Tampa Bay Rowdies
Encyclopedia
The Tampa Bay Rowdies was a professional
soccer team from Tampa, Florida
, USA
. The team played in the North American Soccer League
until the league's dissolution and went on to play in several other leagues before folding in 1993. The Rowdies played their outdoor home games at Tampa Stadium and their indoor games
at the Bayfront Center Arena
in nearby St. Petersburg, Florida
.
expansion franchise in 1975 by George Strawbridge, the Rowdies played ten seasons at Tampa Stadium and won their only Soccer Bowl championship in their inaugural season defeating the Portland Timbers
2–0. The Rowdies lost in the finals in 1978 and 1979. The team showcased international stars such as midfield captain Rodney Marsh
(England), league leading goal scorer Oscar Fabbiani
, swift and lethal forward Steve Wegerle
(South Africa), rock-solid defenseman Arsene Auguste
(Haiti), popular player Derek Smethurst
(South Africa), who was the franchise's all-time leading goal scorer with 57 tallies in 65 games and Peter "Kosta" Johansson, former Swedish National Team member. Coached by Eddie Firmani
, John Boyle
, and Gordon Jago
, their catch phrase and marketing slogan was "The Rowdies arrrre...a kick in the grass!"
After the 1983 season, the team was sold to Stella Thayer, Bob Blanchard and Dick Corbett.
Division Titles
Coach of the Year
Rookie of the Year
All-Star First Team Selections
All-Star Second Team Selections
All-Star Honorable Mentions
Argentina Carlos Babington
(1982)
Australia Adrian Alston
(1977–1978)
Bermuda Clyde Best
(1976)
Brazil Tatu
(1982–84) Clodoaldo
(1980) Mirandinha
(1978–79) Zequinha
(1982–83)
Canada Bob Bolitho
(1984) Wes McLeod
(1977–1984) Nick Papadakis
(1975) Peter Roe
(1981–1984, 1986–1988)
Chile Manny Rojas
(1983–1984, 1988)
Oscar Fabbiani
(1979)
Denmark Flemming Lund
(1983–1984)
England Sam Allardyce
(1983) Peter Barnes
(1990) Paul Dougherty
(1993) Ken Fogarty
(1989–93) Paul Hammond (1975,1977–78) Ricky Hill
(1992) Tommy Langley
(1989) Rodney Marsh
(1976–1979) Don McAllister (1984) Graham Paddon
(1978) Terry Rowe
(1991–93) Tony Towers
(1984) Paul Tolley (1992–93)
Germany Peter Nogly
(1982–1983)
Haiti Arsène Auguste
(1975–80, 1986–1987)
Netherlands Jan van der Veen
(1979–1981, 1983)
Republic of Ireland Mark Lawrenson
(1989)
Scotland John Gorman
(1979–82)
South Africa Mike Connell
(1975–1984) Neill Roberts
(1980–1981) Steve Wegerle
(1977–1981,1984) Derek Smethurst
(1975-1978)
United States Boris Bandov (1977–1978) Ringo Cantillo
(1975) Winston DuBose
(1977–1982, 1990–1991) Joey Fink
(1976) Arnie Mausser
(1976) Glenn Myernick
(1983–1984) Hugo Pérez (1982–1983) Njego Pesa
(1982) Nick Sakiewicz
(1990) Perry Van der Beck
(1978–1982, 1984, 1991–1993)
Yugoslavia Refik Kozić
(1980–1984)
Eddie Firmani
(1975–1977) John Boyle
(1977) Gordon Jago
(1978–1982) Kevin Keelan
(1982) (interim) Al Miller
(1983) Rodney Marsh
(1984–1987) Ken Fogarty
(1989–1993)
, drank beer, and generally "let the guys know we're behind them." One memorable fan named Bob Rogers won a "Rowdiest Fan" contest by donning a giant soccer head and throwing himself into the Tampa Stadium goal. The club gave "Soccer Head" complimentary tickets to future games so that he could continue his antics for the crowd, even bringing him along when the Rowdies played in Soccer Bowl '79.
While anyone who supported team could call themselves a Fanny, members of the official Rowdies' Fan Club particularly claimed the moniker as their own. The fan club held regular meetings and social events and published a newsletter.
35 Apps 26 Goals Arnie Mausser
35 Apps 0 Goals Winston DuBose
Peter Roe
Nathan Sacks
Tim Walters
Glenn Ervine Duncan MacEwan
. They would stay in this league and its successor (the APSL) until they folded after the 1993 season.
Top Goalkeeper
Coach of the Year
First Team All Star
Second Team All Star
. The team changed its name to "FC Tampa Bay" before taking the pitch due to a dispute over the marketing rights to the "Rowdies" name, but they wear striped green and gold kits similar to the old Rowdies, and their logo incorporates a star reflecting the 1975 championship. After several changes to the league, FC Tampa Bay finally kicked off their existence in the summer of 2010.
