Beardsley released by Rowdies, heading home

Posted Mar 24, 2010 by Nick Murray

Updated Mar 24, 2010 at 01:19 PM

A little over a week after he arrived, defender Jason Beardsley departed from the FC Tampa Bay Rowdies, released from his contract to allow him to return to England.

Homesickness was the principle reason given by Rowdies coach Paul Dalglish, with the switch to Florida and away from his family too big for the 20-year-old to manage.

“He didn’t think he’d be able to last a season away from his mum,” Dalglish said. “So we decided it would be better for both parties if we terminated his contract and let him go home rather than be left with the problem midseason.”

Dalglish added that he was disappointed that Beardsley had not taken more time to try to adapt to his new surroundings. The right back had played in the Rowdies last two preseason games, and appeared to be on his way to earning a position in the starting XI.

Now the right back role appears as though it will be filled by Jeremy Christie. The New Zealander has experience playing the position, and with a surplus of central midfielders at his disposal, Dalglish said he is going to allow those players to prove themselves before the side thinks about making a move.

“There’s no need for us to rush out and buy a replacement if we’ve already got one within our squad,” Dalglish said. “We’ve got some very good players, and I’d rather make sure they get more minutes than bringing somebody in for the sake of bringing somebody in.”