Robbie Neilson appointed Tampa Bay boss as he begins American adventure after Hearts axe

Robbie Neilson has landed himself a new job after being appointed manager of American side Tampa Bay Rowdies - six months after the axe fell at Hearts.

The former Jambos and Dundee United boss was axed in Gorgie earlier this year after a poor run of form and has been in the search for a new role since. Neilson has been linked with a number of Scottish Premiership jobs including the St Johnstone vacant position that was taken up by fellow former Hearts man Craig Levein. But now the 43-year-old has landed plumped for the bizarre location of Tampa Bay in Florida, with a side currently in the second tier stateside.

The USL Championship side, who were only founded in 2008, have signed the Scot on a multi-year deal in St. Petersburg with Neilson ready to offer a perfect environment for progression in 'soccer'. Neilson believes there's positivity to be had in the Sunshine State and that his history tells the Rowdies that success comes from winning matches.

Neilson told the club's site: “I’m so grateful for the fantastic opportunity the ownership of the Rowdies has given me to help this club continue its development. It’s truly a great setup for soccer here in Tampa Bay. There is a great training ground and all the facilities you need for the team to continue to progress and be successful.

"A big thing for me making the decision to come here is the good people already in place. That is so important at any soccer club. There’s a real positivity here and there’s an ambition to continue to be successful. We’ve got a fantastic squad and now it’s about adding a bit more quality and energy to get it to the next level.

“First and foremost, fans can expect high energy from our squad. When it comes down to my team, work rate is the