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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/919923?referrer_id=2349190
11 Things – Making A Statement
Steel FC pushes into playoff positions, Republic FC spoils Drogba’s party
11. BOUNCE OF THE BALL: The Tampa Bay Rowdies got something of a “New Head Coach” bounce on Saturday night as Neill Collins took charge of the side for his first game on the sidelines after the week’s moves by the club, and while the early goal by Lance Rozeboom didn’t pave the way to a victory against the still undefeated Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in a 2-2 draw at Al Lang Stadium, breaking the downturn in form with points of any kind is still a small turn in the right direction. The Rowdies have slipped out of the top eight after Saturday’s action, and there’s going to be plenty of work to get to for Collins to bring a cohesive side together after its rough run of form, but a road game against the struggling Toronto FC II followed by three home games against sides that currently sit below it in the Eastern Conference standings offer a glimmer of hope that Tampa Bay can find a turnaround in the near-future
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http://montrealgazette.com/sports/soccer/mls/montreal-impact/galaxy-spoils-impacts-25th-anniversary-celebration
Galaxy spoils Impact's 25th anniversary celebration
Ola Kamara scored the game's only goal in the 75th minute to give the Los Angeles Galaxy a 1-0 victory at Saputo Stadium.
The game marked the 25th anniversary of the Impact’s first game in the American Professional Soccer League, a 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies on May 21, 1993. The team’s three championship seasons were recognized. The Impact won the APSL title in 1994 and the team was represented by coach Valerio Gazzola and players Rudy Doliscat, Patrice Ferri and Nick De Santis, who coached the team to an A-League title in 2004. The third title came in 2009 when Marc Dos Santos led the Impact to the North American Soccer League title.
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https://www.nashvillepost.com/sports/sports-business/blog/21005968/ingram-wants-nashville-to-begin-mls-competition-in-2020
Ingram wants Nashville to begin MLS play in 2020
Lead owner pumps on the brakes on talk of expansion team starting a year earlier than originally planned
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https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nashvillesc/2018/05/21/ian-ayre-nashville-mls-team-liverpool-fc-ceo/627433002/
Ian Ayre to take over Nashville's MLS club — that's a bombshell, baby
Ian Ayre was announced as the new CEO of the MLS expansion team in a press conference at Nissan Stadium. Autumn Allison, USA TODAY NETWORK- Tennessee
Ian Ayre is the first CEO of Nashville's Major League Soccer club, he confirmed Sunday in an exclusive interview with the Tennessean. And for those who aren't tuned in to the international soccer scene, please understand: This is a major development.
It would have been a laughable concept just a few years ago. It’s a coup for Nashville, team lead owner John Ingram and the MLS. Because Ayre, the 55-year-old former CEO of Liverpool Football Club of the English Premier League, is a big deal.
Liverpool, which he left on his terms in 2017, is about to take on Real Madrid in the Champions League final. That’s the height of soccer on the planet. And Ayre, who was voted Premier League Chief Executive of the Year in 2017, spent a decade building that club on and off the field and has signed on to do the same for Nashville MLS.
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https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/05/21/joe-hart-could-switch-premier-league-mls-bid-escape-man-city-nightmare-after-poor-loans
Report: Joe Hart Could Bolt Premier League for MLS
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is set to leave the Premier League club, with the USA thought to be his next destination.
The 31-year-old has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer, as he looks to reignite his career by exiting the Premier League.
Ahead of Pep Guardiola's appointment as City boss, Hart was number one at the Manchester side and had been first choice between the sticks for the previous six seasons. However, the Spanish manager dropped the Englishman for his first game in charge and it has been a turbulent ride for Hart ever since.
The two-time Premier League winner opted to pursue a season long loan with Serie A side Torino, but after conceding the fourth highest number of goals in the league that term, it didn't go down as a successful spell, and Hart returned to City in the summer.
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http://www.sportspromedia.com/movers-and-shakers/former-liverpool-chief-ian-ayre-nashville-mls
Former Liverpool chief Ian Ayre to head up Nashville MLS outfit
Ian Ayre has been named as the first chief executive of Nashville’s Major League Soccer (MLS) club, the expansion franchise expected to begin play in 2020.
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http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/article211582814.html
Kansas City Comets indoor soccer team sold to new ownership group
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https://www.newschannel5.com/news/nashville-mls-to-introduce-new-ceo
Ian Ayre Named First CEO Of Nashville MLS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Internationally renowned soccer executive Ian Ayre was announced as the first CEO of Nashville’s Major League Soccer club on Monday.
Ayre formerly served as CEO of Liverpool Football Club of the English Premier League, one of the most respected and successful soccer clubs in the world.
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https://www.90min.com/posts/6066379-joe-hart-could-switch-premier-league-for-mls-in-bid-to-escape-man-city-nightmare-after-poor-loans
Joe Hart Could Switch Premier League for MLS in Bid to Escape Man City Nightmare After Poor Loans
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is set to leave the Premier League club, with the USA thought to be his next destination.
The 31-year-old has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer, as he looks to reignite his career by exiting the Premier League.
Ahead of Pep Guardiola's appointment as City boss, Hart was number one at the Manchester side and had been first choice between the sticks for the previous six seasons. However, the Spanish manager dropped the Englishman for his first game in charge and it has been a turbulent ride for Hart ever since.
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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/05/21/impact-original-lloyd-barker-reflects-25-years-soccer-montreal
Impact original Lloyd Barker reflects on 25 years of soccer in Montreal
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https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2018/05/21/nashville-mls-expansion-club-snares-ex-liverpool-ceo-ayre/
Nashville MLS expansion club snares ex-Liverpool CEO Ayre
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https://www.rslsoapbox.com/2018/5/21/17372590/mls-youth-transfer-fund-real-salt-lake
What MLS’s new Youth Transfer Fund could mean for RSL
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https://www.smdailyjournal.com/sports/former-liverpool-ceo-ayre-hired-by-mls-nashville-expansion/article_b7a099d1-9efa-51eb-8de8-be5a66365f39.html
Former Liverpool CEO Ayre hired by MLS' Nashville expansion
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http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/3506748/nashville-mls-franchise-hires-former-liverpool-ceo-ian-ayre-to-run-club
Nashville MLS franchise hires former Liverpool CEO Ian Ayre to run club
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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/05/21/kick-galaxy-visit-montreal-bwp-schools-atlanta-nashville-update
Kick Off: Galaxy visit Montreal | BWP schools Atlanta | Nashville update
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http://www.wsmv.com/story/38241802/mls-stadium-currently-in-design-bidding-process
MLS stadium currently in design bidding process
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
Metro Nashville is moving forward with designing its new Major League Soccer stadium.
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https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2018/05/21/fc-cincinnati-mls-expansion-announcement-coming-soon-detroit-sacramento-austin-columbus-louisville/630156002/
On 700 WLW, Bill Cunningham mentions a possible FC Cincinnati-MLS announcement.
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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/05/21/nashville-mls-expansion-team-introduce-ceo-former-liverpool-exec-ian-ayre
Nashville MLS expansion team introduce CEO, former Liverpool exec Ian Ayre
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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/05/21/new-nashville-ceo-ian-ayre-lauds-mls-its-really-coming-its-own
New Nashville CEO Ian Ayre lauds MLS: "It's really coming into its own"
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http://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/ex-liverpool-boss-ayre-named-nashville-mls-chief-exec-id8404263.html
Ex-Liverpool boss Ayre named Nashville MLS chief exec
Ian Ayre, former chief executive of English football power Liverpool, was named Monday as CEO of Nashville's Major League Soccer expansion club expected to begin play in 2020.
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https://www.smdailyjournal.com/sports/former-liverpool-ceo-ayre-hired-by-mls-nashville-team/article_b7a099d1-9efa-51eb-8de8-be5a66365f39.html
Former Liverpool CEO Ayre hired by MLS' Nashville team
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https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2018/05/21/Facilities/Pinnacle.aspx
MLS' Garber Impressed By Attention To Detail At K.C. Training Facility
MLS Commissioner Don Garber attended the grand opening of Sporting K.C. and U.S. Soccer's new shared training facility, Pinnacle, and said it shows a "focus on excellence" and "high performance in all areas of the business that is just really remarkable," according to Sam McDowell of the K.C. STAR....
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https://ussoccerplayers.com/2018/05/mls-attendance-is-still-complicated.html
MLS attendance is still complicated
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https://blog.sfgate.com/soccer/2018/05/21/oakland-pro-soccer-committed-to-bringing-pro-soccer-to-oakland/
Oakland Pro Soccer committed to bringing pro soccer to Oakland
Why Oakland for pro soccer? For Benno Nagel the answer is clear.
“I think Oakland for soccer makes a lot of sense on a lot of levels,” said Nagel. “If you announced that tomorrow at 3 pm Club America and Chivas were going to play at the Oakland Coliseum and tickets were on sale for 24 hours, you would sell it out. That’s how big soccer is here.”
His organization, known as Oakland Pro Soccer, has been trying to bring a professional soccer team to the city for over a year. Nagel believes that for any pro soccer team to ultimately be successful in Oakland, they need to focus on social good to improve the community while weaving themselves into the fabric of ‘The Town.’
“If you look at Sacramento Republic and FC Cincinnati, Detroit City, Chattanooga or Atlanta United: It’s not necessarily the league [that makes them successful] it’s more the vision behind it,” he said.
“We always say Oakland is a big city but a small town,” Nagel continued. “The reason we got a lot of people interested in what we were doing was because we brought them into the conversation and asked then ‘What do you want to see?’”
Oakland Pro Soccer is separate from USL 2 East Bay, which has announced it will bring a second division pro soccer team in the United Soccer Leagues somewhere in the East Bay by 2021. They made news in March when they offered to buy part of the Oakland Coliseum complex from the city and construct a soccer stadium on the land.
“We only want the best for Oakland and the best for the community here,” Nagel said only wishing success for the USL 2 East Bay. “If that’s us doing it great. If it’s someone else doing it with the same vision that we have that is awesome.”
Nagel grew up in Oakland and attended Bishop O’Dowd High School before playing in college at San Francisco State. After graduating he played for several semi-pro Bay Area teams before moving to the sidelines at 26 years old.
The decision led to the coaching staff of Holy Names University in Oakland and then the US Development Academy in Fresno. He then took an internship working with FC Twente’s women’s team staff in Holland. Next, he moved to the Dynamo Zagreb working at their boy’s soccer academy that launched the careers of pro soccer players Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, and Eduardo.
His time in Zagreb finally took him to an assistant coaching position with Rayo OKC, which played one season in the North American Soccer League in 2016 in Oklahoma City. After being away from the Bay Area for several years, Nagel returned home while brainstorming on what his next step in soccer would be.
His first idea was to found a high-level semi-professional team in Oakland and the East Bay with former Oakland A’s executive Andy Dolich. Later, Nagel connected with Peter Wilt who has successfully launched teams in Indianapolis and Chicago. In late 2016 he encouraged Nagel to explore the idea of bringing a pro team to Oakland instead.
“Wilt asked me ‘What do you think about Oakland for a professional soccer team?’ and that was really the starting point for everything,” Nagel recounted.
Nagel’s started working closely with Edreece Arghandiwal, a branding professional, and together they co-founded Oakland Pro Soccer. The organization partners include Mike Geddes, the managing director of Street Football World USA and the Common Goal campaign which encourages all pro soccer players to commit one percent of their salaries to non-profits. Another partner is Aaron Dolores who created Black Arrow FC which has worked to introduce soccer to the African American community.
In the May of 2017, Oakland Pro Soccer launched its Twitter and Facebook pages while continuing to network with the local soccer community in the city. During their outreach the organization connected with real estate developers interested in building a soccer complex as part of a broader development in Oakland if they could secure a location in the city.
Last year Oakland Pro Soccer engaged in preliminary talks with the city about developing a soccer complex. “We felt if we could get a stadium then we would figure out the league that would be best for what we wanted to do,” Nagel said.
Following up on their momentum Oakland Pro Soccer held a kickoff event in October 2017 to introduce their project to the general public.
But they hit a roadblock last November when the city of Oakland informed them that they would be unwilling to facilitate a search and acquisition of land in the town, which included possibly acquiring a piece of the Coliseum complex.
“The city said we would love to do this but we can’t,” said Nagel, explaining that with the ongoing negotiations of the A’s was Oakland’s priority.
Another stumbling block for his organization was which pro soccer league to join.
USL 2 East Bay acquired the territorial rights for the United Soccer League in the East Bay late last year. Oakland Pro Soccer has had some contact with USL 2 East Bay and has been impressed.
“When you start looking at Mark [Hall] (the owner of USL 2 East Bay) and his background, and what he is trying to do and proposing it’s really exciting,” said Nagel. “He’s going to make soccer better here.”
The organization had been in touch with the NASL, which lost its US Soccer Federation sanctioning last year. A few weeks ago Rocco Commisso, the owner of the NASL’s New York Cosmos pledged 500 million dollars to restart and fund the league. “Yes we have had contact, and there is a lot of interested in Oakland and the Bay Area market in general,” said Nagel. “But there hasn’t been any movement because they still don’t know what their timeline is going to be.”
They also have had conversations with the proposed third division National Independent Soccer Association, founded by Peter Wilt. However, the NISA’s status is in doubt after Wilt said he was leaving the league. It also does not have any announced teams or sanctioning by the US Soccer Federation.
