Alan Birchenall: The Remarkable Story of Leicester City’s Beloved Football Legend
From a talented English footballer to Leicester City's unforgettable voice, discover the career, achievements, and enduring legacy of "The Birch."
Alan Birchenall is an English former professional footballer whose influence extends far beyond his playing career. Affectionately known as “The Birch,” he is best recognized for his long association with Leicester City Football Club, where he became a celebrated player, ambassador, and charity fundraiser. Born on 22 August 1945 in East Ham, London, Birchenall represented several prominent English clubs and played international youth football. His remarkable relationship with Leicester City has continued for more than five decades, making him a familiar and respected figure among generations of football supporters.
This article explores Alan Birchenall’s early life, professional football journey, playing achievements, role as a Leicester City ambassador, charitable contributions, prestigious honors, and lasting importance to English football.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alan John Birchenall |
| Popular Name | The Birch |
| Date of Birth | 22 August 1945 |
| Age | 81 years (October 2026) |
| Birthplace | East Ham, London, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Profession | Former Professional Footballer |
| Playing Position | Forward, Attacking Midfielder |
| Famous For | Leicester City Football Club |
| Notable Clubs | Sheffield United, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Leicester City |
| International Football | England Under-23 |
| Honour | Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) |
| Current Association | Leicester City Club Ambassador |
From East Ham to a Footballing Childhood in Nottingham
Although born in East Ham, London, Birchenall spent much of his childhood in Nottingham after his family relocated when he was young. He developed his interest in football through local youth competitions, where he showed strong attacking ability.
Before becoming a professional footballer, he worked as an apprentice engine fitter at Barton Transport. His early routine involved long hours at work alongside regular football matches.
His opportunity arrived while playing for Thorneywood Athletic, when Sheffield United assistant manager Archie Clark approached him about a trial.
That invitation transformed his prospects and eventually led him into professional football.
Sheffield United: The Beginning of a Promising Career
Birchenall joined Sheffield United in 1963 and made his Football League debut the following year.
Playing primarily as a forward, he built a reputation for intelligent movement, technical skill, and goalscoring. His performances helped establish him as a promising young player in English football.
Between 1964 and 1967, he made more than 100 top-flight appearances for the club. His attacking performances attracted attention from established First Division teams.
His early success also earned him recognition at England Under-23 level.
Chelsea and Crystal Palace: Establishing His Reputation
A Significant Move to Stamford Bridge
In November 1967, Birchenall transferred to Chelsea for approximately £100,000, an unusually substantial sum for English football at the time.
He joined an ambitious Chelsea side and played alongside several talented attackers. His Stamford Bridge career included memorable performances against major opponents, including scoring during Chelsea’s 4-0 victory over Manchester United in August 1968.
Although Chelsea won the FA Cup in 1970, Birchenall did not play in the final.
A New Challenge at Crystal Palace
Birchenall joined Crystal Palace in June 1970 in another major transfer.
He became an important attacking player at Selhurst Park and finished as the club’s leading scorer during his first season.
His performances eventually attracted Leicester City, beginning the association that would define his public legacy.
Alan Birchenall at Leicester City: The Defining Football Years
Birchenall signed for Leicester City in September 1971, joining manager Jimmy Bloomfield’s developing squad.
The team included talented footballers such as Jon Sammels, Keith Weller, Frank Worthington, and Lenny Glover. Together, they helped establish Leicester’s reputation for attractive, attacking football.
Adapting From Forward to Midfielder
Initially recruited as a striker, Birchenall gradually moved into a deeper midfield role.
His versatility let him contribute through passing, positioning, and organizing attacking moves rather than relying solely on goals.
Between 1971 and 1977, he made 163 league appearances for Leicester City, scoring 12 league goals. Across all competitive first-team matches, he made 183 appearances and scored 14 goals.
His performances, personality, and commitment helped him establish a lasting connection with Leicester supporters.
