Bethlehem Steel FC Re-Signs Midfielder James Chambers

CHESTER, Pa. (January 9, 2019) – Bethlehem Steel FC announced today that the club has re-signed midfielder James Chambers to a USL Championship contract. A 31-year-old midfielder from Dublin, Ireland, Chambers returns to Steel FC after a successful 2018 USL campaign. The deal is pending league and federation approval. Chambers will be added to the Steel’s active roster following receipt of his P1 Visa.

“We are excited to welcome James back to Bethlehem this season. He is a relentless, strong and versatile player with the capacity to lead by example when his teammates need him most,” said Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. “The leadership and energy that James brings to the club are instrumental to the Steel and we look forward to having him as a role model on and off the field once again.”

With Chambers returning to Steel FC, he remains the only player to be with the club since its modern-era founding. While serving as team captain he has led the club to USL Cup Playoff appearances in each of the past two seasons, earning the Steel their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Chambers has made 84 appearances (79 starts) for Steel FC, playing a total of 7,050 minutes, scoring 13 goals and providing six assists. The captain is the club’s modern-era leader in appearances, starts and minutes-played.

“James is a very important piece of our project and re-signing him was our top priority this off-season,” said Brendan Burke, Steel FC Head Coach. “His leadership qualities, competitive drive and skill set make him invaluable to us.”

On the international stage, Chambers has earned a cap at every youth level for the Republic of Ireland. He made his Under-23 debut against England in 2010 and made three appearances for Ireland’s U-21s at the 2007 Madeira tournament in Portugal. Chambers has also made appearances for the Republic of Ireland’s U-19s, U-18s, U-17s, U-16s and U-15s.

TRANSACTION: Bethlehem Steel FC re-signs midfielder James Chambers on January 10, 2019. He will be added to the active roster following receipt of his P1 Visa.

Name: James Chambers
Kit Number: 45
Position: Midfield
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 201 lb.
Born: Feb. 14, 1987
Hometown: Dublin, Ireland
Citizenship: Ireland
Acquired: Bethlehem Steel FC re-signs midfielder James Chambers on January 10, 2019