Incoming United Soccer Leagues First Division club Tampa Bay Rowdies have appointed former Newcastle United winger Paul Dalglish as their coach.

The 32-year old Scot, who has also played with and as assistant manager of Houston Dynamo in MLS, said he was delighted to get his first pro coaching game in the United States.

"This sport is my obsession," said Dalglish. "I've lived and breathed it in the morning and at night. If I'm driving and I see two kids playing, I'll stop. I'm excited about this because it's like having a blank canvas. It will involve a lot of hours, but I think the sense of gratification will be bigger because of it."

The son of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, Paul said there was a real air of excitement in relation to the incoming Rowdies franchise.

"I grew up in the corridors of one of the sport's most steepest traditions in Liverpool," he added.

"I grew up the son of one of the best players and managers of one of the best clubs. I know how to respect tradition. I know there's a buzz here because of the tradition the Rowdies have."