Tuesday 30 December 2008

Ricky Davis 1977 (Guest)

I have recently found out that Cosmos star Ricky Davis (9) made a guest appearance for the Rowdies against China, in an Exhibition Game in 1977.
Richard Dean (Rick or Ricky) Davis was born November 24th, 1958 in Denver, Colorado and grew up in Claremont, California.
Ricky began playing soccer at the age of 7 for an AYSO soccer team in Claremont, California. He was an All American high school player at Damien High School in La Verne, California. In 1977, he played a single season of college soccer at Santa Clara University before going pro with the New York Cosmos. While at Santa Clara, he was a member of the Broncos team which took the U-19 National Open Championship (McGuire Cup). An American on a team of international superstars with the Cosmos, he helped the team to three league titles in 1978, 1980 and 1982. He began playing with the team during the 1978 season and was selected as the 1979 North American Player of the Year in his second season.
Ricky became an integral part of the U.S. national team in 1977, first with the U.S. Olympic team and U20 teams, then the senior national team. Between September 11 and October 4, 1976, the U.S. U-20 national team played the qualifying games for the 1977 FIFA World U-20 Championship. While the team went 5-2, it failed to qualify for the games. He led the team scoring with 8 goals. When he was 17 years old, he made his senior national team debut in a September 15th, 1977 match against El Salvador. Even more, he scored his first international goal in that game. He became a regular on the team, playing in all 8 U.S. matches in 1977. He would continue to play for the Olympic team which qualified for the 1980 Summer Olympics. However, President Carter's boycott of those games, held in Moscow, stopped the team from competing. Ricky played for the U.S. in the 1984 Olympics where he scored 2 goals in the U.S. victory over Costa Rica. In 1984, he was also named the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year, the first year of the award. He played again at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Davis' experience and leadership led him to being named captain of the U.S. national team. In this capacity, he led the team during 1988 and was looking forward to the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying games in 1989. However, he suffered a serious knee injury in January 1989. Although he tried to work himself back into shape in order to make the World Cup roster, U.S. coach Bob Gansler never called him back to the team. He therefore retired from playing. Overall, he earned 36 caps (a record at the time), scoring seven goals for the senior national team.

After his retirement from playing, he became the head coach and general manager of the Los Angeles Salsa of the APSL.
Today, Ricky is the National Executive Director of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), in Hawthorne, CA. a post that he has held since 2006.
Ricky Davis was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2001.

Thursday 25 December 2008

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I would just like to wish everyone a "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" and thanks to everyone that has helped me with this blog over the past year.
HELP SUPPORT THE ROWDIES STADIUM, if you haven't already, please sign the electronic petition http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?Rowdies

Tuesday 23 December 2008

Signed Cards - 1977 Rowdies Dave Robb

Davie Robb's signed Rowdies card.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Tatu 1987-88 MISL Trading Card

Tatu's 1987-88 MISL card, produced by Pacific Trading Cards, whilst at the Dallas Sidekicks.

Saturday 20 December 2008

1993 Rowdies Card Set

#17 Kevin Sloan

Signed Cards - 1975 Rowdies John Bluem

John Bluem's signed Rowdies card.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Mark Longwell's Game Worn Jerseys

Here are two photos of Mark Longwell's 1983-84 jerseys.
Many thanks to Mark Longwell for these excellent photos.

Malcolm Linton 1975; 1976 (id)

Malcolm Wilton Linton was born February 13th, 1952 in Southend-on-Sea, England. The son of former professional player Thomas "Tom" Linton who played for Southend between 1946 to 1948.
BIO TO FOLLOW SHORTLY.

