Chris Birchall

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Chris Birchall
CM

| image = Birchall.JPG

| caption = Birchall training for the Galaxy (October 2011).

| fullname = Christopher Birchall{{cite web|url=http://www.socawarriors.net/mens-senior-team/7355-twenty-three-questions-with-chris-birchall.html|title=Twenty-three questions with Chris Birchall |last=Mohammed|first="Flex" Inshan|date=20 July 2010|work=socawarriors.net|access-date=7 September 2011}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|5|5|df=y}}

| birth_place = Stafford, England

| height = {{height|ft=5|in=9}}

| position = Midfielder

| currentclub =

| youthyears1 = 1993–2001| youthclubs1 = Port Vale

| years1 = 2001–2006| clubs1 = Port Vale | caps1 = 78| goals1 = 7

| years2 = 2006–2009| clubs2 = Coventry City | caps2 = 29| goals2 = 2

| years3 = 2007 | clubs3 = → St Mirren (loan) | caps3 = 9| goals3 = 0

| years4 = 2008 | clubs4 = → Carlisle United (loan) | caps4 = 2| goals4 = 0

| years5 = 2009 | clubs5 = Brighton & Hove Albion| caps5 = 9| goals5 = 0

| years6 = 2009–2011| clubs6 = LA Galaxy | caps6 = 66| goals6 = 1

| years7 = 2012 | clubs7 = Columbus Crew | caps7 = 18| goals7 = 1

| years8 = 2013–2016| clubs8 = Port Vale | caps8 = 75| goals8 = 7

| years9 = 2016–2017| clubs9 = Kidsgrove Athletic | caps9 = | goals9 = 4

| totalcaps = 286| totalgoals = 22

| nationalyears1 = 2005–2013| nationalteam1 = Trinidad and Tobago| nationalcaps1 = 44|nationalgoals1= 4

}}

Christopher Birchall CM (born 5 May 1984) is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He scored 21 goals in 322 league and cup appearances in a 16-year professional career and scored four goals in 44 international matches for Trinidad and Tobago.

Forging his career with local club Port Vale, he earned worldwide recognition by playing at the 2006 FIFA World Cup for Trinidad and Tobago – the country of his mother's birth. His exploits led to a move up the leagues to Coventry City later that year. After short loan spells with Scottish side St Mirren and Carlisle United, he moved on to Brighton & Hove Albion. In 2009, he moved to the US to sign with MLS club LA Galaxy. Whilst with the Galaxy, the club were crowned Major League Soccer Western Conference champions in 2009 and 2011, and also captured a Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup double in 2011. He joined Columbus Crew for six months in May 2012. He rejoined Port Vale in January 2013 and helped the club to secure promotion out of League Two in 2012–13. He dropped into non-League in September 2016 by joining Kidsgrove Athletic.

Club career

=Port Vale=

Birchall attended Alleyne's High School in Stone, Staffordshire,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/5085332.stm|title=Party erupts at Birchall's local |last=Wood|first=Ian|date=16 June 2006|work=BBC News|access-date=7 December 2009}} and started his career with Port Vale, having been associated with the Burslem based club since the age of nine. He made his debut under Brian Horton on 12 September 2001, replacing Neil Brisco 79 minutes into a 2–0 Second round exit of the League Cup at Charlton Athletic's The Valley stadium. On 20 April 2002, he made his league debut, again replacing Brisco, this time in a 1–0 defeat by Brighton at Vale Park.

{{Blockquote|"I came up through the ranks at Port Vale from the age of 8 until I left the club at 22. I owe all the coaching to them, they nurtured me and really looked after me and had confidence in me."|Birchall in an interview with socawarriors.net in July 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.socawarriors.net/component/content/7355.html?task=view |title=Twenty-three questions with Chris Birchall |last=Mohammed |first=Inshan |date=20 July 2010 |work=socawarriors.net |access-date=13 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930001424/http://www.socawarriors.net/component/content/7355.html?task=view |archive-date=30 September 2012}}}}

