- Chris Birchall
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Chris Birchall Personal information Full name Christopher Birchall[1] Date of birth 5 May 1984 [1] Place of birth Stafford, England[1] Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[1] Playing position Midfielder Club information Current club Los Angeles Galaxy Number 8 Youth career 1993–2001 Port Vale Senior career* Years Team Apps† (Gls)† 2001–2006 Port Vale 78 (7) 2006–2009 Coventry City 29 (2) 2007 → St. Mirren (loan) 9 (0) 2008 → Carlisle United (loan) 2 (0) 2009 Brighton & Hove Albion 9 (0) 2009– Los Angeles Galaxy 57 (1) National team‡ 2005– Trinidad and Tobago 38 (4) * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of October 31, 2011.
† Appearances (Goals).
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of October 19, 2011Christopher "Chris" Birchall[2] CM (born 5 May 1984 in Stafford) is an English-born Trinidadian footballer who currently plays in midfield for Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy.
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 United States to sign with MLS club Los Angeles Galaxy.
Contents
Career
Club
Birchall attended Alleyne's High School in Stone, Staffordshire,[3] 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.
"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.[4]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 thirteen appearances in 2003–04.
It was throughout the 2004–05 campaign that 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.[5] He also scored a brace against Tranmere Rovers on 7 December in a 3–1 home win.[6] At the end of the season he was voted the Young Player of the Year.[7]
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,[8] which left the club one win away from a lucrative encounter with Aston Villa at Villa Park.
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.[9] 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".[10] He scored his first "Sky Blues" goal against Norwich City with a 20-yard (18 m) low drive.[11] He made 28 appearances in the second tier that season.
In August 2007, Birchall signed with St Mirren on loan until January 2008.[12] However he returned to Coventry in early December, after suffering a hamstring injury.[13] 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,[14] and had admitted speaking to the player's agent.[15] He had also been linked with a return on loan to his former club, Port Vale.[16] In November, Birchall signed for Carlisle on loan until the end of the year,[17] having taken advice from teammate Keiren Westwood.[18] When returning to Coventry, he agreed to have his contract terminated by mutual consent.[19] The midfielder also opted not to return to Carlisle, after negotiations with an unnamed American club.[20] In January 2009, Birchall joined English League One side Brighton & Hove Albion on an initial week-trial with a view to earning a contract.[21] He later signed a contract until the end of the season,[22] teaming up with his old Coventry boss Micky Adams.[23] Three months later Brighton chairman Dick Knight blocked a move to Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy, telling Birchall he would not be allowed to leave the club on a free transfer.[24] Despite this setback, Birchall seemed set on a move to the American franchise.[25] He was freed from Brighton in May 2009 – along with thirteen other professionals.[26] Later that month Birchall agreed a four-year contract with the LA Galaxy.[27]
He made his official MLS debut on July 16, 2009, replacing David Beckham as a substitute 70 minutes into a game against the New York Red Bulls.Chris Birchall scored his 1st MLS season goal against Toronto FC on June 11, 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.[28] 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.[29]
International
Although born in England, Birchall has represented Trinidad and Tobago at international level. He is eligible for that country because his mother was born in Port of Spain.[30]
Birchall's agent was spreading word around that he could in fact play for his mother's homeland. He was first made aware of the interest in him by Trinidad & Tobago international central defender Dennis Lawrence, who walked over to him during a game between Port Vale and Wrexham (Lawrence's club at the time). Lawrence enquired if he was indeed eligible to play for the "Soca Warriors" by saying "I hear you've got some 'Trini' blood in you?".[31] Lawrence then passed Birchall's contact details onto the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, and Birchall was called up to the full Trinidad & 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, Birchall became the first white player to represent the country in sixty years.[32]
The "Prince of Port-of-Spain", West Indies cricketer Brian Lara, was also credited for helping the TTFA hear about Birchall after Ashley Giles made a comment about having some West Indian blood in his family. When asked by the press in Trinidad and Tobago why he qualified to play for them he replied "Me mum". This memorable response gave rise to his "Soca Warrior" nickname, ‘Me Mum’.
"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.[33]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 equalise. 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.
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.[34] "Soca Warrior" fans have also penned a rap song in his honour.[35]
Personal 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 was closed due to debts. The club later re-opened under new management.[36]
Chris and Lucy Mulroy had their son Ashley Edward Birchall on April 28th 2009.
