Thursday 24 December 2009

Alex Pringle 1975 - 1977; 1975 (id) - 1977 (id)

Alex Pringle was born November 8th, 1948 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Started his career with Glasgow United, before signing for Hibernian F.C. in 1968, where he would make 8 appearances, before moving to Dundee F.C. in 1972. During a two year spell, Alex would play 23 times.
Was signed by the Rowdies in the winter of 1974-75, was the first player to be purchased by the new Rowdies franchise. "It was a Wednesday night and the Scottish League games were played in the winter," said Alex. "It was cold and rainy. After the game, Eddie Firmani showed me a brochure of Tampa Bay. There were palm trees, Clearwater Beach.
"I signed right away."
Alex made his Rowdies debut during the 1975 indoor Championships, but made his outdoor debut in the inaugural game against the Rochester Lancers at Tampa Stadium on April 26th, scoring the winning goal in overtime (his only ever outdoor goal for the Rowdies). Logged 1338:22 minutes, despite injuries. Would appear in 17 games, including Soccer Bowl '75. Was named the Exchange Bank's Player of the Week during '75.
Started the 1976 season, winning the indoor Championships, scoring one goal against the Washington Diplomats in a regional game. Went onto play 24 games during the outdoor season. His proudest moment came on June 6th, in a nationally televised game against the New York Cosmos, he was awarded Pele's jersey as a tribute to Alex's super game in marking the "black pearl".
Alex, was purchased by the Diplomats on April 9th, 1977. He played 77 minutes for the Diplomats, in the April 10th game against the Toronto Metros-Croatia, after playing the whole game for the Rowdies the night before in Dallas. Appeared in 17 games that year for the Dips.
In 1978, what was to be his last year in the NASL, he only appeared in 11 games for Washington.
After this I cannot find anyother information.
In the 1980's Alex helped form the Black Watch Soccer Club, in Tampa, Florida. A club that is still going strong today.
Was an owner of a cafe/bar, and a breeder of horses.

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