Chris Birchall, a former midfielder who played for LA Galaxy alongside David Beckham, is now pursuing a new career path: becoming a Premier League referee.
Although he never reached the Premier League as a player, Birchall is determined to make it as an official.
Birchall`s transition is facilitated by the `Player to Match Official` program, a collaboration between the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) and the Players Association.
This initiative aims to expedite the entry of former professional players into refereeing within three years.
Birchall, who primarily played for Port Vale during his career and retired in 2017, sees this program as crucial for developing future referees.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Birchall emphasized the importance of this opportunity for ex-players, allowing them to leverage their on-field experience to become proficient referees.
He acknowledged the emergence of talented referees without professional playing backgrounds but highlighted the unique perspective former players can bring.
Birchall believes this program adds valuable expertise to the world of officiating.
He clarified that the goal isn`t to assert that ex-players will automatically be superior referees, but rather to enhance the overall quality of officiating by incorporating diverse experiences.
Other former professionals, such as Carl Baker and Liam Trotter, are also participating in the same refereeing course.
Birchall harbors significant ambitions, setting his sights on officiating in the Premier League within three to four years.
He confidently stated his Premier League goal, recognizing the available pathway and aiming to achieve it through hard work and dedication.
Reflecting on his playing career, Birchall spent his early years in the English lower leagues before a transformative move to LA Galaxy in 2009.
Notably, he replaced David Beckham in his Galaxy debut and played alongside the legendary midfielder.
Birchall fondly recalled his time with Beckham, praising his exceptional passing ability and the friendly banter they shared as fellow Englishmen.
Before becoming teammates, Birchall and Beckham were opponents on the grand stage of the World Cup.
Representing Trinidad and Tobago, Birchall played against England in the 2006 World Cup, a remarkable experience for the then-Port Vale player.
Trinidad and Tobago`s journey to the World Cup, including Birchall`s crucial goal in the qualifying play-off against Bahrain, remains a significant moment in the nation`s football history.
In the World Cup match against England, despite a valiant effort, Trinidad and Tobago eventually conceded two late goals, marking the end of their memorable campaign.
