Club statement | Trevor Birch leaves Swansea City

Swansea City chairman Trevor Birch has left his post at the club.

Birch, who was appointed club chairman in April 2019, is set to join a Premier League club in due course.

“I am leaving Swansea with an extremely heavy heart,’’ confirmed Birch. “I arrived at the club at a very difficult time, but I hope I have provided professionalism, stability and a solid foundation internally which will stand the club in good stead going forwards.

“Steve Cooper, his staff and the players have given us all some great moments this season which will live long in the memory. I also can’t thank the supporters enough for the kindness and support they have shown me over the last 17 months, and I wish the Jack Army and the club every success going forward. The supporters deserve it.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the senior management team and every one of the club’s staff who have supported me during my time here. They are all loyal fans of the club and their commitment and work ethic has been truly inspirational to me."

A Swansea City ownership statement read: “We have enjoyed working with Trevor, and we understand during these unprecedented times the desire to be closer to home and family in London.

“Trevor will be missed, and we would like to thank him for his work on behalf of the club over the past 17 months.

“Moving forward, we have great confidence in our management team to continue the momentum we have built heading into the coming season as we work on a new management leadership structure.’’

On his appointment 17 months ago, Birch was handed complete day-to-day control of all football and business matters, reporting directly to majority owners Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien.

While Birch initially built his reputation in the financial services sector as a senior partner with big-hitting industry leaders, he also had a footballing background as a professional with Liverpool, Shrewsbury and Chester, plus chief executive roles at Chelsea, Everton, Leeds United, Sheffield United and Derby.

During his time at the Liberty Stadium, Birch, a highly experienced and well-respected executive, was lauded by many for the excellent job he did, on and off the pitch, following the resignation of former chairman Huw Jenkins.

Following the departure of manager Graham Potter last summer, Birch was central to the appointment of current head coach Steve Cooper and a new backroom team that led the club to the Championship play-off semi-finals.

He also restructured the club’s recruitment strategy under new head of recruitment, Andy Scott.

Birch oversaw the club’s business operations and installed a new senior management team; prioritized communications with supporters, links with the community and local businesses, plus a strong working relationship with the Swans Supporters Trust.

Everyone at Swansea City would like to thank Trevor for his work at the club and wish him well for the future.