The New England Revolution announced Monday that the club's new Director of Soccer will be former Revs star and U.S. national team member Mike Burns. He joins the staff in New England following the departure of technical director Joe Cummings, who is leaving the club on his own accord.
Burns is a familiar face to Revolution fans, who will remember him as a founding member of the club after being allocated to his local side at the inception of MLS. The Marlboro, Mass., native captained New England from 1996 to 2000 before closing out his playing career with stints at the San Jose Earthquakes and the Kansas City Wizards. However, the bulk of his MLS career was with the Revs, playing 108 games during his tenure and registering three goals and 15 assists.
"It's a pleasure to welcome Mike back to the Revolution," said Sunil Gulati, President of Kraft Soccer, which owns and operates the club. "Mike will bring the same rigor and professionalism to the front office as he did to the playing field."
His prowess on the field as a youngster led to a standout career at Hartwick College (1988-1991), which in turn helped him land a regular role with the U.S. national team. He collected 75 caps for the Red, White and Blue, highlighted by two starts in the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Prior to joining MLS, Burns played professionally in Denmark's Super League for Viborg.
Cummings leaves the Revolution following his second stint in the team's front office. He has held various posts at New England between 1996 and 1999 before returning to the fold in 2004.
"The time was right," said Cummings. "I leave the team's technical administration in capable hands and move on to face new challenges. I wish everyone in Foxborough well and look forward to maintaining the many strong relationships I have at the club."
"Mike replaces a first-class soccer man in Joe Cummings," said Gulati. "The Revolution wishes Joe only the very best in his new endeavors."
The Revolution earned their first win of the 2005 season last Saturday by defeating the Columbus Crew 3-0 in their home opener. After a week away from action, the Revs will get back on the field at home on April 30 when they face expansion side Club Deportivo Chivas USA. Kickoff for that match is schedule for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
