1981 - Dave Mehmet

 This morning, I have only just heard of the passing of former Rowdie - Dave Mehmet, 

who died on the 9th April, 2024, at the age of 63, having suffered a stroke.

Dave was a skillful midfielder for Millwall, and made 153 appearances for the club.

He played at The Den over two spells between 1977 and 1981,before rejoining 

them from 1986 to 1988.

He joined the Rowdies in 1981, to link up with former 

Millwall manager Gordon Jago, for a transfer fee of £120,000.

After a year in the States, he returned to England, with Charlton Athletic 

paying £80,000 for his services. 

He netted twice in 29 league matches for the Addicks and, having been released 

by the south London club, was signed by Gillingham, on a free transfer in March 1983. 

Gills’ manager Keith Peacock, his assistant, Paul Taylor, and the club’s chief scout, 

Ted Buxton, had all been at the Rowdies while Mehmet was there.

I would like to express my condolences to Dave’s family and friends at this sad time.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Ossie Ardiles Autobiography

 "Ossie's Dream" - The autobiography of Ossie Ardiles, the former midfielder 

and one of the most iconic footballers ever to have graced the game. 

After winning the World Cup with Argentina in 1978, 

Ossie became the first foreign player to make an impact in England, 

paving the way for the modern era of multinational teams. 

He was immortalised in Chas & Dave's hit record 

"Ossie's Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way to Wembley)".

In that unforgettable 1981 FA Cup Final, the silky skills of Ossie 

and fellow Argentine midfielder Ricky Villa inspired Spurs to their famous 

victory over Man City. 

He also helped Spurs to retain the trophy the following year, 

and to win the UEFA Cup in 1984, and even found time to star 

in the classic football film Escape to Victory 

with Bobby Moore, Pelé, Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone.

Thirty years on from those glory days, Ossie has a unique perspective 

on the football world, through his long career both playing 

and in management, with the emphasis always 

on style and entertainment. 

He also talks about growing up under a military dictatorship, 

how he was torn between two countries owing to the 

outbreak of the Falklands War, which claimed the life 

of one of his cousins, and how that football world has changed over the decades.

Published in 2009.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Rowdies Invade Lorenzo's

 The "Rowdies Invade Lorenzo's" -  Helen Elm Monk poses with Peter Nogly,

Mike Connell and Wes McLeod in 1983.

Many thanks to Helen for this photo.

Rowdies Press Photos - Graham Paddon

Graham Paddon in action during the May 9th, 1978 game at Anaheim Stadium,

against the California Surf, in which the Rowdies lost 0-3.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Mike Connell Adidas Advertisement

A signed magazine advertisement for adidas, Mike Connell's boot sponsor.

Given to me by Mike Connell.

Rowdies Press Photo - Paul Hammond

 Goalkeeper Paul Hammond catches the ball, during Soccer Bowl '75, against

the Portland Timbers at Spartan Stadium.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1979 Ticket Stub

This ticket is from the game against the San Diego Sockers, September 2nd, 1979, the Rowdies would win 3-2, in front of 38,766 fans.

Thanks to Pete McNulty.

Rowdies Video - David Moss on 'How to Dribble'

 A report that aired on the 13th August, 1981 - Showing David Moss on 'How to Dribble'.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1990 Rowdies vs. Capitals Game Report

A newspaper clipping from the Rowdies 1990 APSL Game against the Albany Capitals played on May 19th, 1990, at Tampa Stadium.

The Rowdies lost 1-2.

1975 - Zygmunt "Ziggy" Lezak

 For years I have been trying to locate former "Original Rowdie" Zygmunt "Ziggy" Lezak, a member of the 1975 indoor team.

Sadly, today I found out that he passed away on the 25th May, 2022 in Szczecin, Poland. Aged 77 years old.

Signed Cards - 1986 Rowdies Justin Channing

  A signed Rowdies card, of Justin Channing.

He was a member of the QPR team, when they took part in the 'Coca-Cola Classic International Soccer Series' playing under the Rowdies name in 1986.

 

Rowdies Memorabilia - Ricky Hill Autobiography

"Love of  the Game" - The autobiography of Ricky Hill, the former midfielder 

best known for a 14 year spell at Luton Town where he made over 500 appearances and 

became a club legend, also becoming just the 4th black player to win a full cap for England. 

Hill later played for Le Havre and Leicester City before a successful period as player/coach at Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USA. 