During the process, Oakland Pro Soccer even had conversations with Major League Soccer about possibly being a candidate for expansion after the current round of teams are decided in 2024. “They would prefer San Francisco because it’s a bigger market, but they understand the challenges that come with building a stadium in San Francisco,” Nagel noted. “They would be interested in an MLS Oakland team in the future if a stadium deal were put together.”
In the near term, Oakland Pro Soccer has focused on building the soccer community in Oakland even without a team. They will host events during the World Cup, community tournaments and volunteer service days improving soccer field in the city while waiting for the bigger picture to develop.
“We’re trying to figure out what is the next best step. Our goal remains to bring the highest level team possible to Oakland,” Nagel confirmed. “We’re looking to bring pro soccer to Oakland with whoever is committed to doing that.”
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8kw7o1/rowdie_takeaways_week_10_tbr_v_pit/
Rowdie Takeaways Week 10: TBR v PIT (self.TampaBayRowdies)
Great work! We need more player strategy discussions on here.
A few points:
You were spot on with Portilos. He needs to focus a lot more to stay on the pitch. I tought a lot of the Rowdies sloppiness was due to the damp conditions, a week of chaos and a new line-up. They seemed to tighten up as the pitch dried up in the second half.
Collins: I've seen the player manager scenario before in MLB, Hockey (IHL, AHL) and the old MISL indoor soccer. So I'm cool with the change but would love to see Collins back out there. Great move on his part to bring back Morrell. The Rowdies offense was too slow and predictable. This is probably why you felt they were consistent woth the Real performance and Collins is waiting for them to buy into a new system.
I'd put Flemmings up front as a quick strike option and use it just like PGH did on Sat. Control is great, but not too much. Do we ever set plays from the middle?
Ownership rumors? You have em, I want em!
Stadium: First of all, kudos to our operations staff. I had a small issue at Will Call and they more than went out of their way to take care of me when they could have chosen to do less and say sh*t happens. We also need to recognize their great support of local youth soccer. The Rowdies are really invested in the community, and they are creating thousands of lifelong fans!
I doubt we'll see anything more than the led boards in the near future unless the city makes a few well positioned and economically priced investments. Here are a few thoughts:
1) the harborside stands are fine and in good shape. The viewing angle is perfect. Not a bad seat in the house. I'd much rather watch a match at AL Lang than RayJ and even more so than the Trop, all because of the pitch of the stands.
2) I've seen this elsewhere. Add 3-4 rows of seats in front of the wall/yellow seats. Make them nice and charge a premium.
3) Same vein, pull the pitch in closer to the harborside stands and the mob to tighten things up, bring the action closer, and give more room to the midfield stands. Combined with the new premium seats, fans will be right on the action.
4) Remove the dugouts... Sort of. Take the roof off the harborside and make it into the away squad bench with the classic curved glass roof. The Rowdies bench/seats can be further down, and easily moved for concerts. The Mob side dug out should accomodate an on-pitch corporate box. The one above 303 is always used so the expansion is warranted.
5) long term, even if built on top of the wall. Put a few Standing Rows in above the Mahaffey goal with some cover on it. Also, a permanent shelter behind the midfield to accomodate storm evacuations would be great.
Thanks for letting me riff here, but all could be easilly done with a small investment from the city and help secure thelng term health of the club. MLS will come, but it might be awhile.
I think the idea is to make a 20,000 seat stadium and the argument is do you build onto Al Lang which was the proposed deal by Edwards to the MLS, OR do you take over the Trop because the Rays leave in a couple years or so?
I honestly think the MLS, if they were smart, would base their league like the Premiere League and have relegation and promotion. I doubt it’ll happen soon if at all but the idea of having the USL be a true second division and have MLS stakes on the line could drive more interest in soccer in the US.
I’m gonna dive into the Edwards reports this week and generate some theories but the general idea is that his health is an issue and he’s looking to sell the Rowdies. If true, a new ownership group coming in could change the trajectory of the franchise. It puts this current squad in a weird state of limbo because there’s been a concerted effort over the last few years to make the Rowdies a win right away team.
IMHO The game experience at the Trop would be miserable. The stands have the worst angle of pitch for viewing I have ever experienced in baseball. The complete opposite of current trends to make fans feel like they are part of the experience. Something the current stands at Al Lang do very well. I also think the iconic location would play in better if they tied the end of the stands in better with the view. There's no reason to leave it empty and not add a couple of rows or a standing area. If they follow the spirit of my earlier comment they could easily add 2,000 to reach the 20,000 mark woth room to grow a little more in the future.
Looking forward to hearing more, thanks again for your great writing and work!
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https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2018/05/21/23/39/20180521-feat-usoc-miami-united
Miami United Plant Firm Roots in Shifting Soil
Miami United FC are just one game away from facing an MLS side in the 2018 U.S. Open Cup – find out how this NPSL club avoided the pitfalls that sank prior attempts to grow grassroots soccer in South Florida.
Soon after arriving in Miami in 2005, Roberto Sacca noticed something missing. There was plenty of soccer talent around, but a dearth of professional teams. So, a few years later he and a group of friends started up a club of their own: Miami United FC.
“We created the team as a joke,” Sacca said while preparing for a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Third Round trip north to take on the Jacksonville Armada. “Then, of course, we have to put up the money and purchase a franchise. NPSL [National Premier Soccer league] was the cheapest but my friends, who were supposed to put up the money, didn’t, so that’s why I did it.”
From the days of the Miami Gatos in the early 1970s, soccer franchises have struggled in South Florida. Sacca, who grew up in Sicily, heard all the doubters loud and clear. “When we started, everyone was telling me, ‘Rob, you’re crazy,’” Sacca said. “Miami Fusion [of MLS] had failed. Miami FC too, with Romario [former Brazilian World Cup winner], you remember?
“In 2012, there was nothing here. Then, the first tryout, we had 120 guys and we selected 20. We started growing and, in 2013, we were champions of Florida. In 2016, we brought Adriano [former Brazil international] here to help us put Miami United and NPSL on the soccer map. The tryouts we did with Adriano, we had 400 people – players from all over the world: Brazil, Venezuela, France, Trinidad & Tobago – they came from all over.”
Adriano: Fanfare & a False Start
Former Inter forward Adriano Leite Ribeiro arrived with a flurry of publicity, but was clearly at the end of his playing days. Sacca, though, did not consider the acquisition a failure. “It was a positive experience,” he said. “Unfortunately, he couldn’t make it and he left. But we got a lot of recognition and reached people all over the world. And, last April 27, Miami Dade County declared Miami United Day and gave me the key to the county. That was the best recognition I’ve ever gotten.”
Miami United FC compiled a 3-2-3 record in its first NPSL season in 2013; won the Sunshine Conference with a 7-3-0 record in 2014; went unbeaten in 2015 (6-0-4) and 2016 (9-0-1); and hit the 7-4-1 mark in 2017. This year, Miami United are off to a 3-0-2 start in the NPSL, and also advanced past the First Round of the Open Cup for the third time in three tries.
Colombian David Ochoa, 26, leads the way on the field, tallying five goals as Miami United beat locals FC Kendall 5-2 and Miami FC 3-1 so far in the Open Cup. “Every year we get better, and this year we have the strongest team in our history,” Sacca said. “We have a couple of young talents already being scouted by Serie A in Italy. Ochoa is very talented, fast, a very strong player who can play in Serie A, for sure. Gabrielle Privitera is 19 years old, from Venezuela. He doesn’t want to go on to college, and a couple teams are interested in bringing him to the next level.”
Ochoa played for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and was recommended by Ferdinando Di Mattheis, who helped bring Giuseppe Rossi to Europe, and also coached Miami United. “Ochoa is a phenomenon, I was surprised he hasn’t been in MLS,” Miami United coach Gerardo La Vieja Reinoso said. “He has the characteristics for Europe, he’s technical and grandote [physical presence], you know what I mean? He has football in his blood. Give him freedom and he resolves situations.
“Privitera is also talented, speedy with the ball at his feet,” the coach went on about the raft of impressive players at his disposal. “He’s young and he’s growing, he has the ability to create, and he can be a good player.”
Reinoso, a star with Independiente in Argentina in the ‘80s, continued his playing career in Chile where he made a connection with former Chilean FA executive Miguel Nasur, now president of Miami United. “Maybe nobody knows [Reinoso] here, but he’s a legend in South America,” Sacca said. “He has the character we need. He’s like one of the players, he trains with them. You see him putting his heart in this project.”
Miami United has knocked off one former North American Soccer League (NASL) team in Miami FC, who went to the Quarterfinals of last year’s Open Cup, and will likely be considered the underdog against Jacksonville, another former NASL team. “Jacksonville is going to be tough,” Sacca said. “Like Miami FC – one of their players gets paid what we have for our total budget, players and office staff.”
Work by Day; Soccer by Night
Miami United has an annual budget of about $500,000, high for a semi-pro/amateur team, according to Sacca. “We are investing in developing a dream for the players and, hopefully, we can give some players an opportunity to go to the next level,” Sacca said. “Basically, the Miami area has a lot of talent. The only thing missing is the mentality. Some players don’t find the right spot. There are a lot of teams around now so we’re working the last few years in selecting the best players in the area and helping them out with a little reimbursement per month. In the past I was bringing in players from Europe, but I realized we have to change the mentality of players here and let them feel they’re in a very serious club, so we can bring a professional mentality to them.”
Miami United’s players don’t consider their Cup victory over Miami FC an upset, according to forward Vinicius Tupan. “Actually, I think Miami United is much better than Miami FC,” Tupan, 22, said. “We played better than they did.”
Tupan works construction by day, then joins the team for training at Ted Hendricks Stadium nightly. Tupan and Miami United defender Daniel Navarro were born in Massachusetts and grew up in Brazil, playing together at Nacional in Curitiba as youngsters. “For sure, this team is going to grow year by year and, maybe, we’re going to be a big team,” Tupan said. “We already are, right? The objective is to do well in the U.S. Open Cup and, maybe, play against an MLS team [possibly Orlando City SC] and maybe we can be a tough game for them. All games against Miami United will be tough.”
Miami United has outlasted many of South Florida’s soccer enterprises, including MLS’ Miami Fusion (1998-2001). Sacca, for one, is eager for the American top-flight to return under David Beckham’s direction. “I always believed in this project,” Sacca said of Beckham’s approved plan to bring an MLS franchise to the Miami area – and just one win away from his own team facing off with a top-tier pro side in the Open Cup. “I mean, the only difference between MLS teams and our teams, is some of our players are working in the morning. But we know that we can compete with them, absolutely. If we go to Orlando City or Kansas City, you’re not going to see them kick us, 4-0. If we lose, fine, but the difference is not going to be that much.
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http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/news/20180521/former-liverpool-fc-exec-named-nashville-mls-ceo
Former Liverpool F.C. exec named Nashville MLS CEO
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Coffee Talk: Here’s To New Beginnings (theunsubs.com)
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8kx0k7/coffee_talk_heres_to_new_beginnings/
Coffee Talk: Here’s To New Beginnings (theunsubs.com)
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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/05/20/coffee-talk-heres-to-new-beginnings/3867
Coffee Talk: Here’s To New Beginnings
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8kw7o1/rowdie_takeaways_week_10_tbr_v_pit/
Rowdie Takeaways Week 10: TBR v PIT (self.TampaBayRowdies)
Cautiously or Recklessly Optimistic- You all know it's coming, but I'll save patting myself on the back for the next section. This is a wild time to be a Rowdies fan with the rumors swirling around ownership, the change in manager, some major lineup shakeups. There are so many talking points in and outside of this game. Let's talk about the positives and negatives in the game, and then move onto the bigger picture.
Where the Rowdies inspire confidence- I warned you. In the third minute of the game, Alex Morrell receives a short corner, takes a quick run to the outside of the box and plays a perfect ball that Rozeboom deflects into the goal. The assist was beautiful. I've been dying to see the Rowdies put the ball into the box from better positions in the attacking third and that's exactly what Morrell does. I said this before the season started, you use Morrell for 60-70 minutes and let fresh forwards pick up for him when he's out of gas. Collins subs were timely and all made sense. It seemed Collins had a plan for this game and it worked offensively. The Rowdies were unlucky not to score three or four. The Cole for Nano sub came at the right time. I still believe you have to figure out how to work Graf into the starting lineup, but that's a future issue. Collins gets an A for substitutions where Campbell would get a C or D because his subs seemed reactionary or often way too late in the game. The biggest victory in this draw was the moral victory of battling back from a first-half deficit. This Riverhounds team was fantastic with Dover and Forbes in the middle, those guys are lethal. I didn't see the Rowdies change too much in the style of play from previous home matches. We simply got better side to side passes in the attacking third which is par for the course with the Rowdies at Al Lang. We'll see if more intricacies develop in the Collins era as far as how the team attacks. What we did see was less long balls from the back for stupid turnovers. We also saw a Rowdies team that just seemed more energized and determined. Hopefully, this sentiment carries on in the upcoming weeks and the next road contest which will be Neill's first true test as a young manager of a club with three years of bad road results. Also, Flemmings passed the ball a couple times.
