Graham Tatters will swap the sub-zero temperatures of Moray for the searing heat of Florida next month after accepting an offer from NASL (North American Soccer League) side Tampa Bay Rowdies.

It means a return trip over the Atlantic for the 24-year-old defender, who only joined his hometown Elgin team in October after a stint with USL2 outfit Wilmington Hammerheads.

And the player – son of City chairman Graham Tatters senior – has already packed the suncream and shades as he bids to become a Stateside star.

"It's definitely going to be a bit of a temperature change, that's for sure," said Tatters.

Unusually, his American trial took place at Liverpool's football academy under the eye of Tampa Bay's new head coach Paul Dalglish, son of former Anfield hero 'King' Kenny.

And the ex-Celtic and Scotland star was on the sidelines as Tatters shone at centre back for a Rowdies trial XI against Wrexham.

"It was kind of cool really. On the first day, we all went up to get some sandwiches and then, all of a sudden the room went quiet and there was a bunch of whispers.

"Then Kenny Dalglish walked into the place. He watched the game as well, so that was pretty nice."

The Elgin man has beaten players like former Aberdeen midfielder Jamie Winter and ex-Scotland under-21 skipper Jamie McCunnie to a deal, as both also took part in the trial.

Tampa Bay are back on the NASL scene after a 17-year absence, and in the league's heyday in the 70s and 80s they were one of the big sides, attracting English stars like Rodney Marsh and Frank Worthington.

The original NASL went out of business in 1984. Now Tatters will be present for its rebirth in the States, a breakaway from the USL 1 just below the MLS (Major League Soccer) which includes David Beckham's LA Galaxy.

"I was getting offered a contract by a club which didn't have a sanctioned league at the time so I was a little bit worried – but it's all sorted out now," he said.

"It definitely happened in a strange way to come over here for a trial to play for a team over there. But I'm really pleased and I hope it all works out."

His successful battle with cancer has meant a delay in signing the final draft of his contract until medical insurance is finalised, but he should be in Florida within a month, preparing for Rowdies' March – November season.

That should still find time for Tatters to have his last hurrah with Elgin, though he fears the weather could put paid to a final performance for the team he was brought up supporting.

"I was disappointed after a good start with Elgin that I kind of faded off in the last few games, so I really want to finish off with a good performance and hopefully a good win.

"I've really enjoyed my time here, though it's been maddening at times because I've never been part of a team that consistently gets beaten in games where they should have won."

But he said he created one of his career highlights in scoring at Scotland's national stadium in a win against Queen's Park – one of nine games he has played since coming to Scotland – and found manager Ross Jack a good coach to work with.

"I've told him I'll be willing to play a game for him right up until when I fly out to the States.

"Elgin City will always hold a special little place for me. When you grow up here and it's the club where your dad has been involved for so long, it means a lot.

"It's really nice to have worn the shirt when you were a little kid and then actually do it again for real with the big boys."

Tatters has not ruled out a return to Borough Briggs, but for now he is keen to continue chasing his American dream.

c.christie@northern-scot.co.uk

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---