Professional
A professional is a person who is paid to undertake a specialised set of tasks and to complete them for a fee. The traditional professions were doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and commissioned military officers. Today, the term is applied to estate agents, surveyors , environmental scientists,...
soccer team from Tampa, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2010 was 335,709....
, USA
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The team played in the North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
until the league's dissolution and went on to play in several other leagues before folding in 1993. The Rowdies played their outdoor home games at Tampa Stadium and their indoor games
Indoor soccer
Indoor soccer or arena soccer, or six-a-side football in the United Kingdom, is a game derived from association football adapted for play in an indoor arena such as a turf-covered hockey arena or skating rink. The most important difference in play is that the indoor field is surrounded by a wall...
at the Bayfront Center Arena
Bayfront Arena
The Bayfront Center was an indoor arena in St. Petersburg, Florida that hosted many concerts, sports, and other events, holding up to 7,500 people. It was built in 1965 and demolished in 2004....
in nearby St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is known as a vacation destination for both American and foreign tourists. As of 2008, the population estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau is 245,314, making St...
.
NASL: 1975–1984
Originally founded as a North American Soccer LeagueNorth American Soccer League
North American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
expansion franchise in 1975 by George Strawbridge, the Rowdies played ten seasons at Tampa Stadium and won their only Soccer Bowl championship in their inaugural season defeating the Portland Timbers
Portland Timbers (NASL)
The Portland Timbers were a team in the North American Soccer League from 1975 to 1982. The name has been used by two other soccer franchises: the Timbers of the WSA/APSL, Portland Timbers of the USL and the current team which began play as part of Major League Soccer in 2011.-History:In January...
2–0. The Rowdies lost in the finals in 1978 and 1979. The team showcased international stars such as midfield captain Rodney Marsh
Rodney Marsh (footballer)
Rodney William Marsh is an English retired footballer. He was named after HMS Rodney by his father, who served on the battleship. He played for Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the England national team. Lately, he has been a pundit and a commentator on the...
(England), league leading goal scorer Oscar Fabbiani
Oscar Fabbiani
Oscar Fabbiani was an Argentine-Chilean professional footballer who played international football for the Chile national team...
, swift and lethal forward Steve Wegerle
Steve Wegerle
Steve Wegerle is a former professional soccer player.Wegerle was voted Player of the Year is South Africa in 1974. He then joined Coventry City F.C. in 1975, but made no first team appearances...
(South Africa), rock-solid defenseman Arsene Auguste
Arsène Auguste
Arsène Auguste was a Haitian international footballer who represented Haiti in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. He played professional club football with Racing Club Haïtien in Haiti and Tampa Bay Rowdies and Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the United States. In 1986, he signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies,...
(Haiti), popular player Derek Smethurst
Derek Smethurst
Derek Smethurst is a retired South African soccer forward who played professionally in South Africa, England and the United States.-Bio:...
(South Africa), who was the franchise's all-time leading goal scorer with 57 tallies in 65 games and Peter "Kosta" Johansson, former Swedish National Team member. Coached by Eddie Firmani
Eddie Firmani
Edwin Ronald "Eddie" Firmani is a retired football player and manager. He was born in South Africa but represented Italy internationally.-Playing career:...
, John Boyle
John Boyle (footballer)
John Boyle is a retired Scottish footballer who played during the 1960s and 1970s.Born in Motherwell, he signed for London side Chelsea as a 15-year-old whilst on holiday in the city. Boyle was one of the lesser-known, but nevertheless important, members of the successful Chelsea side of the...
, and Gordon Jago
Gordon Jago
Gordon Harold Jago MBE is a former English association football player and manager.Born in Poplar, London, Jago began his career in the Football League with , whom he joined in the 1954–55 season from non-league team . He made a total of 147 appearances, scoring one goal, at The Valley...
, their catch phrase and marketing slogan was "The Rowdies arrrre...a kick in the grass!"
After the 1983 season, the team was sold to Stella Thayer, Bob Blanchard and Dick Corbett.
