Rowdies to Sign Jeremy Christie

Official Press Release

FC TAMPA BAY ROWDIES SIGN NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL TEAM MIDFIELDER JEREMY CHRISTIE

TAMPA, Fla. - FC Tampa Bay Rowdies announce the signing of New Zealand midfielder Jeremy Christie to the inaugural 2010 team roster. Christie represents New Zealand on the Senior National Team. Most recently, Christie played a critical role in New Zealand qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, playing in five qualifiers and scoring a goal. Christie also played for New Zealand in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

“Jeremy Christie has the experience and skill to be a true leader on the field and in our locker room. He has played well at the highest level for his country since the age of 16,” said Andrew Nestor, team owner and president. “Jeremy is the kind of player whose skill and professionalism will exemplify our club.”

Christie began his extensive soccer career in New Zealand, serving as the captain of the U-17 World Cup team in 1999. Christie’s first professional club was Barnsley FC in England where he played for the first team. For the past five years, the midfielder has played in the Australian A-League for the New Zealand Knights, Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix.

Christie, who debuted for the Senior National Team in 2005, has played more than 20 games for his country and is scheduled to represent New Zealand at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. New Zealand will play in Group F versus Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Rowdies in their inaugural season,” said Christie. “I look forward to moving to Florida and working with the remarkable Rowdies coaching staff and organization.”

This is the first signing for the Rowdies, who will play their first match in April. Teams in the NASL are allowed to sign seven foreign players and Christie is the first international signed to the Rowdies 2010 roster.