Birchall is affectionately known as 'Me Mum' by the Trinidad and Tobago Soca Warriors fans. This is because Birchall's response to a question about his right to play for Trinidad and Tobago was simply "me mum".
Statistics
Birchall training for the LA Galaxy.
Club level
- As of 3 June 2011.
Club performance League Cup League Cup Total Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals England League FA Cup League Cup Total 2001–02[37] Port Vale Second Division 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 2002–03[38] Port Vale Second Division 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2003–04[39] Port Vale Second Division 10 0 3 0 0 0 13 0 2004–05[40] Port Vale League One 34 6 2 0 1 0 39 7 2005–06[41] Port Vale League One 31 1 3 1 1 0 35 2 2006–07[42] Coventry City Championship 28 2 1 0 1 0 30 2 2007–08[43] Coventry City Championship 1 0 1 0 1 0 3 0 Scotland League Scottish Cup League Cup Total 2007–08[43] St. Mirren SPL 9 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 Total England 9 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 2008–09[44] Carlisle United League One 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2008–09[44] Brighton & Hove Albion League One 9 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 Total England 118 9 10 1 5 0 136 11 USA League Open Cup League Cup Total 2009 Los Angeles Galaxy MLS 9 0 - - - - 9 0 2010 Los Angeles Galaxy MLS 25 0 - - - - 25 0 2011 Los Angeles Galaxy MLS 20 1 - - - - 20 1 Total USA 56 1 0 0 0 0 56 1 Career total 183 10 10 1 5 0 201 12 - Notes
- Football League Trophy results included in totals.
International level
- Scores and results list Trinidad and Tobago's goal tally first.
Honours
Awards
- Port Vale F.C. Young Player of the Year: 2004–05
Los Angeles Galaxy
- MLS Cup (1): 2011
- Major League Soccer Supporters' Shield (2): 2010, 2011
- Major League Soccer Western Conference Championship (2): 2009, 2011
See also
- List of current MLS players
- List of current MLS players with national team caps
- List of foreign MLS players
References
- ^ a b c d Mohammed, Felix (20 July 2010). "Twenty-three questions with Chris Birchall". socawarriors.net. http://www.socawarriors.net/mens-senior-team/7355-twenty-three-questions-with-chris-birchall.html. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
- ^ "Search 1984 to 2006 – Birth, Marriage and Death indexes". Findmypast.com. http://www.findmypast.com/post84BMDSearchStart.action?redef=0&searchType=B. Retrieved 2009-05-02.
- ^ Wood, Ian (16 June 2006). "Party erupts at Birchall's local". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/5085332.stm. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
- ^ Mohammed, Ishan (20 July 2010). "Twenty-three questions with Chris Birchall". socawarriors.net. http://www.socawarriors.net/component/content/7355.html?task=view. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
- ^ "Port Vale 1-0 Swindon". BBC Sport. 19 October 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/3748942.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Port Vale 3-1 Tranmere". BBC Sport. 7 December 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/4068201.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Player of the Year Awards". port-vale.co.uk. 10 May 2011. http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/PortValeVolunteers/0,,10381~2060238,00.html. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
- ^ "Bristol Rovers 0-1 Port Vale". BBC Sport. 13 December 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4516290.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Vale dismiss Birchall 'interest'". BBC Sport. 6 July 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/5155178.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Coventry bring in Vale's Birchall". BBC Sport. 5 August 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/coventry_city/5249340.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Coventry 3-0 Norwich". BBC Sport. 8 September 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/5308222.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Buddies complete Birchall signing". BBC Sport. 2007-08-31. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/st_mirren/6972783.stm. Retrieved 2007-08-31.