Year-by-year
| Year | Record | Regular Season Finish | Playoffs | Leading Goal Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | 16–6 | 1st, Eastern Division | NASL Champions | Derek Smethurst Derek Smethurst Derek Smethurst is a retired South African soccer forward who played professionally in South Africa, England and the United States.-Bio:... -18, Stewart Scullion Stewart Scullion Stewart McNab Adam Scullion is a Scottish former footballer, who played as a winger. Born in Bo'ness, Scotland, he started his professional career in the Football League, helping Watford to the Third Division title, and then spending three seasons at Sheffield United. After a second spell at... -7, John Sissons John Sissons (footballer) John Sissons is an English former footballer who played for West Ham United, Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich City and Chelsea.... -5 |
| 1976 | 18–6 | 1st, Eastern Division, Atlantic Conference | Atlantic Conference Championship | Derek Smethurst Derek Smethurst Derek Smethurst is a retired South African soccer forward who played professionally in South Africa, England and the United States.-Bio:... -20, Rodney Marsh Rodney Marsh (footballer) Rodney William Marsh is an English retired footballer. He was named after HMS Rodney by his father, who served on the battleship. He played for Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the England national team. Lately, he has been a pundit and a commentator on the... -11, Stewart Scullion Stewart Scullion Stewart McNab Adam Scullion is a Scottish former footballer, who played as a winger. Born in Bo'ness, Scotland, he started his professional career in the Football League, helping Watford to the Third Division title, and then spending three seasons at Sheffield United. After a second spell at... -10, Clyde Best Clyde Best Clyde Cyril Best MBE is a Bermudian former football player who most notably played as a striker for West Ham United, and was one of the first black players in British football... -9 |
| 1977 | 14–12 | 3rd, Eastern Division, Atlantic Conference | Divisional Playoffs | Derek Smethurst Derek Smethurst Derek Smethurst is a retired South African soccer forward who played professionally in South Africa, England and the United States.-Bio:... -19, Rodney Marsh Rodney Marsh (footballer) Rodney William Marsh is an English retired footballer. He was named after HMS Rodney by his father, who served on the battleship. He played for Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the England national team. Lately, he has been a pundit and a commentator on the... -8, Steve Wegerle Steve Wegerle Steve Wegerle is a former professional soccer player.Wegerle was voted Player of the Year is South Africa in 1974. He then joined Coventry City F.C. in 1975, but made no first team appearances... -5 |
| 1978 | 18–12 | 1st, Eastern Division, American Conference | Runners-up | Rodney Marsh Rodney Marsh (footballer) Rodney William Marsh is an English retired footballer. He was named after HMS Rodney by his father, who served on the battleship. He played for Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the England national team. Lately, he has been a pundit and a commentator on the... -18, Dave Robb-16 |
| 1979 | 19–11 | 1st, Eastern Division, American Conference | Runners-up | Oscar Fabbiani Oscar Fabbiani Oscar Fabbiani was an Argentine-Chilean professional footballer who played international football for the Chile national team... -25, Rodney Marsh Rodney Marsh (footballer) Rodney William Marsh is an English retired footballer. He was named after HMS Rodney by his father, who served on the battleship. He played for Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the England national team. Lately, he has been a pundit and a commentator on the... -11, |
| 1980 | 19–13 | 1st, Eastern Division, American Conference | American Conference Semifinals | Steve Wegerle Steve Wegerle Steve Wegerle is a former professional soccer player.Wegerle was voted Player of the Year is South Africa in 1974. He then joined Coventry City F.C. in 1975, but made no first team appearances... -9 |
| 1981 | 15–17 | 4th, Southern Division | Quarterfinals | Frank Worthington Frank Worthington Frank Stewart Worthington is a former English footballer. Frank was born into a footballing family in Shelf near Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire. Both of his parents had played the game and his two older brothers, Dave and Bob, became professional footballers, both began their careers with... -11 |
| 1982 | 12–20 | 3rd, Southern Division | Did Not Qualify | Luis Fernando Luís Fernando Luís Fernando or Luiz Fernando is a given name, may refer to:*Luiz Fernando Carvalho*Luís Fernando Gomes da Costa, Portuguese footballer*Luiz Fernando Guimarães*Luís Fernando Rodrigues dos Santos... -16 |
| 1983 | 7–23 | 3rd, Southern Division | Did Not Qualify | Manny Rojas-8 |
| 1984 | 9–15 | 4th, Eastern Division | Did Not Qualify | Roy Wegerle Roy Wegerle Roy Wegerle is a South African-American former soccer player, who played for the United States in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. He is one of two players who played in both the NASL and MLS; the other is Hugo Sánchez.... , Neill Roberts Neill Roberts Neill Roberts is a retired South Africa soccer forward who spent six seasons in the North American Soccer League and four in the Major Indoor Soccer League.... -9 |
Yearly average attendance
- 1975 – 10,728
- 1976 – 16,452
- 1977 – 19,491
- 1978 – 18,123
- 1979 – 27,650
- 1980 – 28,345
- 1981 – 22,532
- 1982 – 22,532
- 1983 – 18,507
- 1984 – 10,932
NASL Indoor Soccer
In 1975, the NASL ran an indoor tournament entered by only four teams. The Rowdies finished second to the San Jose Earthquakes. The NASL did not hold a full indoor season until 1979, when the Rowdies won the championship. The last NASL indoor season took place in 1983–1984 and the Rowdies finished last out of the seven teams.| Year | Record | Regular Season Finish | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | 1–1 | 2nd | Final |
| 1979–1980 | 8–4 | 2nd, Eastern Division | NASL Champions |
| 1980–1981 | 9–9 | 2nd, Eastern Division | Did not qualify |
| 1981–1982 | 11–7 | 2nd Central Division, American Conference | Runners-up |
| 1983–1984 | 9–23 | 7th | Did not qualify |
Honors
NASL Championships- 1975
Division Titles
- 1975 Eastern Division
- 1976 Eastern Division, Atlantic Conference
- 1978 Eastern Division, American Conference
- 1979 Eastern Division, American Conference
- 1980 Eastern Division, American Conference
Coach of the Year
- 1976 Eddie FirmaniEddie FirmaniEdwin Ronald "Eddie" Firmani is a retired football player and manager. He was born in South Africa but represented Italy internationally.-Playing career:...
