It's been 33 years since the Rowdies won the NASL Championship.  It's been 15 years since the team folded.  Low and behold, they are back, albeit in 2010. 

    I had a chance to meet the new owners Thursday.  A nice bunch of guys.  Former Lightning owner Art Williams, they're not.  A pretty reserved group, obviously with a deep passion for soccer.  Talking with co-owner Andrew Nestor, who by the way is 25 years old,  kept saying the group did their due-diligence before pulling the trigger.  I sure hope their research proved correct.

   Nestor was a little stunned when I asked him point blank if this isn't another one of those franchise announcements that are here today, gone before they play tomorrow.  Nestor said, "no way."  That's one hurdle.

   The other will be to develop a following.  That may not be as hard as one would think.  The cross-over fan from soccer is not likely a football or baseball fan.  So, a battle for hard-earned dollars will likely not be a factor.  The new owners are also looking at building a privately financed soccer stadium in northwest Tampa.  That's refreshing.  Now is not the time to be asking anyone for money. 

    Their youth movement in the Tampa Bay area will be headed by former Rowdie star and a class guy in Perry Van Der Beck.  Smart move.  My guess is the players will likely eat well. Bern's Steak House President David Laxer is part of this ownership group.  Best of luck, boys!  Oh, thanks to former Rowdies owner Cornelia Corbett for allowing the old brand to live on! 

    I certainly enjoyed broadcasting the Rowdies indoor soccer games in their final year.  I remember the Bayfront Center in St. Pete got pretty rowdy, and the crowds were decent.  If these new owners can rekindle that spirit, they're more than half-way home. 

   Tom Korun