Born in Salford, Birch joined Manchester United as a 14-year-old in May 1946, before turning professional two years later.
He was 17 when he made his debut on 27 August 1949, playing at inside left in a 1–1 home draw with West Bromwich Albion.
His tenure at Wolves was short, however, and he was transferred to Lincoln City after just nine months in the West Midlands.
Exeter City signed him in September 1958, but he was on the move again in January 1960, this time to Oldham Athletic.
Took over Blackburn Rovers first team 1968 replacing Eddie Quigley Birch was trainer of Galatasaray from 1971 to 1973.