Army Football Head Coach Steps Down

The Army men's football team are looking for a new Head Coach after Major Sean Birchnall announced he was stepping down from the role.

Maj Birchnall has been involved in service football for 31 years, including spells as Royal Logistics Corps manager and Army U23 coach.

During his time in charge of the senior team, he led them to Inter Services and Southern Counties Cup triumphs.

Maj Birchnall, who is leaving the Army this year, said: "I have been involved with service football for the past 31 years at various levels, both playing and coaching, and the pinnacle was being appointed Head Coach of the Army men's team in 2018.

"I inherited an extremely strong squad of players, which has evolved over the past three years, and they have shown on numerous occasions that they are the best squad in the services.

"From the experienced to the newest player, they always gave me everything in training and fixtures and I would like to thank them for their support throughout my tenure."

He continued: "I assembled an experienced backroom team who were invaluable to me; each one had something different to offer and they all worked so well as a team; I will always remain indebted to them. 

"The unseen work behind the scenes that the Army FA completes on behalf of the teams goes unnoticed until you are working directly with them.

"Their continued support to the senior team and for permanently being on-hand to offer support when required is always appreciated.

"I wish my successor all the very best when they are appointed and will look forward to watching the Army team as soon as Rep Football returns," he added.

The last two Inter Services campaigns were cancelled due to the COVID pandemic, meaning Maj Birchnall's last tri-service tournament match in charge – a 1-0 win over the RAF – did not count in the record books.

There have been a number of tributes to the Head Coach from personnel involved in the Army side.

Matty Glass, an important midfielder for the Army, congratulated his former manager on a "fantastic career" and listed him as a "leader, coach, mentor" and "friend".

Army goalkeeper Luke Cairney called him "a superb manager", while Matt Spruce, a UEFA B Licence Coach, called Maj Birchnall a "credit to RLC [Royal Logistic Corps] and Army football".

The Army's process of hiring a new head coach will begin shortly.