Gary Chivers 1986

Gary Chivers was born 15th May, 1960 in Stockwell. A stylish defender or midfielder. He was originally a Chelsea fan, who joined them as a schoolboy, he signed as an apprentice in July 1976 and made his debut on Saturday, 21st April 1979 in a 2-1 win at home to Middlesbrough (Aged: 18).

During the 1979-80 season took his chance and played in 31 first-team matches.

The 1980-81 season, he had an excellent follow-up year, he appeared in 43 games and scored 2 goals. Was hailed by many as Chelsea's most consistent outfield player. He capped a fine year by being voted runner-up in the Player of the Year Awards and third in the Match of the Day (BBC) goal of the season competition for his effort at home to Newcastle United.

Over the next two seasons, Gary's form slumped, as Chelsea plumbed the depths of mediocrity, and he was not always sure of a place in the starting line-up. In the summer of 1983, new Chelsea Manager John Neal, decided that there was no room for Gary in his revamped team and he was allowed to join Swansea City.

He was only with Swansea for the 1983-84 season, appearing in 10 games, before moving on to Queens Park Rangers for the 1984-85 season, where he would go onto make 60 appearances. It was during this spell, in 1986, that he was a member of the QPR squad to play under the name of the Rowdies in the "Coca-Cola Classic International Soccer Series" in Tampa.

In the 1987-88 season, Gary would start the season with Watford, playing in 14 games, before a move to Brighton and Hove Albion, and enjoyed a six year spell with the club. After leaving Brighton in 1993, he spent the summer playing in Norway, with lyn Oslo, before joining Bournemouth in the November, ironically making his home debut in the Cherries' 4-2 FA Cup win over Albion.

The following season he was on the point of taking over as player-coach at Scarborough but the dismissal of manager Steve Wicks scuppered those plans and instead he returned to Bournemouth.

In January 1995, Gary returned to Sussex to join ambitious County League side Stamco (now known as St Leonards) and he spent 18 months there. Later he had a brief spell at Worthing "until the money dried up".

Since bringing the curtain down on his career, Gary has been a chauffeur for a while and also obtained his black cab licence. But can be seen at football grounds working for the Press Association covering football games, and doing a lot for Sky and Cable TV.

He also, finds time to manage and play for the Chelsea Old Boys team.

1982 Rowdies II

Iam still trying to contact Matt Meyer and Matty Miller. If you should ever come across this, please email me.

1993 Rowdies Card Set

#6 Derek Backman.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Arnie Mausser

Arnie Mausser, at a Rowdies Fan Day in 1976.

Many thanks to Dan Perez.

Bob Stetler 1976; 1975 - 1976 (id)

Robert Alan Stetler was born October 10th, 1952 in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, he was a graduate of East Stroudsburg State (PA) where he starred in both soccer and wrestling. Was an NCAA wrestling champion. In 1975 the 'keeper spent the entire year in Tampa as an amateur, and never saw any outdoor action, but played a part in the 1975 indoor tournament.

1976, saw limited NASL action behind Arnold Mausser. Joined the Washington Diplomats in April of 1977 as a free agent. In 1980, was traded to the Memphis Rogues, but missed the indoor season due to an injured right hand. But played in 27 games during the outdoor season. In 1981, he moved onto the San Jose Earthquakes, where he would finish has career. Had the misfortune of being on the same teams as some of the NASL's top goalkeepers.

Sadly, Bob passed away in July 1990, in a car accident.

Rowdies Press Photos - Arsene Auguste

Arsene Auguste helps out with a kids training camp in 1975.

Thanks to Dan Perez.

Luis Papandrea 1978

Luis Papandrea was born 8th August, 1952 in Argentina, he came to the Rowdies on trial before the 1978 season, a central defender from Argentina, who played for Ferrocarril Oeste and Racing, both in Buenos Aires. Made 13 starts and 2 substitute appearances.
After his playing career, he joined the coaching staff at Ferrocarril Oeste.

Today he coaches at Lonestar Soccer Club in Austin, TX

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1980 Rowdies KICK Magazine

May 31st, today's opponents were the Tulsa Roughnecks, 25,156 attended the 3-1 win. With goals by Van Der Beck and two by Oscar Fabbiani.

The team this day: DuBose, Van Der Beck, Gorman, Andruszewski, Connell, Kozic, Barlic, Ivanchukov, Wegerle, Roberts, Fabbiani.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Steve Wegerle and Peter Anderson

Steve Wegerle and Peter Anderson, upon their return from the 1978 Soccer Bowl defeat, at Tampa International Airport.

Many thanks to Dan Perez.

Rowdies Memorabilia - David Hay Poster

A 1974 poster from the UK magazine 'SHOOT/GOAL' of David Hay of Chelsea.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Winston DuBose

Winston DuBose warms up before the game against the Strikers in 1979.

Thanks to Dan Perez.

Rowdies Press Photos - Mirandinha

Mirandinha's first night at Tampa Stadium, 1978.

Thanks to Dan Perez.

Rowdies Press Photos - Graham Paddon

Graham Paddon leaps over the Philadelphia Fury goalkeeper in 1978.