- ^ "Early Buddies exit for Birchall". BBC Sport. 3 December 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/st_mirren/7126089.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Carlisle admit Birchall interest". BBC Sport. 27 August 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/carlisle_united/7583627.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "No signings planned at Carlisle". BBC Sport. 28 August 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/carlisle_united/7585928.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Vale look to Birchall loan deal". BBC Sport. 21 November 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/7741608.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Carlisle sign midfielder Birchall". BBC Sport. 27 November 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/carlisle_united/7752088.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Westwood influences Birchall move". BBC Sport. 28 November 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/carlisle_united/7754722.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ Birchall cancels contract, CCFC.co.uk, 2 January 2008. Retrieved 5 January 2008
- ^ "Carlisle lose Birchall to US move". BBC Sport. 31 December 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/carlisle_united/7805829.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Birchall on Trial with Albion". seagulls.co.uk. 5 January 2009. http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0,,10433~1509570,00.html. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ Dudding, Tim (16 January 2009). "Albion Sign Birchall". seagulls.co.uk. http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0,,10433~1521998,00.html. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Birchall earns Brighton contract". BBC Sport. 16 January 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/7828422.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Brighton block Birchall MLS move". BBC Sport. 11 April 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/7989237.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Birchall to join Beckham in LA". BBC Sport. 10 May 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/8042385.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Fourteen let go in Brighton cull". BBC Sport. 12 May 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/8046243.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Birchall agrees to Galaxy deal". socawarriors.net. 25 May 2009. http://www.socawarriors.net/foreign-based/5534-birchall-agrees-to-galaxy-deal.html. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ Shaw, Steve (December 2, 2009). "Port Vale: Win puts us at crossroads – Adams". The Sentinel. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Win-puts-crossroads-8211-Adams/article-1567222-detail/article.html. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ Cartwright, Phil; Rob Adcock (4 April 2011). "Chris Birchall living the American dream with LA Galaxy". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9443389.stm. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
- ^ "World Cup unknowns". BBC Sport. 20 February 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4442898.stm. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
- ^ "Quotes of the week". BBC Sport. 15 November 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/funny_old_game/4435384.stm. Retrieved 2008-12-28.
- ^ Mitchener, Mark (30 April 2006). "From Burslem to Dortmund". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4918836.stm. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
- ^ "Yorke hails influence of Birchall". BBC Sport. 1 June 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/trinidad_and_tobago/5036580.stm. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
- ^ "Birchall and Bell up for award". BBC Coventry and Warwickshire. 2006-11-21. http://www.bbc.co.uk/coventry/content/articles/2006/11/13/midlands_sports_awards_feature.shtml. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
- ^ "10 famous Britons you've probably never heard of". BBC Magazine. 3 August 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8172542.stm. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ "Football stars lose as Zenn club in Hanley collapses". The Sentinel. July 21, 2008. http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/article-228450-details/article.html. Retrieved 2009-06-26.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Birchall in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=28004&season_id=131. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Birchall in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=28004&season_id=132. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Birchall in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=28004&season_id=133. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Birchall in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=28004&season_id=134. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Birchall in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=28004&season_id=135. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Birchall in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=28004&season_id=136. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
- ^ a b "Games played by Chris Birchall in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=28004&season_id=137. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
- ^ a b "Games played by Chris Birchall in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=28004&season_id=138. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
External links
Trinidad and Tobago squad – 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup 
Trinidad and Tobago squad – 2006 FIFA World Cup Los Angeles Galaxy – current squad 1 Ricketts · 2 Dunivant · 3 Berhalter · 4 Gonzalez · 5 Franklin · 6 Hejduk · 7 Kirovski · 8 Birchall · 10 Donovan · 11 Barrett · 12 Saunders · 14 Keane · 15 Keat · 16 Jiménez · 17 Cristman · 18 Magee · 19 Juninho · 20 DeLaGarza · 21 McCarty · 22 Leonardo · 23 Beckham · 24 Perk · 25 López · 26 Stephens · 27 Jordan · 28 Thomas · 29 Robinson · 30 Cardozo · 32 McBean · 33 Alvarado ·
Head Coach: Arena Associate Head Coach: Sarachan Assistant Coach: Onalfo Player/Assistant Coach: Berhalter Goalkeeper Coach: Feuer
Categories:- 1984 births
- Living people
- People from Stafford
- Association football midfielders
- English footballers
- English people of Trinidad and Tobago descent
- Major League Soccer players
- Trinidad and Tobago footballers
- Trinidad and Tobago international footballers
- Trinidad and Tobago expatriate footballers
- Port Vale F.C. players
- Coventry City F.C. players
- St. Mirren F.C. players
- Carlisle United F.C. players
- Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. players
- Los Angeles Galaxy players
- The Football League players
- Scottish Premier League players
- 2006 FIFA World Cup players
- 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup players
- Expatriate soccer players in the United States
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