Monday 15 December 2008

1993 Rowdies Magazine

Perry Van Der Beck appears on the cover for the game against the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers, June 12th, 1993.
Rowdies 3 (Parry, Trittschuh, Dougherty) vs. Strikers 5

Refik Kozic 1980 - 1984; 1981 (id) - 1983 (id)

Refik Kozic was born December 25th, 1951 in Backo Novo Seto, Yugoslavia. He started his professional career at Yugoslavian second division side Istra at the age of 17 years old in 1968.
He played with Istra for two full seasons before serving a year of military service and then signed for Partizan Belgrade in 1972.
He went onto play 350 games during his eight years with the club. In those eight years, he played on two league championship teams 1976 and 1978, he also participated in two European Champions Cup campaigns 1976 and 1978. He also saw action in the UEFA and Cup Winners' Cup competitions.
The Rowdies acquired Refik from Partizan after a brief trial in February 1979, on the recommendation of Rowdie Petar Baralic. He would make his Rowdies debut in the 1980 outdoor season, which was a season of consistent excellence, he played every minute of the 36 games - an unprecedented 3325 minutes, and scoring 2 goals and 3 assists for 7 points. He was named MVP in his inaugural Rowdies' season.
He would make his NASL indoor debut during the 1980-81 season, going on to make 16 appearances, scoring 3 goals with 7 assists for 13 points. He had played in some indoor soccer on an exhibition level in Yugoslavia.
He would play every minute of the 1981 outdoor season - 3367. He also scored 5 goals that season, most of them coming off set plays. Earning him 10 points.
In the 1981-82 indoor season, Refik would make 21 appearances, and scored 6 goals with 12 assists, for 24 points.
The 1982 season would see him start on the bench for the first few games, but he handled it like a pro and worked his way back into the lineup with versatility and tenacity, sometimes in defense and often in midfield. He would appear in 25 games -1941 minutes of play. He also found time to get his USSF "B" coaching license, putting it to good use, coaching the Suncoast Soccer League Patio Pools.
During the 1982-83 Grand Prix of Indoor Soccer, he appeared in 7 games, scoring only 1 goal.
He started in 16 games for the Rowdies, 14 of them at center back during the 1983 outdoor season. Scoring only 1 goal. He then left the Rowdies for a short stint with the indoor New York Cosmos, but returned to the club prior to the 1984 outdoor season in a trade for Pedro DeBrito and cash.
He would appear in 21 games during his last Rowdies and NASL season.
Refik still plays soccer today, for "Friends", an over-40's team in the Beaches Adult Soccer League. He has been blighted with serious health problem over the last decade, including heart problems. He has also had both knees replaced as well, yet remains a very strong and physical player.
Refik's latest business enterprise is called "Lana International".
Here is Refik pictured with Mike Cornell after a game played last Wednesday, December 10th, 2008. Refik's team beat Mike's team (Real Mandarin) 12-0.
Thanks to Mike Cornell for the photo.

Friday 12 December 2008

Rowdies Memorabilia - David Byrne 1989-90 MISL Trading Card

David Byrne's 1989-90 MISL card, produced by Pacific Trading Cards, whilst he was at the Baltimore Blast.

Signed Cards - 1982 Rowdies II Jack Hinton

Today I received a reply from Rowdies II player Jack Hinton.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1980 Rowdies KICK Magazine

July 4th, the California Surf were today's opponents. With an attendance of 53,389 watching the Rowdies lose 1-3 with a goal from Petar Baralic.
The team this day: DuBose, Van Der Beck, Gorman, Kozic, Connell, Van Der Veen, McLeod, Wegerle, Roberts, Anderson (P), Fabbiani.
Substitutes: Baralic, Bailey.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Clyde Best and Mike Hewitt


Clyde Best and Mike Hewitt, at Tampa International Airport on the evening of 26th August, 1975, when the Rowdies arrived back in town after winning Soccer Bowl '75.

Many thanks to Dan Perez.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Pocket Schedules

This is part of my Rowdies pocket schedules collection, pictured is the front and back of the 1980 schedule.


Center of the schedule.

