Official Neill Collins Announced as Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach (rowdiessoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8kd03c/neill_collins_announced_as_tampa_bay_rowdies_head/

Official Neill Collins Announced as Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach (rowdiessoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/919199?referrer_id=2824806

Neill Collins Announced as Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (May 18, 2018) — After a professional playing career that spanned 18 years and 10 clubs, Neill Collins has taken the next step in his career by taking over as head coach of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, the club announced Friday.

Collins, 34, holds a UEFA A Coaching License and will coach his first match tomorrow night against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Al Lang Stadium.

To date, Collins has made 598 professional appearances in a staggering career. He wore the captain’s armband Wednesday night in what was his 67th appearance for the Rowdies since joining in 2016.

“I am excited to announce Neill Collins as the new head coach of the Tampa Bay Rowdies” said club Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards. “I’ve witnessed Neill’s intensity firsthand, and I know everyone in the locker room has immense respect for his ability and work ethic. He’s got the skills, the drive and the attitude to move the club to the top of the table. There are good coaches out there, but I think you can make a great coach by giving someone who already has a passion for the club a chance to lead it to victory. I have great faith in Neill. I know he intends to succeed in his new role with the Rowdies.”

“Curtailing my playing career is not an easy decision, but when an opportunity is as good as this one, it’s impossible to turn down,” Collins said. “It’s a fantastic club with many fantastic people behind the scenes and an excellent playing squad. I’m excited about the challenge of taking this club to where I think it should be.”

As he moves to lead the coaching staff, Collins in no longer expected to play for the Rowdies.

Collins owns and operates NC3 Coaching Academy in Lakewood Ranch, where we has worked with some of the brightest young soccer talents in the Tampa Bay area, as well as offseason work with established professionals.

He has also previously worked as a volunteer coach with the United States Paralympic National Team.

The Rowdies, led by Head Coach Neill Collins, take the pitch at Al Lang Stadium this Saturday against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8kello/collins_focused_on_changing_rowdies_mindset/

Collins Focused on Changing Rowdies’ Mindset (theunsubs.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/05/18/collins-focused-on-changing-rowdies-mindset/3723

Collins Focused on Changing Rowdies’ Mindset

When Neill Collins’ phone rang on Thursday morning to summon him to a meeting with Tampa Bay Rowdies owner Bill Edwards, getting an offer to coach the team he’s played for since 2016 was not what he was expecting.

After roughly two and half seasons with Stuart Campbell at the helm and a mediocre start this year, though, Edwards was ready to head in a new direction and wanted to Collins for the job.
Collins accepted without much hesitation.

“I genuinely thought (the meeting) was to get my counsel how to take things forward, discuss perhaps what was happening and how we could improve things,” Collins said. “Within two or three hours I’m going to be the head coach. That’s just life in football. It’s ups and downs and roundabouts. You never know week to week what’s going to be happening. This is probably the biggest whirlwind I’ve had in my career, but it’s certainly and exciting chapter.”

Like many of Edwards’ decisions, the coaching shakeup is an unusual situation. Collins, 34, has been Tampa Bay’s best defender on the back line and arguably the best player overall through the first nine matches of the United Soccer League season. The Scotsman remains on the club’s active roster, but he’s not expected to suit up for the Rowdies again as he puts all his energy on the fulltime job of coaching.

It’s an abrupt end to an 18-year playing career for Collins, though he won’t have much time for reflection on the early retirement as he gets set for his first match as coach Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

“I’ve not had time to think about it yet,” he said. “It’s going to come at different points when I realize I’m not gonna be running out there to play and tackle and head and shout at people. But there’s gonna be other challenges that are exciting and I’m looking forward to having an influence on the bigger picture. I’m really excited about that.”

Veteran Joe Cole, who has already announced this will be his final season as a player, is grateful for the swiftness of the club’s actions after Campbell’s exit and also praised Collins as “hardworking” and “demanding” shortly after Friday’s training session.

“You don’t want to be left in limbo too long, so the fact that it happened quickly I thought was good for all concerned,” Cole said. “Obviously you’re sad with the ex-coach leaving because obviously you feel a degree of responsibility. You’re part of the problem, you know. Then the new guy comes in and all of a sudden there’s new ideas, so it’s a lift. There wasn’t a long time in that limbo zone where there’s maybe a caretaker manager. Bill’s been very astute and done everything quickly and made his decision. We’re ready to go.”

