Jack Brand 1982

Jack Brand was born 4th August, 1953, in Braunschweig, West Germany. He began his senior club career with Hungaria of the National Soccer League. In 1974 he joined the Toronto Metros and played 14 regular season games. In '75, he played 2 regular season and 1 play-off game for the Toronto Metros-Croatia. Jack returned to the NSL for 1976, helping Toronto Italia win the league championship.

He returned to the NASL for 1977, playing 26 regular season games and 5 play-off games for the Rochester Lancers.

With the New York Cosmos in 1978, he appeared in 10 regular season and 5 play-off games, and was in goal as the Cosmos won Super Bowl '78, with a 3-1 win over the Rowdies. The following season after 7 games changed teams and played 4 regular season and 5 play-off games for the Tulsa Roughnecks.

1980 was his career year, playing with the Seattle Sounders. The Sounders went on to post a 27-5 win-lose record, constituting a NASL record for wins in a season. He was voted Player of the Year and NASL Second Team All-Star in posting a 0.91 GAA and 15 shutouts, also a league record. The following season though the team sputtered to a losing record.

He played in 23 games. He concluded his NASL career playing in 14 contests for the Rowdies in 1982. In 1984, he played for F.C. Seattle in the F.C. Seattle Challenge Cup. He briefly served as coach of F.C. Seattle before being replaced by Bruce Rioch in February 1985.

Jack was earned his only senior 'A' as a 21 year old on October 28th, 1974 in Budapest in a 1-1 draw. He was Canada's goalkeeper in their home 1976 Summer Olympics. The team was eliminated in the first stage of the tournament, losing 1-2 to the Soviet Union and 1-3 to North Korea. In addition, he played 7 'A' internationals in total for the Canadian national soccer team in 1974 and 1975. The following year in 6 pre-Olympic friendlies played in Canada, Jack and the Canucks conceded a whopping 25 goals in 6 losing contests played against the Olympic teams of Poland, Hungary, and East Germany.

In 2008, Jack Brand was inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame.

Today, Jack owns Brand Felt of Canada Ltd., in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. More can be found at their website: http://www.brandfelt.com/

Can anyone help me with a photo of Jack in a Rowdies jersey. If so, please email me.

Jimmy Carter 1986

James "Jimmy" William Charles Carter was born 9th November 1965, in Hammersmith, London. He left school in 1981 to join Crystal Palace as an apprentice footballer, two years later he signed professional forms.
In 1985, Jimmy joined QPR where he spent around 18 months learning his trade in the reserve team. In 1986, Jimmy was a member of the QPR team that played under the name of the Rowdies in the Coca-Cola Classic International Soccer Series.
Millwall Football Club bought Jimmy in 1987, where he finally made his football league debut in a 0-0 draw with Oldham at the Den. He quickly eastablished himself in the Millwall First Team and was an integral part of the team which gained Millwall promotion to the top flight, the first time ever in Millwall’s 100 year history.
Jimmy’s reputation was growing and in 1991, Kenny Dalglish signed him for Liverpool Football Club. Unfortunately Dalglish resigned shortly after and within a year Jimmy found himself returning to London where he signed for Arsenal, a club he supported as a young boy, having grown up very close to Highbury, the home of Arsenal.
He spent 3 and a half years at Highbury and was part of the Squad who won the the FA Cup and the Carling Cup in 1993 and in 1994 went on to win the European Cup Winner’s Cup.
In 1995 he then signed for Portsmouth Football Club where he had 3 happy years. In 1999, Jimmy signed for Millwall, a club where he spent 4 good years with a great deal of success, a club where the fans had always held him in very high esteem. He eventually was forced to retire from football through injury later that year.
Today, Jimmy lives in Fife, Scotland. In 2002, he bought Easterheughs Castle, a magnificent baronial style 20th Century tower house. He set about restoring the property to an extremely high standard, a restoration project which has culminated in the finishing touches being added and it is now available for luxury short term holiday lets.
Many thanks to David Hoebarth.

Gary Darrell 1976 (Guest)

Gary Owen Darrell was born January 10th, 1947 in Hamilton, Bermuda. Started his career in Bermuda, playing for the Wellington Rovers and the Devonshire Colts, whilst in Bermuda he was a FA Cup, League and Friendship Cup Champion.

His NASL career started in 1972 with the Montreal Olympiques, appearing in 4 games and scoring 1 goal. His following year with the Montreal team saw him star in 19 games and scored 3 goals with 5 assists, for 11 points. Gary joined the Washington Diplomats as a free agent in 1974, making 19 appearances and adding another 6 goals to his tally. He would remain with the Diplomats until 1980, with a record of 119 appearances and 20 goals. During this time he captained the side for three seasons. He was a guest player for the Rowdies during their Haiti Tour in 1976. Today, Gary is back living in Bermuda.

If Gary should ever come across this, please could you email me. Many thanks.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Bobby Moore 1969-70 FKS Publishers Ltd Card

1985 Guest Player Bobby Moore's 1969-70 FKS Publishers Ltd card, whilst he was at West Ham United.

Rowdies Press Photos - Refik Kozic, Winston DuBose and Manny Andruszewski

Winston DuBose in action against the San Diego Sockers in 1980, with Refik Kozic and Manny Andruszewski in attendance.

