Can Birch engineer a financial overhaul at Everton?

The move could signal a comprehensive boardroom shake-up, with more developments expected after a board meeting at Goodison on Thursday.

"Trevor has an unparalleled reputation, with a far-reaching understanding of football as a sport and as a business," said deputy chairman Bill Kenwright.

Birch has previously done a similar job at Chelsea, where he negotiated the sale to Roman Abramovich, and Leeds.

The former Liverpool player will start his new role in June, taking over from Michael Dunford, who leaves Goodison after ten years at the club.

He will be charged with trying to bring new investment into a club that has a debt of around �30m and is struggling to give boss David Moyes funds for new players.

Ormskirk-born Birch, who was an unused substitute in the 1978 European Cup final, was a mainstay of the Liverpool financial community while boss of the city's branch of accountants Ernst and Young.

He then embarked on a career in football administration, and is widely regarded as a successful 'troubleshooter' following his work at Chelsea and Leeds, clubs he arguably saved from going out of business.

Following Birch's appointment, it is also possible Kenwright could take over as chairman from Sir Philip Carter, who could be made a club president after nearly 30 years as a director.