English footballer
Alan John Birchenall, MBE (born 22 August ) is an English former footballer who played during the s and s as a forward. 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 level.
Birchenall's parents had moved from East Ham to Nottinghamshire when he was four,[1] and he played in the local junior leagues for Thorneywood Boys where he was spotted by Sheffield United.[1] 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 [1]
Nicknamed The Birch, Birchenall soon cemented himself in the Blades first team, endearing himself to the fans by scoring both goals against local rivals Sheffield Wednesday in a 2–0 victory at Hillsborough in only his second game.[1] Netting nine goals in his first twelve First Division games, he soon formed a formidable partnership with fellow striker Mick Jones whom he had played with as a Nottinghamshire schoolboy.[1] In 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 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 ).[1]
Birchenall was among the first players to command a £, price tag when he moved from Sheffield United to Chelsea in November He missed Chelsea's win in the FA Cup Final due to injury.[2] After three years at Chelsea, he joined Crystal Palace, in June ,[3] in another £, deal and was the team's top scorer in his first season at Selhurst Park, with 10 goals from 36 appearances.[4]
Leicester City paid £80, for him in September ,[3] and he remained with them until signing for Notts County in He later played for NASL sides the San Jose Earthquakes and the Memphis Rogues.
He also spent brief spells with Blackburn Rovers, Luton Town, Hereford United and Trowbridge Town where he was player manager.[1]
Birchenall was capped four times for the England Under's with his appearances being spread between his time at Sheffield United and Chelsea.[1]
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 in Charnwood, Leicestershire following his retirement from playing.[1]
Birchenall is a patron of PROSTaid, a prostate cancer charity.[5]
In Birchenall was awarded an MBE for his charity work. Leicester City Council announced in February that he was to be given the Honorary Freedom of Leicester alongside singer Engelbert Humperdinck and author Sue Townsend.[6] Two years later in July he received an honorary Doctor of Law Degree from the University of Leicester.[7]