Martin Rowlands joins Colchester United

Colchester United have signed midfielder Martin Rowlands until the end of the season following his release by Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old former Republic of Ireland international joined Rangers from Brentford in 2003 and went on to make 217 appearances.

His last game for the London side was a Carling Cup loss to Rochdale in August.

"After speaking to the manager it seemed the right place to go to," he told BBC Essex.

"There were a few options but this is the one that I chose.

"I just want to get back playing and playing regular football. We can see what happens in the long-term future."

Rowlands has played 10 League One games already this season, during a three-month loan spell at strugglers Wycombe Wanderers.
He has won five caps for his country and has made 367 appearances in total during his career and scored 53 goals.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16851593?

Radio interview with him in the link above.

Glad to see Rowly sign up with another team so quickly, and good on the club for realising him so that he could sign on permanent terms.

 

Good luck Martin! Pity the Ferry doesn't run from here to Harwich anymore, otherwise could have dropped off and watched him there!

 

by Carl Marston
Thursday, February 2, 2012 10:08 AM

MARTIN Rowlands could go straight into the Colchester United starting line-up, against Sheffield United this weekend, after completing a move from QPR this morning.

U’s boss John Ward was delighted to wrap up 32-year-old Rowlands on a deal until the end of the season, after the central midfielder was released by QPR earlier in the week.

Speaking at this morning’s press conference, Ward enthused: “I’ve brought Martin in to strengthen the squad. He’s got a wealth of experience.

“He was released by QPR at the beginning of the week, so we moved pretty quickly to get him across here.

“I spoke to him at length yesterday and took him down the training ground to show him the place, and he has duly signed.

“Martin was really happy to get here and get playing football again.

“He’s here until the end of the season. He’s played a lot of football at around the top levels, and has only had two (permanent) clubs in Brentford and QPR.

“He’s a good signing.” added Ward.

Rowlands, a Republic of Ireland international. has spent time on loan at Wycombe this season, in League One, but has only made one appearance for Rangers this term – playing in a 2-0 home defeat to Rochdale in the Carling Cup, in August.

Rowlands started his career at non-league Farnborough but made his name at Brentford, scoring 20 goals in 152 goals before switching to Loftus Road. He scored 33 goals in 198 appearances for QPR.
http://www.greenun24.co.uk/colchester-united/john_ward_delighted_to_capture_new_boy_martin_rowlands_1_1195819

 

Top man and loyal servant. All the best Rowly and a big thanks for sticking with us during the dark days.

 

Seconded! Best of luck to him at Colchester.

 

Good luck Rowly and thanks from all of us who saw you drag us kicking and screaming out of League 1.

 

Well, he wouldn't have been offered a job at Leeds if Neil is to take over. Good luck to the guy, will watch his progress with interest.

 

Martin Rowlands on London Call-inn right NOW!

...and Karl Ready

 

Good luck to the guy. Shame it's all ended in such a whimper. Wish he had the chance to say thanks at LR, like before a game. He deserves a better send off. Pretty much kick started this long journey for us.

 

good luck Martin, one of the brightest lights at LR in the past 10 years!!

 

Good luck rowly, my favourite player for a long time, hope he shines with colchester

 

Good luck to him, the last member of the 2003 promotion year if I remember rightly.

Shame his time here ended in the way it did with him barely figuring for the last 3 seasons - perhaps he should have moved on earlier?

But was one of the team who saved the club, and despite some of the rumours about his attitude in recent years we should thank him for his efforts for the club. At one stage he was one of the first names on the team sheet.

 

Ironic that he picked up the injury just when he'd made his international breakthrough. Such a shame as I remember rumours linking him with Spurs at one time. Good luck to one of our best players of that era...

 

Welcome back at LR anytime

 

Good luck to a personal friend...

did a lot that was un seen and got some bad pess as well; including the club doo where he was drunk. i think when people finally find out what went on between him and NW a lot of opinions may change.....!

Was definately one of our highlight when we were in the s**t.

Hope he carries on and does himself proud....

 

Im hoping he stays fit at Colchester. Sometimes words are bounded about and attached to players that don't truely deserve them but for me, Rowly is a Rangers Legend