Kevin Friend, a well-known figure in professional football officiating, has retired from his role as a top-level referee and has transitioned into a significant new management position within the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Transition from On-Field Officiating
After a distinguished career officiating matches at the highest levels of English football, including the Premier League, Kevin Friend concluded his active duties on the pitch. His retirement marked the end of an era for his on-field presence, paving the way for a new chapter in his career within football governance.
New Role at PGMOL
Following his retirement from officiating, Kevin Friend was appointed to a pivotal position at the PGMOL, the organization responsible for the match officials in professional English football. He has taken up the role of Select Group 2 Manager.
In this capacity, his responsibilities are focused on nurturing and guiding the next generation of officiating talent. Key aspects of his new role include:
- Managing Championship Match Officials: Overseeing the performance, welfare, and overall management of the referees assigned to the Championship, England's second-tier football league.
- Developing Championship Match Officials: Providing crucial support, training, and mentorship to these officials, helping them to enhance their skills, understand complex match situations, and potentially progress to higher officiating levels within the game.
This new role allows Friend to utilize his extensive experience and deep understanding of the game and its laws to contribute significantly to the future standard of officiating in English professional football.