In this book, Hill discusses his short time as manager of Luton and of the difficulties faced by black former players as they attempt to enter coaching and management. 

Published in 2021.

Signed Cards - 1991 Rowdies Terry Rowe

A signed Rowdies card, of Terry Rowe.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Clyde Best Autobiography

"The Acid Test" - The autobiography of Clyde Best, the former striker.

On a rainy Sunday in August 1968, Clyde Best, arrived in London for the first time. Not long out of school, he had come for a week-long trial with West Ham United, the club with which he had fallen in love while watching the FA Cup final four years previously. It was the 17-year-old's first time away from the Caribbean. Alone, lost and depressed had he possessed the return fare he would have flown straight back home again.

Had that happened, English football would have missed out on one of its most riveting and unlikely stories: how Clyde Best, one of eight children, went on to become English football's first black striking hero. A groundbreaking figure, he battled for recognition despite being regularly targeted in an era when racism was rife on football's terraces.

In his autobiography, The Acid Test, Clyde relates how he overcame appalling and violence- tinged discrimination because of the colour of his skin and how that served as an inspiration for dealing with intolerance throughout his career. He describes the culture shock of swapping the Caribbean for London; how West Ham and future England manager Ron Greenwood took him under his wing; how, as a willing listener, the teenager from Bermuda ended up playing in the same team with players - including Geoff Hurst and Bobby Moore - who had led England to World Cup glory; and how he developed a special bond with the fans over an eight-year love affair.

The Acid Test also follows Clyde to the United States where he joined the likes of Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and Rodney Marsh as one of the first pioneers of the professional game across the Atlantic. It concludes, four decades after boarding that BOAC flight to London as a skinny wannabe, back home in Bermuda where he briefly coached his national team.

Candid and searingly honest, The Acid Test tells of the extraordinary ups and downs of one of English football's groundbreaking figures and is the last word from a player that defied many of the game's boundaries.

Published in 2016.

Signed Cards - 1988 Rowdies Ray Perlee

A signed Rowdies card, of Ray Perlee.

Rowdies Press Photos - Tom Fitzgerald

A newspaper photo of Rowdies II player - Tom Fitzgerald, in 1982. Tom went onto be Head Coach of the MLS side the Columbus Crew (1996 to 2001). Sadly, Tom lost his life in a motorcycle accident in 2004.

Rowdies Press Photos - John Boyle, Mike Connell and Derek Smethurst

1975 - A newspaper photo, LeRoy Neiman's original Rowdies painting, with John Boyle, Mike Connell and Derek Smethurst.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Sam Allardyce Autobiography

"Big Sam" - The autobiography of Sam Allardyce,with nearly 20 years 

as a player - plus almost 25 years as a coach and manager - under his belt, 

Sam is one of the most recognisable figures in British football. 

'Big Sam' has been a robust defensive general throughout the seventies and eighties, and an imposing touchline presence as a gaffer since 1994. 

Before taking on the England manager's job in July 2016, he was the second longest-serving manager in the Premier League, behind Arsene Wenger. 

Over the last 42 years, Allardyce has seen it all. The game he so loves is radically different to that in which he made his debut back in 1973, and in telling his wonderfully colourful story for the very first time, Allardyce talks intriguingly about the changing face of players and managers. His autobiography positively crackles with characteristic insight, honesty and hard-hitting opinions.

Published in 2015.

Rowdies Press Photos - LeRoy Neiman

1975 - Artist LeRoy Neiman leaves the field, followed by John Boyle and Clyde Best.

Rowdies Press Photos - Eddie Firmani

1975 - Coach Eddie Firmani, nursing some broken fingers, after a water skiing accident. Also, sat on the bench - Randy Garber.

Rowdies Press Photos - Bob 'Ike' Isaacson

Bob 'Ike' Isaacson in action at a photo shoot just before the 1975 indoor season.

Rowdies Press Photos - Juan Carlos Molina and Refik Kozic

Juan Carlos Molina and Refik Kozic take on former Rowdie and Toronto Blizzard's Neill Roberts in 1983.

Rowdies Press Photos - Malcolm Linton and Mike Connell

1975 - Malcolm Linton getting a haircut, with the help of Mike Connell.

Signed Cards - 1986 Rowdies Martin Allen

A signed Rowdies card, of Martin Allen.