He made two Second Division appearances in 2002–03, both away defeats. The teenager earned his first start on 18 October 2003; he was taken off at half-time for Ian Armstrong, as he watched his teammates lose 5–1 at home to Plymouth Argyle. He also played in both games of the club's First round FA Cup struggle over minnows Ford United. In all, he made 13 appearances in 2003–04. Throughout the 2004–05 campaign, Birchall showed his potential, scoring seven goals in 39 games. His first senior goal was a 76th-minute winner against Swindon Town on 19 October.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/3748942.stm|title=Port Vale 1-0 Swindon |date=19 October 2004|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} He also scored a brace against Tranmere Rovers on 7 December in a 3–1 home win.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/4068201.stm|title=Port Vale 3-1 Tranmere |date=7 December 2004|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} At the end of the season he was voted the Young Player of the Year.{{cite web |url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/PortValeVolunteers/0,,10381~2060238,00.html |title=Player of the Year Awards |date=10 May 2011 |work=port-vale.co.uk |access-date=24 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609230455/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/PortValeVolunteers/0%2C%2C10381~2060238%2C00.html |archive-date=9 June 2012}} Birchall scored twice in 32 appearances in the 2005–06 season. However, one of them, a 22nd-minute winner over Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup, was enough to book the Vale a Third round encounter with Doncaster Rovers,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4516290.stm|title=Bristol Rovers 0-1 Port Vale|date=13 December 2005|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} which left the club one win away from a lucrative encounter with Aston Villa at Villa Park.

=Coventry City=

In July 2006, with the World Cup still in progress, Martin Foyle denied reports that his young midfielder would be exiting Vale Park, specifically for Ipswich Town.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/5155178.stm|title=Vale dismiss Birchall 'interest' |date=6 July 2006|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} The next month Birchall was snapped up by Micky Adams' Coventry City for a fee of £300,000 (rising to £325,000 with bonuses), signing a three-year deal with the "Sky Blues".{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/coventry_city/5249340.stm|title=Coventry bring in Vale's Birchall |date=5 August 2006|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} He scored his first "Sky Blues" goal against Norwich City with a {{convert|20|yd|m|adj=on}} low drive.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/5308222.stm|title=Coventry 3-0 Norwich |date=8 September 2006|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} He made 28 appearances in the second tier that season.

In August 2007, Birchall signed with St Mirren on loan until January 2008.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/st_mirren/6972783.stm|title=Buddies complete Birchall signing|date=31 August 2007|access-date=31 August 2007|publisher=BBC Sport}} However, he returned to Coventry in early December, after suffering a hamstring injury.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/st_mirren/7126089.stm|title=Early Buddies exit for Birchall |date=3 December 2007|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} He only played just two games for the "Sky Blues" following his return. Not a part of Chris Coleman's plans for 2008–09, John Ward of Carlisle United expressed an interest in August 2008,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/carlisle_united/7583627.stm|title=Carlisle admit Birchall interest |date=27 August 2008|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} and had admitted speaking to the player's agent.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/carlisle_united/7585928.stm|title=No signings planned at Carlisle |date=28 August 2008|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} He had also been linked with a return on loan to his former club, Port Vale.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/7741608.stm|title=Vale look to Birchall loan deal |date=21 November 2008|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} In November, Birchall signed for Carlisle on loan until the end of the year,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/carlisle_united/7752088.stm|title=Carlisle sign midfielder Birchall |date=27 November 2008|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} having taken advice from teammate Keiren Westwood.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/carlisle_united/7754722.stm|title=Westwood influences Birchall move |date=28 November 2008|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} When returning to Coventry, he agreed to have his contract terminated by mutual consent.[http://www.ccfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10269~1506839,00.html Birchall cancels contract] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910222756/http://www.ccfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10269~1506839%2C00.html |date=10 September 2012 }}, CCFC.co.uk, 2 January 2008. Retrieved 5 January 2008 The midfielder also opted not to return to Carlisle after negotiations with an unnamed American club.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/carlisle_united/7805829.stm|title=Carlisle lose Birchall to US move |date=31 December 2008|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}}

