Ex-E&Y partner and former Chelsea chief joins PKF

EX-SHEFFIELD UNITED chief executive and former Ernst & Young partner Trevor Birch has joined PKF's corporate recovery team.

Birch, (pictured) a former professional footballer, is set to join the London corporate recovery division as well as the firm's football industry group.

He started his career in 1983 at Arthur Young, which latterly became Ernst & Young, leading its northern corporate recovery practice. He left the firm in 2002 to take a CEO role at Chelsea where he was pivotal in brokering the deal which saw Roman Abramovich take over the club for an estimated £140m.

Birch's next move was a return to insolvency related work at Deloitte, later joining FTI Consulting.

During his career so far, he has held chief executive roles at several clubs including Chelsea, Leeds United, Everton, Derby County, and most recently Sheffield United.

Martin Goodchild, managing partner of PKF, said: "Trevor has a highly impressive track record in the corporate recovery arena and has been one of the most influential figures in the football industry over the past decade.

"Trevor's arrival further strengthens our successful corporate recovery practice and will help us to continue to expand the business in the future."

Birch said: "I have been impressed with the quality of PKF's team and the practice's vision for the future. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to cement the firm's position as one of the industry leaders."

In 2004, it was reported that Birch was up for the FA chief executive's role, however no confirmation concerning whether or not he wanted the role was given.

Birch takes up his new post on 5 September.