Timothy Belin
@timothybelin.bsky.social
Birmingham Legion beat writer | Freelance Sports Writer | Soccer enthusiast
https://linktr.ee/timothybelin
https://linktr.ee/timothybelin
Pinned
Birmingham Legion Roster Tracker
Keeping tabs on the Three Sparks' roster ahead of the 2026 season
open.substack.com
I made a roster tracker for Birmingham Legion's offseason dealings.
I'll pin this post and update it anytime a player's status changes or a signing is made as an easy place to keep on top of it all.
Also includes a chronological list of transfer updates.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
I'll pin this post and update it anytime a player's status changes or a signing is made as an easy place to keep on top of it all.
Also includes a chronological list of transfer updates.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
Legion now have 15 confirmed players taking part in preseason, which starts next week.
Additionally, it is my understanding Temi Ereku will also be back for preseason even though there’s been no announcement on his status. The club might look to loan him out again though.
Additionally, it is my understanding Temi Ereku will also be back for preseason even though there’s been no announcement on his status. The club might look to loan him out again though.
I made a roster tracker for Birmingham Legion's offseason dealings.
I'll pin this post and update it anytime a player's status changes or a signing is made as an easy place to keep on top of it all.
Also includes a chronological list of transfer updates.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
I'll pin this post and update it anytime a player's status changes or a signing is made as an easy place to keep on top of it all.
Also includes a chronological list of transfer updates.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
Birmingham Legion Roster Tracker
Keeping tabs on the Three Sparks' roster ahead of the 2026 season
open.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Legion now have 15 confirmed players taking part in preseason, which starts next week.
Additionally, it is my understanding Temi Ereku will also be back for preseason even though there’s been no announcement on his status. The club might look to loan him out again though.
Additionally, it is my understanding Temi Ereku will also be back for preseason even though there’s been no announcement on his status. The club might look to loan him out again though.
Birmingham Legion announce trialists for the preseason: winger Alhassan Alhassan, formerly of Chatt. Red Wolves (who assisted their one goal against Legion in the Jäger Cup) and goalkeeper Daniel Gagliardi, formerly of Miami FC.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Birmingham Legion FC Announces 2026 Preseason Trialists - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC has invited two trialists to preseason training ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The trialists were identified through the club’s offseason evaluation process and will j...
www.bhmlegion.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Birmingham Legion announce trialists for the preseason: winger Alhassan Alhassan, formerly of Chatt. Red Wolves (who assisted their one goal against Legion in the Jäger Cup) and goalkeeper Daniel Gagliardi, formerly of Miami FC.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
What stands out to me is the emphasis on a “pathway that could support [his] continued development” and wanting a move that would “be structured to prioritize his long-term development and success.”
Could this be a hint Legion want a loan back for the rest of the season?
Could this be a hint Legion want a loan back for the rest of the season?
I’m assuming a post about it is imminent, but Birmingham Legion have discreetly uploaded a press release on Ramiz Hamouda’s future to their website.
Confirmation that they are in discussions with Werder Bremen for his transfer this summer ⬇️
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Confirmation that they are in discussions with Werder Bremen for his transfer this summer ⬇️
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Birmingham Legion FC and SV Werder Bremen in Advanced Discussions Regarding Ramiz Hamouda - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC and SV Werder Bremen are currently in advanced discussions regarding a potential future move for defender Ramiz Hamouda to the Bundesliga club’s program, pending the completion of...
www.bhmlegion.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:13 PM
What stands out to me is the emphasis on a “pathway that could support [his] continued development” and wanting a move that would “be structured to prioritize his long-term development and success.”
Could this be a hint Legion want a loan back for the rest of the season?
Could this be a hint Legion want a loan back for the rest of the season?
I’m assuming a post about it is imminent, but Birmingham Legion have discreetly uploaded a press release on Ramiz Hamouda’s future to their website.
Confirmation that they are in discussions with Werder Bremen for his transfer this summer ⬇️
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Confirmation that they are in discussions with Werder Bremen for his transfer this summer ⬇️
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Birmingham Legion FC and SV Werder Bremen in Advanced Discussions Regarding Ramiz Hamouda - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC and SV Werder Bremen are currently in advanced discussions regarding a potential future move for defender Ramiz Hamouda to the Bundesliga club’s program, pending the completion of...
www.bhmlegion.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:09 PM
I’m assuming a post about it is imminent, but Birmingham Legion have discreetly uploaded a press release on Ramiz Hamouda’s future to their website.
Confirmation that they are in discussions with Werder Bremen for his transfer this summer ⬇️
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Confirmation that they are in discussions with Werder Bremen for his transfer this summer ⬇️
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Reposted by Timothy Belin
Last year, we knew that Ramiz was going on trial with Bremen. As we all assumed, Hamouda will be moving to Europe as soon as he is 18.