“I’ve been there plenty of time when managers change hands and new guys come in,’ Cole added. “Sometimes you have an immediate effect, sometimes you have a slow burner. I think he’ll just be looking to impose his personality and will on the team over a course of time. Hopefully it starts from the kick off tomorrow night.”

Collins, who holds a UEFA A Coaching License, has a tough task as a first-time coach being thrown into the job with about 75 percent of the season left to go. He’ll need to hit the ground running and learn on the job to meet the expectations of ownership and the supporters that had high hopes.

For the time being he’s focusing on getting the players — and the entire organization — in a better headspace following the recent four-match losing streak.

“I think there’s always changes that can be made in any team. For me the biggest thing is I want to try and get a really positive mindset. I want everyone at this club, from the owner Mr. Edwards, the kit man, to the people medical room, all pulling in one direction, helping each other out. There’s so many people willing to offer at this club that I’m really excited about working together.”

As for what changes supporters might expect to see Saturday when the Rowdies lineup against the Riverhounds?

“That would be telling. I might be young, but I’m not that wet behind the ears.”

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8ke860/rowdies_announce_new_head_coach_neill_collins_day/

Rowdies announce new Head Coach Neill Collins day after the team and former coach part ways. (lemoncitylive.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.lemoncitylive.com/news/neill-collins-announced-as-new-tampa-bay-rowdies-head-coach/

Neill Collins Announced as new Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8kdeoy/from_the_pitch_unsung_heroes_by_neill_collins/

From the Pitch – "Unsung Heroes" by Neill Collins (from a few days ago) (uslsoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/918591

From the Pitch – "Unsung Heroes"

After 18 years between the lines, Collins shines a light on the team behind the scenes

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/919231?referrer_id=2364194

Rowdies Announce Collins As Head Coach

Defender moves into new role with the club following 18-year career

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.baynews9.com//fl/tampa/news/2018/05/18/rowdies-announce-ex-player-neill-collins-as-new-coach.html

Rowdies announce ex-player Neill Collins as new coach

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.yourobserver.com/article/lakewood-ranch-neill-collins-tampa-bay-rowdies-coach

Lakewood Ranch man named head coach of the Tampa Bay Rowdies

He also owns and operates NC3 Soccer, a youth soccer academy.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies, the United Soccer League team based in St. Petersburg, have named former Rowdies player Neill Collins as its head coach.

Collins, 34, also owns and operates NC3 Soccer, a youth soccer academy in Lakewood Ranch. Collins also previously worked as a volunteer coach with the United States Paralympic National Team, and holds a UEFA A Coaching License.

“I am excited to announce Neill Collins as the new head coach of the Tampa Bay Rowdies,” Rowdies chairman and CEO Bill Edwards said in a statement. “I’ve witnessed Neill’s intensity firsthand, and I know everyone in the locker room has immense respect for his ability and work ethic. He’s got the skills, the drive and the attitude to move the club to the top of the table. There are good coaches out there, but I think you can make a great coach by giving someone who already has a passion for the club a chance to lead it to victory. I have great faith in Neill. I know he intends to succeed in his new role with the Rowdies.”

Collins will coach his first game on May 19 when the Rowdies host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at 7:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium.

His playing career lasted 18 years across 10 clubs, including 81 appearances with the Wolverhampton Wanderers, now of the Premier League, and 179 appearances with Sheffield United, a second-tier (Champions) club in England. Collins was playing with the Rowdies before being named coach, but will now stop playing.

"Curtailing my playing career is not an easy decision, but when an opportunity is as good as this one, it’s impossible to turn down,” Collins said in a release. “It’s a fantastic club with many fantastic people behind the scenes and an excellent playing squad. I’m excited about the challenge of taking this club to where I think it should be."

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8kghly/rowdies_launch_new_radio_partner_to_broadcast/

Rowdies launch new Radio partner to broadcast matches – 1250 AM WHNZ (twitter.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/whnz/status/997559987248549890

1250 WHNZ
‏
@whnz

1250 AM @whnz -- new radio home of @tampabayrowdies soccer! Hear  #Rowdies v Pittsburgh Sat at 7:30! http://ihe.art/Gxe8Q0e  @ralphsmob

12:30 PM - 18 May 2018

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.tampabay.com/news/Top-5-at-noon-Fatalities-reported-as-suspected-shooter-at-Texas-high-school-in-custody-think-you-know-what-s-next-for-Pam-Bondi-you-have-no-idea-and-more_168357241

Top 5 at noon: Fatalities reported as suspected shooter at Texas high school in custody; think you know what’s next for Pam Bondi? you have no idea; and more

WHO IS MOSAIC? A PRIMER ON THE FORTUNE 500 COMPANY MOVING TO HILLSBOROUGH

It’s always a coup to lure a Fortune 500 company, especially for an area that needs all the corporate clout it can get. It’s reason to celebrate. And with the big news that Mosaic is moving its headquarters to Hillsborough County, it’s also a good time to brush up on what this massive company is all about. Mosaic is the world’s largest combined producer of potash and phosphates but is more behind the scenes than some of our other corporate behemoths, like Bloomin’ Brands or Publix.