Where the Rowdies struggled- The turnovers were killer. Schafer's turnover led to the second goal with a bad slide by Magalhaes. Magalhaes needs to play more composed in the back line. Portillos was very shifty but his passing and lead boot touches keep making him a negative player in the attacking half while still not being polished defensively. With Collins out of the defensive lineup, the Rowdies backline has a lot of questions to answer very fast and the injuries have already piled up. It was questionable to go with Fitzgerald right out of the gate and he had the opportunity to come out and clear the first goal or cover it up. The through ball was great and the attacker had pace but the ball reaches the box and Fitzgerald backed away instead of attacking the ball and dropping on it. Mizell cleans those chances up for breakfast. Maybe I'm being harsh, but I think Fitzgerald is better off attacking that ball and forcing the issue because he allowed a straight shot at him that led to the own goal. The turnovers were the sloppiest part of the Rowdies game. There was a concerted effort to knock Rozeboom off the ball and press him because his possession is questionable. And no matter how many nice turns and moves Guenzatti makes, he's still been ineffective in the attacking third. He needs to get in a position where he can make key passes. All the criticism being levied, the Rowdies were resilient and this is the best they've played in since the Monarchs game well over a month ago.
Spectacular saves and magnificent blunders- The Rowdies were saved by the Hounds keeper Lynd who had both goals go by him within his reach. In soccer, you have to take the goals how you get them because as we saw later, Flemmings was consistently denied by Lynd. Similarly, for Fitzgerald, the own goal is partially on him with Lachowecki getting his share of the blame for torpedoing himself at the ball. I'd say the second goal Fitzgerald was dead to rights, but Fitzgerald rebounded with two spectacular second-half saves that saved the point for the Rowdies.
The Scottish Experiment- Of all the sports I've watched, never have I seen anything like this. Maybe because this is a second division soccer league this sort of player becoming coach midseason thing can just occur without much buzz, but this is still lunacy in my mind. Collins went from best defender of a suspect defense to manager of a team whose status in soccer is in a weird state of limbo. I'm assuming the MLS2StPete parade is a distant memory despite starting only last year. Can we still expect a stadium rebuild? What is the future of the Rowdies? In the meantime, can Collins make the most of a team with talented players that haven't gotten the necessary chemistry yet to win on the road? Collins has some work to do in the standings as well with the Rowdies having played 10 games and sitting in 9th place. The battle for the organization is uphill. This is sports movie territory. This is also disastrous territory. I'll be here for all the action along the way.
Armchair adjustment, how can we get the striker more involved?- Behind can the defense play competently and can the Rowdies limit turnovers in future games, this question ranks third on my long list of things to look for in Rowdies games. Hristov has not had the ball at his feet very often this season and that does not bode well for the best finisher on the team. Collins HAS to find ways to get Hristov the ball in dangerous positions.
One final Morrell celebration- I need my fellow Rowdies fans to take Morrell seriously. It's not JUST the pace that makes him so dangerous. It's how Morrell attracts the defense and opens up the rest of the pitch to go on a run to the net. He was doing the exact same thing last year and Campbell inexplicably rolled with Guenzatti and Restrepo at the end of the season and not the guys who got him into the playoffs (Paterson and Morrell). Morrell's most glaring weakness is sturdy but quick defenders that can dispossess him if Morrell takes a bad touch, but Morrell is a smart player and a VAST improvement over Flemmings. Flemmings made small improvements but he's still too far into the woods to see any trees just yet.
Buying into the things- This is my favorite Rowdies storyline currently. Collins keeps saying he wants his team, wow that is weird to say, to buy into his system, his plans, his something. What is it, I guess it's better that we don't know because it's tactical. We'll find out in the coming weeks if Collins is speaking about an actual system of play or just some media jargon to keep us happy. As I said before, this looked like a Rowdies home game where the difference was the defense is crippled and turnovers were futile. Yet here I am actually excited to see what the Rowdies do on the road against that dreadful Toronto club. Toronto has 0 wins. If we lose to Toronto, then the Rowdies are legitimately cursed. Someone bring a goat to that game. What should be a layup for Collins next week will have me on the edge of my seat. The Rowdies cannot afford to even draw against the worst club in the league.
Loving these write ups, well done again! I don't want to see Flemmings on the pitch at all ever again, period. He can be sold yesterday. Definitely loved seeing Morrell start for sure, was a nice change. I too was surprised to see Akira in goal. If I remebmer correctly, we destroyed Torontwo on the road last season....so that better happen again.
I forgot to mention Collins put Leon Taylor on the subs bench, very curious to see if he gets on the pitch soon and what he brings to the table. Him vs. Flemmings could be a possibility. It’s hard for me to completely give up on Flemmings because the Red Bull’s figured out how to use him. This guy had 10 goals last year, all inside the box. I don’t think Campbell was malleable to realize he has to adjust the offense around Flemmings when he’s on the field. Collins might be more focused on how to use certain guys the right way.
TIL We have a player named Leon Taylor...
19 year old kid. He was on the subs list last night and Fernandes wasn’t so Collins must take him seriously.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8ksv03/rowdies_home_attendance_thread_game_4_vs/
Rowdies Home Attendance Thread – Game 4 vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC [5/19] (self.TampaBayRowdies)
Sales leading up to last night looked really strong from watching Ticketmaster and it ended up being our second best showing of the short season so far (6,202). The rain ended up not disturbing the game too much, but most certainly killed walkups as the worst of it was really the hour or so before the match kicked off. So far, we're at a good pace against the first 4 games of last year. Two weeks and we're back at it against Atlanta Twonited...
weather turned out to be fantastic! It rained enough to keep the temperature down, but not make it a humid swampy sauna. Unfortunately it was windy and threatening enough to stop us from hoisting a possible tifo....but (un)luckily, that moment never came......Glad to see we still broke 6k!
Bought an extra ticket to bring my friend but she was terrified of rain so didn't even up going. Sucks that from what I've heard it didn't even rain during the game all that much
Can't blame anyone for no-showing. That storm rode the coastlines from coast to coast all day. It would've been a washout on the Tampa side.
By the looks of things the loved getting muddy on the grass hill!
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8kqezw/rowdies_draw_22_with_riverhounds_in_collins/
Rowdies Draw 2-2 with Riverhounds in Collins’ Coaching Debut (theunsubs.com)
Boy did we squeak that one. If it weren't for those absolute goalkeeping howlers and some indecision by the opposition, we would be staring at a 3-0 loss. Something to be said for Akira's performance too. But really, it seems we forgot how to play this game.
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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/05/19/rowdies-draw-2-2-with-riverhounds-in-collins-coaching-debut/3864
Rowdies Draw 2-2 with Riverhounds in Collins’ Coaching Debut
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https://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/12/03/princess-leias-hairstyle/
Princess Leia’s revolutionary hairstyle was an homage to George Lucas’s passions
“George didn’t want a damsel in distress, didn’t want your stereotypical princess–he wanted a fighter, he wanted someone who was independent,” Fisher explained to the BBC in 1977.
In fact, the iconic hairstyle probably is the result of a historical mashup. Photos of Lucas’s references are on view in a traveling exhibit called “Star Wars and the Power of Costume,” currently at the Museum of Fine Arts, in St. Petersburg, Florida. An inspiration board shows a photo of Clara de la Rocha, a famous Mexican revolutionary who rose to rank as colonel and who was descended from landowners, with a bandolier slung across her body and wrapped around her waist. Her hair is styled with the distinctive twin buns On the photo is a yellow Post-It with Lucas’s handwriting: “Mexican—Revolution—Hairstyles—Women.” There are also sepia-toned photos of blanketed Hopi women and girls with the twirled twin buns. Together, these photos suggest Lucas’s intent was more homage than exact replication.
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http://pittsburghsportscastle.com/riverhounds-sc-fight-for-2-2-draw-against-tampa-bay/
Riverhounds SC fight for 2-2 draw against Tampa Bay
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https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wolves-neil-collins-leeds-united-14679100
Former Wolves and Leeds United ace takes his first steps into management
Neil Collins has been appointed manager of USL team Tampa Bay Rowdies
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https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2018/may/where-are-they-now--stuart-campbell/
Where Are They Now? | Stuart Campbell
What is the former Town man up to nowadays?
Former Grimsby Town midfielder, Stuart Campbell, has been plying his trade as a coach with American soccer side Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Campbell, who played 161 times for the Mariners between 2000 and 2001, has just parted company with the club that he has been with since 2011.
He initially joined North American side as a player into the role of a player/coach under manager Ricky Hill, and when Campbell retired from the pitch in 2013, he became their full-time assistant coach.
In 2015, Rowdies coach Thomas Rongen was fired after the club struggled to a 2–2–6 start to the NASL's fall season. Campbell was promoted to manager and led the team to a 3–4–4 record over their remaining games.
Former West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder, Joe Cole was one of the players working for Campbell during his reign.
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http://www.tbo.com/sports/rowdies/2018/05/19/rowdies-ties-debut-of-new-coach-neill-collins/
Rowdies tie in debut of new coach Neill Collins
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https://www.dkpittsburghsports.com/2018/05/19/hounds-rowdies-parkes-cole-draw/
Hounds, Rowdies squander chances in draw
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/919568-cole-s-strike-helps-rowdies-earn-draw
Cole's Strike Helps Rowdies Earn Draw
Tampa Bay rallies to earn home point in front of 6,202; Pittsburgh remains unbeaten
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM6TAGw29Js
HIGHLIGHTS - Rowdies vs Pittsburgh RiverHounds - 5/19/18
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on May 19, 2018
HIGHLIGHTS presented by Tampa International Airport
The Rowdies and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC played to an exciting 2-2 draw. Rozeboom and Cole scored the goals for the home team.
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/998291880214441984
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Who was your Man of the Match in last night’s 2-2 draw against @RiverhoundsSC?
12:58 PM - 20 May 2018
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Hear what @neillycollins3 and @LanceRozeboom had to say after last night's 2-2 draw against @RiverhoundsSC.
Post Game Recap: vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds
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12:52 PM - 20 May 2018
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Tampa Bay Rowdies Retweeted tbusoccer
Amazing job by @tbusoccer U17 boys! Fantastic achievement!
Tampa Bay Rowdies added,
tbusoccer
@tbusoccer
The TBU Rowdies U17B are the Florida State Champs! This is their 2nd state championship in a row. The boys are also the current regional and national Champions. Great win today! Well played!
12:10 PM - 20 May 2018
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Take a look at the Rowdies Save of the Game presented by @TechVacations.
@akirafitzgerald made a fantastic save late in the game to keep the Rowdies and @RiverhoundsSC tied 2-2.
9:35 AM - 20 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/RalphsMob/status/998034902682611712
Ralph's Mob
@RalphsMob
When @JDL_87 shows us love! 🙏🏽🙏🏽 #TeamTampaBay #lfg @TampaBayRowdies @RaysBaseball
7:57 PM - 19 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/jochengraf/status/998224148508954624
Jochen Graf
@jochengraf
It was great to be 🏡 at Al Lang.
Not happy with a draw, but excited to get back to work this week preparing for Toronto next weekend.
#COYR
8:29 AM - 20 May 2018 from St Petersburg, FL
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.@LanceRozeboom on his first goal for the Rowdies🎙️
"Neill made it a point, especially in the first few minutes, to play quick off the corners."
Lance Rozeboom on his goal against Pittsburgh Riverhounds
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8:00 AM - 20 May 2018
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Head Coach @neillycollins3 on his first match at the helm:
"Those lads tonight tried to do everything I asked. At times it worked. At times it did not work. But the most important thing was they were trying to implement specific things that I had asked."
Neill Collins - Postgame Comments
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7:05 AM - 20 May 2018
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Home💚💛💚
😍
6:17 AM - 20 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/Jimmerz4Jjmac/status/998045041389076480
JJ McCabe
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Come on you Rowdies!! #AlLangStadium #DTSP #StPeteSunset @TampaBayRowdies
8:37 PM - 19 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/RalphsMob/status/998028577995153409
Ralph's Mob
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Home 🏡😍💚💛⚽️🙌🏽💪🏽
7:32 PM - 19 May 2018 from Tampa Bay Rowdies
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https://twitter.com/JDL_87/status/997979907694256130
@JDL_87
Jose De León Retweeted Tampa Bay Rowdies
Thanks for having us!!! Let’s GO @TampaBayRowdies
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Shoutout to @RaysBaseball’s @JDL_87 for coming out to support the Rowdies!
#TeamTampaBay
4:18 PM - 19 May 2018
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Thank you to everyone who came out and supported us tonight!
We missed playing in front of the best fans in the league💚💛
7:38 PM - 19 May 2018
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Rowdies Snap Losing Streak In Collins' Coaching Debut
Match recap: http://bit.ly/2rSinvM
7:21 PM - 19 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/KodyAllenson/status/998004546952712192
Kody Allenson
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Joe Cole. @TampaBayRowdies.
5 Hole.
#TBRvPGH
5:56 PM - 19 May 2018 from Tampa Bay Rowdies
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HIGHLIGHTS presented by @FlyTPA
The Rowdies and @RiverhoundsSC play to an exciting 2-2 draw. Rozeboom and Cole scored the goals for the home team.
#TBRvPGH
7:13 PM - 19 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/998012412681949185
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FINAL The Rowdies draw their first match of the season with a 2-2 score against @RiverhoundsSC.
