MLS San Jose Earthquakes

Tottenham Hotspur Product Simon Dawkins Returns to San Jose

Published on February 14, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has re-acquired midfielder Simon Dawkins on loan from club partner Tottenham Hotspur. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Dawkins, 24, was recently named to Tottenham Hotspur's 25-man roster following the conclusion of the January transfer window in England. He scored six goals and had two assists for San Jose in 26 games last season, providing a spark in the midfield while spending time at central midfield before settling in wide left.

"Simon did very well for us last season and we're really happy to have him back," said Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop. "He's talented on the ball, will take guys on and not only will set teammates up, but will create his own chances. With a year under his belt in our league, he knows what to expect now and should be ready to once again be a key piece for us."

The Spurs Academy product debuted on the scoresheet for San Jose on April 2 against iconic American goalkeeper Kasey Keller and Seattle Sounders FC, drawing AT&T Goal of the Week considerations for his well-placed finish. He scored in back-to-back games twice - Seattle and Toronto FC on April 2 and 9, Houston and D.C. United on June 4 and 11 - and had a brace in the club's final match of the season, a 4-2 win against FC Dallas at Buck Shaw Stadium on Oct. 22. One of his two strikes against the Hoops, a laser from the edge of the area, also warranted AT&T Goal of the Week nomination.

San Jose discovered Dawkins during a 10-day trip to England in February of 2011. Dawkins trained with the Earthquakes at Spurs Lodge during the stay and played 90 minutes in a 4-0 win against the Birmingham City Reserves. Soon after on March 16, San Jose and Tottenham Hotspur announced a loan deal for the 2011 season. Less than 24 hours after arriving from his transatlantic flight, Dawkins recorded his first appearance with the club after subbing on for captain Ramiro Corrales in the 66th minute of a 1-0 loss against Real Salt Lake on March 19 at Buck Shaw Stadium.

"It was one of our primary offseason goals to bring Simon back to San Jose, but we had to be patient. In the end, that patience paid off," said Earthquakes General Manager John Doyle. "We liked what we saw out of Simon last year. He's a versatile player who adds another dimension to our lineup and we're excited for his return to the club."

Dawkins returned to his North London squad after the 2011 MLS season and immediately made an impact for the Spurs XI (reserves). Dawkins scored goals against reserve squads from Queens Park Rangers and Leyton Orient and earned a one-week trial with Dutch power FC Twente from Jan. 16-23 before Spurs agreed on loan terms with San Jose.

The Edgware, England native signed on as a Spurs Academy Scholar in July of 2004. He earned one cap with the English U-17s and made 20 appearances with Tottenham Hotspur's U-17s before joining the club as a professional in 2005.

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 14, 2012


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