The Football League chief, Trevor Birch, on the record numbers below the Premier League, even if financial losses are a concern
It’s the time of year for pitch celebrations. Up and down England and Wales, from Fratton Park to the Racecourse Ground (AKA STōK Cae Ras), Pride Park to Portman Road, mass jubilation has burst from the terraces as the structure of the football pyramid shifts once more. It’s a unique celebration and Trevor Birch, the former striker, accountant and administrator who is now the chief executive of the English Football League, has witnessed more than most.
“I think I’m qualified to comment, given I’m probably averaging about 75 to 80 games a season,” says Birch, whose life in football has led him to be present at many of the moments that have shaped the modern game. “Derby, I was there for that. There were 30-odd thousand people there which was extraordinary, and over 20 thousand at Portsmouth. Both of those clubs have been in administration so it was great to see these clubs vibrant again, with brilliant supporters. It’s a rejuvenation that the pyramid makes possible.”
Continue reading…The Football League chief, Trevor Birch, on the record numbers below the Premier League, even if financial losses are a concernIt’s the time of year for pitch celebrations. Up and down England and Wales, from Fratton Park to the Racecourse Ground (AKA STōK Cae Ras), Pride Park to Portman Road, mass jubilation has burst from the terraces as the structure of the football pyramid shifts once more. It’s a unique celebration and Trevor Birch, the former striker, accountant and administrator who is now the chief executive of the English Football League, has witnessed more than most.“I think I’m qualified to comment, given I’m probably averaging about 75 to 80 games a season,” says Birch, whose life in football has led him to be present at many of the moments that have shaped the modern game. “Derby, I was there for that. There were 30-odd thousand people there which was extraordinary, and over 20 thousand at Portsmouth. Both of those clubs have been in administration so it was great to see these clubs vibrant again, with brilliant supporters. It’s a rejuvenation that the pyramid makes possible.” Continue reading…
