TBR Mailbag, Vol. 4

We are way behind on posting this, but since the last question answered has become more relevant after the events of the past couple days, it still make sense to post this.


The TBR Mailbag is a bi-weekly feature brought to you by the TBR front office to allow you, the fans, to write in and ask questions about the team, organization, and the return of professional soccer to Tampa Bay. If you have any questions you would like answered, please email us at mailbag@tbrowdies.com.

Q: Why aren’t you holding an open tryout and how can I get invited to one of the combines?

A: We will be inviting players to our combine by recommendations from our scouts and coaches. They are actively out scouting domestic and international players, both at the professional and collegel level, as well as speaking with agents worldwide. We are looking to build the best possible team of players who all have prior experience playing at a highly competitive level. This is important for a brand new franchise.

It is important to have invite-only combines for these players so that we can properly evaluate their play. If you have an experienced playing background at high amateur / college level or at the pro level, please submit your information at our website.

We realize there are talented players out there who may not have had the same opportunities. For those players, we will have scouts present at an open tryout in Orlando January 6-8th run by InfoSport. Representatives from many teams will be at the combine and information on it can be found HERE.


Q: Who is that in the header? I can see number 7 and that’s Steve Wegerle, but who is the other one, I can’t make out the number?

A: The other former Rowdie player adorning our website with Mr. Wegerle would be his fellow South African Neill Roberts. Neill played for the Rowdies in 1980-81 and again in ’84. Roberts was the league’s 24th all-time leading scorer with 156 points in 143 career games. He was also on the Rowdies indoor team from 1980-82.

Neill is still active in the Tampa soccer community and is currently coaching the U13 boys’ team at H.C. United.


Q: With all the info lately on the league and the TOA (Team Owners’ Association) is there any danger of the Rowdies not coming or the season being postponed?

A: It is the goal of all team owners to not have any delays, and we would certainly not postpone a season. The Rowdies continue to move forward for a 2010 start and the quality of the league will continue to get better. The team owners are working hard to ensure that our league is properly structured and set up for continued future growth, both through franchise expansion and player pool development. As soccer history in North America has taught us, it’s important to not just build strong franchises and local markets, but also have a strong and stable league.