ST PETERSBURG – After spending the 2019 season with the Tampa Bay Rowdies on loan, Jordan Doherty is back for 2020 after the Rowdies secured a transfer from Sheffield United in England, making the loan deal permanent.
On loan last season the 19-year-old made 20 appearances and played over 1,200 minutes in all competitions, proving a vital part of the squad. During the 2019 season Doherty made history becoming the youngest player to play for Tampa Bay as an 18-year-old.
“We’re really excited to welcome Jordan back to the Rowdies on a permanent basis, Jordan is a player that really showed his qualities last season despite being the youngest player in the team. We really look forward to watching his development.”
Neil Collins, Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach (in a press release)
Having played for Ireland at Under 19 level, Doherty is experienced despite his age and is still developing his career. By making the loan deal permanent the Rowdies now have the possibility of growing the player and gaining both on and off the field from that development.
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While nominally a midfielder the Irish youngster is also capable of playing in the back line, adding some vital utility to the Rowdies squad and will prove capable of making an impact off the bench thanks to that utility along with starting in midfield.
“I’m really excited to join the Rowdies again,” Doherty said. “It’s something I’ve worked really hard for my whole life. I really enjoyed my time at the Rowdies last season and I feel like being there really improved me as a player. I’m looking forward to working under Neill again. I really feel that in this current stage of my career that this is the best move for me and I’m looking forward to getting out on the pitch and giving 100 percent. I’m confident of a really successful season for the club and I’m sure everyone else involved here is looking to improve again on a great season last year. It is going to be a great year.”
The midfield is looking strong at Al Lang Stadium but with only five defenders currently on the 19 man roster there may well be an opening for Doherty in the back line more often but that will largely depend on the other announcements to come.
Florida Soccer Report 