Born in Fenton, Staffordshire, he started his career with Port Vale before spending seven years at Sheffield United.

[1] He was sold to Sheffield United for 'a substantial sum' in October 1924 as the Blades sought a replacement for regular left-back Ernest Milton.

[3] Birks initially failed to settle at Bramall Lane however, and missed out on a place in the 1925 FA Cup final with the ageing Milton being preferred.

[3] Never a fully established first-team player, Birks did give good service to the Blades during his time playing over 200 games in all competitions.

Competing with former England international Fred Titmuss for the left-back position, he made 49 league and cup appearances before departing Home Park for Bristol City in April 1933.