Rookie of the Year
- 1982 Pedro DeBritoPedro DeBritoPedro Gomez DeBrito is a retired U.S.-Cape Verdean soccer midfielder. His career took him through multiple U.S. leagues including the North American Soccer League, Major Indoor Soccer League, American Soccer League and the National Professional Soccer League. He earned one cap with the U.S...
- 1983 Gregg ThompsonGregg ThompsonGregg Thompson is a retired U.S. soccer defender who was the 1983 North American Soccer League Rookie of the Year. He spent two season in the NASL and four in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He was a member of the U.S. soccer team at the 1984 Summer Olympics and earned twelve caps with the U.S...
- 1984 Roy WegerleRoy WegerleRoy Wegerle is a South African-American former soccer player, who played for the United States in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. He is one of two players who played in both the NASL and MLS; the other is Hugo Sánchez....
All-Star First Team Selections
- 1975 Farrukh QuraishiFarrukh QuraishiFarrukh Quraishi is a retired Iranian-born soccer player who was the 1974 Hermann Trophy winner. He spent six seasons in the North American Soccer League playing for the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Calgary Boomers. Since retiring from playing, he has held numerous executive positions in U.S. soccer...
- 1976 Rodney MarshRodney Marsh (footballer)Rodney William Marsh is an English retired footballer. He was named after HMS Rodney by his father, who served on the battleship. He played for Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the England national team. Lately, he has been a pundit and a commentator on the...
, Arnie MausserArnie MausserArnold "Arnie" Mausser is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who played with 8 different NASL teams from 1975-1984. He is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame....
, Tommy Smith - 1977 Derek Smethurst
- 1978 Rodney MarshRodney Marsh (footballer)Rodney William Marsh is an English retired footballer. He was named after HMS Rodney by his father, who served on the battleship. He played for Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the England national team. Lately, he has been a pundit and a commentator on the...
- 1979 Mike Connell
- 1980 Mike Connell
- 1981 John GormanJohn Gorman (footballer)John Gorman is a Scottish former football player and coach. He is currently Assistant Manager at MK Dons in the English League One....
- 1982 Peter Nogly
All-Star Second Team Selections
- 1975 John Boyle, Stewart Jump, Stewart Scullion
- 1976 Stewart Jump, Stewart Scullion, Derek Smethurst
- 1977 Arsene Auguste, Rodney MarshRodney Marsh (footballer)Rodney William Marsh is an English retired footballer. He was named after HMS Rodney by his father, who served on the battleship. He played for Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the England national team. Lately, he has been a pundit and a commentator on the...
, Steve WegerleSteve WegerleSteve Wegerle is a former professional soccer player.Wegerle was voted Player of the Year is South Africa in 1974. He then joined Coventry City F.C. in 1975, but made no first team appearances... - 1978 Arsene Auguste, Steve WegerleSteve WegerleSteve Wegerle is a former professional soccer player.Wegerle was voted Player of the Year is South Africa in 1974. He then joined Coventry City F.C. in 1975, but made no first team appearances...
- 1979 Oscar Fabbiani, John Gorman
- 1980 Steve WegerleSteve WegerleSteve Wegerle is a former professional soccer player.Wegerle was voted Player of the Year is South Africa in 1974. He then joined Coventry City F.C. in 1975, but made no first team appearances...
All-Star Honorable Mentions
- 1975 Clyde Best, John Sissons, Derek Smethurst
- 1979 Rodney MarshRodney Marsh (footballer)Rodney William Marsh is an English retired footballer. He was named after HMS Rodney by his father, who served on the battleship. He played for Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the England national team. Lately, he has been a pundit and a commentator on the...
, Steve WegerleSteve WegerleSteve Wegerle is a former professional soccer player.Wegerle was voted Player of the Year is South Africa in 1974. He then joined Coventry City F.C. in 1975, but made no first team appearances... - 1980 John Gorman
- 1982 Mike Connell
- 1983 Gregg ThompsonGregg ThompsonGregg Thompson is a retired U.S. soccer defender who was the 1983 North American Soccer League Rookie of the Year. He spent two season in the NASL and four in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He was a member of the U.S. soccer team at the 1984 Summer Olympics and earned twelve caps with the U.S...