Matt Knowles 1993

Matt Knowles was born October 7th, 1970 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Philadelphia and attended Archbishop Ryan High School from 1985 to 1988.
In the summer of 1990, he signed with the Penn-Jersey Spirit of the American Professional Soccer League. He also played indoor soccer with the expansion Illinois Thunder of the National Professional Soccer League. In 1991, he played nineteen games with the Spirit, scoring one goal. The Spirit folded at the end of the 1991 season and Matt moved to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers for the 1992 APSL season. He spent two seasons with the Illinois Thunder, earning him NPSL Defender of the Year honors for the 1991-1992 season. That season, he scored forty-five goals in forty games as a defender. In addition to his Defender of the Year Award, he was selected to the first team All NPSL team. The Thunder moved to Denver at the end of the 1991-1992 season, and Matt played three games there before being traded to the Milwaukee Wave.
While he had been an integral part of the Spirit, he saw time in only three games with the Strikers.
In 1993, he moved to the Rowdies where his playing time increased to nine games.
In the fall of 1993, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The injury put him out of all but five games of the 1993-1994 season. He bounced back the next season, gaining ninety-four points, making him the second highest scorer on the Wave. He continued his excellent play in the 1995-1996 season, earning his second Defender of the Year title and first team All NPSL recognition while racking up 123 points on 47 goals and 36 assists.
His indoor success brought him to the attention of the Major League Soccer as that league was beginning operations in 1996. In February 1996, the MetroStars selected him in the first round (ninth overall) in the league’s Inaugural Player Draft. While Matt signed with the MetroStars, he continued to play indoor soccer during the MLS off-season. Following his being drafted by the MetroStars in February 1996, he spent two and a half seasons with the team. While he played nearly every game of the 1996 season, he was injured during the 1996-1997 NPSL season.
While he experienced considerable success with the Wave, he had frequent disagreements with the Wave’s ownership. This led to his expressing a desire to be traded. On December 26th, 1996, the Wave acquiesced to his desires and traded him to the Cleveland Crunch for Glenn Carbonara, Todd Dusosky, Obi Moneme and cash. He was injured while in Cleveland and saw little playing time. This led to his sporadic playing time with the MetroStars during the 1997 and 1998 seasons. On July 1st, 1998 he was traded to the expansion Miami Fusion for a third round College Draft pick. He played out the remainder of the 1998 seasons with the Fusion, but played in only three games.
On July 29th, 1997, he bought out the remaining three years of his contract with the Crunch and signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia KiXX. In the 1997-1998 season, his first in Philadelphia, he experienced a resurgence which led to his third Defender of the Year award. At the end of the 1998 season, Matt left outdoor soccer to concentrate on his more successful indoor career.
After one more season with the KiXX, he then moved to the Detroit Rockers. He played two seasons in Detroit before the Rockers folded at the end of the 2000-2001 season.
In 2001, the Harrisburg Heat picked up Matt in the dispersal draft. That year, the NPSL disbanded and the surviving NPSL franchises created a new league, the Major Indoor Soccer League. At some time in 2002, he moved from the Heat to the Kansas City Comets. On October 2nd, 2002, the Comets traded him to the Philadelphia KiXX in exchange for Matt Caution. However, he again experienced a considerable number of injuries and spent most of the season on the injured-reserved list.
Today, Matt Knowles is currently coaching in the IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida.
Can anyone help me with a photo of Matt in a Rowdies jersey? - If so please email me.

Wednesday 10 December 2008

Rowdies Memorabilia - Ricky Davis 1987-88 MISL Trading Card

Ricky Davis' 1987-88 MISL card, produced by Pacific Trading Cards, whilst at the Tacoma Stars.

