EFL confirm appointment of new chief executive amid rumours surrounding Sunderland's Jim Rodwell

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 earlier this week 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 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.”

Rodwell is expected to play a key role in Sunderland’s behind the scenes restructure, which has seen Kristjaan Speakman appointed as sporting director.

In the statement announcing Speakman’s arrival last week, 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.”

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