BROMSGROVE referee Paul Rejer is joining the British invasion of American soccer when he starts a top job this week.

Rejer has left his role at in charge of linesmen at the Professional Game Match Official Board to help develop whistle blowers in America.

He is now training and development manager with the PRO (Professional Referees Organisation), which overseas the men in black for Major League Soccer.

Rejer follows a long line of British-based football stars such as David Beckham and Robbie Keane who have made the move across the Atlantic.

“It’s going to be a new challenge,” said Rejer, who was also chairman of Bromsgrove Referees Association.

“The PRO is independent from the MLS much like the Professional Game Match Official Board works here.

“I believe English refereeing is among the best in the world and it will be my job to help American officials develop and progress.

“It’s an exciting opportunity. I will be watching the MLS play-offs and assessing the referees and assistants, working out their strengths and what else can be improved.”

Rejer joins former Premier League referee Peter Walton in America after he took over as general manager of the PRO, which is based in the MLS building in New York.

Growing up in Tividale in the Black Country, he became a referee in 1979 and has officiated matches in the Football League.

He was one of the country’s top linesmen and has ran the line in the UEFA Cup and FA Cup finals.

He added: “In the past American soccer has done things its own way but it has realised that if it needs to be taken seriously then it must adhere to FIFA rules.

“They used do away with the traditional penalties and have long runs ups with one-on-ones with keepers but that changed a while ago.”