The following is an open letter for all Tampa Bay Rowdies fans from Head Coach Neill Collins...

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Tampa Bay Rowdies fans for their unwavering and loyal support in what has been a very challenging season for everyone at the club. In a year that has involved lots of change, the one constant that has remained true has been our fantastic fans, and for that I am very grateful.

We have faced many obstacles over the past number of months, both on and off the field, and unfortunately, we have not risen to these trying circumstances consistently enough and that is why we find ourselves languishing outside the playoffs. This is not a position befitting a club such as ours.

The most recent news of the takeover by the Tampa Bay Rays should give everyone great optimism for the future as they look to build on the great work put in place over the past five years by Mr. Edwards. There can be no doubt that our stadium and match day experience is the best in the league and I believe we will only go from strength to strength under the Rays' stewardship.

It is now my job to ensure that we have a team worthy of this great club playing out on our fantastic field at Al Lang in the green and gold. Despite inconsistent results, I can assure you that behind the scenes, substantial progress has been and will continue to be made to stand us in good stead long into the future.

As this season comes to an end, the hard work is only just beginning as myself and my staff begin to reshape the playing squad for next season. There will be many tough decisions to make and none will be taken lightly or indeed shirked, but ultimately, after such a disappointing season we need to make some difficult and radical decisions that will make us stronger and produce a team that will take us all where we wish to be. I will do everything in my power to ensure that the brand of football we play and the success it will bring will provide you with the match day experience you all wish for. I simply cannot allow our fans to endure another season like the one we have just experienced.

I look forward to seeing you all back at Al Lang next season cheering on the team and singing your hearts out as always.

Come On You Rowdies!