Meet Robbie Neilson: The New Rowdies Coach
A New Beginning in St. Petersburg
ST. PETERSBURG — New Rowdies coach Robbie Neilson got here throughout as well mannered and approachable as he greeted media members for the primary time Thursday at a information convention at Al Lang Stadium.
The Intensity Behind the Smile
But don’t let his huge smile idiot you. Tampa Bay ahead Leo Fernandes stated that whereas Neilson is genuinely pleasant, he additionally struck the 2022 USL Championship MVP as “very intense” in an preliminary personal assembly.
Excitement for the Future
“As quickly as (Neilson) began talking, I may inform he’s coached on the highest degree and he’s very good and energized,” Fernandes stated. “I’m very excited to begin working with him. I want preseason was subsequent week, to be sincere with you.
Impressive Coaching Experience
Neilson, 43, brings greater than 350 matches of teaching expertise with Heart of Midlothian and Dundee United of the Scottish Premiership, Scotland’s high league, and MK Dons FC in EFL League Two, the fourth tier of the English system. He recorded the very best successful share within the historical past of Heart of Midlothian (58.8%) and Dundee (57.1%).
From Player to Coach
Before stepping into teaching, Neilson appeared in additional than 200 matches throughout 10 seasons as a participant at Heart of Midlothian.
Why Tampa Bay?
“I got here right here a number of months in the past and took a tour of soccer golf equipment on the East Coast, and the (Rowdies) fan base was so excellent and there was such an important power,” Neilson stated. “Coming to America was very thrilling for me, and I prefer to attempt new issues and take on new challenges.”
Building on Success
Neilson steps right into a stable state of affairs with the Rowdies, who completed second within the Eastern Conference this season at 19-9-6 earlier than dropping within the first spherical of the playoffs for the primary time since 2019.
Changes and Challenges
For the overwhelming majority of the season, the Rowdies had been with out Fernandes, who ruptured his left Achilles tendon throughout a preseason match. Then in the midst of the season, longtime coach Neill Collins left to take over at Barnsley FC of EFL League One, the third tier of the English system.
Collins went 98-77 throughout all competitions over six seasons. In 2021 he was named USL Championship Coach of the Year after guiding the Rowdies to the league’s greatest regular-season document and a club-record 71 factors. He led the group to 4 straight playoff appearances, together with two Eastern Conference titles.
Setting the Bar Higher
Neilson stated he’s properly conscious of the Rowdies’ successful custom and plans to boost it greater.
“There’s such an important ambition right here to proceed to achieve success,” he stated. “We’ve obtained a unbelievable squad, and now it’s about including a bit extra high quality and power to get it to the subsequent degree.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robbie Neilson’s arrival as the brand new Rowdies coach brings a mixture of depth, expertise, and a drive for achievement. With his spectacular teaching background and enthusiasm for the long run, the Rowdies look poised for a brand new chapter of development and achievement.
FAQs
1. What is Robbie Neilson’s teaching background?
Neilson brings over 350 matches of teaching expertise with him from golf equipment like Heart of Midlothian and Dundee United within the Scottish Premiership, in addition to MK Dons FC in EFL League Two.
2. Why did Neilson select to teach in Tampa Bay?
Neilson was drawn to Tampa Bay as a result of excellent fan base and power surrounding the Rowdies, providing him an thrilling alternative to attempt new challenges in America.
3. How does Neilson plan to construct on the Rowdies’ success?
Neilson is concentrated on including extra high quality and power to the already proficient squad to raise the Rowdies to the subsequent degree of success.