=Brighton & Hove Albion=

In January 2009, Birchall joined League One side Brighton & Hove Albion on an initial week-trial to earn a contract.{{cite web |url=http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0,,10433~1509570,00.html |title=Birchall on Trial with Albion |date=5 January 2009 |work=seagulls.co.uk |access-date=6 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325072136/http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0%2C%2C10433~1509570%2C00.html |archive-date=25 March 2012}} He later signed a contract until the end of the season,{{cite web |url=http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0,,10433~1521998,00.html |title=Albion Sign Birchall |last=Dudding |first=Tim |date=16 January 2009 |work=seagulls.co.uk |access-date=6 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721113212/http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0%2C%2C10433~1521998%2C00.html |archive-date=21 July 2011}} teaming up with his old Coventry boss Micky Adams.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/7828422.stm|title=Birchall earns Brighton contract|date=16 January 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} Three months later Brighton chairman Dick Knight blocked a move to Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy, telling Birchall he would not be allowed to leave the club on a free transfer.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/7989237.stm|title=Brighton block Birchall MLS move |date=11 April 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} Despite this setback, Birchall seemed set on a move to the American franchise.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/8042385.stm|title=Birchall to join Beckham in LA |date=10 May 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} He was freed from Brighton in May 2009 – along with 13 other professionals.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/8046243.stm|title=14 let go in Brighton cull |date=12 May 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 December 2009}} Later that month Birchall agreed a four-year contract with the LA Galaxy.{{cite web|url=http://www.socawarriors.net/foreign-based/5534-birchall-agrees-to-galaxy-deal.html|title=Birchall agrees to Galaxy deal |date=25 May 2009|work=socawarriors.net|access-date=6 December 2009}}

=LA Galaxy=

He made his official MLS debut on 16 July 2009, replacing David Beckham as a substitute 70 minutes into a game against the New York Red Bulls. He played a further eight games for Bruce Arena's side in 2009, as Galaxy topped the Conference, only to lose the MLS Cup final after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Salt Lake. Birchall started the game but was substituted in the 79th minute for Chris Klein. He made 25 appearances in 2010, helping his team to again top the Western Conference table. He then played in the Conference finals, where Galaxy were defeated by FC Dallas. He also played in the CONCACAF Champions League, as Galaxy were knocked out at the preliminary stage after losing to the Puerto Rico Islanders at The Home Depot Center.

Birchall scored his first MLS season goal against Toronto FC on 11 June 2011 in the second minute of the game; he was assisted by Miguel Pedro López. During the off-season, he returned to Vale Park for fitness training.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Win-puts-crossroads-8211-Adams/article-1567222-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Win puts us at crossroads – Adams|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=2 December 2009|work=The Sentinel|access-date=6 December 2009}} He did not rule out a return to Port Vale in the future, though admitted that he was enjoying himself in LA, having made friends with Landon Donovan, David Beckham and Robbie Williams.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9443389.stm|title=Chris Birchall living the American dream with LA Galaxy |last1=Cartwright|first1=Phil|first2=Rob |last2=Adcock |date=4 April 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=4 April 2011}} Galaxy won a treble in 2011, being crowned Supporters' Shield and Conference champions, as well as MLS Cup winners. Birchall came off the bench in the cup final, replacing Adam Cristman on 57 minutes, as Galaxy beat Houston Dynamo 1–0 thanks to a Landon Donovan goal.{{cite news|title=Port Vale: Birchall parties with Beckham after US title triumph|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Birchall-parties-Beckham-title-triumph/story-13919505-detail/story.html|access-date=22 November 2011|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=22 November 2011}}

On 23 January 2012, Arena stated, "There hasn't been a decision made on him [Birchall]. Originally he wanted go back to England, so we obviously agreed to that and didn't renew his option. He was looking to explore opportunities in England. Perhaps he'll want to come back."{{cite news|last=Bueno|first=Luis|title=Undermanned Galaxy get started on quest to defend title|url=http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2012/01/undermanned-galaxy-get-started-quest-defend-title|access-date=24 January 2012|newspaper=lagalaxy.com|date=23 January 2012}} He then returned to Burslem to train with Port Vale, and also raised the possibility of playing for the cash-stricken club for free whilst he weighed up his options elsewhere;{{cite news|title=Port Vale: I'll play for free, says Birchall|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-ll-play-free-says-Birchall/story-15256578-detail/story.html|access-date=17 February 2012|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=17 February 2012}} he said he intended to do this as he owed his career to both the club and to the manager, Micky Adams.{{cite news|title=Chris Birchall willing to play for Port Vale for free|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17088401|access-date=19 February 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=19 February 2012}} Adams said that he was hopeful of bringing Birchall back to Vale Park but said that "I smiled to myself when I saw he was playing for free, because you don't get anything for free in football."{{cite news|title=Port Vale hopeful of re-signing Chris Birchall|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17075525|access-date=17 February 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=17 February 2012}} Birchall was due to sign a month-to-month contract with the club in February 2012,{{cite news|title=Port Vale: Birchall in line for Valiants appearance|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Birchall-line-Valiants-appearance/story-15308526-detail/story.html|access-date=24 February 2012|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=24 February 2012}} having turned out in a reserve team game.{{cite news|title=Chris Birchall plays 84 minutes for Port Vale reserves|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17130733|access-date=25 February 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=22 February 2012}} However, the club were hit with a transfer embargo by the Football League before any contract was signed.{{cite news|title=Club Statement |url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2623805,00.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805170504/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2623805,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 August 2012 |access-date=25 February 2012 |newspaper=port-vale.co.uk |date=25 February 2012 }} At the end of March, he was reported to have signed with Northwich Victoria of the Northern Premier League Premier Division, who were managed by Martin Foyle, his former manager at Vale;{{cite web|title=Registrations to deadline (29th March)|url=http://evostikleague.pitchero.com/registrations-to-deadline-29th-march-8441/|work=evostikleague.pitchero.com|access-date=29 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401205231/http://evostikleague.pitchero.com/registrations-to-deadline-29th-march-8441|archive-date=1 April 2012|url-status=dead}} however, Birchall denied the story on his Twitter account.