Thanks to Dan Perez.

Rowdies Memorabilia - John Sissons 1969-70 FKS Publishers Card

John Sissons' 1969-70 FKS Publishers card, whilst he was at West Ham United.

Rowdies Press Photos - Winston DuBose

Winston DuBose against the Cosmos 1978.

Thanks to Jan Reinertsen.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Soccer Bowl '78 Pin/Badge

A pin back badge from the Soccer Bowl '78 game against the New York Cosmos.

Nicky Johns 1978

Goalkeeper Nicky Johns was born August 6th, 1957, he played only 8 games for the Rowdies during the 1978 season, having to share the spot with Winston DuBose and Paul Hammond.

He kept 2 clean sheets, but allowed 16 goals to get past him.

As a youngster he signed for Millwall, also played for Sheffield United, Charlton Athletic, QPR, before dropping into the lower leagues with Maidstone.

Was involved in a major car accident, but has now fully recovered. The 2003/04 season saw him become Assistant Manager at Erith Town, helping them to a 7th place finish.

Thanks to Mike Connell for the above photo.

Today, he works for Crystal Palace's Kickz - Football In The Community, as Project Manager. Nicky is seen above, 4th from the left, back row.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Winston DuBose

Winston DuBose with fans, upon his return from the 1978 Soccer Bowl defeat, at Tampa International Airport.

Many thanks to Dan Perez.

Manny Andruszewski 1979 - 1980, 1981 (id)

Emanuel Franciszek (Manny) Andruszewski, was born 4th October, 1955 in Eastleigh, Hampshire of Polish parents.

He joined Southampton as an associate schoolboy in November 1970, having played for St. Georges School and represented Southampton & Hampshire Schools. Ted Bates and Lawrie McMenemy signed him firstly as an amateur and then, in October 1973, as a professional.

He graduated through the reserves, playing alongside players such as Nick Holmes, David Walker and Malcolm Waldron, making his first team debut on 1st February, 1975 in a 3-0 victory away to West Bromwich Albion in League Division 2. He had replaced Steve Mills, who had been seriously injured in a road crash. He retained his place for the rest of the 1974-75 season, in which he made 16 appearances.

He was an uncompromising tackler and was at his best when given a particular opponent to shadow and was often brought in to the side to perform a specific man-marking task. He rarely got forward into attack, but the few goals that he did score were usually fairly special. On 5th March, 1977, he scored the winner against Charlton Athletic, when he crashed a shot past the keeper after running on to a return pass from Mick Channon.

In the 1977-78 season, he was selected fairly regularly including appearing in the final 13 games as Saints finished as runners-up (to Bolton Wanderers) to gain promotion back to Division 1.

His finest game for the Saints was against Birmingham City in the Football League Cup on 29th August, 1978, when he shackled Trevor Francis so well that Saints were able to notch up a 5-2 victory, which set them on the way to the League Cup final at Wembley against Nottingham Forest on 17th March, 1979. Unfortunately, although Manny had featured in several of the earlier games, he didn’t even make the bench for the final.

He continued to make occasional appearances over the next season, before being transferred for £150,000 to the Rowdies in May 1980. His period in the USA was not a great success and was cut short by illness.
He briefly returned to The Dell in 1982, although he made no further first-team appearances. In all he made exactly 100 appearances for Southampton’s first team, scoring 3 goals.

In the season 1982-83, he signed for Aldershot, and then returned to the USA to play indoor soccer with Houston Dynamos for the summer of 1984, and the for Dallas Sidekicks from November 1984 to May 1985.

Could play as a full back, central defender or even in midfield, but wherever he was asked to play, he always gave 100%.

After retiring from football, he worked for Peter Green furniture stores and in 2005 he set up his own gardening business in Eastleigh.

Thanks to Mike Connell for the photo.

1993 Rowdies Card Set

#8 Paul Dougherty.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Kick In The Grass T-Shirt

A "Soccer Is A Kick In The Grass" tee shirt.

Thanks to Rob Hoffman.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Mike Hewitt

Original Rowdies' goalkeeper, Mike Hewitt, taken recently at the San Jose Earthquakes 35th Anniversary Reunion.

Thanks to Ed Maxwell.

Signed Cards - 1981 Rowdies Frank Worthington

Frank Worthington's signed Rowdies card.

Bayfront Center "2nd Home"

The Rowdies played their Indoor Games at the Bayfront Center between 1975 to 1984, then again for the 1986/87 AISA season.

Does anyone have any interior photos?

Graham Paddon 1978, 1978 (id)

Graham Charles Paddon was born 24th August, 1950, in Manchester, England.

The third Norwich City loanee, Graham was an attacking midfielder, an excellent free-kick taker. He started his career with Coventry City in 1969, before signing for Norwich City, where he played 162 games and scored 19 goals. West Ham United payed a large amount to get his services, which payed off, as the "Hammers" won the FA Cup in 1975 against Fuham. Making 103 appearances and scoring 10 goals.

Norwich came a calling again, so he returned. He was to break his leg, which would keep him out of the game for quite a while.

