Members News: Former Sky Blue Midfielder Is 40 Today. ‘Happy Birthday’, Chris!!

Chris Birchall in the Sky Blue

In the first of two ‘Sky Blue Birthday Boys’ today who have exactly the same birthdate congratulations go to to our member Chris Birchall who today is celebrating his 40th birthday He was born in Stafford on 5th May 1984!

The relatively recently recruited CCFPA member kindly became our special guest’ for the first time at the Sky Blues’ Championship game at the CBS against Barnsley in February 2022 and this season repeated the favour as our ‘special’ at the Sky Blues 1-1 draw with Bristol City at the CBS Arena on New Years’ Day 2023 (below right)!

Chris sports his CCFPA tie

Sky Blues fans will remember that, after a successful 2006 World Cup campaign with Trinidad & Tobago, (now fellow CCFPA member) Micky Adams signed the combative midfielder for £325k in August 2006 after 177 appearances from 2001 for his first club Port Vale. He eventually played 44 times for the ‘Soca Warriors’!

Chris interviewed by ‘Harry’ in January 2023

After impressive performances with CCFC he later fell out of favour under Iain Dowie’s tenure and went out on loan to both St Mirren (2007) and Carlisle United (2008) prior to joining Brighton in January 2009 with a record of two goals in his 33 Sky Blue appearances.

Subsequently trying out soccer life in the USA’s MSL with LA Galaxy (2009-11) and Columbus Crew (2012) Chris returned to Port Vale for four season (2012-16) and then non-league Kidsgrove Athletic in 2016-17. He runs his own youth Academy and since December 2021 has been Director of Football at Staffordshire County Senior League women’s side City Of Stoke FC.

We hope you had a good one today Chris and look forward to seeing you again at the CBS next season!!