6:27 PM - 19 May 2018
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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/05/20/impact-originals-reflect-start-club-ahead-25th-anniversary-match
Impact originals reflect on start of club ahead of 25th anniversary match
MONTREAL -- The Montreal Impact made their humble home debut as a fledgling member of the American Professional Soccer League on May 21, 1993.
Thanks to the vision and backing of the Saputo family, the Impact were born in the soccer void in the city after the Montreal Supra were left without a league when the Canadian Soccer League folded in 1992, six years after it was created.
The Montreal Canadiens were in the midst of a run to their record 24th Stanley Cup title as National Hockey League champions when the Impact took to the pitch at Centre Claude Robillard for the first time on that Friday evening 25 years ago.
With current Impact executive Nick De Santis in the starting XI, Montreal defeated the Tampa Bay Rowdies 4-2 before an overflow crowd of 5,380.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/8kg7nl/dc_united_introduces_fam_fan_allocation_money/
DC United Introduces "FAM"... Fan Allocation Money. (self.MLS)
Just got an email from DCU for Fan Allocation Money, or FAM. Targeted towards season ticket holders (which I am not, so I don't know why I got the email...), DCU is allegedly giving STHs flexibility in using their unused season tickets.
FAM is a digital currency redeemed through the DC United app that can be used for buying additional seats, upgrading your own seats, and buying VIP experiences (field-side seats).
Some other features of FAM:
*Edit: As I'm not a season ticket holder to any team and never have been, I didn't know that you couldn't sell your tickets for cash. I thought that season ticket holders could sell their tickets to games they can't attend either through Ticketmaster/StubHub, or through an official exchange from which you could get cash for those tickets. I did not think that ticket holders could sell their tickets back to the team. My apologies for my ignorance and confusion.
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Youth Transfer Fund MLS is about to introduce “YTF,” a new pool of money to... (theathletic.com)
https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/8kebht/mls_is_about_to_introduce_ytf_a_new_pool_of_money/
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https://theathletic.com/359370/2018/05/18/mls-is-about-to-introduce-ytf-a-new-pool-of-money-to-purchase-young-international-players/
MLS is about to introduce “YTF,” a new pool of money to purchase young players
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https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/8kespu/satire_major_league_soccer_is_about_to_introduce/
[Satire] Major League Soccer Is About To Introduce, "WTF," A New Pool Of Money For, "Whatever" (thenutmegnews.com)
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https://www.thenutmegnews.com/current/2018/5/18/major-league-soccer-is-about-to-introduce-wtf-a-new-pool-of-money-for-whatever
Major League Soccer Is About To Introduce, "WTF," A New Pool Of Money For, "Whatever"
NEW YORK - Insiders with Major League Soccer indicate that the league will soon introduce, "WTF," an acronym that stands for "Whatever The Fuck," which will be a new pool of money for, "Whatever the fuck you want to spend it on that might increase the profile of the league in some small way."
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https://www.sportstalkflorida.com/soccer/miami-beckham-united/waiting-for-beckham/
Waiting For Beckham
Where is the Miami MLS team?
In a perfect world, David Beckham’s Miami Major League Soccer franchise would be playing in a brand new stadium. But nothing is ever perfect and the MLS is still looking at David Beckham and asking where is your stadium? On February 5, 2014, the league gave Beckham a discounted rate to buy an expansion team and place the franchise in Miami. The league is still waiting for some sign of life more than four years later from Beckham’s soccer team. Beckham added new business partners in mid-December 2017 but the stadium is still in limbo although the MLS thinks Beckham will eventually have a soccer stadium opened but it appears that it will not happen before 2021 at the earliest. Officially Beckham still does not have an MLS team although he has owners and a team name and possibly a stadium.
The latest snag is that Beckham’s new partners didn’t care much for the Overton location for a stadium. Overton is not out of the picture but there is tire kicking going on elsewhere within Miami and a city owned golf course property may be the apple of the Beckham group’s eye. There was a hope that Beckham’s group could get a question before voters in August about taking over the property. That may not happen and a vote could be pushed back to November. The Beckham’s group’s initiative has to be placed on the ballot by June 8 to get before voters in August. It has been a struggle for Beckham and his advisers to land a stadium with a planned seaport stadium blocked by various interests. Beckham and his group were steered to land near the Miami Marlins baseball park but securing the land needed for the project is became a problem and Beckham abandoned the plan. Beckham eventually decided on Overton but it appears he has been overruled. Beckham’s group wants Miami but there is a bigger question. Does Miami want them?
Beckham was at the royal wedding but he still does not have a Miami MLS team on the pitch.
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http://www.dispatch.com/sports/20180520/michael-arace--crew-sc-supporters-score-again-with-ticket-pledge
Michael Arace | Crew SC supporters score again with ticket pledge
There is a host of reasons why Anthony Precourt had a secret Austin exit clause written into the purchase agreement when he bought the Crew five years ago. Some of the reasons are even legitimate.
Precourt loves Austin because he has a weakness for queso, he said. Precourt loves Austin because that’s where he had his bachelor party; so said Dave Greeley, president of Precourt Sports Ventures. Precourt loves Austin because Major League Soccer needs to gouge new money from new markets.
Melted cheese, fond bachelor memories and pyramid schemes — these are all legitimate reasons to respect their ambition.
But the “Columbus is a failed market” story that has been peddled for months by MLS commissioner Don Garber, Greeley and Precourt is a whole lot of hooey. I mean, come on.
It is clear now that Precourt never tapped into the power of his greatest constituency. Oh, he hung out with Frankie Hejduk, sloshed around soccer bars and ran his or his father’s credit card. Yet, he and Greeley never truly engaged with the supporter groups — not like they should have. They only did enough to shield their grift.
Let us revisit September 2011, when the Crew business people set a goal of selling 10,000 season tickets. They didn’t quite hit their mark in 2012, but they got a 30 percent bump.
In 2013, Precourt bought the operation, and he included the secret exit clause. Four years later, he blamed Columbus and its fans and its business leaders for the failures of his administration and announced he was exploring a move to Austin. Garber went, “Yeah!”
If you’ve ever stolen a horse, or even if you haven’t, you have to know this was all a load of manure. Last week, #SaveTheCrew punched another hole in the con job.
Thursday morning, the Community Outreach subcommittee launched #STCProject2019 with a campaign they’re calling “Take the Pledge.” They used social-media platforms to direct interested parties to savethecrew.com, where they could pledge to buy season tickets “following the sale of Columbus Crew SC to a new local investor/operator.”
There were more than 1,000 responses by midnight Thursday. There were more than 5,000 pledges to buy tickets by midnight Friday. Remember, Precourt had more than 43,000 hours to try to sell 10,000 tickets. #SaveTheCrew got half that in pledges in 48 hours.
Thousands of locals re-upped and/or added to their packages. Hundreds of new fans also took the pledge, which in Columbus trended on Twitter. Scores of folks — from Pittsburgh to Memphis to islands in the Caribbean to Europe — pledged to buy and donate. Some of these are Columbus ex-pats. Others are simply soccer fans who are disgusted with the brazenness of Precourt and MLS. They want to believe in soccer’s special supporter/club relationship.
One of 18 subcommittees of a grassroots movement accomplished this without a whit of paid advertising or professional marketing. Among the volunteers was the crew who manned the #SaveTheCrew tent at the Taco Festival at Genoa Park on Saturday. I walked by after the thunderstorms and it was mobbed.
Understand: Project 2019 is only just getting started. Look out.
The “Art Modell Law” suit is paused in a Franklin County Court, ostensibly to give local investors time to make their pitch to buy the Crew. The Pledge, as it says at savethecrew.com, is not designed “to pad a bunch of stats, but to give a fresh, local investor/operator the chance to get a running start on success.”
In this context, a Massive Rolodex is a brilliant idea. And it is being compiled under the aegis of having Precourt out of the picture, which also is brilliant.
Precourt never wanted anything to do with Columbus. He was an absentee owner, a negligent landlord and, it turns out, a feckless con man. Now, the community that he abused is responding in kind. Have a nice day.
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http://www.realclearlife.com/sports/american-soccer-doesnt-second-class/
American Soccer Doesn’t Have to Be Second Class
We have the money to make MLS genuinely major league—here's why we haven't been spending it.
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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/concacaf-us-venues-2018-gold-cup
Concacaf announces 15 US venues for 2018 Gold Cup
Details unveiled for expanded national team soccer tournament.
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https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/21/why-the-us-men-will-never-win-the-world-cup-and-thats-ok
Why the US men will never win the World Cup (and that's OK)
The dream of USA dominating world football has been a dream for years. But structural and cultural issues ensure it won’t happen anytime soon
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8kx0k7/coffee_talk_heres_to_new_beginnings/
Coffee Talk: Here’s To New Beginnings (theunsubs.com)
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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/05/20/coffee-talk-heres-to-new-beginnings/3867
Coffee Talk: Here’s To New Beginnings
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8kw7o1/rowdie_takeaways_week_10_tbr_v_pit/
Rowdie Takeaways Week 10: TBR v PIT (self.TampaBayRowdies)
Cautiously or Recklessly Optimistic- You all know it's coming, but I'll save patting myself on the back for the next section. This is a wild time to be a Rowdies fan with the rumors swirling around ownership, the change in manager, some major lineup shakeups. There are so many talking points in and outside of this game. Let's talk about the positives and negatives in the game, and then move onto the bigger picture.
Where the Rowdies inspire confidence- I warned you. In the third minute of the game, Alex Morrell receives a short corner, takes a quick run to the outside of the box and plays a perfect ball that Rozeboom deflects into the goal. The assist was beautiful. I've been dying to see the Rowdies put the ball into the box from better positions in the attacking third and that's exactly what Morrell does. I said this before the season started, you use Morrell for 60-70 minutes and let fresh forwards pick up for him when he's out of gas. Collins subs were timely and all made sense. It seemed Collins had a plan for this game and it worked offensively. The Rowdies were unlucky not to score three or four. The Cole for Nano sub came at the right time. I still believe you have to figure out how to work Graf into the starting lineup, but that's a future issue. Collins gets an A for substitutions where Campbell would get a C or D because his subs seemed reactionary or often way too late in the game. The biggest victory in this draw was the moral victory of battling back from a first-half deficit. This Riverhounds team was fantastic with Dover and Forbes in the middle, those guys are lethal. I didn't see the Rowdies change too much in the style of play from previous home matches. We simply got better side to side passes in the attacking third which is par for the course with the Rowdies at Al Lang. We'll see if more intricacies develop in the Collins era as far as how the team attacks. What we did see was less long balls from the back for stupid turnovers. We also saw a Rowdies team that just seemed more energized and determined. Hopefully, this sentiment carries on in the upcoming weeks and the next road contest which will be Neill's first true test as a young manager of a club with three years of bad road results. Also, Flemmings passed the ball a couple times.
Where the Rowdies struggled- The turnovers were killer. Schafer's turnover led to the second goal with a bad slide by Magalhaes. Magalhaes needs to play more composed in the back line. Portillos was very shifty but his passing and lead boot touches keep making him a negative player in the attacking half while still not being polished defensively. With Collins out of the defensive lineup, the Rowdies backline has a lot of questions to answer very fast and the injuries have already piled up. It was questionable to go with Fitzgerald right out of the gate and he had the opportunity to come out and clear the first goal or cover it up. The through ball was great and the attacker had pace but the ball reaches the box and Fitzgerald backed away instead of attacking the ball and dropping on it. Mizell cleans those chances up for breakfast. Maybe I'm being harsh, but I think Fitzgerald is better off attacking that ball and forcing the issue because he allowed a straight shot at him that led to the own goal. The turnovers were the sloppiest part of the Rowdies game. There was a concerted effort to knock Rozeboom off the ball and press him because his possession is questionable. And no matter how many nice turns and moves Guenzatti makes, he's still been ineffective in the attacking third. He needs to get in a position where he can make key passes. All the criticism being levied, the Rowdies were resilient and this is the best they've played in since the Monarchs game well over a month ago.
Spectacular saves and magnificent blunders- The Rowdies were saved by the Hounds keeper Lynd who had both goals go by him within his reach. In soccer, you have to take the goals how you get them because as we saw later, Flemmings was consistently denied by Lynd. Similarly, for Fitzgerald, the own goal is partially on him with Lachowecki getting his share of the blame for torpedoing himself at the ball. I'd say the second goal Fitzgerald was dead to rights, but Fitzgerald rebounded with two spectacular second-half saves that saved the point for the Rowdies.
The Scottish Experiment- Of all the sports I've watched, never have I seen anything like this. Maybe because this is a second division soccer league this sort of player becoming coach midseason thing can just occur without much buzz, but this is still lunacy in my mind. Collins went from best defender of a suspect defense to manager of a team whose status in soccer is in a weird state of limbo. I'm assuming the MLS2StPete parade is a distant memory despite starting only last year. Can we still expect a stadium rebuild? What is the future of the Rowdies? In the meantime, can Collins make the most of a team with talented players that haven't gotten the necessary chemistry yet to win on the road? Collins has some work to do in the standings as well with the Rowdies having played 10 games and sitting in 9th place. The battle for the organization is uphill. This is sports movie territory. This is also disastrous territory. I'll be here for all the action along the way.
Armchair adjustment, how can we get the striker more involved?- Behind can the defense play competently and can the Rowdies limit turnovers in future games, this question ranks third on my long list of things to look for in Rowdies games. Hristov has not had the ball at his feet very often this season and that does not bode well for the best finisher on the team. Collins HAS to find ways to get Hristov the ball in dangerous positions.
