The New England Revolution have appointed Kevin Hitchcock as an assistant coach, replacing Ruben Garcia, who was named sporting director of La Liga side SD Huesca, the club announced Tuesday.
Hitchcock has been a top-level goalkeeper coach for 18 years, including stints at Manchester City, Blackburn, QPR, Watford, Fulham, Al Arabi Sports Club and Birmingham City.
"We would like to thank Ruben for his contributions to the club during his time in New England," Friedel said in a statement. "Though his presence will be missed on the training field and in the locker room, this is a tremendous opportunity for him and we wish him nothing but success with Huesca. At the same time, we are pleased to add another accomplished professional to the coaching staff in Kevin, who brings a world-class pedigree as both a coach and as a player to the club."
During his time with Blackburn, Hitchcock served as Friedel's goalkeeper coach. In addition to his work with Friedel, Hitchcock has coached and developed a number of elite professional goalkeepers, including Joe Hart, Kasper Schmeichel, Shay Given, Robert Green, Julio Cesar, and Mark Schwarzer, among others.
Hitchcock enjoyed a successful playing career, winning two FA Cups, one League Cup, one Cup Winners Cup and one Super Cup across stints with Mansfield Town, Chelsea and Northampton Town.
