Louis Lomas Joins Rowdies on Loan From Norwich

ST. PETERSBURG – The Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed defender Louis Lomas from English Premier League side Norwich City for the duration of the 2020 season.

The signing continues the Rowdies relationship with their fellow green and gold team following on from Caleb Richards who played all but four minutes of the 2019 season. Richards scored one goal in that stint and proved a vital member of the line up but has since not moved up to the first team in Norwich.

“I’m delighted to continue our partnership with Norwich City,” Rowdies Head Coach and Technical Director Neill Collins said in a club press release. “Expectations were certainly raised last year with Caleb, but we believe Louis will come in and add to our squad. He’s young and hungry that wants the opportunity to get first team experience. He’s very versatile in that he can play multiple positions across the back. Most importantly, he’s a very good guy that’s excited to come here.”

The versatility will be something that will help the team push on from a disappointing Playoff exit in 2019. Adding a strong central defender will boost a defensive effort that was sometimes caught out, especially on the road.

That back line is building as formidable with now five defenders in the side for 2020 with more signings to be announced in the coming weeks.

Lomas first came to the Canaries in 2017 and after starting in the Under 17 squad quickly worked his way up the Under 23s where he has been playing in the Premier League 2 ever since.

The 19 year-old has played 20 matches in Premier League 2 in the last two seasons so Al Lang Stadium will be a vital step on his development as he’ll look to develop some more physicality which the USL Championship will definitely require.

Tampa Bay’s new center back will be one of at least 17 players reporting to the first day of pre-season training on Monday.

What do you think of the Rowdies newest signing and what else could they use? Let us know in the comments.