Rowdies Press Photos - Kevin Eagan, Arsene Auguste and Stewart Jump

LA Aztecs' George Best keeping the ball away from Kevin Eagan, Arsene Auguste and Stewart Jump, during a game in 1977, at Tampa Stadium.

Many thanks to Ron Gilmore.

Rowdies Press Photos - Doug Wark

Doug Wark in action against the Jacksonville Tea Men, during the 1980 indoor season.

Many thanks Jan Reinertsen.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Clyde Best 1971-72 FKS Publishers Card

Clyde Best's 1971-72 FKS Publishers card, whilst he was at West Ham United.

Rowdies Press Photos - Derek Smethurst and Doug Wark

Action from 1975, against the Cosmos. Derek Smethurst and Doug Wark chase after Luis De La Fuente at Tampa Stadium.

Many thanks to Jan Reinertsen.

Signed Cards - 1983 Rowdies Flemming Lund

Today, I received a signed Flemming Lund card.

Many thanks to David Hoebarth for his help with this.

Rowdies Press Photos - Mirandihna

Strikers' George Best in action against the Rowdies, with Mirandinha in the background.

Many thanks to Jan Reinertsen for this photo.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Luis Fernando, Neill Roberts, Peter Roe and Frank Worthington

This shows action from a 1981 game against the San Jose Earthquakes at Spartan Stadium. With Luis Fernando, Neill Roberts, Peter Roe and Frank Worthington amongst the action.

Again. many thanks to Tim Hanley.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Steve Wegerle, Jan Van Der Veen, John Gorman, Peter Chandler, Tim Hanley, Refik Kozic and Dave Taber

Another one from 1981, the Wowdies and Rowdies on a promotion day. With Steve Wegerle, Jan Van Der Veen, John Gorman, Peter Chandler, Tim Hanley, Refik Kozic and Dave Taber enjoying the event.

Many thanks again to Tim Hanley.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Pocket Schedules

This is part of my Rowdies pocket schedules collection, pictured is the front and back of the 1981 schedule.

Center of the schedule.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1984 Rowdies KICK Magazine

29th August, 4,874 saw the Rowdies win 5-4 over the Golden Bay Earthquakes.
Goals by Van Der Beck, McLeod, S. Wegerle, R. Wegerle 2.
The team this day: Mausser, Connell, Thompson, Van Der Beck, McLeod, Lindsay, S. Wegerle, Roberts, Tatu, Karpun, R. Wegerle.
Substitutes: Bolitho, Lee.

Thanks to Darren Gregson.

Rowdies Press Photos - Giles Hooper and Tommy Reasoner

Giles Hooper and Tommy Reasoner against the San Francisco Bay Blackhawks in 1991.

1993 Rowdies Card Set

#19 Eric Ravndal.

Rowdies Press Photos - Mike Connell

This press photo shows Mike Connell in action during Soccer Bowl '78.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Pennant

Here is another Rowdies Pennant from the NASL era.

Rowdies Press Photos - 1975 Group Shot

The 1975 Rowdies sing the National Anthem before a game.

With Stewart Jump, John Boyle, Alex Pringle, Doug Wark, Clyde Best, Mark Lindsay, Malcolm Linton, Randy Garber, Stewart Scullion, Farrukh Quraishi, Bernard Hartze, Mike Hewitt, John Sissons, Derek Smethurst, Eddie Austin and John Bluem.

Many thanks to Jan Reinertsen.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Tommy Smith 1970 The Sun Football Swap Card

Tommy Smith's 1970 The Sun Football Swap card, whilst he was at Liverpool.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Kevin Clinton

This shows Kevin Clinton and former Rowdies' Keeper Tim Hanley before a game against the Earthquakes at Spartan Stadium, in 1981.

Many thanks to Tim Hanley for the photo.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1989 Rowdies KICKIN' Magazine

This issue was for the game against the Orlando Lions, May 20th, 1989.

Rowdies 1 vs. Lions 2. Attendance: 5,727.

Goal scored by Steve Wegerle.

The team this day: DuBose, Trittschuh, Willin, Power, White, Lawrenson, 

Anderson (Perlee 56), M. Hill, S. Wegerle, Ward, Langley (Astigarraga 17).

Rowdies Press Photos - Nick Papadakis

This one shows action from the 1975 id Tournament, Nick Papadakis against the Baltimore Comets at the Bayfront Center. With Ringo Cantillo and John Boyle in attendance.

Thanks to Jan Reinertsen.

Rowdies Press Photos - Luis Papandrea, Kevin Eagan, Perry Van Der Beck and Rodney Marsh

Maybe the main reason the Rowdies lost Soccer Bowl '78, Rodney Marsh sits out the game with an injury. With Luis Papandrea, Kevin Eagan and Perry Van Der Beck also on the bench.

Thanks to Jan Reinertsen.