ROWDIES TRANSITION DEFENDER NEILL COLLINS TO HEAD COACH

Less than 24 hours after the Tampa Bay Rowdies began the search for a new head coach, the team announced former player Neill Collins will be taking over. The Rowdies (4-5-0) mutually parted ways with former head coach Stuart Campbell on Thursday. Collins, 34, joined the Rowdies in 2016 as a defender and has been with the team since. He played for the club Wednesday against Jacksonville. The Scotland native isn’t expected to play now that he’s taken over coaching duties.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/919247?referrer_id=2349190

Eastern Conf. Notebook — FCC Aims For Rebound as NCFC Visits

Hounds' undefeated record to be tested in Florida; Fury FC finding confidence

BUSY WEEKS TO TEST PITTSBURGH:  Now with the league’s only undefeated record, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC travel to Florida to take on a Tampa Bay Rowdies team desperate to get back in form on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET | Match Center). Despite the Rowdies poor run of late, with three straight league losses, Tampa Bay is a different team at home, having won every match at Al Lang Stadium, meaning that Riverhounds SC Head Coach Bob Lilley is determined to not take things lightly.

“They control possession a lot of times, so I think that's one of the challenges. We're not going to have as much of the ball as we have had,” said Lilley. We're going to have to be able to find outlets and get players into the attack.”

With a US Open Cup win on Wednesday, The Hounds will face a busier schedule, having to now take on FC Cincinnati on Wednesday and that has created different preparation for Saturday’s match.

"We have now definitively five games - potentially six if we get through the Open Cup game next Wednesday against Cincinnati - so we'll have those five games or six on short rest, short preparation,” said Lilley. “We are doing different things with massages, with cryotherapy, anything we can do to regenerate quickly. We're going to be rotating a lot of players."

Pittsburgh has proved it has a strong team, you have to in order to be undefeated at this stage of the season, with that strong squad sure to have its team spirit tested in this run.

"It's our job, the guys that are healthy, to go out, put in solid performances, work hard together, and we're going to have to be very collective. There's no easy way to go through a stretch like this,” said Lilley.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt-and-politics/breese-stevens-field-will-be-home-to-madison-pro-soccer/article_44c871e1-5297-5451-9f07-578609aab8f9.html

Breese Stevens Field will be home to Madison pro soccer team in 2019

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.businessinsider.com/us-soccer-diversity-2018-5

The financial demands of soccer in the United States are harming the diversity of the sport and holding the national team back

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2018/05/18/detroit-city-soccer-club-denied-uspto/35054433/

‘Detroit City Soccer Club’ again denied by USPTO

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/giovinco-vela-schweinsteiger-the-highest-paid-players-in-mls/myvwivtkarv51vknuagkzznpg

Giovinco, Vela, Schweinsteiger & the highest paid players in MLS

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5746009/Wayne-Rooney-handed-open-ended-return-Everton-coach.html

Everton hand Wayne Rooney open-ended return as a coach with striker still weighing up MLS offer

    Wayne Rooney has an open-ended invitation to return to Everton in the future
    He is still deciding whether to accept an offer from DC United in MLS
    Rooney has already been told he would be welcomed back to the club as a coach
    Michel Platini has admitted to fixing the draw for the 1998 World Cup in France

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/05/18/lets-go-retro-mls-clubs-embracing-old-school-gear

Let's Go Retro: MLS clubs embracing the old school gear

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/food-drink/worldwhiskyday-5-whiskies-to-celebrate-15038459

#WorldWhiskyDay- 5 whiskies to Celebrate

Haig Club Clubman

With one of the most controversial serves in the industry at the moment, Whisky and Cola, Haig Club Clubman has hit the local market by storm.

With David Beckham being the face of the brand and being in JHB for the launch, the Clubman exploded onto the local market with already many saying that because of its light a delicate character it makes for a perfect whisky for mixing. This is a Single Grain whisky that challenges the conventional way whisky should be drank letting consumers enjoy the whisky the way they like best.