One final Morrell celebration- I need my fellow Rowdies fans to take Morrell seriously. It's not JUST the pace that makes him so dangerous. It's how Morrell attracts the defense and opens up the rest of the pitch to go on a run to the net. He was doing the exact same thing last year and Campbell inexplicably rolled with Guenzatti and Restrepo at the end of the season and not the guys who got him into the playoffs (Paterson and Morrell). Morrell's most glaring weakness is sturdy but quick defenders that can dispossess him if Morrell takes a bad touch, but Morrell is a smart player and a VAST improvement over Flemmings. Flemmings made small improvements but he's still too far into the woods to see any trees just yet.
Buying into the things- This is my favorite Rowdies storyline currently. Collins keeps saying he wants his team, wow that is weird to say, to buy into his system, his plans, his something. What is it, I guess it's better that we don't know because it's tactical. We'll find out in the coming weeks if Collins is speaking about an actual system of play or just some media jargon to keep us happy. As I said before, this looked like a Rowdies home game where the difference was the defense is crippled and turnovers were futile. Yet here I am actually excited to see what the Rowdies do on the road against that dreadful Toronto club. Toronto has 0 wins. If we lose to Toronto, then the Rowdies are legitimately cursed. Someone bring a goat to that game. What should be a layup for Collins next week will have me on the edge of my seat. The Rowdies cannot afford to even draw against the worst club in the league.
Loving these write ups, well done again! I don't want to see Flemmings on the pitch at all ever again, period. He can be sold yesterday. Definitely loved seeing Morrell start for sure, was a nice change. I too was surprised to see Akira in goal. If I remebmer correctly, we destroyed Torontwo on the road last season....so that better happen again.
I forgot to mention Collins put Leon Taylor on the subs bench, very curious to see if he gets on the pitch soon and what he brings to the table. Him vs. Flemmings could be a possibility. It’s hard for me to completely give up on Flemmings because the Red Bull’s figured out how to use him. This guy had 10 goals last year, all inside the box. I don’t think Campbell was malleable to realize he has to adjust the offense around Flemmings when he’s on the field. Collins might be more focused on how to use certain guys the right way.
TIL We have a player named Leon Taylor...
19 year old kid. He was on the subs list last night and Fernandes wasn’t so Collins must take him seriously.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8ksv03/rowdies_home_attendance_thread_game_4_vs/
Rowdies Home Attendance Thread – Game 4 vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC [5/19] (self.TampaBayRowdies)
Sales leading up to last night looked really strong from watching Ticketmaster and it ended up being our second best showing of the short season so far (6,202). The rain ended up not disturbing the game too much, but most certainly killed walkups as the worst of it was really the hour or so before the match kicked off. So far, we're at a good pace against the first 4 games of last year. Two weeks and we're back at it against Atlanta Twonited...
weather turned out to be fantastic! It rained enough to keep the temperature down, but not make it a humid swampy sauna. Unfortunately it was windy and threatening enough to stop us from hoisting a possible tifo....but (un)luckily, that moment never came......Glad to see we still broke 6k!
Bought an extra ticket to bring my friend but she was terrified of rain so didn't even up going. Sucks that from what I've heard it didn't even rain during the game all that much
Can't blame anyone for no-showing. That storm rode the coastlines from coast to coast all day. It would've been a washout on the Tampa side.
By the looks of things the loved getting muddy on the grass hill!
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8kqezw/rowdies_draw_22_with_riverhounds_in_collins/
Rowdies Draw 2-2 with Riverhounds in Collins’ Coaching Debut (theunsubs.com)
Boy did we squeak that one. If it weren't for those absolute goalkeeping howlers and some indecision by the opposition, we would be staring at a 3-0 loss. Something to be said for Akira's performance too. But really, it seems we forgot how to play this game.
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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/05/19/rowdies-draw-2-2-with-riverhounds-in-collins-coaching-debut/3864
Rowdies Draw 2-2 with Riverhounds in Collins’ Coaching Debut
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https://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/12/03/princess-leias-hairstyle/
Princess Leia’s revolutionary hairstyle was an homage to George Lucas’s passions
“George didn’t want a damsel in distress, didn’t want your stereotypical princess–he wanted a fighter, he wanted someone who was independent,” Fisher explained to the BBC in 1977.
In fact, the iconic hairstyle probably is the result of a historical mashup. Photos of Lucas’s references are on view in a traveling exhibit called “Star Wars and the Power of Costume,” currently at the Museum of Fine Arts, in St. Petersburg, Florida. An inspiration board shows a photo of Clara de la Rocha, a famous Mexican revolutionary who rose to rank as colonel and who was descended from landowners, with a bandolier slung across her body and wrapped around her waist. Her hair is styled with the distinctive twin buns On the photo is a yellow Post-It with Lucas’s handwriting: “Mexican—Revolution—Hairstyles—Women.” There are also sepia-toned photos of blanketed Hopi women and girls with the twirled twin buns. Together, these photos suggest Lucas’s intent was more homage than exact replication.
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http://pittsburghsportscastle.com/riverhounds-sc-fight-for-2-2-draw-against-tampa-bay/
Riverhounds SC fight for 2-2 draw against Tampa Bay
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https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wolves-neil-collins-leeds-united-14679100
Former Wolves and Leeds United ace takes his first steps into management
Neil Collins has been appointed manager of USL team Tampa Bay Rowdies
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https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2018/may/where-are-they-now--stuart-campbell/
Where Are They Now? | Stuart Campbell
What is the former Town man up to nowadays?
Former Grimsby Town midfielder, Stuart Campbell, has been plying his trade as a coach with American soccer side Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Campbell, who played 161 times for the Mariners between 2000 and 2001, has just parted company with the club that he has been with since 2011.
He initially joined North American side as a player into the role of a player/coach under manager Ricky Hill, and when Campbell retired from the pitch in 2013, he became their full-time assistant coach.
In 2015, Rowdies coach Thomas Rongen was fired after the club struggled to a 2–2–6 start to the NASL's fall season. Campbell was promoted to manager and led the team to a 3–4–4 record over their remaining games.
Former West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder, Joe Cole was one of the players working for Campbell during his reign.
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http://www.tbo.com/sports/rowdies/2018/05/19/rowdies-ties-debut-of-new-coach-neill-collins/
Rowdies tie in debut of new coach Neill Collins
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https://www.dkpittsburghsports.com/2018/05/19/hounds-rowdies-parkes-cole-draw/
Hounds, Rowdies squander chances in draw
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/919568-cole-s-strike-helps-rowdies-earn-draw
Cole's Strike Helps Rowdies Earn Draw
Tampa Bay rallies to earn home point in front of 6,202; Pittsburgh remains unbeaten
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM6TAGw29Js
HIGHLIGHTS - Rowdies vs Pittsburgh RiverHounds - 5/19/18
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on May 19, 2018
HIGHLIGHTS presented by Tampa International Airport
The Rowdies and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC played to an exciting 2-2 draw. Rozeboom and Cole scored the goals for the home team.
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/998291880214441984
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Who was your Man of the Match in last night’s 2-2 draw against @RiverhoundsSC?
12:58 PM - 20 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/998290444189552641
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Hear what @neillycollins3 and @LanceRozeboom had to say after last night's 2-2 draw against @RiverhoundsSC.
Post Game Recap: vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds
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12:52 PM - 20 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/998279721749286912
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Tampa Bay Rowdies Retweeted tbusoccer
Amazing job by @tbusoccer U17 boys! Fantastic achievement!
Tampa Bay Rowdies added,
tbusoccer
@tbusoccer
The TBU Rowdies U17B are the Florida State Champs! This is their 2nd state championship in a row. The boys are also the current regional and national Champions. Great win today! Well played!
12:10 PM - 20 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/998240878836711424
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Take a look at the Rowdies Save of the Game presented by @TechVacations.
@akirafitzgerald made a fantastic save late in the game to keep the Rowdies and @RiverhoundsSC tied 2-2.
9:35 AM - 20 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/RalphsMob/status/998034902682611712
Ralph's Mob
@RalphsMob
When @JDL_87 shows us love! 🙏🏽🙏🏽 #TeamTampaBay #lfg @TampaBayRowdies @RaysBaseball
7:57 PM - 19 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/jochengraf/status/998224148508954624
Jochen Graf
@jochengraf
It was great to be 🏡 at Al Lang.
Not happy with a draw, but excited to get back to work this week preparing for Toronto next weekend.
#COYR
8:29 AM - 20 May 2018 from St Petersburg, FL
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/998216949837393920
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.@LanceRozeboom on his first goal for the Rowdies🎙️
"Neill made it a point, especially in the first few minutes, to play quick off the corners."
Lance Rozeboom on his goal against Pittsburgh Riverhounds
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8:00 AM - 20 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/998203107040411649
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Head Coach @neillycollins3 on his first match at the helm:
"Those lads tonight tried to do everything I asked. At times it worked. At times it did not work. But the most important thing was they were trying to implement specific things that I had asked."
Neill Collins - Postgame Comments
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7:05 AM - 20 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/998190907701817344
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Home💚💛💚
😍
6:17 AM - 20 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/Jimmerz4Jjmac/status/998045041389076480
JJ McCabe
@Jimmerz4Jjmac
Come on you Rowdies!! #AlLangStadium #DTSP #StPeteSunset @TampaBayRowdies
8:37 PM - 19 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/RalphsMob/status/998028577995153409
Ralph's Mob
@RalphsMob
Home 🏡😍💚💛⚽️🙌🏽💪🏽
7:32 PM - 19 May 2018 from Tampa Bay Rowdies
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https://twitter.com/JDL_87/status/997979907694256130
@JDL_87
Jose De León Retweeted Tampa Bay Rowdies
Thanks for having us!!! Let’s GO @TampaBayRowdies
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Shoutout to @RaysBaseball’s @JDL_87 for coming out to support the Rowdies!
#TeamTampaBay
4:18 PM - 19 May 2018
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Thank you to everyone who came out and supported us tonight!
We missed playing in front of the best fans in the league💚💛
7:38 PM - 19 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/998025782705442816
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Rowdies Snap Losing Streak In Collins' Coaching Debut
Match recap: http://bit.ly/2rSinvM
7:21 PM - 19 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/KodyAllenson/status/998004546952712192
Kody Allenson
@KodyAllenson
Joe Cole. @TampaBayRowdies.
5 Hole.
#TBRvPGH
5:56 PM - 19 May 2018 from Tampa Bay Rowdies
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/998023780243931136
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HIGHLIGHTS presented by @FlyTPA
The Rowdies and @RiverhoundsSC play to an exciting 2-2 draw. Rozeboom and Cole scored the goals for the home team.
#TBRvPGH
7:13 PM - 19 May 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/998012412681949185
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FINAL The Rowdies draw their first match of the season with a 2-2 score against @RiverhoundsSC.
6:27 PM - 19 May 2018
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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/05/20/impact-originals-reflect-start-club-ahead-25th-anniversary-match
Impact originals reflect on start of club ahead of 25th anniversary match
MONTREAL -- The Montreal Impact made their humble home debut as a fledgling member of the American Professional Soccer League on May 21, 1993.
Thanks to the vision and backing of the Saputo family, the Impact were born in the soccer void in the city after the Montreal Supra were left without a league when the Canadian Soccer League folded in 1992, six years after it was created.
The Montreal Canadiens were in the midst of a run to their record 24th Stanley Cup title as National Hockey League champions when the Impact took to the pitch at Centre Claude Robillard for the first time on that Friday evening 25 years ago.
With current Impact executive Nick De Santis in the starting XI, Montreal defeated the Tampa Bay Rowdies 4-2 before an overflow crowd of 5,380.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/8kg7nl/dc_united_introduces_fam_fan_allocation_money/
DC United Introduces "FAM"... Fan Allocation Money. (self.MLS)
Just got an email from DCU for Fan Allocation Money, or FAM. Targeted towards season ticket holders (which I am not, so I don't know why I got the email...), DCU is allegedly giving STHs flexibility in using their unused season tickets.
FAM is a digital currency redeemed through the DC United app that can be used for buying additional seats, upgrading your own seats, and buying VIP experiences (field-side seats).
Some other features of FAM:
- Cannot be redeemed for cash
- If you trade in your tickets less than 48 hours before a match, you only get 60% of the face value of the ticket
- Does not roll over into a new season
- Cannot be used for playoff tickets (like that's gonna be a problem anytime soon...)
- Can't be used for concession or gift shop purchases
*Edit: As I'm not a season ticket holder to any team and never have been, I didn't know that you couldn't sell your tickets for cash. I thought that season ticket holders could sell their tickets to games they can't attend either through Ticketmaster/StubHub, or through an official exchange from which you could get cash for those tickets. I did not think that ticket holders could sell their tickets back to the team. My apologies for my ignorance and confusion.
