Mike Ambersley Highlighted by the St. Petersburg Times

The St. Petersburg Times took a moment to breakdown FC Tampa Bay, as the club is half-way finished with its pre-season schedule and spoke to the team's new forward, Mike Ambersley, about the new coach, Ricky Hill.


"Hill, a Rowdies player/coach in the early 1990s, is in his first American Division 2 head coaching job. He promises to offer a style of play that will be "very pleasing to the eye."


"Also, Hill's mild-mannered approach is endearing him to players. "Ricky is a great motivator," forward Mike Ambersley said. "He's really positive. You know if you make a mistake, he's not going to dog you. He's a calming influence."


Ambersley was also highlighted as one of the three newcomers to watch this season, stating: 


"The 5-foot-9 forward, who scored 11 goals last year for hometown team St. Louis, will be fun to watch. He is quick, creative with the ball at his feet and moves well without it. His style is a good fit for Hill's system, so he should get plenty of opportunities to score."

Mike Ambersley Signs with FC Tampa Bay

FC Tampa Bay announces the signing of forward Mike Ambersley, who previously played for A.C. St. Louis during the 2010 season in the USSF D-2 Pro League. Ambersley, a St. Louis native, signed a one-year deal for 2011 with a one-year club option for 2012.

While with St. Louis, Ambersley received top honors, including USSF D-2 Player of the Month in July and A.C. St. Louis Offensive Player of the Year. Ambersley ended the 2010 season ranked sixth in USSF D-2 for goals scored with 11. 

“Mike is a talented and hard-working player, which we witnessed firsthand during our 2010 season,” said Executive Vice President, Technical Director and Director of Player Development Perry Van Der Beck. “We look forward to having a player of his caliber join our organization.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining such a quality and professional organization,” said Ambersley. “I’m looking forward to being a part of this historical club and working towards winning the 2011 NASL title with FC Tampa Bay.