=Columbus Crew=

He elected to stay in the MLS in May 2012, after signing an unspecified "multi-year contract" with the Columbus Crew.{{cite web|title=Crew signs T&T International Midfielder Chris Birchall|url=http://www.thecrew.com/news/2012/05/crew-signs-tt-international-midfielder-chris-birchall|work=thecrew.com|access-date=7 May 2012|archive-date=19 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219012802/http://www.thecrew.com/news/2012/05/crew-signs-tt-international-midfielder-chris-birchall|url-status=dead}} Columbus Crew community fan-site Massive Report stated that "Birchall's performances were notable for their high energy, but consistent lack of polish as he tended to cede possession quite a bit" and also reported that the player was "unhappy with his lack of playing time during a September stretch where he didn't see the field for three straight games".{{cite news|last=Guldan|first=Patrick|title=Miranda and Hesmer Among Player Options Declined|url=http://www.massivereport.com/2012/11/28/3704916/miranda-and-hesmer-among-player-options-declined|access-date=3 December 2012|newspaper=massivereport.com|date=28 November 2012}} Head coach Robert Warzycha elected to decline his contract option in December 2012.{{cite news|title=Columbus Crew picks up contracts of 10 players while declining to retain GK Hesmer, 6 others|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/columbus-crew-picks-up-contracts-of-10-players-while-declining-to-retain-gk-hesmer-6-others/2012/11/28/76d45b26-39b1-11e2-9258-ac7c78d5c680_story.html|access-date=3 December 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=3 December 2012}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

=Return to Port Vale=

On 3 January 2013, after a month of training at Vale Park, Birchall signed a contract at former club Port Vale lasting until the end of the 2012–13 season.{{cite news|title=Chris Birchall signs for Port Vale|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Chris-Birchall-signs-Port-Vale/story-17749967-detail/story.html|access-date=3 January 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=3 January 2013}} As well representing a return to his first club, it was also the third time that he would be signed by manager Micky Adams.{{cite news|title=Port Vale: Micky Adams signs Chris Birchall for third time|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20904814|access-date=3 January 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=3 January 2013}} He scored his first goal of his second spell on 5 April with a 25-yard shot in a 7–1 win over promotion rivals Burton Albion.{{cite news|title=Port Vale 7 - 1 Burton Albion|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21973198|access-date=6 April 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=5 April 2013}} Vale were promoted at the end of the season, and Birchall agreed to a new one-year contract in the summer.{{cite news|last=Pearson|first=Guy|title=Birchall and Johnson sign but Rob Page linked with Sheffield United job|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Birchall-Johnson-sign-Rob-Page-linked/story-19145385-detail/story.html#axzz2UOrLB7c1|access-date=31 May 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=31 May 2013}}

Birchall remained an important first-team player during the 2013–14 season and made 17 starts and 15 substitute appearances as the club posted a ninth-place finish in League One.{{cite news|title=Chris Birchall hopes to agree terms to stay at the club|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Chris-Birchall-hopes-agree-terms-stay/story-21064692-detail/story.html|access-date=7 May 2014|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=7 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508031221/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Chris-Birchall-hopes-agree-terms-stay/story-21064692-detail/story.html|archive-date=8 May 2014|url-status=dead}} He signed a new one-year contract in the summer.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Mike|title=Chris Birchall signs new Port Vale deal|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Chris-Birchall-signs-new-Port-Vale-deal/story-21207979-detail/story.html|access-date=9 June 2014|work=The Sentinel|date=9 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714233558/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Chris-Birchall-signs-new-Port-Vale-deal/story-21207979-detail/story.html|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}

