Birchall extends MLS stay
Former Valiant Chris Birchall, who was linked with a move to the Valiants earlier this season, has signed a “multi-year” contract with MLS outfit Columbus Crew.
Birchall was released by LA Galaxy earlier this year and was all set to sign for Port Vale, until an unpaid tax bill saw the club given a ban on signing any new players.
The midfielder is Port Vale’s most capped International with 24 Trinidad & Tobago caps and is the only Port Vale player to appear at a World Cup finals
Birchall told the US press: “I’ve played against the Crew a number of times and know how passionate the fans are. Now I can’t wait to work hard and battle for them. That’s what it’s all about.
“Hopefully I can add something to a very good squad and use my experience from Galaxy to help improve our league position.”
“We were looking for some experience and Birchall knows the league very well,” Crew coach Robert Warzycha added.
“He’s a hard-working, experienced midfielder and we’re a hard-working team so he is going to fit in well.”