Rowdies fire president/GM and coach after team's 'disappointing' performance
The Tampa Bay Rowdies have made a significant change in leadership on the pitch.
The team has “parted ways” with President and General Manager Farrukh Quraishi and Head Coach Thomas Rongen, a release just after midnight Friday said.
“The changes come after a terribly disappointing start to the fall season, with a record of two wins, one draw and five losses, the most recent loss to the then last-place ranked Indy Eleven,” the release said.
“I wish both Farrukh and Thomas well, but it was clear the team was not performing at the level they should be and could be,” Rowdies principal owner Bill Edwards said in the statement. Edwards said his goal has been to win the North American Soccer League Soccer Bowl Championship.
“As many in the community know, I am a fixer. I take broken things and do my best to turn them around,” Edwards said.
He cited the efforts of he and his team with Baywalk/Sundial, Mahaffey Theater and the Club at Treasure Island.
“This is no different. When I identify a problem, I move swiftly and decisively to correct it,” the release said. He added that he believes the Rowdies have talented players, capable of winning the championship. “I hope this move shows both the players and the fans that my commitment to creating a world-class professional soccer experience remains undaunted," Edwards said.
There is no word at the moment on who will replace Quraishi or Rongen, the organization said.
Edwards spent more than $2 million renovating Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg before the start of the 2015 NASL season.
What do you think about the decision to fire the Rowdies' president/GM and coach?
Alexis Muellner is Editor of the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