 He was a member of the QPR team, when they took part in the 'Coca-Cola Classic International Soccer Series' playing under the Rowdies name in 1986.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Roy Wegerle and Neill Roberts

A snap shot of Roy Wegerle and Neill  Roberts leaving the field, at Tampa Stadium in 1984. 

With Perry Van Der Beck in the background.

Signed Cards - 1975 Rowdies Bob Isaacson

For years I have been trying to locate 'Original Rowdie' Bob Isaacson, a member of the 1975 indoor

team, well today I received my Rowdies card - signed. Many thanks to "Ike" for signing and for sending it back to me.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Soccer Monthly Magazine Cover

The cover of the April 1977 edition of 'Soccer Monthly Magazine' Showing Lenny Glover in action against Zenit of Leningrad (USSR), during an Exhibition Game at Tampa Stadium.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Scott Ross Artwork

A colour caricature of Clyde Best by Scott Ross, from 1976.

Many thanks to Scott Ross for this photo.

Rowdies Press Photos - "The Newest Rowdies"

1975 - "The Newest Rowdies" - Just before the indoor games, John Bluem, Bob 'Ike' Isaacson, Nick Papadakis and Randy Garber.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Karim Murabet and Nathan Sacks

1986-87 - Karim Murabet and Nathan Sacks during the AISA season.

Many thanks to Karim for this photo.

My Rowdies' Autograph "Wants List" Updated - Can You Help?

Here is my updated Rowdies' Autograph 'Wants List' - If possible on 6" x 4" white cards.

Reno Agostinis

Bruce Allen

Javier Alvarez

Laszlo Barna

Bruce Bates

Michael Bates

Berto

Eduardo Bonvallett (Deceased)

Rick Bratincevic

David Byrne

Gary Darrell

Chris Davis

Mark Dillman

Luigi Donato

Kent Engstrom

Tom Fitzgerald (Deceased)

Colin Fowles (Deceased)

Greg Franzke

Keith Fulk

Hector Galice

Randy Garber

Tim Gargan

Glen Goldston

Ivan Grnja

Brian Hall

Jean Harbor

Sandje Ivanchukov (Deceased)

Jaiminho
Kelvin Jones

Kurt Keefer

Willy Keller

Matt Knowles

Zygmunt "Ziggy" Lezak

Miguel "Mike" Maliszewski

Matty Miller

Kevin Missey

Juan Carlos Molina

Chico Moreira

Norbert Mueller

Sean O'Brien

Marcelino Oliveira

Washington Olivera

Luis Papandrea

Andy Papoulias

Sergio Peluffo

Garth Pollonais

David Proctor

Roger Ramsey

Jeff  Rogers

Carlo Rossi

Carlos Scott

John Shannon

Fred Sikorski

Frantz St. Lot

Radomir Stefanovic

Bob Stetler (Deceased)

Luis Tripodi

Joey Valenti

Ian Warrilow

Jay White

Gregg Willin

Please email me at mozzer1963@gmail.com if you can help me - Thanks!!

Signed Cards - 1981 Rowdies Luis Fernando

Luis Fernando signed Rowdies card.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Scott Ross Artwork

A colour caricature of Tommy Smith by Scott Ross, from 1976.

Many thanks to Scott Ross for this photo

Signed Cards - 1982 Rowdies Tom Boric

Tom Boric signed Rowdies card.

Signed Cards - 1975 Rowdies Clyde Best

Clyde Best signed Rowdies card.

1977 Maas Brothers Promo Cards

17 - Kevin Eagan.

Signed Cards - 1985 Rowdies Bobby Moore

A signed Rowdies card, of Bobby Moore.
Bobby appeared for the Rowdies as a Guest Player, during the 1985 Exhibition Game against the US World Cup Team, at Tampa Stadium, played on the 4th July.

Bobby, passed way on the 24th February, 1993, from bowel and liver cancer. He was 51 years old.

Signed Cards - 1984 Rowdies Malcolm Allison

A signed Rowdies card, of Malcolm Allison, who was 'Technical Director' to Coach Rodney Marsh in 1984.
Malcolm was sacked after a few games for his disruption in the locker room, and for his off the field antics. 

Malcolm, was reported that he was suffering from dementia in 2009. He sadly passed away in a nursing home on the 14th October, 2010, at the age of 83.

Signed Cards - 1983 Rowdies II Austin Hayes

A signed Rowdies II card, by the late Austin Hayes. Austin appeared for the Rowdies Reserves in 1983.

