The New York Red Bulls named Kevin Thelwell the club’s head of sport, a newly-created role on the sporting side. He arrives after serving as Wolverhampton Wanderers FC sporting director.
“On behalf of everyone at the organization, I’d like to welcome Kevin to our club," Red Bulls General Manager Marc de Grandpre said in a statement. "Kevin has a tremendous resume and demonstrated experience helping a club attain new levels of success with Wolverhampton. He is well respected within the international soccer community and fits well within our culture. This is a welcome addition as we continue our pursuit of delivering the MLS Cup to our fans.”
Thelwell will oversee all aspects of the sporting side. As sporting director, Denis Hamlett is still in charge of the day-to-day soccer operations, but will report to Thelwell.
“I am both honored and excited to join the New York Red Bulls," Thelwell said. “When this opportunity presented itself, I was given the chance to meet people within the organization to learn more about the club and soon realized that this was the right place for me. I look forward to the opportunity to work in Major League Soccer and continue the club's pursuit of competing for MLS Cup.”
Thelwell was named Wolves sporting director in the summer of 2016 after three years as the head of football development and recruiting, overseeing all football-related matters at the club in both positions.
During his tenure, Wolves have moved from England’s League One to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League and earning a spot in the Europa League.
Thelwell helped build a Wolves squad that includes Mexican national team forward Raul Jimenez, Portuguese international João Moutinho and young talents in Pedro Neto and Adama Traore. In August of 2019, Thelwell was appointed to Wolverhampton’s Board for his contributions to the club’s success.
Thelwell also spent six years as manager of the Wolves academy. Thelwell holds a UEFA Pro License, the highest coaching qualification in European football, and also served for four years as Director of Coaching Education for the Football Association of Wales.