He was one of the main reasons why the Rowdies made it to Soccer Bowl '78. Starting 30 games and 1 as a substitute, and coming up with 5 goals. He played in one game and scored one goal during the 1978 Indoor season.

On his return to England, he had a spell at Millwall where he made 5 League appearances and scored one goal. He finished his career in Hong Kong with Eastern AA.

After his playing career, he moved into coaching. In August 1985, Paddon joined the coaching staff at Portsmouth, working under Alan Ball. He moved to Stoke City to become Ball's assistant in October 1989, but returned to the south coast to work as Jim Smith's number two in the spring of 1991. In March 1995, the pair were sacked. He later worked as a scout for Derby County, again under Jim Smith.

Sadly, Graham passed away very suddenly at home 0n 19th November, 2007, aged 57.

Thanks to Mike Connell for the photo.

Rowdies Press Photos - Rodney Marsh

Rodney Marsh spending time with the kids in 1979, at Campkickinthegrass,

Thanks to Dave Morrison.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Carrott Gets Rowdie

Here is a VHS copy of the "Carrott Gets Rowdie" documentary.

A documentary that looks at American soccer from a British perspective. British comedian Jasper Carrott visits Tampa Bay Florida to interview locals about their soccer team, the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Throughout his travels in Tampa Bay he experiences many aspects of America culture for the first time. This documentary provides not only a great look at the sport of soccer, but also at the American way of life.

Signed Cards - 1986/87 Rowdies Mike Balson

Mike Balson's signed Rowdies card.

Arsene Auguste 1975 - 1979, 1985; 1980 (id), 1986/87 (id)

Arsène Auguste was born 3rd February, 1951, in Haiti, Arsene was the last addition to the Rowdies roster in 1975, "Augie" proved to be the ace in the hole, as he came off the bench to score the opening goal of Soccer Bowl '75, on the 66 minute mark. Was bought from the New Jersey Brewers of the ASL in July 1975.

Played in the 1974 World Cup for Haiti, at the age of 22. Was known for his aggressive tackling.

In 1980, he made the move to bitter rivals the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers, but returned to play in 1985 for the one-off game against the USA World Cup Team. But, signed on for the 1986/87 AISA season.

Sadly Arsene passed away of a heart attack, whilst mowing his lawn, in April of 1993.

Thanks to Mike Connell for the photo.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Tommy Reasoner Game Worn Jersey

Tommy Reasoner's game worn jersey from 1993.

Tony Want 1979 (Guest)

Anthony George "Tony" Want was born 13th December, 1948 in Hackney, North London.

Tony played against the Moscow Dynamo, in 1979 as a guest player.

He had played in the NASL with the Philadelphia Atoms in 1975 and with the Minnesota Kicks between 1978 to 1981.

In England, he had started his career with Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Birmigham City, where he finished his British career in 1977.

He later became a warehouse manager for a frozen food company in Birmingham.

Thanks to Mike Connell for the photo.

Signed Cards - 1982 Rowdies Carlos Babington

Carlos Babington's signed Rowdies card.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Signed Ball

A Rowdies soccer ball, from around 1982 - 1983, signed.

Thanks to Vickie Moxley.

1993 Rowdies Magazine

June 19th, 1993, the Montreal Impact beat the Rowdies after a shootout.

Paul Dougherty is the cover star.

Rowdies 1 (Dougherty) vs. Impact 2

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1988 Rowdies KICKIN' Magazine

This edition of the Rowdies KICKIN' magazine was for the game 

against the Miami Sharks, played at Tampa Stadium on the 9th July, 1988.

The Rowdies won 1-0. Attendance: 2,412. 

The cover featured Martin Hill and star Manny Rojas.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1988 Rowdies KICKIN' Magazine

1988 saw the begining of the Rowdies KICKIN' Magazine, not the greatest of publications.

Mostly full of advertisements, some team info. Very small b&w photos of the players.

This is for the game against the Orlando Lions, 4th July, at Tampa Stadium.

The Rowdies won 1-0. Attendance: 18,246.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1975 KICK Magazine

This edition of the KICK magazine is from May 17th, 1975, 

which saw the Rowdies arrive at the Dillon Stadium, to take on the Hartford Bicentennials.

The Rowdies won by 3-1, with goals by John Boyle, Clyde Best and Doug Wark.

Attendance: 6,117.

The team that day: Hammond, Quraishi, Linton, Connell, Jump, Boyle, Lindsay, Wark, 

Smethurst, Scullion, Best.
Substitute: Hartze.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Mike Connell Poster

A Mike Connell poster from 1982.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1993 Rowdies Magazine

The 1993 issue, sees the Kickin' name dropped from the front cover, a very poor program, no player pictures, the usual full page advertisements. Was this due to the teams' lack of money?

Coach Ken Fogarty is the cover star. This covered the opening home game, played at Tampa Stadium against the Colorado Foxes, May 8th, 1993.

Rowdies 2 (Sloan, Morice) vs. Foxes 3

Signed Cards - 1978 Rowdies Peter Chandler

I recently obtained a signed Rowdies card from Peter Chandler.