New Tampa Bay Rowdies coach Paul Dalglish will hold trials at English powerhouse Liverpool ion an attempt to bring some players across to the North American Soccer League.
The 32-year old former Celtic, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Houston Dynamos (among others) player is hoping to attract some Liverpool academy players to Florida with the help of his famous father, Kenny, who is a legend at the English club.
Dalglish has already had a positive response in regards to the trials and says it is a good indication that the sport in the USA is gaining traction.
"Judging by the response we have had to the trial in Liverpool, the desire to play in America is incredible and it will be tough to tell some lads no," says Dalglish. "This is not even the MLS. Tampa Bay are the level below that. Not all footballers are simply about money. Some just want to experience the US and play in the sunshine, which we have plenty of in Florida. People get fed up with the weather back home."
Dalglish admits he has already seen all of the Rowdies games from last season to come to terms with the standard he will be coaching at and added that it is a great opportunity for players from the UK to get a taste of American soccer.
"I have seen all of the Rowdies' games from last season on DVD," says Dalglish. "In fact, I have probably watched about 100 games from the USL since I have been here and played against their teams in friendlies while I was at Houston. I know the players here and the type of football they play.
"The game in the US is less direct than in Britain. You have to keep the ball better, mostly because of the humidity - and sometimes altitude - that the MLS play in during a summer here. It's easier to chase the ball in Scotland because it is colder."
Dalglish also admits he has had to live in the shadow of his great father his entire life but says he has been a great help in the early stages of his managerial career.
"Of course the Rowdies have a great reputation but living up to the past is nothing new to me," he says. "I grew up with an icon as my dad. All my life I have had to live up to a name.
"I speak to my dad every day and he has given me great advice. He has helped me with the trials at Liverpool's academy. He would not be worried if I became a better manager - just as long as I didn't beat him at golf."
