Former Portsmouth administrator Trevor Birch named EFL's new chief executive

Birch, who played a key role in helping the Pompey Supporters' Trust broker a deal for the club in 2013, will succeed David Baldwin in the role.

The current director of football operations at Spurs will work alongside chairman Rick Parry, who himself only joined the league in 2019.

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 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.’

Working for BDO (formerly PKF), the ex-administrator spent 427 days running Pompey between 2012-13, having been appointed by the courts ahead of Andrew Andronikou’s UHY Hacker Young.

Both Portpin and Keith Harris’ consortium failed to convince the Football League during that time that they were suitable owners, before the Trust struck an out-of-court deal in April 2013.

Despite being initially wary the Trust could fund a realistic bid, and on occasions overruled by others at BDO, Birch retained the belief it was the best offer for creditors.

As a result, his relationship with Portpin was largely bitter.

Regardless, Birch remains highly respected at Fratton Park, with former Pompey chairman Iain McInnes even joking in an interview with The News that the club should erect a statue of him outside the ground.

Confirming his apppointment, 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 couldn’t 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.’

Last week the EFL and Premier League finally reached agreement over a rescue package worth £250m to ensure no EFL club would go under as a result of the pandemic.

A £50m package of grants and monitored grants can be accessed by clubs in Leagues One and Two, while the Premier League said it would provide up to £15m to cover interest and arrangement fees on a £200m loan taken out by the EFL which it would then lend on to Championship clubs.