- 1984 Gregg ThompsonGregg ThompsonGregg Thompson is a retired U.S. soccer defender who was the 1983 North American Soccer League Rookie of the Year. He spent two season in the NASL and four in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He was a member of the U.S. soccer team at the 1984 Summer Olympics and earned twelve caps with the U.S...
Notable players
This list of players includes those who received international caps while playing for the team, made significant contributions to the team in terms of appearances or goals, or who made significant contributions to the sport either before they played for the team, or after they left.Argentina Carlos Babington
Carlos Babington
Carlos Alberto Babington "El Inglés" is a former Argentine football striker. He represented the Argentine national team at the 1974 World Cup....
(1982)
Australia Adrian Alston
Adrian Alston
Adrian Alston is an English-born Australian former professional football player. His brother Alex was also a professional footballer.-Career:...
(1977–1978)
Bermuda Clyde Best
Clyde Best
Clyde Cyril Best MBE is a Bermudian former football player who most notably played as a striker for West Ham United, and was one of the first black players in British football...
(1976)
Brazil Tatu
Tatu (soccer)
Antonio Carlos Pecorari , commonly known as Tatu, is a former Brazilian football player, one of the most accomplished indoor soccer players of all time....
(1982–84) Clodoaldo
Clodoaldo
Clodoaldo Tavares de Santana, better known as Clodoaldo is a former Brazilian footballer who played as a defensive midfielder....
(1980) Mirandinha
Sebastião Miranda da Silva Filho
Sebastião Miranda da Silva Filho, usually called Mirandinha, is a former Brazilian footballer who was included in the 1974 FIFA World Cup squad of the Brazil national football team.-Club career:...
(1978–79) Zequinha
Zequinha
José Ferreira Franco , nicknamed Zequinha, was a Brazilian former football player.-National team:...
(1982–83)
Canada Bob Bolitho
Bob Bolitho
Robert "Bob" Bolitho is a former Canadian national team, North American Soccer League and Canadian Soccer League player.-Career:...
(1984) Wes McLeod
Wes McLeod
Wes McLeod is a retired Canadian soccer player who earned eighteen caps with the Canadian national soccer team.-Professional:...
(1977–1984) Nick Papadakis
Nick Papadakis
Nick Papadakis is a retired Canadian association football player who played professionally in the North American Soccer League and earned four caps for the Canadian national side...
(1975) Peter Roe
Peter Roe (soccer)
Peter Roe is a retired Canadian soccer player who spent twelve seasons in the North American Soccer League and two in the Major Indoor Soccer League...
(1981–1984, 1986–1988)
Chile Manny Rojas
Manuel Rojas (footballer)
Manuel Antonio “Manny” Rojas Zúñiga is a retired football midfielder from Chile, who represented his native country at the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain. His professional career took him from his native Chile to Mexico and ultimately the United States where he currently coaches youth soccer...
(1983–1984, 1988)
Oscar FabbianiOscar Fabbiani
Oscar Fabbiani was an Argentine-Chilean professional footballer who played international football for the Chile national team...
(1979)
Denmark Flemming Lund
Flemming Lund
Flemming Lund is a former Danish professional football player in the midfielder position, who played both in Europe and the United States. He played for Royal Antwerp in Belgium and German teams Rot-Weiss Essen and Fortuna Düsseldorf, winning the 1979 DFB-Pokal trophy with Düsseldorf...
(1983–1984)
England Sam Allardyce
Sam Allardyce
Samuel "Sam" Allardyce , nicknamed "Big Sam", is an English football manager and former professional player. In June 2011 he was appointed as manager of West Ham United....
(1983) Peter Barnes
Peter Barnes (footballer)
Peter Simon Barnes is an English former international footballer, and the son of footballer Ken Barnes. A textbook journeyman player, he played for numerous clubs across England, Wales, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Australia, Ireland, and the United States...
(1990) Paul Dougherty
Paul Dougherty
Paul Dougherty is an English former professional footballer and football coach who began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers in England...
(1993) Ken Fogarty
Ken Fogarty
Ken Fogarty is a American soccer coach. Fogarty was Head Coach and Technical Director of the Cayman Islands national team from 1993–1994 and from 1996-1998.-Professional career:...
(1989–93) Paul Hammond (1975,1977–78) Ricky Hill
Ricky Hill
Ricky Hill is a former English footballer and the current head coach for Tampa Bay in the second division North American Soccer League.He was born in Paddington.-Playing career:...
(1992) Tommy Langley
Tommy Langley
Tommy Langley is a retired English footballer who played in the 1970s and 1980s as a striker. He is currently one of the hosts of Matchnight Live on Chelsea TV.-Chelsea:...
(1989) Rodney Marsh
Rodney Marsh (footballer)
Rodney William Marsh is an English retired footballer. He was named after HMS Rodney by his father, who served on the battleship. He played for Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the England national team. Lately, he has been a pundit and a commentator on the...
