionally for Marine, Runcorn and Northwich Victoria. He has played in the Southport and District local league, according to the league’s website.

He previously worked for Smith Forshaw accountants in Southport. His career saw him rise to partner at Ernst & Young, where he was spotted by Leeds chairman Ken Bates.

Bates offered Birch a job at Chelsea, where he oversaw the £150m sale to Roman Abramovich.

Birch has also been a member of Hillside Golf Club.

Accepting his new role, Trevor Birch said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Spurs, however the opportunity to play a role in the Football League at such a crucial time is one I couldn’t turn down.

“There is a big job to be done dealing with the effect of the pandemic together with the discussions on the future structure of football and I’m looking forward to playing my part in making a significant contribution going forwards.”

EFL Chair Rick Parry said: “I have no doubt that his acumen and experience will prove valuable for the EFL as we look to navigate our way out of the unprecedented set of circumstances presented to us by Covid-19 alongside considering the challenges of future reform to the pyramid as we look to develop long-term sustainability in the EFL.”