Members News: Chris Birchall Takes Up New Appointment In Stoke

Chris (centre) joins the CoS team Dec.2021

Chris Birchall in the Sky Blue

Former Sky Blues and Port Vale winger Chris Birchall has got himself a new post, Director of Football at Staffordshire County Senior League side  City Of Stoke FC based in Newcastle under Lyme.   Though Chris has joined the Football Club (not to be confused with the Sky Blues Championship rivals Stoke City) as a Director Of Football he will also be joining the Senior Mens First Management team with the aim of helping the club push forward with its vision of achieving Step 6 football and making continuing progress with their male, female and youth teams.

Chris joins the Potteries club with  wealth of experience and knowledge for the game built up over a sixteen year professional career. In total Chris has also made 44 international appearances for Trinidad and Tobago and played in the 2006 World Cup. He is the cousin of cricketer Ashley Giles and qualifies to play for the Soca Warriors by virtue of his mother being born in Port of Spain.

Originally, he came through the Port Vale youth system and went on to make 177 appearances for the Vale, before moving onto the Sky Blues Championship side.

Chris sports his CCFPA tie

After a successful 2006 World Cup with Trinidad & Tobago (now fellow CCFPA member) Micky Adams signed the combative midfielder from Port Vale for £325k in 2006. He impressed in some of his early games on the right side of midfield and scored a superb goal in the 3-0 home win over Norwich City. He lost his place after Christmas and did not appear after Iain Dowie took over as manager. At the end of August Chris went on loan to St Mirren and also had a loan spell at Carlisle United. 

Leaving City for Brighton in January 2009 later that year he made the move across the pond to join both LA Galaxy (2009-11) and Columbus Crew (2012) in the MLS before returning to first club Port Vale for four season (2012-16) where he notched eight goals in his 85 appearances. He last played football with non league Kidsgrove Athletic in 2016-17.

Most recently our recent recruit formed The Chris Birchall All Stars Academy which has already seen a great success and uptake in participation for children 4-11 year olds. Chris also joined this Association just this year (left). We wish Chris ‘all the best’ in his new management challenge!