Career
Born in Fenton, Staffordshire he started his career with Portuguese Vale before spending seven years at Sheffield United. After leaving Bramall Lane he played for Plymouth Argyle, Bristol City and Yeovil & Petters United, as well as having a spell as first team coach at Bristol City. Birks joined Portuguese Vale from Butt Lane Star in May 1920.
He made his Second Division debut in 1920-1921, but remained a fringe player in 1921-1922, despite lifting the North Staffordshire Infirmary Cup in 1922.
However he missed just one game of the 1922-1923 campaign, and was an ever-present in 1923-1924. He was sold to Sheffield United for "a substantial sum" in October 1924 as the Blades sought a replacement for regular left back Ernest Milton.
Never a fully established first team player, Birks did give good service to the Blades during his time playing over 200 games in all competitions. After leaving United in February 1931, Birks joined up with Plymouth Argyle.
Competing with former England international Fred Titmuss for the left-back position, he made 49 league and cup appearances, before departing Home Park for Bristol City in April 1933.
He later played non-league football for Yeovil & Petters United, before returning to Bristol to work as first team coach. With Portuguese Vale.