Alan Birchenall turns 80 today. A big congratulation to Birch. He is part of the furniture at Leicester. His contribution to the club and the city is well documented by most.
He joined Leicester first as a player back in 1971. He stayed until 1977, leaving to join Notts County. He had earlier had a short loan spell with The Magpies, a club well known to Birch. His father was a devoted Notts County fan.
Leicester had just been promoted from the second tier. The team was back in the best party after being down for a couple of seasons. Jon Sammels and Keith Weller were also brought in to help the team. They successfully guided Leicester to safety.
Jon Sammels turned 80 earlier in June this year. Keith Weller sadly passed away in 2004, at the age of only 58.
Birch has never had any problems connecting with people. His friendly face and appearance always made people feel safe and welcomed. Having met him several times, in different settings in and around the club, you understand that very well.
He was celebrated at Seagrave earlier today, together with the current players at the club. He returned to Leicester after his football career ended. It was in the early 80’s. He helped out on club relations in different roles and settings. He was once even asked to take on the role as first team caretaker manager.
He represented a number of football clubs during his time as a player. He also went abroad to play, once on loan at San Jose Earthquakes in the NASL. This was back in 1977, playing 17 games and scoring 3 goals. The owner of this soccer team was Milan Mandaric. The relationship between Mandaric and Birch became crucial in a well-known takeover. This occurred in 2007, nearly 30 years after their first connection.
Happy birthday, Birch 💙
— Leicester City (@LCFC) August 22, 2025
A special day in Seagrave as our legendary Club Ambassador turns 80 🎂 pic.twitter.com/9UkNkhJV2U
Looking back on the time Birch played at San Jose Earthquakes, you start to understand what NASL made possible. The travels abroad to this league gave you world wide connections. We might just remember the major stars and English players that moved over the pond. However, this truly saved and built those fantastic years of this football club for the past ten years or so.
His coach at San Jose Earthquakes was Momcilo Gavric. Birch played alongside Yugoslavian international Miroslav Pavlovic. Pavlovic played 46 times for Yugoslavia. He had reached his mid 30’s when playing for Earthquakes. Pavlovic played his last international in the 1974 World Cup vs. Sweden.
Earthquakes were a mix of many different nationalities, mostly Yugoslavian and English players, possibly influenced by a certain Milan Mandaric. Trevor Hockey was at the club at the same time as Birch. A number more unknown football league players had also found their place in the Earthquakes squad.
The Earthquakes from back then excisted from 1973 to 1988, playing in three different leagues over those years. They played in NASL, MISL and WSA. Today you also have a team named San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS. They were founded in 1994.
Again hopefully a great day for Alan Birchenall having a grand career in English football with Sheffield United, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Leicester, Notts County, Blackburn, Luton and Hereford, lasting from 1963 to 1980. In between he played for San Jose Earthquakes and Memphis Rogues in NASL.
All the best to Birch on his 80th birthday. We have great memories from many player of the year ceremonies. We also remember a special tour around Belviour Drive and other times seeing him in different settings.
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