Los Angeles (AFP) – Former United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel was named as head coach of the New England Revolution on Thursday, the Major League Soccer club confirmed.

Friedel, 46, replaces Jay Heaps, who was fired in September after six seasons in charge. Friedel’s appointment comes after the Revs failed to reach the MLS postseason for a second straight year.

“Brad has been a leader throughout his illustrious career and is regarded as one of the most successful players in US history with experiences spanning multiple continents, leagues, and levels of competition,” Revolution owners Robert and Jonathan Kraft said in a statement.

“We believe his playing and coaching experiences along with his commitment to compete at the highest level will allow him to be very successful in our league.” 

Friedel, who will be formally presented on Monday, said he was looking forward to helping revive New England’s fortunes.

“I can guarantee that we, the staff and players, will give 100 percent commitment to the club and our fans while looking forward to all the challenges ahead,” Friedel said. 

“We can’t wait to get started right away building this club for the 2018 season.”

Friedel is one of the most successful players in the history of US soccer, playing in three World Cups between 1994 and 2002.

The bulk of Friedel’s club career was spent in England with stints at Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Tottenham

He holds the Premier League record for the most consecutive appearances with 310 and also kept 132 clean sheets during his spell in English football.