Tuesday 9 December 2008

Sam Allardyce 1983

Samuel "Big Sam" Allardyce was born 19th October, 1954 in Dudley, West Midlands. He grew up on Dudley's Wren's Nest estate and was educated at Sycamore Green Primary School and later at Wren's Nest Secondary School.
Sam joined Bolton Wanderers as a centre-half in 1973 and is best remembered as a player for being part of the side which won the Second Division title in 1977–78 to secure promotion to the First Division. Between 1973 and 1980, he appeared in 184 games for the Wanderers, and scored 21 goals.
He was signed by Ken Knighton to play for Sunderland AFC for whom he played 26 times during the 1980–81 season. During his career, he also played for Huddersfield Town, Coventry City, Millwall and Preston North End, whom he captained to promotion from the Fourth Division in 1986–87.
In 1983, Sam signed for the Rowdies. He would appear in 11 games and scored 1 goal with 1 assist. He made his Rowdies' debut, on July 1st at Seattle, in a 0-6 loss.
Whilst at West Bromich Albion, Sam was named as assistant manager (player-coach) to Brian Talbot in February 1989—ironic as he was a supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers, one of Albion's fiercest rivals. On the playing side, he appeared in only one game for Albion, coming on as a substitute against Newcastle United in November 1989. His spell at the Hawthorns lasted two years before he and Talbot were sacked as the club slid towards the Second Division trap door for the first time.
He then took up the role of player/manager of Limerick and guided the League of Ireland team to promotion by topping the first division with a number of points to spare in 1991–92 in his only season at the club. He made his League of Ireland debut on 6th October, 1991.
After his one successful season in Ireland Sam returned to England and to Preston North End for the start of the 1992–93 season to take up the role of coach/assistant manager under Les Chapman. Ten games into the season however Chapman was sacked and Sam was given the role of caretaker manager. His short spell in charge was an impressive one with Preston putting in some fine performances, picking some much needed league points along the way. The clubs board though felt that his managerial inexperience at league level worked against him and opted in December 1992 to appoint the more experienced John Beck who in turn appointed Gary Peters as his assistant. Sam carried on with the club in his original coaching capacity for another 18 months but the disappointment of missing out on the Preston job spoke volumes and when in July 1994 arch rivals Blackpool offered him the manager's job, he jumped at the chance.
His spell at Bloomfield Road included his leading the club, in 1995–96, to their most successful season in years; however, he was sacked at the end of the campaign after failing to guide them to Division One. In matches in the Football League, Sam still has the highest win percentage (44.57%) of any Blackpool manager. Five years after his sacking, he stated that he still had no idea why the club relieved him of his position.
In January 1997, Sam made his return to football as manager of Division Two basement club Notts County. He arrived too late to save them from relegation, but they won promotion at the first attempt by finishing top of Division Three at the end of the 1997–98 season. Notts County broke several club and national records, winning the title by 19 points and becoming the first post-war side to win promotion in mid-March.
He remained in charge at Meadow Lane until September 1999, when he returned to Bolton Wanderers in Division One and became their new manager. In early 2006 it was confirmed that Sven-Göran Eriksson would leave the England manager's job after the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and as a successful English manager, Sam was touted as a major candidate for the post. Bolton confirmed that they would let him talk to the FA if they approached him. However he was never offered the job, which was eventually given to Steve McClaren.
Speculation arose on 28th April, 2007, that Sam would quit as Bolton manager at the end of the 2006–07 season, a move that the board initially denied. However, Bolton announced on 29th April that he was to leave the club after eight years, effective immediately. Sammy Lee was announced as his replacement the following day.
After the resignation of Glenn Roeder, manager of Newcastle United, on the 6th May, 2007, Sam immediately became the leading contender with bookmakers and the media for the resulting vacancy, and it was confirmed that he had held a meeting with Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd in London. On 15th May, 2007, Newcastle United announced that he had signed a three-year contract to manage the club. On 21st May, 2007, Sam had already axed six players from Newcastle United's squad before the 2007–08 season has started. They included Olivier Bernard, Craig Moore, Oguchi Onyewu, Titus Bramble, Pavel Srníček and Antoine Sibierski. He made his first signing as Newcastle United manager on 7th June, 2007, with Australian international striker Mark Viduka from local rivals Middlesbrough on a free transfer.
After a series of disappointing results in the run-up to Christmas, and after gaining only one point from a possible six from bottom-of-the-table Wigan and Derby, there was speculation that his tenure at Newcastle could be under threat.
On Wednesday 9th January, 2008 Sam parted company with Newcastle by mutual agreement.
Today, Sam is often seen on Sky TV as a soccer pundit, during live games.
Big Sam was appointed the Manager of Blackburn Rovers on December 17th, 2008.
Can anyone help me with a photo of Sam in a Rowdies jersey? - If so please email me.

Monday 8 December 2008

Rowdies Press Photos - Van Der Veen, Van Der Beck, Bilecki, Gorman

This photo was used for the Gatorade advert, with Jan Van Der Veen, Perry Van Der Beck, Zeljko Bilecki and John Gorman.