(1976–1979) Don McAllister (1984) Graham Paddon
Graham Paddon
Graham Charles Paddon was an English footballer who played as a midfielder.-Career:Paddon made five League appearances for Coventry City, scoring one goal, before signing for Norwich City in October 1969 for £25,000...
(1978) Terry Rowe
Terry Rowe
Terry Rowe is a retired English professional footballer. He spent three seasons in the American Professional Soccer League, eight in the Major Indoor Soccer League, four in the Continental Indoor Soccer League and two in the National Professional Soccer League.Rowe began his career on the...
(1991–93) Tony Towers
Tony Towers
Mark Anthony Towers is an English former professional footballer who played for Manchester City, Sunderland, Birmingham City and England as a midfielder....
(1984) Paul Tolley (1992–93)
Germany Peter Nogly
Peter Nogly
Peter Nogly is a German football coach and a former player. As of February 2009, he is managing an amateur team Wedeler TSV.He earned 4 caps for the West Germany national football team in 1977...
(1982–1983)
Haiti Arsène Auguste
Arsène Auguste
Arsène Auguste was a Haitian international footballer who represented Haiti in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. He played professional club football with Racing Club Haïtien in Haiti and Tampa Bay Rowdies and Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the United States. In 1986, he signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies,...
(1975–80, 1986–1987)
Netherlands Jan van der Veen
Jan van der Veen
Jan van der Veen is a retired Dutch professional association football player who played for Sparta Rotterdam, Royal Antwerp, Go Ahead Eagles, Willem II and Helmond Sport. H also played in the NASL between 1978 and 1983 for the San Diego Sockers, Tampa Bay Rowdies and California Surf.-External...
(1979–1981, 1983)
Republic of Ireland Mark Lawrenson
Mark Lawrenson
Mark Thomas Lawrenson is a former professional football player, a defender in the Liverpool and Irish football teams of the 1980s; he since became a radio, television and internet pundit for the BBC and Today FM. He was born in England, but played for the Republic of Ireland because his...
(1989)
Scotland John Gorman
John Gorman (footballer)
John Gorman is a Scottish former football player and coach. He is currently Assistant Manager at MK Dons in the English League One....
(1979–82)
South Africa Mike Connell
Mike Connell (soccer)
Mike Connell is a former professional footballer. He played in his native South Africa as well as in the North American Soccer League.-Youth:...
(1975–1984) Neill Roberts
Neill Roberts
Neill Roberts is a retired South Africa soccer forward who spent six seasons in the North American Soccer League and four in the Major Indoor Soccer League....
(1980–1981) Steve Wegerle
Steve Wegerle
Steve Wegerle is a former professional soccer player.Wegerle was voted Player of the Year is South Africa in 1974. He then joined Coventry City F.C. in 1975, but made no first team appearances...
(1977–1981,1984) Derek Smethurst
Derek Smethurst
Derek Smethurst is a retired South African soccer forward who played professionally in South Africa, England and the United States.-Bio:...
(1975-1978)
United States Boris Bandov (1977–1978) Ringo Cantillo
Ringo Cantillo
Julio “Ringo” Cantillo is a former Costa Rican-American soccer midfielder. He played seven seasons in the American Soccer League where he was the league MVP as a rookie. He won MVP honors a total of three times in the ASL. Cantillo also spent four seasons in the North American Soccer League, one...
(1975) Winston DuBose
Winston DuBose
Winston DuBose is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who spent eight seasons in the North American Soccer League, four in the American Professional Soccer League and one in the American Indoor Soccer Association...
(1977–1982, 1990–1991) Joey Fink
Joey Fink
Joey Fink is a former U.S. soccer forward who spent six seasons in the North American Soccer League, two in the American Soccer League and seven in Major Indoor Soccer League. He also earned six caps with the U.S. national team between 1973 and 1975.-Youth and college:Fink played youth soccer...
(1976) Arnie Mausser
Arnie Mausser
Arnold "Arnie" Mausser is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who played with 8 different NASL teams from 1975-1984. He is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame....
(1976) Glenn Myernick
Glenn Myernick
Glenn "Mooch" Myernick was an American soccer player and coach. He won the 1976 Hermann Trophy as that year’s outstanding collegiate player. He then spent eight seasons in the North American Soccer League and one in Major Indoor Soccer League. Myernick also earned 10 caps with the U.S. national...
(1983–1984) Hugo Pérez (1982–1983) Njego Pesa
Njego Pesa
Njego Pesa is a former Yugoslavian-American soccer forward who played in the North American Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League. He earned seven caps with the U.S. national team.-Youth:...
(1982) Nick Sakiewicz
Nick Sakiewicz
Nick Sakiewicz is a former soccer goalkeeper and current soccer executive. He is currently the CEO and Operating Partner of Keystone Sports & Entertainment, LLC, the ownership group of the Philadelphia Union. He played in the Major Indoor Soccer League and American Professional Soccer League and...
