Brian Birch played for Exeter City between 1958 and 1960. He joined the club from Barrow and later played for Oldham Athletic. He started his career at Manchester United before moving to Wolves and, after his playing days were over, coached all over the world.

An England youth international, Brian commenced his career in the junior teams at Manchester United and, having signed a full contract in May 1949, went on to score four goals in eleven league appearances. Moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers in March 1952 he remained with his new club for just nine months before switching to Lincoln City where he scored 16 goals in 56 league starts. Dropping into non-league football with Boston United, Brian returned to the Football League with Barrow where he scored 27 times in 60 league appearances before a £3,000 move to Exeter City in September 1958 for a fee of £3,000. 

Quickly making his debut against Torquay United at St James’ Park, Brian struggled with injuries and only made seven appearances during his first season with a single goal against Gillingham. Asking for a transfer in November 1959 he was on the move to Oldham Athletic where he scored eleven times ahead of a move to Rochdale where he ended his professional career. Brian subsequently played for Mossley before taking up a coaching career in the Philippines, Australia, Greece and Turkey.

Brian Birch died in Johannesburg in 1989.