EFL appoint Birch amid Rodwell rumours
The EFL have confirmed the appointment of Trevor Birch as their new chief executive – after Sunderland CEO Jim Rodwell had been linked with the role.
Birch will take-over from outgoing chief executive Dave Baldwin and will assume his role on January 1, 2021 having decided to leave Tottenham Hotspur.
The appointment comes after national reports suggested that Rodwell – who joined Sunderland earlier this year – was a contender for the role. But it’s Birch who has been appointed to the important position – with EFL chairman Rick Parry praising his new recruit.
"I am delighted to be able to welcome Trevor Birch to the EFL,” he said.
"Trevor’s vast experience has impressed me throughout our discussions in regards to the role, and having been a strongcandidatein2019before 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.”
Rodwell is expected to play a key role in Sunderland’s behind the scenes restructure, wh ic h h a s s e e n K r i s tj a a n Speakman appointed as sporting director. In the statement announcing Speakman’s arrival, the club said that Rodwell would be ‘working alongside’ with the new appointment.
The statement read: “Working alongside Chief Executive Officer Jim Rodwell, he will also take primary responsibility for reviewing and implementing new strategies to develop the club’s footballing infrastructure, with an emphasis on data analytics and innovation, and providing a clear pathway from the younger age groups to the first team.”