He started the 2014–15 season on the right side of midfield after impressing in pre-season training.{{cite news|title=Chris Birchall delighted to play his part in Port Vale's exciting new team|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Chris-Birchall-delighted-play-Port-Vale-s/story-22765009-detail/story.html|access-date=19 August 2014|work=The Sentinel|date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821012330/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Chris-Birchall-delighted-play-Port-Vale-s/story-22765009-detail/story.html|archive-date=21 August 2014|url-status=dead}} He ended the campaign with three goals in 30 appearances and signed a new one-year contract in June 2015.{{cite news|title=Port Vale: Chris Birchall agrees new 12-month contract|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33200637|access-date=19 June 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=19 June 2015}} However, Birchall was not happy with the contract, claiming he turned down better offers to stay at the club and that his loyalty was being taken advantage of.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Chris Birchall questions Vale's loyalty after accepting cut-price contract offer|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Chris-Birchall-questions-Vale-s-loyalty/story-26681521-detail/story.html|access-date=31 December 2015|work=The Sentinel|date=11 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018002254/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Chris-Birchall-questions-Vale-s-loyalty/story-26681521-detail/story.html|archive-date=18 October 2015|url-status=dead}}

After some impressive performances for the Reserves he made his first start of the 2015–16 season on 3 October, taking the place of Byron Moore as manager Rob Page felt he needed a more defensive-minded player to combat Southend United's attacking left-back Ben Coker.{{cite news|title=Captain Carl Dickinson says critics of Chris Birchall are out of line|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Captain-Carl-Dickinson-says-critics/story-27976916-detail/story.html|access-date=14 October 2015|work=The Sentinel|date=14 October 2015}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He remained in first-team contention until picking up a knee injury just before the new year; the injury required surgery and ruled him out of action for six weeks.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Mike|title=Chris Birchall ruled out after knee surgery|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Chris-Birchall-ruled-knee-surgery/story-28446453-detail/story.html|access-date=31 December 2015|work=The Sentinel|date=31 December 2015}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

=Non-League=

Having left Port Vale at the end of the 2015–16 season, Birchall had a trial at Northampton Town in July 2016, who were managed by former Vale boss Rob Page.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Mike|title=Chris Birchall gets trial game for Northampton|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-chris-birchall-gets-trial-game-for-northampton/story-29521434-detail/story.html|access-date=17 July 2016|work=The Sentinel|date=17 July 2016}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Two months later he signed with Northern Premier League Division One South side Kidsgrove Athletic.{{cite news|last1=Hannah|first1=Jim|title=Evo-Stik League: Kidsgrove Athletic swoop for former Port Vale star|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/evo-stik-league-kidsgrove-athletic-swoop-for-former-port-vale-star/story-29744452-detail/story.html|access-date=23 September 2016|work=The Sentinel|date=23 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924014347/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/evo-stik-league-kidsgrove-athletic-swoop-for-former-port-vale-star/story-29744452-detail/story.html|archive-date=24 September 2016|url-status=dead}} He scored four goals before he left the club in January 2017 due to high wages at that level. Manager Ryan Austin said that "I understand that and we have parted on good terms".{{cite web|title=Scorers 2016/17|url=http://www.kidsgroveathletic.uk/goalscorers/scorers-201617|website=KAFC ONLINE|access-date=2 August 2017|language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802172021/http://www.kidsgroveathletic.uk/goalscorers/scorers-201617|archive-date=2 August 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Hannah|first1=Jim|title=Evo-Stik League: Kidsgrove Athletic part company with Chris Birchall|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/evo-stik-league-kidsgrove-athletic-part-company-with-chris-birchall/story-30086824-detail/story.html|access-date=18 February 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=25 January 2017|language=en}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

International career

Although born in England, Birchall represented Trinidad and Tobago internationally. He was eligible due to his mother being born in Port of Spain.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4442898.stm|title=World Cup unknowns |date=20 February 2006|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 December 2009}}

