Birchall began his career with Liverpool in 1899 as a 23-year-old, but did not make any League appearances for the Anfield club.
He made his debut for the club in the opening League game of the 1900–01 season, a goalless draw at New Brighton Tower on 1 September.
His first goal came in a 3–1 victory at Gainsborough Trinity on 5 January; the second in a 3–0 home win over Stockport County on 23 February.
In 1902–03, his final season at the seaside, Birchall made 22 starts and scored one goal — in a 2–0 victory over Stockport County at Bloomfield Road.
In April 1902 he moved across Lancashire to join Blackburn Rovers, for whom he made 39 League appearances and scored three goals.