Rowdies Memorabilia - John Gorman 1974-75 FKS Publishers Card

John Gorman's 1974-75 FKS Publishers card, whilst he was at Carlisle United.

Signed Cards - 1986 Rowdies Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter's signed Rowdies card.

Rowdies Press Photos - Jan Van Der Veen

Jan Van Der Veen against the Chicago Sting's Arno Steffanhagen, at Tampa Stadium.

1993 Rowdies Card Set

#14 Tommy Reasoner.

Don Droege 1982

Donald "Don" T. Droege was born January 21st, 1955 in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Christian Brothers College High School where he was the soccer team’s 1971 and 1972 defensive MVP. He was also co-captain of the 1972 team. In addition to playing soccer, he was also a baseball letterman his senior year. He nearly opted to join his father and older brother in pro baseball; both played in the Chicago Cubs organization.
After graduating from high school, Don attended St. Louis University, playing on the men’s soccer team from 1973 to 1976. Where hegarnered All-American and All-Midwest honors.
In 1977, he was selected by the Rochester Lancers in the first round of the NASL Draft. He made his NASL debut for the Lancers against the New York Cosmos, on April 17th, 1977 in a 0-2 loss, but was relegated to the second string for the next five games. But returned for the Lancers' seventh game due to an injury to Nick Mijatovic, and remained in the starting lineup for the remainder of the season. He was honored at one point during the 1977 season as the NASL 's Defensive Player of the Week. He appeared in 25 games and scored 1 goal with 1 assist.
In 1978, Don would appear in 24 games for Rochester. In December '78, the Lancers traded him to the Washington Diplomats. Playing in 22 games during 1979 for the Diplomats, scoring 2 goals and 1 assist.
In 1980, he signed with the Chicago Horizon of the MISL. The Horizon lasted only one season before folding.
Don then moved to the Atlanta Chiefs for the 1981 season. However, by that time the NASL’s decline was accelerating and the Chiefs folded at the end of the season, he had made 31 appearances, and scored 2 goals. He moved again, this time to the Tulsa Roughnecks. However, after 18 games and 2 goals, the Roughnecks traded him to the Rowdies.
He would make his Rowdies' debut at Tampa Stadium, against the Jacksonville Tea Men, on July 4th, 1982, in a 2-0 win. He would only make 7 appearances, and scored 1 goal in his last Rowdies game against the Toronto Blizzard, in a 2-9 defeat.
In 1983, Don finished his NASL career with the Chicago Sting, appeared in 25 games, and scored 2 goals with 1 assist.
That fall, he returned to St. Louis to sign with the St. Louis Steamers. He spent two seasons with the Steamers before retiring from playing professionally in 1985.
Don’s first game with the national team came in a 3-1 loss to Guatemala on September 18th, 1977. Nine days later, he came on as a substitute in a 3-0 loss to Mexico national football team. From that point on, he played the rest of the U.S. games in 1977. He played in only one of the three U.S. games in 1978, then earned his last cap on May 2nd, 1979 in a 6-0 loss to France.

Today, Don still lives in St. Louis, he is now working in the Mortgage Business. He was inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005.

Can anyone help me with a photo of Don in a Rowdies jersey? - If so please email me.

Rowdies Press Photos - Zeljko Bilecki

Zeljko Bilecki 1979.
Many thanks to Dave Morrison.

Saturday 6 December 2008

Nick Sakiewicz 1990

Nick Sakiewicz was born January 14th, 1961. He was two time All-American first team for the University of New Haven Connecticut, where he captained the team for three years.
He played professionally in France for FC Nantes in the French first division, and then Belenenses of Portugal as a developmental player in the 1980s.
Joined the Rowdies for the 1990 season, making his debut in goal against the Washington Stars on April 7th, in a 1-0 win, at Tampa Stadium. He kept goal for six games, allowing only eight goals against. He eventually lost his place to Winston DuBose.
But in recent years, he has become a successful General Manager. Nick became the GM of the Tampa Bay Mutiny of the Major League Soccer in 1996, and was named MLS Executive of the Year in 1999. On the heels of that success, he was hired to replace Charlie Stillitano as the MetroStars' general manager, and was promptly named MLS Executive of the Year in 2000 as well.
In 2005, he was promoted to a newly-created position of president of AEG Soccer New York/New Jersey, and Alexi Lalas took over as the MetroStars GM. The Passaic, New Jersey native received considerable criticism for his struggles to secure a stadium for the MetroStars but left the organization having accomplished his biggest goal, with Red Bull Park slated for a 2009 opening for the re-branded Red Bull New York.
Today, Nick is currently the CEO & Operating Partner of Keystone Sports & Entertainment, LLC, the ownership group of the Philadelphia Major League Soccer team beginning play in 2010.
Can anyone help me with a photo of Nick in a Rowdies jersey? - If so please email me.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Pennant