(1990) Perry Van der Beck
Perry Van der Beck
Perry Van der Beck is a retired U.S. soccer midfielder and manager and a current soccer executive....
(1978–1982, 1984, 1991–1993)
Yugoslavia Refik Kozić
Refik Kozic
Refik Kozić is a retired Yugoslav professional footballer who played for FK Partizan, and in the NASL between 1980 and 1984 for the Tampa Bay Rowdies. His son Alen Kozić was also a professional player....
(1980–1984)
Head coaches
Eddie FirmaniEddie Firmani
Edwin Ronald "Eddie" Firmani is a retired football player and manager. He was born in South Africa but represented Italy internationally.-Playing career:...
(1975–1977) John Boyle
John Boyle (footballer)
John Boyle is a retired Scottish footballer who played during the 1960s and 1970s.Born in Motherwell, he signed for London side Chelsea as a 15-year-old whilst on holiday in the city. Boyle was one of the lesser-known, but nevertheless important, members of the successful Chelsea side of the...
(1977) Gordon Jago
Gordon Jago
Gordon Harold Jago MBE is a former English association football player and manager.Born in Poplar, London, Jago began his career in the Football League with , whom he joined in the 1954–55 season from non-league team . He made a total of 147 appearances, scoring one goal, at The Valley...
(1978–1982) Kevin Keelan
Kevin Keelan
Kevin Damien Keelan MBE is a former professional football goalkeeper. He spent the majority of his career with Norwich City, though he also played for Stockport County, Wrexham, New England Tea Men and Tampa Bay Rowdies.-Youth:...
(1982) (interim) Al Miller
Al Miller (soccer)
Al Miller is a former U.S. collegiate and professional soccer coach. After leaving coaching, he then became a general manager for two indoor soccer clubs in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.-Youth:Miller was born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania and grew up in Ono,...
(1983) Rodney Marsh
Rodney Marsh (footballer)
Rodney William Marsh is an English retired footballer. He was named after HMS Rodney by his father, who served on the battleship. He played for Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the England national team. Lately, he has been a pundit and a commentator on the...
(1984–1987) Ken Fogarty
Ken Fogarty
Ken Fogarty is a American soccer coach. Fogarty was Head Coach and Technical Director of the Cayman Islands national team from 1993–1994 and from 1996-1998.-Professional career:...
(1989–1993)
"Fannies"
The Rowdies' fans were known as "Fannies". Advertisements for the club encouraged their supporters to "Get up, got out, and get Rowdy!" and to "make a fanny of yourself!", and the call was answered by fans who threw confettiConfetti
Confetti is a multitude of pieces of paper, mylar or metallic material which is usually thrown at parades and celebrations, especially weddings . Confetti is made in a variety of colors, and commercially available confetti is available in imaginative shapes...
, drank beer, and generally "let the guys know we're behind them." One memorable fan named Bob Rogers won a "Rowdiest Fan" contest by donning a giant soccer head and throwing himself into the Tampa Stadium goal. The club gave "Soccer Head" complimentary tickets to future games so that he could continue his antics for the crowd, even bringing him along when the Rowdies played in Soccer Bowl '79.
While anyone who supported team could call themselves a Fanny, members of the official Rowdies' Fan Club particularly claimed the moniker as their own. The fan club held regular meetings and social events and published a newsletter.
Post-NASL: 1985–1993
The NASL folded in 1984, but the Rowdies continued to play for several more years.Independent: 1985–1986
With Rodney Marsh as coach, the Rowdies operated as an independent team for two years before joining the American Indoor Soccer Association for one season (1986–87). Cornelia Corbett became sole owner of the team in 1986.Year-by-year
| Year | League | Regular Season | Playoffs | U.S. Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986/87 | AISA | 3rd, Southern | Quarterfinals | N/A |
1986–1987 roster
Steve WegerleSteve Wegerle
Steve Wegerle is a former professional soccer player.Wegerle was voted Player of the Year is South Africa in 1974. He then joined Coventry City F.C. in 1975, but made no first team appearances...
35 Apps 26 Goals Arnie Mausser
Arnie Mausser
Arnold "Arnie" Mausser is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who played with 8 different NASL teams from 1975-1984. He is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame....
35 Apps 0 Goals Winston DuBose
Winston DuBose
Winston DuBose is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who spent eight seasons in the North American Soccer League, four in the American Professional Soccer League and one in the American Indoor Soccer Association...
Peter Roe
Peter Roe (soccer)
Peter Roe is a retired Canadian soccer player who spent twelve seasons in the North American Soccer League and two in the Major Indoor Soccer League...
Nathan Sacks
Nathan Sacks
Nathan Sacks is a former South African professional football player who spent one season in the North American Soccer League.-Professional:...
