and the Conference South record holder, at the end of the 2010–11 season with a total of 45 goals in 49 appearances. He also was the top goal scorer in the FA Cup that year and went on to receive the award at Wembley. Birchall again attracted interest from clubs higher up the football pyramid and in July 2011 Dover Athletic received substantial undisclosed bids from League Two sides Swindon Town, newcomers AFC Wimbledon, and local rivals Gillingham, for whom he signed a three-year deal on 12 July 2011. He was seriously injured during a pre-season friendly, however, and missed the entire 2011–12 season. Birchall finally made his competitive debut for Gillingham on 14 August 2012, coming on as a substitute in a 2–1 away win against Bristol City in the League Cup. He scored his first goal for the Gills in their 4–0 FA Cup win over Scunthorpe United on 3 November, but after playing only 21 games in 2 seasons he was released by the club at the end of the 2013–14 season. Soon after, Birchall signed for Bromley. He scored his first competitive goal for the club in a 5–1 win over Uxbridge in the FA Cup. His first league goal for the club was a 90th-minute winner against Bishop's Stortford on 9 December. Coaching career In July 2016 Birchall returned to his former club Arsenal as a youth coach. In July 2022, Birchall became under-17s head coach having previously been with the age-group below, as well as becoming assistant head coach for the under-18s to newly appointed Jack Wilshere. Personal life In July 2011 Birchall became engaged to Lianne, and the couple's first child was due to be born in October that same year. Career statistics Honours Gillingham Football League Two: 2012–13 References External links 1984 births Living people Sportspeople from Maidstone Footballers from Kent English footballers Welsh footballers Wales under-21 international footballers Association football forwards Arsenal F.C. players Wycombe Wanderers F.C. players Mansfield Town F.C. players Barnet F.C. players Dover Athletic F.C. players Gillingham F.C. players Dartford F.C. players Bromley F.C. players Maidstone United F.C. players English Football League players National League (English football) players Arsenal F.C. non-playing staff