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Youth Transfer Fund MLS is about to introduce “YTF,” a new pool of money to... (theathletic.com)
https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/8kebht/mls_is_about_to_introduce_ytf_a_new_pool_of_money/
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https://theathletic.com/359370/2018/05/18/mls-is-about-to-introduce-ytf-a-new-pool-of-money-to-purchase-young-international-players/
MLS is about to introduce “YTF,” a new pool of money to purchase young players
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https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/8kespu/satire_major_league_soccer_is_about_to_introduce/
[Satire] Major League Soccer Is About To Introduce, "WTF," A New Pool Of Money For, "Whatever" (thenutmegnews.com)
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https://www.thenutmegnews.com/current/2018/5/18/major-league-soccer-is-about-to-introduce-wtf-a-new-pool-of-money-for-whatever
Major League Soccer Is About To Introduce, "WTF," A New Pool Of Money For, "Whatever"
NEW YORK - Insiders with Major League Soccer indicate that the league will soon introduce, "WTF," an acronym that stands for "Whatever The Fuck," which will be a new pool of money for, "Whatever the fuck you want to spend it on that might increase the profile of the league in some small way."
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https://www.sportstalkflorida.com/soccer/miami-beckham-united/waiting-for-beckham/
Waiting For Beckham
Where is the Miami MLS team?
In a perfect world, David Beckham’s Miami Major League Soccer franchise would be playing in a brand new stadium. But nothing is ever perfect and the MLS is still looking at David Beckham and asking where is your stadium? On February 5, 2014, the league gave Beckham a discounted rate to buy an expansion team and place the franchise in Miami. The league is still waiting for some sign of life more than four years later from Beckham’s soccer team. Beckham added new business partners in mid-December 2017 but the stadium is still in limbo although the MLS thinks Beckham will eventually have a soccer stadium opened but it appears that it will not happen before 2021 at the earliest. Officially Beckham still does not have an MLS team although he has owners and a team name and possibly a stadium.
The latest snag is that Beckham’s new partners didn’t care much for the Overton location for a stadium. Overton is not out of the picture but there is tire kicking going on elsewhere within Miami and a city owned golf course property may be the apple of the Beckham group’s eye. There was a hope that Beckham’s group could get a question before voters in August about taking over the property. That may not happen and a vote could be pushed back to November. The Beckham’s group’s initiative has to be placed on the ballot by June 8 to get before voters in August. It has been a struggle for Beckham and his advisers to land a stadium with a planned seaport stadium blocked by various interests. Beckham and his group were steered to land near the Miami Marlins baseball park but securing the land needed for the project is became a problem and Beckham abandoned the plan. Beckham eventually decided on Overton but it appears he has been overruled. Beckham’s group wants Miami but there is a bigger question. Does Miami want them?
Beckham was at the royal wedding but he still does not have a Miami MLS team on the pitch.
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http://www.dispatch.com/sports/20180520/michael-arace--crew-sc-supporters-score-again-with-ticket-pledge
Michael Arace | Crew SC supporters score again with ticket pledge
There is a host of reasons why Anthony Precourt had a secret Austin exit clause written into the purchase agreement when he bought the Crew five years ago. Some of the reasons are even legitimate.
Precourt loves Austin because he has a weakness for queso, he said. Precourt loves Austin because that’s where he had his bachelor party; so said Dave Greeley, president of Precourt Sports Ventures. Precourt loves Austin because Major League Soccer needs to gouge new money from new markets.
Melted cheese, fond bachelor memories and pyramid schemes — these are all legitimate reasons to respect their ambition.
But the “Columbus is a failed market” story that has been peddled for months by MLS commissioner Don Garber, Greeley and Precourt is a whole lot of hooey. I mean, come on.
It is clear now that Precourt never tapped into the power of his greatest constituency. Oh, he hung out with Frankie Hejduk, sloshed around soccer bars and ran his or his father’s credit card. Yet, he and Greeley never truly engaged with the supporter groups — not like they should have. They only did enough to shield their grift.
Let us revisit September 2011, when the Crew business people set a goal of selling 10,000 season tickets. They didn’t quite hit their mark in 2012, but they got a 30 percent bump.
In 2013, Precourt bought the operation, and he included the secret exit clause. Four years later, he blamed Columbus and its fans and its business leaders for the failures of his administration and announced he was exploring a move to Austin. Garber went, “Yeah!”
If you’ve ever stolen a horse, or even if you haven’t, you have to know this was all a load of manure. Last week, #SaveTheCrew punched another hole in the con job.
Thursday morning, the Community Outreach subcommittee launched #STCProject2019 with a campaign they’re calling “Take the Pledge.” They used social-media platforms to direct interested parties to savethecrew.com, where they could pledge to buy season tickets “following the sale of Columbus Crew SC to a new local investor/operator.”
There were more than 1,000 responses by midnight Thursday. There were more than 5,000 pledges to buy tickets by midnight Friday. Remember, Precourt had more than 43,000 hours to try to sell 10,000 tickets. #SaveTheCrew got half that in pledges in 48 hours.
Thousands of locals re-upped and/or added to their packages. Hundreds of new fans also took the pledge, which in Columbus trended on Twitter. Scores of folks — from Pittsburgh to Memphis to islands in the Caribbean to Europe — pledged to buy and donate. Some of these are Columbus ex-pats. Others are simply soccer fans who are disgusted with the brazenness of Precourt and MLS. They want to believe in soccer’s special supporter/club relationship.
One of 18 subcommittees of a grassroots movement accomplished this without a whit of paid advertising or professional marketing. Among the volunteers was the crew who manned the #SaveTheCrew tent at the Taco Festival at Genoa Park on Saturday. I walked by after the thunderstorms and it was mobbed.
Understand: Project 2019 is only just getting started. Look out.
The “Art Modell Law” suit is paused in a Franklin County Court, ostensibly to give local investors time to make their pitch to buy the Crew. The Pledge, as it says at savethecrew.com, is not designed “to pad a bunch of stats, but to give a fresh, local investor/operator the chance to get a running start on success.”
In this context, a Massive Rolodex is a brilliant idea. And it is being compiled under the aegis of having Precourt out of the picture, which also is brilliant.
Precourt never wanted anything to do with Columbus. He was an absentee owner, a negligent landlord and, it turns out, a feckless con man. Now, the community that he abused is responding in kind. Have a nice day.
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http://www.realclearlife.com/sports/american-soccer-doesnt-second-class/
American Soccer Doesn’t Have to Be Second Class
We have the money to make MLS genuinely major league—here's why we haven't been spending it.
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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/concacaf-us-venues-2018-gold-cup
Concacaf announces 15 US venues for 2018 Gold Cup
Details unveiled for expanded national team soccer tournament.
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https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/21/why-the-us-men-will-never-win-the-world-cup-and-thats-ok
Why the US men will never win the World Cup (and that's OK)
The dream of USA dominating world football has been a dream for years. But structural and cultural issues ensure it won’t happen anytime soon
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Official Neill Collins Announced as Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach (rowdiessoccer.com)
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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.
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.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Rowdies Part Ways with Head Coach Stuart Campbell (rowdiessoccer.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8k7xv6/rowdies_part_ways_with_head_coach_stuart_campbell/
Rowdies Part Ways with Head Coach Stuart Campbell (rowdiessoccer.com)
I wish him well in life, and am grateful for his part as player and coach. However, this was needed a long time ago. The team with this much talent cannot be such a joke on the road.
Just had to happen, don't think there was a choice. Absolute good guy, wish him the absolute best.
Great guy and Grateful for his time but after last year and this year it was beyond time to go. The team underperformed with the talent we have accumulated.
With that being said, my short list in no particular order: MDS, Nesta, Schmid.
Any other options??
Nesta could be interesting...
I think Nesta is going to a Serie B team that is being promoted...
I a livorno fan for Italian soccer, I know a few teams get promoted but livorno just made it through is that who you meant?
MDS would be amazing.
Tough luck MDS is a assistant at LAFC :(
I think that’s a good thing. I’d rather be a head coach in D2 than a assistant in D1.
Turn us around. Win another trophy and then MLS will come calling for a head coaching position.
Idk he may be looking into long term to serving with LAFC in the future; things right now looking good for the their team. That’s why I doubt it.
Good decision. Stu has been a great servant of the club but he just ran out of ideas in the end.
Who do we want as his replacement? I hear Sam Allardyce is out of a job...
I just dealt with a year of Sam at Everton, no more please.
[Devil's Advocate]
USL is a very different situation from the Premier League, so whatever happened with Everton this past year isn't really relevant.
Plus, Sam does have some history with the Rowdies, way back in 1983.
So it would be an interesting/amusing pick.
[/Devil's Advocate]
#BigSam2Rowdies
BigSam2Rowdies
It would be amusing, but, no thanks.
Big Sam would be looking at this more as a good excuse to vacation/take early retirement in Florida, rather than to prove himself and make his mark.
We need someone with a proven track record, preferably in MLS/USL/NASL, who isn't at the very end of his coaching career.
Of course if Big Sam made it very clear that he was coming on board to whip things into shape for TBR and win some silverware for a change (something he hasn't been able to do in England as a "relegation rescue" manager), that's an entirely different matter.
But there's no way of knowing how well he would make the transition from England to USL soccer. It would be a huge gamble.
To play Devil's Advocate further...
Apart from being a link back to the Rowdies past (circa 1983), hiring Big Sam would make a splash internationally, and thus potentially help recruit international players (at least in the UK) and give some publicity to Bill Edwards search for a buyer/investor in #MLS2StPete #MLS2TampaBay #Rowdies2MLS ....
So there are some potential off-the-field reasons why Big Sam shouldn't be dismissed outright.
I mean, just sayin'...
Sam might not be such a good idea as coach, but then again he might be; it depends how well he can "manage the locker room" and how well he can handle making tactical changes to suit the various situations the Rowdies will find themselves in, in USL.
If he can handle that, no reason why he couldn't do well as Rowdies manager.
But I have no clue about such matters, so I dunno.
No fam, what are you on? Sam? No lol.
What next for Sam Allardyce?
http://www.thesackrace.com/news/16th-may-2018/what-next-for-sam-allardyce
Miami MLS Franchise
This is definitely one to ponder.
The MLS’s newest franchise, Miami, are owned by a certain David Beckham.
They aren’t set to enter the expanded league until the 2020 season, but if Allardyce is willing to kick back and relax for a bit - maybe even have a stint on I'm A Celeb - he could well find himself in the running to become Beckham’s first manager.
At the time of writing Big Sam is a 16/1 shot with Bet Victor, while he’s the same price to take charge of the United States national team.
Thank you Stu, time for new!
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/919037?referrer_id=2824806
Rowdies Part Ways with Head Coach Stuart Campbell
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (May 17, 2018) — Tampa Bay Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards and Head Coach Stuart Campbell announced today that they have mutually decided to part ways, with Campbell stepping down immediately.
“It has been wonderful working with Stuart these last few years, and we will miss him,” said Edwards. “He has been a great example for our players and coaching staff. We part ways with the utmost respect for one another and I look forward to seeing him at future matches.”
“First and foremost I’d like to thank Bill for the opportunities he has given me and the loyalty he has shown toward me,” said Campbell. “This opportunity has been life changing for my family and I, and for that we will be forever grateful to the Rowdies.”
At this time, the club has no further coaching announcement.
The Rowdies take the pitch at Al Lang Stadium this Saturday against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Kickoff is at 7:30 pm.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8k8cbd/rowdies_fire_head_coach_stuart_campbell/
Rowdies Fire Head Coach Stuart Campbell (theunsubs.com)
Onward and upward!
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/05/17/rowdies-fire-head-coach-stuart-campbell/3714
Rowdies Fire Head Coach Stuart Campbell
Stuart Campbell’s tenure as head coach for the Tampa Bay Rowdies has come to end.
The Rowdies fired Campbell Thursday morning, a day removed from the club’s first round exit in the U.S. Open Cup to Jacksonville Armada. Campbell has been in the position since taking over from Thomas Rongen in the back half of the 2015 season. In that time, the Rowdies have a record of 31W-19D-28L in league play.
The club did not announce a replacement for Campbell or name an interim coach.
“It has been wonderful working with Stuart these last few years, and we will miss him,” Rowdies Owner Bill Edwards said. “He has been a great example for our players and coaching staff. We part ways with the utmost respect for one another and I look forward to seeing him at future matches.”
Despite posting four wins in four outings at Al Lang Stadium this year, the Rowdies have struggled to establish themselves as serious contenders in Eastern Conference through the first quarter of the United Soccer League season. After notching a victory at North Carolina FC in the season opener, the club has recorded four straight road losses in the USL and has been outscored 11-0 in those matches.
The Rowdies remain in a postseason position heading into Saturday’s home match against the undefeated Pittsburgh Riverhounds, though they’re close to falling out of that as five teams are within three points or fewer of catching them in the standings.
Campbell joined the Rowdies as a player and assistant coach ahead of the 2012 North American Soccer League season, playing a key role as a midfielder as the club went on to claim its first league title of the modern era that ear. He retired after the 2013 season to become a full-time assistant under then head coach Ricky Hill.
At only 37 years old, Campbell was thrust into the head coaching role unexpectedly after the abrupt exit of Rongen two and half years ago. Campbell failed to rally the Rowdies to a postseason berth in the final months of that season and in his first full season in charge the following year. In 2017, Campbell managed to right the ship enough to get the Rowdies back into the postseason for the first time since 2012 as they finished third in the conference in their USL debut. Ultimately, they fell to New York Red Bulls II in a bitter extra-time loss in the second round of the postseason.
“First and foremost I’d like to thank Bill for the opportunities he has given me and the loyalty he has shown toward me,” Campbell said. “This opportunity has been life changing for my family and I, and for that we will be forever grateful to the Rowdies.”
