Career
Born in East Ham he made his Football League debut with Sheffield United and went on to have a varied career, spending time at Chelsea and Leicester City as well as playing in the NASL and representing England at Under-23 level Sheffield United Birchenall"s parents had moved from East Ham to Nottinghamshire when he was four and he played in the local junior leagues for Thorneywood Boys where he was spotted by Sheffield United. Signed by then manager John Harris Birchenall was a skilful attacking midfielder who initially played in the Blades youth and reserve team where he became a prolific goal scorer.
He made his league debut a year after he was signed playing against Stoke City in September 1964.
Nicknamed The Birch, Birchenall soon cemented himself in the Blades first team, endearing himself to the fans by scoring both games against local rivals Sheffield Wednesday in a 2–0 victory at Hillsborough in only his second game. In 1967 however, with United seeking to raise funds both Birchenall and Jones were sold in quick succession with Birchenall being transferred to Chelsea.
He left Bramall Lane having played over 120 games for the club, scoring 37 goals and having the "distinction" of being the first Blades player ever to be substituted in a League game (against Fulham in September 1965). Chelsea and Crystal Palace Birchenall was among the first players to command a £100,000 price tag when he moved from Sheffield United to Chelsea in November 1967.
After three years at Chelsea, he joined Crystal Palace, in June 1970, in another £100,000 deal and was the team"s top scorer in his first season at Selhurst Park, with 10 goals from 36 appearances.
Leicester City and the NASL Leicester City paid £80,000 for him in September 1971, and he remained with them until signing for N ottinghamshire County in 1977. He later played for NASL sides the San Jose Earthquakes and the Memphis Rogues. Return to England He also spent brief spells with Blackburn Rovers, Luton Town, Hereford United and Trowbridge Town where he was player manager.
Birchenall was capped four times for the England Under-23"s with his appearances being spread between his time at Sheffield United and Chelsea.
Birchenall is currently club ambassador, which includes the role of pre-match and half-time host, at Leicester City. He also ran a footwear company and The Griffin Inn in Swithland following his retirement from playing.
Birchenall is a patron of PROSTaid a prostate cancer charity.