The Later Playing Years and American Football
After leaving Leicester City, Birchenall continued his professional journey with several clubs.
He played for Notts County and also experienced football in the United States, representing the San Jose Earthquakes and Memphis Rogues in the North American Soccer League.
His subsequent English clubs included Blackburn Rovers, Luton Town, and Hereford United. He also worked as player-manager at Trowbridge Town.
These experiences showed the breadth of his career, from England’s top division to the growing North American game.
Birchenall also represented England Under-23 on four occasions, scoring once.
The Birch: More Than a Leicester City Ambassador
For many younger supporters, Birchenall is better known for his post-retirement work than for his playing.
As Leicester City’s club ambassador, he became a familiar presence at Filbert Street and subsequently at King Power Stadium.
His matchday responsibilities have included addressing supporters, conducting presentations, welcoming visitors, and representing the club at community functions.
In 2011, Leicester City appointed him its first ambassador-for-life.
Connecting Different Generations of Supporters
Birchenall’s continued presence provides an important connection between Leicester’s footballing past and its modern identity.
His work has helped keep the memories of former players, historic matches, and earlier generations alive.
Rather than disappearing from public life after retirement, he developed a second career built around service to the club and its supporters.
Charity Fundraising, MBE Recognition, and Civic Honors
One of Birchenall’s most significant achievements has been his extensive charitable work.
His annual sponsored runs around Leicester City’s football pitch became a recognized matchday tradition. Over several decades, his fundraising activities supported numerous charitable organizations throughout Leicestershire.
Leicester City’s historical records credit his work with raising more than £1 million for over 100 local charities.
Beneficiaries have included children’s healthcare services, hospice organizations, and community welfare initiatives.
Recognition Beyond Football
His achievements have received several important honors:
- 2003: Appointed MBE in the New Year Honors for charitable services to the community in Leicestershire.
- 2009: Awarded the Honorary Freedom of the City of Leicester.
- 2011: Received an honorary Master of Laws award from the University of Leicester.
These distinctions recognize a contribution that reaches considerably beyond his professional playing record.
A Special Connection With Leicester’s Historic 2016 Triumph
Leicester City’s extraordinary Premier League title victory in 2016 created one of English football’s most memorable sporting stories.
Birchenall played a ceremonial role during the celebrations, carrying the Premier League trophy onto the pitch at King Power Stadium before the title-winning squad received it.
His participation symbolized the connection between Leicester’s earlier footballing generations and the team that achieved the historic championship.
He later helped bring the trophy to local schools, letting thousands of children share in the celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alan Birchenall
1. Who is Alan Birchenall?
Alan Birchenall is a former English professional footballer and long-serving Leicester City ambassador. Nicknamed “The Birch,” he is recognized for his football career, matchday appearances, and extensive charity fundraising.
2. How old is Alan Birchenall?
He was born on 22 August 1945 in East Ham, London. As of October 2026, he is 81.
3. Which football clubs did Alan Birchenall play for?
His clubs included Sheffield United, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Notts County, Blackburn Rovers, Luton Town, and Hereford United. He also played in the United States for San Jose Earthquakes and Memphis Rogues.
4. Why did Alan Birchenall receive an MBE?
He received an MBE in the 2003 New Year Honors for his charitable services to the Leicestershire community, reflecting his longstanding fundraising and community involvement.
5. Is Alan Birchenall still associated with Leicester City?
Yes. Leicester City continues to recognize him as its club ambassador. His longstanding responsibilities include representing the club, engaging with supporters, and supporting charitable and community activities.
Conclusion
Alan Birchenall represents an exceptional example of a footballer whose influence continued long after his playing days ended. From Sheffield United and Chelsea to his defining years with Leicester City, his career reflected versatility, ability, and dedication.
His subsequent work as an ambassador and fundraiser added another dimension to his achievements. While generations of supporters remember different periods of his life, “The Birch” remains closely associated with Leicester City’s history, community spirit, and enduring football identity.