Campbell has always had the respect of Rowdies supporters for his time as a player in the Green and Gold, though many have questioned if he was the right person to be the permanent head coach. Fan frustrations over the lack of progress the club has made under Campbell over the last few years despite significant investment from ownership reached a tipping point during this recent stretch of losses.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.news4jax.com/sports/armada-advance-in-us-open-cup-1-0-over-tampa-bay
Armada advance in US Open Cup, 1-0 over Tampa Bay
J.C. Banks' goal sets up match with Miami United FC
(Follow link for full article.)
https://en.as.com/resultados/futbol/copa_usa/2018/directo/cuarta_ronda_a_1_240185/?omnaut=1
Jacksonville Armada FC 1 END 0 Tampa Bay Rowdies
Jacksonville Armada FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies live: Copa USA 2018 - AS.com
Updating to 05:25h CEST - Thursday, 17/05/2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.abcactionnews.com/lifestyle/taste-and-see/what-s-happening-in-tampa-bay-this-weekend-may-18-20
What's happening in Tampa Bay this weekend? | May 18-20
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Al Lang Stadium at 150 2nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg
Cost: $25.85
Info: Come watch the Tampa Bay Rowdies take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Al Lang Stadium!
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.wfla.com/sports/tampa-bay-rowdies-part-ways-with-head-coach-stuart-campbell/1185652773
Tampa Bay Rowdies part ways with head coach Stuart Campbell
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) - Tampa Bay Rowdies Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards and Head Coach Stuart Campbell announced Thursday that they mutually decided to part ways.
Campbell will be stepping down immediately.
“It has been wonderful working with Stuart these last few years, and we will miss him,” said Edwards.
“He has been a great example for our players and coaching staff. We part ways with the utmost respect for one another and I look forward to seeing him at future matches.”
“First and foremost I’d like to thank Bill for the opportunities he has given me and the loyalty he has shown toward me,” said Campbell.
The Rowdies did not announce who will be taking Campbell's job as head coach.
The Rowdies take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at home this Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/919061?referrer_id=2349190
Rowdies Part Ways with Campbell
Head Coach's departure ends seven-year tenure with club as player and coach
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Tampa Bay Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards and Head Coach Stuart Campbell announced today that they have mutually decided to part ways, with Campbell stepping down immediately.
“It has been wonderful working with Stuart these last few years, and we will miss him,” said Edwards. “He has been a great example for our players and coaching staff. We part ways with the utmost respect for one another and I look forward to seeing him at future matches.”
“First and foremost I’d like to thank Bill for the opportunities he has given me and the loyalty he has shown toward me,” said Campbell. “This opportunity has been life changing for my family and I, and for that we will be forever grateful to the Rowdies.”
Campbell made 41 appearances for the Rowdies after joining the club in its 2012 championship season, and made the transition to the club's coaching staff as an assistant prior to the start of the 2013 season. He was named as Tampa Bay's Head Coach midway through the 2015 season, and last year led the club to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference in the Rowdies' first season in the USL, and the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs.
At this time, the club has no further coaching announcement.
The Rowdies take the pitch at Al Lang Stadium this Saturday against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.thesackrace.com/news/16th-may-2018/what-next-for-sam-allardyce
What next for Sam Allardyce?
On the day he could have been naming his England squad for the 2018 World Cup, Sam Allardyce instead suffered the sack at Everton.
Big Sam will no doubt feel hard done by given that he’d come in and done exactly what was asked of him.
Click here for the Next Everton Manager Market
Upon his arrival the confidence-crushed Toffees were struggling in the bottom-half of the table. He came in, steadied the ship and steered the club to 8th, 16 points clear of safety.
However, he now finds himself back in the Job Centre for the fourth time in two years.
So, what next for Big Sam...?
Wait for a Premier League job
Allardyce is unlikely to make an instant return to the Premier League dugout.
There’s absolutely no chance that he’ll get the Arsenal or Chelsea jobs, while he’s already managed West Ham and Newcastle, and will not be returning to either club.
The veteran gaffer is a 66/1 outsider to replace the under-fire Claude Puel at Leicester City, but we can’t see that one happening either.
In all likeliness Allardyce will jet off on a few holidays, drink some fine wine, play a bit of golf, then come Autumn he’ll find himself in the mix for a top-flight job when a troubled club sacks their manager. Easy.
West Brom
If Allardyce is looking to make a swift return to management then West Brom could well be an option, however he’ll have to dip back down to the Championship.
The Baggies, who went through three managers last season, are currently deciding whether to appoint their popular caretaker boss Darren Moore or Brentford’s Dean Smith.
However, the sudden availability of Allardyce, 20/1, could throw a spanner in the works.
Leeds
Staying in the Championship, there’s a long shot in a switch to Leeds United.
The Whites are currently deciding what to do with boss Paul Heckingbottom, who has endured a difficult time at the helm since replacing Thomas Christiansen in February.
Heckingbottom may be under-fire but we believe he deserves a full season to prove himself.
However, if the Yorkshire club do live up to their trigger-happy reputation, then expect Allardyce’s odds of 100/1 to be slashed.
Miami MLS Franchise
This is definitely one to ponder.
The MLS’s newest franchise, Miami, are owned by a certain David Beckham.
They aren’t set to enter the expanded league until the 2020 season, but if Allardyce is willing to kick back and relax for a bit - maybe even have a stint on I'm A Celeb - he could well find himself in the running to become Beckham’s first manager.
At the time of writing Big Sam is a 16/1 shot with Bet Victor, while he’s the same price to take charge of the United States national team.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://socceramerica.com/publications/article/77958/usl-stuart-campbell-departs-a-day-after-rowdies.html
USL: Stuart Campbell departs a day after Rowdies' Open Cup loss
Who says the U.S. Open Cup doesn't count for anything?
A day after the Tampa Bay Rowdies lost to the Jacksonville Armada, their former NASL rival, they parted ways with head coach Stuart Campbell.
“It has been wonderful working with Stuart these last few years, and we will miss him,” said Tampa Bay chairman & CEO Bill Edwards. “He has been a great example for our players and coaching staff. We part ways with the utmost respect for one another and I look forward to seeing him at future matches.”
Campbell, who played in England for Leicester City, Birmingham City, Grimsby Town and Bristol Rovers, finished out his playing career with the Rowdies, then joined the coaching staff.
He took over as head coach in August 2015 when Thomas Rongen was fired. He coached the Rowdies in the NASL in 2016 and in the USL 2017.
On Wednesday, the Rowdies were one of seven USL teams to lose to Open Division teams in the Open Cup's second round. They are 4-5-0 and seventh in the USL's Eastern Conference after nine games. All five USL losses have come on shutout defeats on the road.
“This opportunity has been life changing for my family and I," said Campbell, "and for that we will be forever grateful to the Rowdies.”
No successor has yet been named.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/USL/status/996866525305999362
USL
Verified account
@USL
Not every teammate wears a jersey. Not every hero wears a cape.
If you ask @neillycollins3, the real stars are those behind the scenes.
This is, From the Pitch.
2:34 PM - 16 May 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/997109446475223040
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account
@TampaBayRowdies
Tampa Bay Rowdies Retweeted Tampa Bay Rowdies
The application period for our Jr. Reporter contest closes this Sunday! If you've got a kid aged 8-12 that would be interested, see below! 👇👇
Tampa Bay Rowdies added,
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account
@TampaBayRowdies
🚨CONTEST ALERT🚨
We’re searching for local kids ages 8-12 to become our first ever Rowdies Jr. Reporters!
…
6:39 AM - 17 May 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/997224650492006400
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
NEWS: Tampa Bay Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards and Head Coach Stuart Campbell announced today that they have mutually decided to part ways, with Campbell stepping down immediately.
Read more: http://bit.ly/2L9Vj3B
2:17 PM - 17 May 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3850449&pagenumber=2
Rowdies lose to Jacksonville 1-0 in Jacksonville, in the US Open Cup, ending (hopefully) a very long streak of road losses and ending Coach Stu Campbell's job with the Rowdies.
So, speaking of coaches, the Rowdies are looking for a new head coach/manager.
Hopefully Bill Edwards opens his checkbook and hires someone good this time, and doesn't just promote another already hired assistant coach in the hopes that he will work out okay somehow.
Rowdies have spent entirely too much money on quality players, it makes no sense to cheap out when hiring coaches. We should be getting much better results given the quality of players that we have, and this has been the consistent problem now for four years running.
When Stu was first promoted, I vainly hoped it was a temporary thing while we searched for a coach. I didn't mind giving him some experience, but it was clear pretty early on that he couldn't get the most out of our players.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3855616
Rowdies lose to Jacksonville 1-0 in Jacksonville, in the US Open Cup, ending (hopefully) a very long streak of road losses and ending Coach Stu Campbell's job with the Rowdies.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/rowdies/2018/05/17/rowdies-coach-stuart-campbell-steps-down/
Rowdies coach Stuart Campbell steps down
ST. PETERSBURG — Tampa Bay Rowdies chairman/CEO Bill Edwards and coach Stuart Campbell announced Thursday that Campbell will step down immediately.
"It has been wonderful working with Stuart these last few years, and we will miss him," Edwards said in a statement. "He has been a great example for our players and coaching staff. We part ways with the utmost respect for one another and I look forward to seeing him at future matches."
Both said the decision was mutual.
"First and foremost I'd like to thank Bill for the opportunities he has given me and the loyalty he has shown toward me," said Campbell, who was promoted to head coach in August 2015 after Thomas Rongen was fired. "This opportunity has been life changing for my family and I, and for that we will be forever grateful to the Rowdies."
Campbell finished 26-22-27 at Tampa Bay.
The Rowdies said in a release that the team will have no further comment on the move.
The Rowdies, who are 4-5-0 this season after three straight losses on the road, are back home on Saturday night at 7:30 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
Tampa Bay is seventh in the Eastern Conference standings and was eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup Wednesday after a 1-0 loss in the second round at host Jacksonville of the National Premier Soccer League.
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8k7xv6/rowdies_part_ways_with_head_coach_stuart_campbell/
Rowdies Part Ways with Head Coach Stuart Campbell (rowdiessoccer.com)
I wish him well in life, and am grateful for his part as player and coach. However, this was needed a long time ago. The team with this much talent cannot be such a joke on the road.
Just had to happen, don't think there was a choice. Absolute good guy, wish him the absolute best.
Great guy and Grateful for his time but after last year and this year it was beyond time to go. The team underperformed with the talent we have accumulated.
With that being said, my short list in no particular order: MDS, Nesta, Schmid.
Any other options??
Nesta could be interesting...
I think Nesta is going to a Serie B team that is being promoted...
I a livorno fan for Italian soccer, I know a few teams get promoted but livorno just made it through is that who you meant?
MDS would be amazing.
Tough luck MDS is a assistant at LAFC :(
I think that’s a good thing. I’d rather be a head coach in D2 than a assistant in D1.
Turn us around. Win another trophy and then MLS will come calling for a head coaching position.
Idk he may be looking into long term to serving with LAFC in the future; things right now looking good for the their team. That’s why I doubt it.
Good decision. Stu has been a great servant of the club but he just ran out of ideas in the end.
Who do we want as his replacement? I hear Sam Allardyce is out of a job...
I just dealt with a year of Sam at Everton, no more please.
[Devil's Advocate]
USL is a very different situation from the Premier League, so whatever happened with Everton this past year isn't really relevant.
Plus, Sam does have some history with the Rowdies, way back in 1983.
So it would be an interesting/amusing pick.
[/Devil's Advocate]
#BigSam2Rowdies
BigSam2Rowdies
It would be amusing, but, no thanks.
Big Sam would be looking at this more as a good excuse to vacation/take early retirement in Florida, rather than to prove himself and make his mark.
We need someone with a proven track record, preferably in MLS/USL/NASL, who isn't at the very end of his coaching career.
Of course if Big Sam made it very clear that he was coming on board to whip things into shape for TBR and win some silverware for a change (something he hasn't been able to do in England as a "relegation rescue" manager), that's an entirely different matter.
But there's no way of knowing how well he would make the transition from England to USL soccer. It would be a huge gamble.
To play Devil's Advocate further...
Apart from being a link back to the Rowdies past (circa 1983), hiring Big Sam would make a splash internationally, and thus potentially help recruit international players (at least in the UK) and give some publicity to Bill Edwards search for a buyer/investor in #MLS2StPete #MLS2TampaBay #Rowdies2MLS ....
So there are some potential off-the-field reasons why Big Sam shouldn't be dismissed outright.
I mean, just sayin'...
Sam might not be such a good idea as coach, but then again he might be; it depends how well he can "manage the locker room" and how well he can handle making tactical changes to suit the various situations the Rowdies will find themselves in, in USL.
If he can handle that, no reason why he couldn't do well as Rowdies manager.
But I have no clue about such matters, so I dunno.
No fam, what are you on? Sam? No lol.
What next for Sam Allardyce?
http://www.thesackrace.com/news/16th-may-2018/what-next-for-sam-allardyce
Miami MLS Franchise
This is definitely one to ponder.
The MLS’s newest franchise, Miami, are owned by a certain David Beckham.
They aren’t set to enter the expanded league until the 2020 season, but if Allardyce is willing to kick back and relax for a bit - maybe even have a stint on I'm A Celeb - he could well find himself in the running to become Beckham’s first manager.