Birchall's agent was spreading the word that he could play for his mother's homeland. He was first made aware of the interest in him by Trinidad and Tobago international centre back Dennis Lawrence, who walked over to him during a game between Port Vale and Wrexham (Lawrence's club at the time). Lawrence inquired if he was indeed eligible to play for the "Soca Warriors" by saying "I hear you've got some 'Trini' blood in you?".{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/funny_old_game/4435384.stm|title=Quotes of the week|date=15 November 2005|work=BBC Sport|access-date=28 December 2008}} Lawrence then passed Birchall's contact details onto the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association,{{Cite book |last=Sherwin |first=Phil |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H_JGDgAAQBAJ&dq=I+hear+you%27ve+got+some+%27Trini%27+blood+in+you&pg=PT64 |title=The Port Vale Miscellany |date=2017 |publisher=The History Press |isbn=978-0-7509-8394-5 |language=en}} and Birchall was called up to the full Trinidad and Tobago squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Panama and Mexico, following a couple of friendlies against Bermuda. After making his debut for the national side, it was widely reported that Birchall was the first white player to represent the country in sixty years.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4918836.stm|title=From Burslem to Dortmund |last=Mitchener |first=Mark|date=30 April 2006|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 December 2009}} However, former Trinidad coach Stephen Hart is white and represented Trinidad & Tobago in 1980. The "Prince of Port-of-Spain", West Indies cricketer Brian Lara, was also credited for helping the TTFA hear about Birchall after Ashley Giles commented on having some West Indian blood in his family. When the press in Trinidad and Tobago asked why he qualified to play for them, he replied, "Me mum". This memorable response gave rise to his "Soca Warrior" nickname, 'Me Mum'.

{{Blockquote|"At the time he joined the team he was the odd guy out but we all welcome him with open arms and he's been very much a key player to our team. He's come in and done a fantastic job and has become an influential player.|Fellow countryman Dwight Yorke on Birchall.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/trinidad_and_tobago/5036580.stm|title=Yorke hails influence of Birchall |date=1 June 2006|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 December 2009}}}}

Undoubtedly his most important contribution to the "Soca Warriors" came on 12 November 2005, in their home (first) leg of their 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Bahrain. Bahrain's Salman Isa had scored in the 72nd minute and were poised to take a 1–0 lead back home for the second leg, but five minutes later, Birchall fired in a stunning goal from well outside the penalty area to equalize. The "Soca Warriors" went on to win the return leg of the play-off in Bahrain 1–0 (on a goal from Lawrence) and advance to their first-ever World Cup finals. Along with goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, Birchall was the only member of the World Cup squad to have been born in England, with the remaining members all having been born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}

In the World Cup, he played all three of the country's games: against Sweden, England and Paraguay. Playing against the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney was a particularly special moment for the player who had spent his life living in England.

Following their return from the 2006 World Cup, each member of the Trinidad and Tobago national team was awarded the country's second-highest honour, the Chaconia Medal in gold, plus TT$1,000,000 (about £87,500 (one quarter in cash, the rest in unit trusts). He is therefore entitled to suffix his name "C.M." if he wishes.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/coventry/content/articles/2006/11/13/midlands_sports_awards_feature.shtml|title=Birchall and Bell up for award|date=21 November 2006|work=BBC Coventry and Warwickshire|access-date=7 December 2009}} "Soca Warrior" fans have also penned a rap song in his honour.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8172542.stm|title=10 famous Britons you've probably never heard of |date=3 August 2009|work=BBC Magazine|access-date=6 December 2009}}

He fell out of the first-team picture in November 2011 before earning a recall under new boss Hutson Charles in March 2013.{{cite news|last=Pearson|first=Guy|title=Chris Birchall wins international recall|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Chris-Birchall-wins-international/story-18344561-detail/story.html#axzz2MkrhVUKI|access-date=7 March 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=7 March 2013}} However, he considered his retirement from the international scene in July 2013, having featured on the bench in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.{{cite news|title=Birchall set to consider his future with Trinidad|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Birchall-set-consider-future-Trinidad/story-19578405-detail/story.html#axzz2ZuKYhWrK|access-date=27 July 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=27 July 2013}}

{{Blockquote|"Never did I think I would be accepted in the manner I was, the support I have received over the years has been phenomenal and I think it was made easier due to my fighting spirit and hard attitude on the pitch. It is hard to call it a day but if I have left just one historic memory with the fans then I have achieved much more than I ever dreamed imaginable with the team. I have always tried to give 100 per cent on the pitch, give my all for the nation whenever called upon and wear the shirt with pride as I knew how many people would die for my opportunity."|Birchall announced his retirement from international football in August 2013.{{cite news|last=Baggaley|first=Mike|title=Vale's Chris Birchall retires from international football|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Vale-s-Chris-Birchall-retires-international/story-19625590-detail/story.html#axzz2bAbx7ZXU|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=7 August 2013}}}}