Rowdies Press Photos - Graham Paddon

This shows action from Soccer Bowl '78, the late Graham Paddon against Robert Iarusci at Giants Stadium.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Soccer Monthly March 1976

This "Soccer Monthly" cover shows action from the 1975 id Final, San Jose Earthquakes vs. the Rowdies.

Many thanks to Jan Reinertsen.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Pocket Schedules

This is part of my Rowdies pocket schedules collection, pictured is the front and back of the 1980-81 indoor schedule.

Rowdies Press Photos - Mike Connell, Ian Anderson and Lenny Glover

Mike Connell, the late Ian Anderson and Lenny Glover in a argumentative mood with the Referee, during a game in 1977.

Rowdies Press Photos - Farrukh Quraishi and Eddie Engerth

This shows action from the 1975 NASL indoor Tournament at the Bayfront Center, with Rowdies' Eddie Engerth shooting at the Washington Diplomats' goal, with Farrukh Quraishi watching.

Many thanks to Jan Reinertsen for this photo.

Billy Ronson 1992

William "Billy" Ronson was born 22nd January, 1957 in Fleetwood, Lancashire, England. Billy, the son of Fleetwood F.C. stalwart Percy Ronson, began his career at Blackpool, making his debut in March 1975 against Nottingham Forest. He originally struggled to break into the side but eventually managed to establish himself in the first team. He was unable to prevent the club's relegation during the 1977-78 season and spent one more year at the club before joining Cardiff City for a fee of £130,000, a club record at the time.

He went on loan to the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers in 1978, where he appeared in 21 games, scoring 1 goal with 2 assists.

He returned to Cardiff City, he missed very few games in his two years at Ninian Park (90 games) before growing disenchanted with the club's lack of progress and leaving to join Wrexham.

His only season at Wrexham ended in relegation, and he left to join Barnsley. He became popular at the Yorkshire club before falling out with manager Allan Clarke and being loaned to Birmingham City for 2 games, before being released and returning to Blackpool on non-contract terms, where he played only 3 games.

He moved to America in 1986 to join the Baltimore Blast of the MISL, he would remain there until 1992. He was then on the Rowdies roster for the 1992 outdoor season.

He then signed with the indoor side Detroit Rockers in 1993, where he would go onto make 29 appearances and scoring 19 goals. He returned to the Baltimore Blast, now in the USISL to finish out his career. Today, Billy lives in Maryland, and currently works for American company Action Business Systems.

Can anyone help me with a photo of Billy in a Rowdies jersey?

Jeff Duback 1993

Jeffrey "Jeff" Duback grew up in the San Diego, California area where he played for the powerhouse San Diego Nomads youth club. After graduating from high school, Jeff attended Yale University where he played on the men’s soccer team in 1982. He spent the 1983 season with the U.S. U-20 national team before returning to Yale the next season. He remained with the team through 1986. He holds several Yale records, including season GAA (.31 in 1986) and career GAA (.82) . He also hold the school’s record for season shutouts (11) and career shutouts (25). He was named a first team All American goalkeeper in 1984 and 1986. He topped this with garnering the ISAA Goalkeeper of the Year in 1986.

In 1983, he was the starting goalkeep for the U.S. U-20 national team as it qualified for the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship in Mexico. He played all three games in the tournament, gaining a single win and single shutout.

In 1986, Jeff returned to San Diego to play for the Nomads' senior team which competed at that time in the Western Soccer Alliance. In 1987, he earned his first cap with the US national team becoming only one of four national team goalkeepers to earn a shutout in their debut game. Previous to this game, David Vanole had been the keeper of choice through 1986 and 1987. In 1988, the national team began searching for another keeper and Jeff was in the mix.

In 1988, he played with the Boston Bolts of the American Soccer League.

However, by 1989, Vanole had staged a resurgance in the national side and Tony Meola was entering the goalkeeping scene, which he would dominate through 1994. This led to Jeff earning only three more caps, despite his excellent start with the national team. In his for games, he earned only one victory and two shutouts. Jeff was also a member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic team which went 0-1-2 at the games.

In 1993, he was on the roster of the Rowdies in the American Professional Soccer League. He only made 2 appearances as he backed up starter Bill Andracki, Jeff allowed in 4 goals.

On June 6th, 1995, Jeff signed with the Major League Soccer as that league began preparations to begin its first season in 1996. The league listed him as being with the Charlotte Eagles of the USISL. However, he never signed with any MLS team.

Jeff has also been impressive in his off field career. In 1991 Jeff went to work with Umbro as Product Manager – Accessories. He then moved to Parker Athletic to head up the company’s start-up shin guard program. Jeff has since managed his own companies successfully bringing new “brands” into the US soccer market – including the well known Select Sport and Sell Goal Keeping Products.

Today, Jeff currently runs goalkeeper camps and markets a goalkeeper video. He is the General Manager of Primo Sports, their website is at: http://www.primoinnovations.com/index.html

He served as a volunteer coach at his children's school, Woodlawn of Davidson, North Carolina, during the 2004-2005 season.

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

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.

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

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.

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.