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Time passes, and Alan Birchenall recently celebrated his 81st birthday. This man is not just a legend in football and beyond, he represents everything football is about. Reading his autobiography, “Bring Back The Birch”, offers a rare look into his life of a once talented footballer who turned out become so much more. When I started writing this story, I was looking for something different, exploring my own world after a Hartlepool Barista. In that search, I discovered a couple who had just opened their own special place, “Birch”. BIRCHHOUSE (also known as Birch Coffee Shop) is a cozy, highly-rated independent specialty coffee shop located at 145 Elwick Road in the Burn Valley area of Hartlepool. Opened in July 2025 by local couple Sarah Allan and Chino Rocha. The cafe was created to bring a modern, city-style specialty coffee experience directly to Hartlepool. Birch Coffee seeks to bring the true meaning of the coffee shop back to life, by connecting people and providing meaningful experiences over great coffee. The shop and name is recognized in certain local circles. I was unfamiliar with the blend; to me, “Birch” is the footballer who became a legend at Leicester City. But also know for me a new dimention, as this special coffee blend is an American idea with a base in New York. But again, the footballer and the celebrity, he has been with me since I started supporting Leicester City in 1972. He was there during the club’s highs and lows, including their league and cup victories, and he remains here as the club is back in League One. He is loyal and doesn’t demand harsh treatment of others. He understands that life can be tough and has experienced the highs and lows of football, including playing in non-league. He was part of an era when footballers were stars and earned decent salaries, though they were much lower than today’s figures. He belongs to a unique generation, the first set of players I cherished. Frank Worthington, Jon Sammels, Alan Birchenall, Steve Whitworth, Keith Weller, and Dennis Rofe formed an exceptional team. They wore iconic kits, especially the memorable Admiral outfit from 1976/77. They played in every season under Jimmy Bloomfield, from 1972 to 1977. Birch returned to Leicester in the 80s and has been a club ambassador since. He has given presentations on match days and has been lively and welcomed by everyone. He played a role in bringing Milan Mandaric to the club, having played for him at San Jose Earthquakes. Throughout his time, players like Gary Lineker, Emile Heskey, and Robbie Savage have come and gone, and he has also been there to see Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel, arrive and depart. "I pushed his bugle right in the beans .. he's still got the scar .. and everybody, all the first-teamers clapped me!" — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 1, 2020 The love-hate relationship between Alan Birchenall and Robbie 'Pelican Head' Savage! 😂#EarlyKickOff pic.twitter.com/jaQd0RB8qD The Forest Green Rovers manager, Robbie Savage, enjoyed his days playing football and often caused trouble on and off the field, as shown in this chat, giving Birch some headaches during his time at the club. The world is small as Robbie Savage will be up against Hartlepool United this season. Forest Green Rovers are playing Hartlepool United away on the 26th of December, maybe seeing the Hartlepool Barista, having a coffee at “Birch”. Alan Birchenall has had a long football career, so it’s likely he has been to Hartlepool. Leicester went up there and drew 2-2 in February 2009, possibly “Birch” was on the coach. The remarkable man may have played a game against Hartlepool United and has a coffee shop in the city named after him, or maybe it was the coffee blend. Happy Birthday!