Personal and later life

In 2006, Birchall and Stoke City star Andy Wilkinson invested £200,000 into Zenn Club, a nightclub in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. However, in July 2008, the club closed due to debts. The club later re-opened under new management.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/article-228450-details/article.html|title=Football stars lose as Zenn club in Hanley collapses|date=21 July 2008|work=The Sentinel|access-date=26 June 2009}} In July 2007, it was reported that Birchall had been dating media personality Jodie Marsh for a brief time.{{cite web|title=Would Chris Make a Model Husband?|url=http://sentinel.vlex.co.uk/vid/would-chris-make-model-husband-76531237|work=The Sentinel|access-date=5 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722101427/http://sentinel.vlex.co.uk/vid/would-chris-make-model-husband-76531237|archive-date=22 July 2012}} His then-partner, Lucy Mulroy, gave birth to a son, Ashley Edward Birchall, on 28 April 2009. Birchall attended Staffordshire University and graduated with a Professional Sports Writing & Broadcasting degree in 2016. He opened a football academy in Wolstanton in May 2021, with an emphasis on getting the children to enjoy the game and have fun rather than training hard.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=New project for Port Vale favourite Chris Birchall |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/new-project-port-vale-favourite-5442844 |access-date=22 May 2021 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=2021-05-21 |language=en}} He began training to become a referee in 2024.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Questions answered about recruitment, budget and plans |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/questions-answered-about-recruitment |access-date=8 May 2024 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=3 May 2024}} He accepted a three-year fast-track deal with the PGMOL.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=League return and a landmark |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/league-return-and-a-landmark |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=7 November 2024}}

