July 15, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The Tampa Bay Rowdies have stayed within the family to find defensive depth. On Friday, the club announced the signing of defender Ian Antley to a 25-day contract. Ian is the twin brother of Rowdies stalwart Conner Antley, and he joins the club after most recently spending two seasons with the Richmond Kickers in USL League One.
The 27-year-old defender’s 2021 season with Richmond was cut short by injury early into the campaign. Antley has trained regularly with the Rowdies over the last month, giving the club’s coaching staff a chance to see how far he’s progressed in his recovery.
“Ian obviously suffered a serious injury last season, and it’s unfortunate for him at this stage in this career,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “He’s come back and I think anyone that’s been through injury like that knows you might feel fit and be clear to play but it just takes a little bit of time to get back to match fitness.”
“I think over the last month we’ve seen Ian do really well in training. In these circumstances, right in the middle of the season, when you’ve got Jordan Scarlett suspended and a couple of players carrying bumps and bruises, it’s nice to have someone who has shown a real desire to be here by training. It’s great to give that player the opportunity that the short term contract allows and I wouldn’t hesitate to use Ian if we needed him.”
Ian and Conner both played four years of college soccer at Mercer University. Ian ended his four-year career with 56 appearances before moving on to gain experience in USL League Two with the Seattle Sounders U-23s and the Birmingham Hammers. Ian Antley is available for selection for this Saturday’s away match versus Loudoun United FC. The Rowdies return home on Saturday, July 23 to face Atlanta United 2 at Al Lang Stadium.
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