Tim Walters
Tim Walters
Timothy “Tim” Walters is a retired American soccer player. He played professionally in the Western Soccer Alliance and Major Indoor Soccer League.-Player:...
Glenn Ervine Duncan MacEwan
Duncan MacEwan
Duncan MacEwan is a retired Scottish Association football player who played professionally in the Major Indoor Soccer League, American Indoor Soccer Association and third American Soccer League....
ASL/APSL: 1988–1993
In the summer of 1988, the Rowdies joined the third incarnation of the American Soccer LeagueAmerican Soccer League
The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
. They would stay in this league and its successor (the APSL) until they folded after the 1993 season.
Year-by-year
| Year | League | Regular Season | Playoffs | U.S. Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | ASL | 3rd, Southern | Did not qualify | Did not enter |
| 1989 | ASL | 1st, Southern | Semifinals | Did not enter |
| 1990 | APSL | 2nd, ASL South | ASL Semifinals | Did not enter |
| 1991 | APSL | 3rd, American | Did not qualify | Did not enter |
| 1992 | APSL | 2nd | Final | Did not enter |
| 1993 | APSL | 3rd | Semifinals | Did not enter |
Honors - post-NASL
Leading Scorer- 1992: Jean HarborJean HarborJean Harbor is a former Nigerian American soccer forward who played for numerous teams in Nigeria and the U.S. He earned fifteen caps with the U.S. national team after becoming a U.S. citizen in 1992.-Youth:...
Top Goalkeeper
- 1988: Winston DuBoseWinston DuBoseWinston DuBose is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who spent eight seasons in the North American Soccer League, four in the American Professional Soccer League and one in the American Indoor Soccer Association...
Coach of the Year
- 1992: Ricky HillRicky HillRicky Hill is a former English footballer and the current head coach for Tampa Bay in the second division North American Soccer League.He was born in Paddington.-Playing career:...
- 1993: Ken FogartyKen FogartyKen Fogarty is a American soccer coach. Fogarty was Head Coach and Technical Director of the Cayman Islands national team from 1993–1994 and from 1996-1998.-Professional career:...
First Team All Star
- 1988: Winston DuBoseWinston DuBoseWinston DuBose is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who spent eight seasons in the North American Soccer League, four in the American Professional Soccer League and one in the American Indoor Soccer Association...
, Steve WegerleSteve WegerleSteve Wegerle is a former professional soccer player.Wegerle was voted Player of the Year is South Africa in 1974. He then joined Coventry City F.C. in 1975, but made no first team appearances... - 1989: Winston DuBoseWinston DuBoseWinston DuBose is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who spent eight seasons in the North American Soccer League, four in the American Professional Soccer League and one in the American Indoor Soccer Association...
, Steve TrittschuhSteve TrittschuhStephen "Steve" Trittschuh is a retired American soccer defender who played professionally in the Major Indoor Soccer League, American Professional Soccer League and Major League Soccer... - 1990: David Byrne (South African footballer)
- 1992: Bill AndrackiBill AndrackiBill Andracki is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who had an extensive professional career playing both indoor and outdoor soccer.-Youth:...
, Steve TrittschuhSteve TrittschuhStephen "Steve" Trittschuh is a retired American soccer defender who played professionally in the Major Indoor Soccer League, American Professional Soccer League and Major League Soccer...
, Ricky HillRicky HillRicky Hill is a former English footballer and the current head coach for Tampa Bay in the second division North American Soccer League.He was born in Paddington.-Playing career:...
, Kevin SloanKevin SloanKevin Sloan is a retired American soccer player who played professionally in the American Soccer League, American Professional Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League. He has also coached professionally and is currently the head coach of the Neumann College men's soccer team.-Youth:Sloan...
, Jean HarborJean HarborJean Harbor is a former Nigerian American soccer forward who played for numerous teams in Nigeria and the U.S. He earned fifteen caps with the U.S. national team after becoming a U.S. citizen in 1992.-Youth:...
Second Team All Star
- 1991: Walter Kilduff
- 1993: Paul DoughertyPaul DoughertyPaul Dougherty is an English former professional footballer and football coach who began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers in England...
New "Rowdies": 2010-present
In 2008, it was announced that a new incarnation of the Tampa Bay Rowdies would play in a new second division NASLNorth American Soccer League (2010)
The North American Soccer League is a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico which began league play on April 9, 2011. It has been provisionally sanctioned as the second tier of soccer in the United States soccer pyramid, behind Major League Soccer in the...
. The team changed its name to "FC Tampa Bay" before taking the pitch due to a dispute over the marketing rights to the "Rowdies" name, but they wear striped green and gold kits similar to the old Rowdies, and their logo incorporates a star reflecting the 1975 championship. After several changes to the league, FC Tampa Bay finally kicked off their existence in the summer of 2010.