At the time of writing Big Sam is a 16/1 shot with Bet Victor, while he’s the same price to take charge of the United States national team.
Thank you Stu, time for new!
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/919037?referrer_id=2824806
Rowdies Part Ways with Head Coach Stuart Campbell
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (May 17, 2018) — Tampa Bay Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards and Head Coach Stuart Campbell announced today that they have mutually decided to part ways, with Campbell stepping down immediately.
“It has been wonderful working with Stuart these last few years, and we will miss him,” said Edwards. “He has been a great example for our players and coaching staff. We part ways with the utmost respect for one another and I look forward to seeing him at future matches.”
“First and foremost I’d like to thank Bill for the opportunities he has given me and the loyalty he has shown toward me,” said Campbell. “This opportunity has been life changing for my family and I, and for that we will be forever grateful to the Rowdies.”
At this time, the club has no further coaching announcement.
The Rowdies take the pitch at Al Lang Stadium this Saturday against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Kickoff is at 7:30 pm.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8k8cbd/rowdies_fire_head_coach_stuart_campbell/
Rowdies Fire Head Coach Stuart Campbell (theunsubs.com)
Onward and upward!
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/05/17/rowdies-fire-head-coach-stuart-campbell/3714
Rowdies Fire Head Coach Stuart Campbell
Stuart Campbell’s tenure as head coach for the Tampa Bay Rowdies has come to end.
The Rowdies fired Campbell Thursday morning, a day removed from the club’s first round exit in the U.S. Open Cup to Jacksonville Armada. Campbell has been in the position since taking over from Thomas Rongen in the back half of the 2015 season. In that time, the Rowdies have a record of 31W-19D-28L in league play.
The club did not announce a replacement for Campbell or name an interim coach.
“It has been wonderful working with Stuart these last few years, and we will miss him,” Rowdies Owner Bill Edwards said. “He has been a great example for our players and coaching staff. We part ways with the utmost respect for one another and I look forward to seeing him at future matches.”
Despite posting four wins in four outings at Al Lang Stadium this year, the Rowdies have struggled to establish themselves as serious contenders in Eastern Conference through the first quarter of the United Soccer League season. After notching a victory at North Carolina FC in the season opener, the club has recorded four straight road losses in the USL and has been outscored 11-0 in those matches.
The Rowdies remain in a postseason position heading into Saturday’s home match against the undefeated Pittsburgh Riverhounds, though they’re close to falling out of that as five teams are within three points or fewer of catching them in the standings.
Campbell joined the Rowdies as a player and assistant coach ahead of the 2012 North American Soccer League season, playing a key role as a midfielder as the club went on to claim its first league title of the modern era that ear. He retired after the 2013 season to become a full-time assistant under then head coach Ricky Hill.
At only 37 years old, Campbell was thrust into the head coaching role unexpectedly after the abrupt exit of Rongen two and half years ago. Campbell failed to rally the Rowdies to a postseason berth in the final months of that season and in his first full season in charge the following year. In 2017, Campbell managed to right the ship enough to get the Rowdies back into the postseason for the first time since 2012 as they finished third in the conference in their USL debut. Ultimately, they fell to New York Red Bulls II in a bitter extra-time loss in the second round of the postseason.
“First and foremost I’d like to thank Bill for the opportunities he has given me and the loyalty he has shown toward me,” Campbell said. “This opportunity has been life changing for my family and I, and for that we will be forever grateful to the Rowdies.”
Campbell has always had the respect of Rowdies supporters for his time as a player in the Green and Gold, though many have questioned if he was the right person to be the permanent head coach. Fan frustrations over the lack of progress the club has made under Campbell over the last few years despite significant investment from ownership reached a tipping point during this recent stretch of losses.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.news4jax.com/sports/armada-advance-in-us-open-cup-1-0-over-tampa-bay
Armada advance in US Open Cup, 1-0 over Tampa Bay
J.C. Banks' goal sets up match with Miami United FC
(Follow link for full article.)
https://en.as.com/resultados/futbol/copa_usa/2018/directo/cuarta_ronda_a_1_240185/?omnaut=1
Jacksonville Armada FC 1 END 0 Tampa Bay Rowdies
Jacksonville Armada FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies live: Copa USA 2018 - AS.com
Updating to 05:25h CEST - Thursday, 17/05/2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.abcactionnews.com/lifestyle/taste-and-see/what-s-happening-in-tampa-bay-this-weekend-may-18-20
What's happening in Tampa Bay this weekend? | May 18-20
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Al Lang Stadium at 150 2nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg
Cost: $25.85
Info: Come watch the Tampa Bay Rowdies take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Al Lang Stadium!
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.wfla.com/sports/tampa-bay-rowdies-part-ways-with-head-coach-stuart-campbell/1185652773
Tampa Bay Rowdies part ways with head coach Stuart Campbell
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) - Tampa Bay Rowdies Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards and Head Coach Stuart Campbell announced Thursday that they mutually decided to part ways.
Campbell will be stepping down immediately.
“It has been wonderful working with Stuart these last few years, and we will miss him,” said Edwards.
“He has been a great example for our players and coaching staff. We part ways with the utmost respect for one another and I look forward to seeing him at future matches.”
“First and foremost I’d like to thank Bill for the opportunities he has given me and the loyalty he has shown toward me,” said Campbell.
The Rowdies did not announce who will be taking Campbell's job as head coach.
The Rowdies take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at home this Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/919061?referrer_id=2349190
Rowdies Part Ways with Campbell
Head Coach's departure ends seven-year tenure with club as player and coach
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Tampa Bay Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards and Head Coach Stuart Campbell announced today that they have mutually decided to part ways, with Campbell stepping down immediately.
“It has been wonderful working with Stuart these last few years, and we will miss him,” said Edwards. “He has been a great example for our players and coaching staff. We part ways with the utmost respect for one another and I look forward to seeing him at future matches.”
“First and foremost I’d like to thank Bill for the opportunities he has given me and the loyalty he has shown toward me,” said Campbell. “This opportunity has been life changing for my family and I, and for that we will be forever grateful to the Rowdies.”
Campbell made 41 appearances for the Rowdies after joining the club in its 2012 championship season, and made the transition to the club's coaching staff as an assistant prior to the start of the 2013 season. He was named as Tampa Bay's Head Coach midway through the 2015 season, and last year led the club to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference in the Rowdies' first season in the USL, and the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs.
At this time, the club has no further coaching announcement.
The Rowdies take the pitch at Al Lang Stadium this Saturday against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.thesackrace.com/news/16th-may-2018/what-next-for-sam-allardyce
What next for Sam Allardyce?
On the day he could have been naming his England squad for the 2018 World Cup, Sam Allardyce instead suffered the sack at Everton.
Big Sam will no doubt feel hard done by given that he’d come in and done exactly what was asked of him.
Click here for the Next Everton Manager Market
Upon his arrival the confidence-crushed Toffees were struggling in the bottom-half of the table. He came in, steadied the ship and steered the club to 8th, 16 points clear of safety.
However, he now finds himself back in the Job Centre for the fourth time in two years.
So, what next for Big Sam...?
Wait for a Premier League job
Allardyce is unlikely to make an instant return to the Premier League dugout.
There’s absolutely no chance that he’ll get the Arsenal or Chelsea jobs, while he’s already managed West Ham and Newcastle, and will not be returning to either club.
The veteran gaffer is a 66/1 outsider to replace the under-fire Claude Puel at Leicester City, but we can’t see that one happening either.
In all likeliness Allardyce will jet off on a few holidays, drink some fine wine, play a bit of golf, then come Autumn he’ll find himself in the mix for a top-flight job when a troubled club sacks their manager. Easy.
West Brom
If Allardyce is looking to make a swift return to management then West Brom could well be an option, however he’ll have to dip back down to the Championship.
The Baggies, who went through three managers last season, are currently deciding whether to appoint their popular caretaker boss Darren Moore or Brentford’s Dean Smith.
However, the sudden availability of Allardyce, 20/1, could throw a spanner in the works.
Leeds
Staying in the Championship, there’s a long shot in a switch to Leeds United.
The Whites are currently deciding what to do with boss Paul Heckingbottom, who has endured a difficult time at the helm since replacing Thomas Christiansen in February.
Heckingbottom may be under-fire but we believe he deserves a full season to prove himself.
However, if the Yorkshire club do live up to their trigger-happy reputation, then expect Allardyce’s odds of 100/1 to be slashed.
Miami MLS Franchise
This is definitely one to ponder.
The MLS’s newest franchise, Miami, are owned by a certain David Beckham.
They aren’t set to enter the expanded league until the 2020 season, but if Allardyce is willing to kick back and relax for a bit - maybe even have a stint on I'm A Celeb - he could well find himself in the running to become Beckham’s first manager.
At the time of writing Big Sam is a 16/1 shot with Bet Victor, while he’s the same price to take charge of the United States national team.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://socceramerica.com/publications/article/77958/usl-stuart-campbell-departs-a-day-after-rowdies.html
USL: Stuart Campbell departs a day after Rowdies' Open Cup loss
Who says the U.S. Open Cup doesn't count for anything?
A day after the Tampa Bay Rowdies lost to the Jacksonville Armada, their former NASL rival, they parted ways with head coach Stuart Campbell.
“It has been wonderful working with Stuart these last few years, and we will miss him,” said Tampa Bay chairman & CEO Bill Edwards. “He has been a great example for our players and coaching staff. We part ways with the utmost respect for one another and I look forward to seeing him at future matches.”
Campbell, who played in England for Leicester City, Birmingham City, Grimsby Town and Bristol Rovers, finished out his playing career with the Rowdies, then joined the coaching staff.
He took over as head coach in August 2015 when Thomas Rongen was fired. He coached the Rowdies in the NASL in 2016 and in the USL 2017.
On Wednesday, the Rowdies were one of seven USL teams to lose to Open Division teams in the Open Cup's second round. They are 4-5-0 and seventh in the USL's Eastern Conference after nine games. All five USL losses have come on shutout defeats on the road.
“This opportunity has been life changing for my family and I," said Campbell, "and for that we will be forever grateful to the Rowdies.”
No successor has yet been named.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/USL/status/996866525305999362
USL
Verified account
@USL
Not every teammate wears a jersey. Not every hero wears a cape.
If you ask @neillycollins3, the real stars are those behind the scenes.
This is, From the Pitch.
2:34 PM - 16 May 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/997109446475223040
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account
@TampaBayRowdies
Tampa Bay Rowdies Retweeted Tampa Bay Rowdies
The application period for our Jr. Reporter contest closes this Sunday! If you've got a kid aged 8-12 that would be interested, see below! 👇👇
Tampa Bay Rowdies added,
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account
@TampaBayRowdies
🚨CONTEST ALERT🚨
We’re searching for local kids ages 8-12 to become our first ever Rowdies Jr. Reporters!
…
6:39 AM - 17 May 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/997224650492006400
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
NEWS: Tampa Bay Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards and Head Coach Stuart Campbell announced today that they have mutually decided to part ways, with Campbell stepping down immediately.
Read more: http://bit.ly/2L9Vj3B
2:17 PM - 17 May 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3850449&pagenumber=2
Rowdies lose to Jacksonville 1-0 in Jacksonville, in the US Open Cup, ending (hopefully) a very long streak of road losses and ending Coach Stu Campbell's job with the Rowdies.
So, speaking of coaches, the Rowdies are looking for a new head coach/manager.
Hopefully Bill Edwards opens his checkbook and hires someone good this time, and doesn't just promote another already hired assistant coach in the hopes that he will work out okay somehow.
Rowdies have spent entirely too much money on quality players, it makes no sense to cheap out when hiring coaches. We should be getting much better results given the quality of players that we have, and this has been the consistent problem now for four years running.
When Stu was first promoted, I vainly hoped it was a temporary thing while we searched for a coach. I didn't mind giving him some experience, but it was clear pretty early on that he couldn't get the most out of our players.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3855616
Rowdies lose to Jacksonville 1-0 in Jacksonville, in the US Open Cup, ending (hopefully) a very long streak of road losses and ending Coach Stu Campbell's job with the Rowdies.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/rowdies/2018/05/17/rowdies-coach-stuart-campbell-steps-down/
Rowdies coach Stuart Campbell steps down
ST. PETERSBURG — Tampa Bay Rowdies chairman/CEO Bill Edwards and coach Stuart Campbell announced Thursday that Campbell will step down immediately.
"It has been wonderful working with Stuart these last few years, and we will miss him," Edwards said in a statement. "He has been a great example for our players and coaching staff. We part ways with the utmost respect for one another and I look forward to seeing him at future matches."
Both said the decision was mutual.
"First and foremost I'd like to thank Bill for the opportunities he has given me and the loyalty he has shown toward me," said Campbell, who was promoted to head coach in August 2015 after Thomas Rongen was fired. "This opportunity has been life changing for my family and I, and for that we will be forever grateful to the Rowdies."
Campbell finished 26-22-27 at Tampa Bay.
The Rowdies said in a release that the team will have no further comment on the move.
The Rowdies, who are 4-5-0 this season after three straight losses on the road, are back home on Saturday night at 7:30 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
Tampa Bay is seventh in the Eastern Conference standings and was eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup Wednesday after a 1-0 loss in the second round at host Jacksonville of the National Premier Soccer League.
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