Trevor Birch will become the EFL’s new chief executive from January 1, the league has announced. Birch, who will join the league from his position as director of football operations at Tottenham, succeeds David Baldwin, who only started in the role in June. The EFL announced in October that Baldwin was to stand down, and now Birch, a former professional footballer who also served as chief executive at Chelsea, Leeds, Sheffield United and Derby, and Executive Chairman of Swansea City will come in from the start of next year. Birch will work alongside chairman Rick Parry, who himself only joined the league in 2019. Commenting on the appointment, EFL chair, Rick Parry said: "I am delighted to be able to welcome Trevor Birch to the EFL. "Trevor’s vast experience has impressed me throughout our discussions in regards to the role, and having been a strong candidate in 2019 before withdrawing from the process, I am delighted that he has opted to take up the position and is able to join the League so promptly. I thank Daniel Levy for his understanding in this respect. "I have known Trevor for many years and value the knowledge and expertise he has accumulated working with notable clubs at all levels of the game including a number of clubs in financial distress. "I have no doubt that his acumen and experience will prove valuable for the EFL as we look to navigate our way out of the unprecedented set of circumstances presented to us by COVID-19 alongside considering the challenges of future reform to the pyramid as we look to develop long-term sustainability in the EFL." Trevor Birch said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Spurs, however the opportunity to play a role in the EFL at such a crucial time is one I could not turn down. "There is a big job to be done dealing with the effect of the pandemic, together with participating in discussions on the future structure of football and I hope I can make a meaningful contribution to that process."