Sadly, Austin passed away on the 3rd December, 1986, at the age of 28 from lung cancer after contracting pneumonia, just three weeks after the illness was diagnosed.

Austin, also played for the LA Aztecs in 1978, making 22 appearances and scoring 4 goals.

Signed Cards - 1986 Rowdies Frank Sibley

A signed Rowdies card, of Frank Sibley.
 He was the QPR Coach in 1986, when they took part in the 'Coca-Cola Classic International Soccer Series' playing under the Rowdies name. Frank took the role of Assistant-Coach under Rodney Marsh, during the Series.

Sadly, Frank who is now 71, has been battling with Parkinson's Disease since 2004.

Give Credit At Least!!

I know I don't own the rights to these photographs on this Rowdies Blog, but it has taken a lot of time and a lot money to put these photographs on here. I have payed over the odds for items, taken time to scan and clean up the photos.
So "1970s Soccer USA" or other people that pass these photos off as their own finds, at least give this Blog some credit.
It really isn't too hard to do, I - myself have given credit to people who have helped me in the past with certain photos. So it can be done.
Thank you!!

Rowdies Press Photos - Luis Fernando

Luis Fernando in full flight, during 1983 at Tampa Stadium.

Rowdies Press Photos - Rowdies vs. Cosmos Scuffle

Wes McLeod and Jan Van Der Veen act as peacekeepers, whilst Oscar Fabbiani picks himself up, during a game against the New York Cosmos at Tampa Stadium in 1980.

Rowdies Press Photos - Peter Anderson

Peter Anderson outjumps New York Cosmos' Werner Roth, at Giants Stadium in 1978. Watched on by Wes McLeod.

Rowdies Memorabilia - John Sissons 1970 My Favourite Soccer Stars Card

John Sissons' 1970 My Favourite Soccer Stars Card, whilst he was at Sheffield Wednesday.

Rowdies Press Photos - Kevin Eagan

Kevin Eagan in action during 1977.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Tim Walters and Steve Wegerle

A snap shot from an 1986-87 AISA game against the Canton Invaders, showing Tim Walters and Steve Wegerle.

Many thanks To Dave Morrison for this photo.

Rowdies Press Photos - Jan Van Der Veen

Jan Van Der Veen holds off New York Cosmos' Giorgio Chinaglia, at Tampa Stadium in 1980.

Rowdies Press Photos - Wes Mcleod

Wes McLeod watches as New York Cosmos' Franz Beckenbauer head the ball out of defence, at Giants Stadium in 1978.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Mark Lawrenson Autobiography

"The Autobiography" - Of Mark Lawrenson, the former defender/midfielder.

As a commentator and pundit, Mark Lawrenson has earned a reputation as one of the best in the business. But, like his Match of the Day colleagues, his appearances on TV follow a hugely successful career as a player for club and country. 

And it was alongside Alan Hansen at Liverpool that Lawrenson formed what was widely 

considered the most outstanding defensive partnership in the game as part of an Anfield team 

that was enjoying a golden period in an already illustrious history. 

After beginning his career under Bobby Charlton at his home club of Preston North End, 

Lawro moved to Brighton, but, signed by the legendary Bob Paisley 

for a club record transfer fee, it was the seven year spell with Liverpool 

that followed that sealed his reputation. During his time at Anfield, Liverpool were 

League Champions three years in a row. 

They won the League Cup three times, the European Cup in 1984 and, in 1986, 

the League and FA Cup Double. While Liverpool collected silverware, 

Lawro also won thirty-nine caps for the Republic of Ireland.

When his career as a player was cut short by injury, a brief period in 

management exposed him to the extraordinary excesses of Robert Maxwell, 

before he established himself as one of the key members of the BBC first team. 

In his autobiography, Mark Lawrenson tells his story for the first time. 

Marked by his trademark candour, insight and wit, the book is an 

entertaining, revealing tale of a life in football.

Published in 2012.

Rowdies Press Photos - Rodney Marsh

Rodney Marsh, directed by England trainer Harold  Sheperdson, runs out at Wembley to make his International debut in 1971.

Many thanks to David Hoebarth for this photo.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Tom Fitzgerald Memorial

Former Rowdies II player Tom Fitzgerald's memorial plaque, Tom sadly lost his life in a motorcylce accident in 2004.

Rowdies Press Photos - Mark Wright

Mark Wright (top) in action for Lynn University, during his 1984-87 spell there.

Many thanks to Mark Wright for this photo.