News

The Tampa Bay Rowdies today announced that they have signed Scottish midfielder Stuart Campbell.

The 34-year old Campbell (5-10, 148) played in 288 league matches for the Bristol Rovers over the last eight seasons. He was named captain of Bristol in November of 2006 and served in that role for his final five seasons. The Rovers played in the Football League One, the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system, until being relegated to League Two after the 2010-2011 season. Bristol won promotion following the 2006-2007 campaign, when they were captained by Campbell.

Prior to his time with Bristol, Campbell saw action for four seasons with Leicester City (1996-2000) and four with Grimsby Town (2000-04). Campbell made 117 league appearances and scored 10 goals during his time with Grimsby. In addition, he played in two matches on loan with Birmingham City in March of 2000.

Campbell was named the Supporters Club Player of the Year Award for the 2007-08 season, and was runner-up to top scorer Rickie Lambert for the honor in 2008-09. He won the award again for the 2009-10 campaign. Campbell led the Rovers to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup in 2007-08, their best showing in 50 years. He has also earned 15 caps for Scotland at the U-21 level.

In other player news, the Rowdies have declined their option on midfielder Jeremy Christie and have notified him that the club would not make a new contract offer. Christie is now a free agent. In addition, the club declined contract options on midfielders Mozzi Gyorio and Shane Hill, but both have been invited to training camp next February as unsigned free agents.

Season tickets for the 2012 Rowdies season are now available. For more information, visit www.fctampabay.com or call 813-287-1539.

The Rowdies will host FC Edmonton in their 2012 home opener on Saturday, April 14 at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg. Tampa Bay opens the 2012 season on the road at Puerto Rico on Saturday, April 7 as part of the opening slate of games for the NASL’s 2012 campaign.