Here is another Rowdies pennant, from the NASL era.
Thanks to Bill Garland for the photo.

Friday 5 December 2008

Signed Cards - 1976 Rowdies Joey Fink

Joey Fink's signed Rowdies card.

Rowdies Press Photos - Mirandinha

Mirandinha scores at Tampa Stadium.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Pocket Schedules

This is part of my Rowdies pocket schedules collection, pictured is the front and back of the 1979-80 indoor schedule.

Rowdies Press Photos - Joey Fink

Joey Fink in action against the San Jose Earthquakes at Tampa Stadium.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Pennant

A Rowdies Pennant, I have seen about four variations of these.
Does anyone else have different ones? - Please email me photos.

Rowdies Press Photos - Refik Kozic, Oscar Fabbiani, Jan Van Der Veen and Steve Wegerle

The Rowdies celebrate a goal during an 1981 indoor game, with Refik Kozic, Oscar Fabbiani, Jan Van Der Veen and Steve Wegerle.

Mark Lawrenson 1989; Assistant Coach 1989

Mark Thomas Lawrenson was born 2nd June, 1957 in Preston, England. Mark began his career, as a 17 year-old, with his hometown club, Preston North End in 1974 who were managed by 1966 World Cup winner Bobby Charlton. His consistently impressive and solid performances for Preston earned him a call-up to the Republic of Ireland national squad, winning the first of 39 international caps at the age of 19. Johnny Giles found out that Mark qualified to play for Ireland through his grandfather and promptly acted to give him his debut on the 24th April, 1977 at Dalymount Park in a friendly with Poland, the game ended 0-0. His season was made complete when he was voted Preston's Player of the Year for the 1976/77 season.
After 73 league appearances for the Deepdale club he moved to Alan Mullery's Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer before the start of the 1977/78 season for £100,000, ironically, they outbid Liverpool who also showed interest in the 19 year-old. He made his Brighton debut on the 20th August, 1977 in a 1-1 draw against Southampton at The Dell. He settled in at the Goldstone Ground and made 40 league appearances by the end of his first season of the club. He went on to make 152 league appearances by the end of 1980/81, However the club entered a financial crisis during in 1981 and Mark was forced to leave the club to make funds available. Many clubs were interested in signing him after his resilient performances for both Preston and Brighton, but it was Liverpool manager Bob Paisley that, finally, got his signature.
Liverpool offered a club transfer record of £900,000, and he joined in the summer of 1981. He was to form a formidable central defensive partnership with Alan Hansen after Phil Thompson suffered an injury, although he was also used frequently at full back or in midfield.
Mark made his first start for the team at left-back in a 1-0 league defeat at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on the 29th August, 1981. He scored his first goal a month later during the 7-0 European Cup 1st round 2nd leg trouncing of Finnish team Oulun Palloseura at Anfield on the 30th September. He came on for Ray Kennedy in the 64th minute scoring in the 72nd.
His Liverpool career ended after 332 appearances and 18 goals in all competitions - one of which was the "forgotten fifth" in a 5-0 thumping of Merseyside rivals Everton on the 6th November, 1982, a game in which Ian Rush took most of the headlines by scoring four of the five goals and a place in Anfield folklore.
He would make 2 appearances for Barnet during the 1988-89 season. He was appointed Oxford United manager in 1988. His time at the club was frustrating and he resigned after star striker Dean Saunders was sold by the board of directors, without his approval.
He joined the Rowdies for the 1989 season, as Assistant Coach to Rodney Marsh, he took the day-to-day training, while Marsh oversaw the entire operation of the club. Mark would appear in 13 games, despite knee surgery to repair a partial tear of the lateral meniscus. He also scored 3 goals, with 3 assists for 9 points.
After the 1989 season he returned to England, to manage Peterborough United from 6th September, 1989 until 9th November, 1990.
Mark Lawrenson began working as a pundit for the BBC but then left briefly to become a coach specialising in defensive tactics for Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United. However, the position was again short-lived, when he quickly returned to media work. He has since become established as one of the most prominent pundits and commentators of the game, both on BBC television and radio coverage, often finding himself sitting alongside his former defensive partner, Alan Hansen, and, since the departure from the BBC of Trevor Brooking, he has assumed the main co-commentator on major national and international (FIFA) matches covered by the television network. He appears regularly on Football Focus and Match of the Day.
Many thanks to Jan Reinertsen for the Rowdies photo of Mark.

