Derby announce Hitchen’s new role

Derby have announced that Steve Hitchen, who was QPR’s European scout, has been installed as one of two directors of recruitment at the East Midlands club.

Hitchen informed Rangers several weeks ago that he would be ending his involvement with the club after being offered a role by Derby.

Based in France, he worked for Tottenham for five years and then Liverpool for two before being hired by QPR in August 2012.

His appointment came during a host of changes made by the then technical director Mike Rigg during Mark Hughes’ time as Rangers manager.

Hitchen will soon be joined at Derby by Rob Mackenzie, who currently works for Tottenham.