Career statistics

=Club=

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|FA Cup U.S. Open Cup !colspan="2"\|League Cup !colspan="2"\|Other !colspan="2"\|Total
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan="6"\|Port Vale	2001–02{{Soccerbase season\|id=28004\|season=2001\|access-date=1 January 2016}}	Second Division	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	2	0
2002–03{{Soccerbase season\|id=28004\|season=2002\|access-date=1 January 2016}}	Second Division	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
2003–04{{Soccerbase season\|id=28004\|season=2003\|access-date=1 January 2016}}	Second Division	10	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	13	0
2004–05{{Soccerbase season\|id=28004\|season=2004\|access-date=1 January 2016}}	League One	34	6	2	0	1	0	2{{efn\|name=flt\|Appearance(s) and goal(s) in the Football League Trophy.}}	1{{efn\|name=flt}}	39	7
2005–06{{Soccerbase season\|id=28004\|season=2005\|access-date=1 January 2016}}	League One	31	1	3	1	1	0	0	0	35	2
colspan="2"\|Total !78	7	8	1	3	0	2	1	91	9
rowspan="4"\|Coventry City	2006–07{{Soccerbase season\|id=28004\|season=2006\|access-date=1 January 2016}}	Championship	28	2	1	0	1	0	0	0	30	2
2007–08{{Soccerbase season\|id=28004\|season=2007\|access-date=1 January 2016}}	Championship	1	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	3	0
2008–09	Championship	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
colspan="2"\|Total !29	2	2	0	2	0	0	0	33	2
St Mirren (loan)	2007–08	SPL	9	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	9	0
\|Carlisle United (loan)	2008–09{{Soccerbase season\|id=28004\|season=2008\|access-date=1 January 2016}}	League One	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
Brighton & Hove Albion	2008–09	League One	9	0	0	0	0	0	1{{efn\|name=flt}}	0	10	0
rowspan="4"\|LA Galaxy	2009{{cite web\|title=2009 statistics\|url=http://www.lagalaxy.com/stats/season?season_year=2009&season_type=REG&group=GOALS&op=Search&form_build_id=form-4f6dc71662394be9dabbe62b3bb2ea0e&form_id=mls_stats_individual_form\|work=lagalaxy.com\|access-date=24 January 2012}}	Major League Soccer	11	0	0	0	–	–	0	0	11	0
2010{{cite web\|title=2010 statistics\|url=http://www.lagalaxy.com/stats/season?season_year=2010&season_type=REG&group=GOALS&op=Search&form_build_id=form-4f6dc71662394be9dabbe62b3bb2ea0e&form_id=mls_stats_individual_form\|work=lagalaxy.com\|access-date=24 January 2012}}{{cite web\|title=Champions League 2010/2011 \|url=http://concacaf.globalsportsmedia.com/page.php?sport=soccer&language_id=us&page=tournament&view=team&team_id=2272&season_id=5118 \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709080620/http://concacaf.globalsportsmedia.com/page.php?sport=soccer&language_id=us&page=tournament&view=team&team_id=2272&season_id=5118 \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=9 July 2012 \|work=globalsportsmedia.com \|access-date=24 January 2012 }}{{cite web\|last=Alwin\|first=J.T.\|title=2010 US Open Cup Third Round: Galaxy send AC St. Louis home after 2-0 win\|url=http://thecup.us/2010-us-open-cup-third-round-galaxy-send-ac-st-louis-home-after-2-0-win/\|work=thecup.us\|access-date=24 January 2012}}	Major League Soccer	28	0	1	0	–	–	1{{efn\|name=con\|Appearance(s) in the CONCACAF Champions League.}}	0	30	0
2011{{cite web\|title=2011 season stats \|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/format/design09/playerGameLog?playerId=10445&positionId=10&teamId=187&lang=EN&league=usa.1&xhr=0 \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716054127/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/format/design09/playerGameLog?playerId=10445&positionId=10&teamId=187&lang=EN&league=usa.1&xhr=0 \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=16 July 2012 \|work=ESPN \|access-date=24 January 2012 }}{{cite web\|title=Champions League 2011/2012 \|url=http://concacaf.globalsportsmedia.com/page.php?sport=soccer&language_id=us&page=tournament&view=team&team_id=2272&season_id=6086 \|work=globalsportsmedia.com \|access-date=24 January 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112043200/http://concacaf.globalsportsmedia.com/page.php?sport=soccer&language_id=us&page=tournament&view=team&team_id=2272&season_id=6086 \|archive-date=12 January 2012}}{{cite web\|last=Winner\|first=Andrew\|title=USOC Recap: Jaqua fuels Sounders to 3-1 win over Galaxy\|url=http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2011/07/usoc-recap-jaqua-fuels-sounders-3-1-win-over-galaxy\|work=lagalaxy.com\|access-date=24 January 2012\|archive-date=14 March 2012\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314020359/http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2011/07/usoc-recap-jaqua-fuels-sounders-3-1-win-over-galaxy\|url-status=dead}}	Major League Soccer	27	1	1	0	–	–	4{{efn\|name=con}}	0	32	1
colspan="2"\|Total !66	1	2	0	–\|\|–	5	0	73	1
Columbus Crew	2012{{Soccerway\|christopher-birchall/644}}	Major League Soccer	18	1	1	0	–	–	0	0	19	1
rowspan="5"\|Port Vale	2012–13{{Soccerbase season\|id=28004\|season=2012\|access-date=1 January 2016}}	League Two	11	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	11	1
2013–14{{Soccerbase season\|id=28004\|season=2013\|access-date=1 January 2016}}	League One	27	1	3	1	0	0	2{{efn\|name=flt}}	0	32	2
2014–15{{Soccerbase season\|id=28004\|season=2014\|access-date=1 January 2016}}	League One	27	3	1	0	1	0	1{{efn\|name=flt}}	0	30	3
2015–16{{Soccerbase season\|id=28004\|season=2015\|access-date=1 January 2016}}	League One	10	2	1	0	0	0	1{{efn\|name=flt}}	0	12	2
colspan="2"\|Total !75	7	5	1	1	0	4	0	85	8
colspan="3"\|Career total{{efn\|name=kid\|Statistics for Kidsgrove Athletic not recorded.}} !286	18	18	2	6	0	12	1	322	21

=International=

National team	Year	Apps
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year{{cite web \|last1=Strack-Zimmermann \|first1=Benjamin \|title=Christopher Birchall \|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/11717/Christopher_Birchall.html \|website=www.national-football-teams.com \|access-date=12 May 2020 \|language=en}}
rowspan="9"\|Trinidad and Tobago \|2005	14	2
2006	11	2
2007	0	0
2008	6	0
2009	5	0
2010	0	0
2011	3	0
2012	0	0
2013	5	0
colspan="2"\|Total	44	4

Honours

LA Galaxy

MLS Cup: 2011
Major League Soccer Supporters' Shield: 2010, 2011
Major League Soccer Western Conference Championship: 2009, 2011

Port Vale

Football League Two third-place promotion: 2012–13{{Citation|last1=Sherwin|first1=Phil|first2=Dave |last2=Johnson|title=Port Vale This Side Up: 2012-2013 Promotion Celebration|publisher=BGL|year=2013|isbn=978-0-9926579-0-1}}

Individual