Rowdies Press Photos - Tatu

Tatu is tackled by three Tulsa Roughnecks at Tampa Stadium in 1983.
Many thanks to Dave Morrison.

Thursday 4 December 2008

Terry Moore 1981, 1982; 1982 (id)

Terence "Terry" Moore was born June 2nd, 1958 in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. He moved to Belfast, Northern Ireland with his family when he was five years old. From 1974 to 1977, he played in the Irish League for Larne, before moving to the famous Belfast club Glentoran, whom he played for between 1978 to 1980. He was a Northern Ireland Schoolboy International. Was invited for tryouts with Blackburn Rovers and Arsenal.
The San Diego Sockers lured him to the NASL, prior to the 1980 season. Terry made his debut on May 10th, against the Dallas Tornado, coming on as a substitute, in a 0-2 loss. He got his first full game, after new coach Ron Newman took over the club late in the season. He made his first start on August 6th, against the Detroit Express, in a 1-0 win. He remained in the line-up for the next five games. In total he appeared in 10 games, with 1 assist. He played in 12 indoor games for the 1980-81 Sockers.
After only four games into the 1981 outdoor season, Terry was acquired by the Rowdies in early May. He was a shot in the arm for the ailing Rowdies North American contingency. He played a midfield man to man marking role until mid-July, when he moved to center-back. He played every game of the season, including the playoffs, after joining the team.
Was a member of the Canadian World Cup quailifying team.
Terry appreared in the Rowdies 1981-82 indoor season, playing in 15 games, scoring 2 goals with 6 assists. The 1982 outdoor season, saw Terry appear in 18 games, before being traded to the Tulsa Roughnecks along with striker Njego Pesa, late in the season for defender Don Droege and other considerations. He made his Roughnecks' debut on July 4th, against the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers, in a 2-3 overtime loss. Scored 1 assist while starting 14 matches for Tulsa, but biggest contribution was solid defense play, that helped produce 5 shutouts, during a playoff berth drive.
Appeared in the Roughnecks' 1982-83 NASL Grand Prix of indoor soccer, his totals were 1 goal, 3 assists with 5 points. 1983, Terry helped Tulsa to the Soccer Bowl '83 Championship, he appeared in 33 games.
Terry would appear in all but 1 game during the Roughnecks' last NASL season, a total of 23 starts. With his NASL career over, he returned to Northern Ireland to play and live.
He was a member of the 1986 Canadian FIFA World Cup squad in Mexico in 1986, but did not play in the finals.

Upon his retirement, Terry became a Belfast police officer. Today, he the Assistant Coach at Crusaders FC in Northern Ireland.

Wednesday 3 December 2008

Rowdies Memorabilia - Peter Barnes' Game Worn Jersey

My Peter Barnes game worn jersey from 1990.

1993 Rowdies Magazine

"Special Souvenir Edition" for the 3rd July, a special cover, and the players photos are back, but that's about it "Special?"
The LA Salsa are in town. Rowdies 2 (M. Brady (2)) vs. Salsa 0

Monday 1 December 2008

Rowdies Memorabilia - Kevin Keelan 1975 Topps Card

Kevin Keelan's 1975 Topps card, whilst he was at Norwich City.