Congratulations to Raz.
Congratulations to Raz.
January 13, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Last year, we knew that Ramiz was going on trial with Bremen. As we all assumed, Hamouda will be moving to Europe as soon as he is 18.
Congratulations to Raz.
Congratulations to Raz.
Article updated following the official announcement that Jay Heaps will be taking over as head coach for the 2026 season. ⬇️
Mark Briggs is officially out as Birmingham Legion's head coach, less than a year into the job.
With preseason starting up and under two months to the team's season opener, the timing could hardly be worse for the Three Sparks.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/12/b...
With preseason starting up and under two months to the team's season opener, the timing could hardly be worse for the Three Sparks.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/12/b...
Briggs out as Birmingham Legion head coach - Birmingham Sports Media
Mark Briggs is out as Birmingham Legion head coach less than a full year into the job, having accepted an assistant job at FC Dallas.
bhamsports.net
January 12, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Article updated following the official announcement that Jay Heaps will be taking over as head coach for the 2026 season. ⬇️
Mark Briggs is officially out as Birmingham Legion's head coach, less than a year into the job.
With preseason starting up and under two months to the team's season opener, the timing could hardly be worse for the Three Sparks.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/12/b...
With preseason starting up and under two months to the team's season opener, the timing could hardly be worse for the Three Sparks.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/12/b...
Briggs out as Birmingham Legion head coach - Birmingham Sports Media
Mark Briggs is out as Birmingham Legion head coach less than a full year into the job, having accepted an assistant job at FC Dallas.
bhamsports.net
January 12, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Mark Briggs is officially out as Birmingham Legion's head coach, less than a year into the job.
With preseason starting up and under two months to the team's season opener, the timing could hardly be worse for the Three Sparks.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/12/b...
With preseason starting up and under two months to the team's season opener, the timing could hardly be worse for the Three Sparks.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/12/b...
Major change for Birmingham Legion just a few days before the start of preseason.
While you can understand Briggs’ desire to move up, the timing could hardly be worse for the Three Sparks.
Per @kaylorhodges.bsky.social, Jay Heaps is set to take interim charge for the foreseeable future.
While you can understand Briggs’ desire to move up, the timing could hardly be worse for the Three Sparks.
Per @kaylorhodges.bsky.social, Jay Heaps is set to take interim charge for the foreseeable future.
BREAKING: Mark Briggs, head coach of the Birmingham Legion, is departing the club, sources tell me and @joeclowery.bsky.social.
Briggs is expected to join the staff at FC Dallas, where he’ll serve under former New Mexico United manager Eric Quill.
Briggs is expected to join the staff at FC Dallas, where he’ll serve under former New Mexico United manager Eric Quill.
January 11, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Major change for Birmingham Legion just a few days before the start of preseason.
While you can understand Briggs’ desire to move up, the timing could hardly be worse for the Three Sparks.
Per @kaylorhodges.bsky.social, Jay Heaps is set to take interim charge for the foreseeable future.
While you can understand Briggs’ desire to move up, the timing could hardly be worse for the Three Sparks.
Per @kaylorhodges.bsky.social, Jay Heaps is set to take interim charge for the foreseeable future.
Reposted by Timothy Belin
I can confirm this report.
Reports are that Jay Heaps to take control of coaching until a new coach is hired.
Reports are that Jay Heaps to take control of coaching until a new coach is hired.
BREAKING: Mark Briggs, head coach of the Birmingham Legion, is departing the club, sources tell me and @joeclowery.bsky.social.
Briggs is expected to join the staff at FC Dallas, where he’ll serve under former New Mexico United manager Eric Quill.
Briggs is expected to join the staff at FC Dallas, where he’ll serve under former New Mexico United manager Eric Quill.
January 11, 2026 at 8:10 PM
I can confirm this report.
Reports are that Jay Heaps to take control of coaching until a new coach is hired.
Reports are that Jay Heaps to take control of coaching until a new coach is hired.
Reposted by Timothy Belin
BREAKING: Birmingham Legion head coach Mark Briggs is leaving the USL Championship club, sources tell me and @usltactics.com.
He’s expected to become an assistant coach at FC Dallas.
Briggs, formerly of Sac Republic and Real Monarchs, spent less than a season in Birmingham.
He’s expected to become an assistant coach at FC Dallas.
Briggs, formerly of Sac Republic and Real Monarchs, spent less than a season in Birmingham.
January 11, 2026 at 8:10 PM
BREAKING: Birmingham Legion head coach Mark Briggs is leaving the USL Championship club, sources tell me and @usltactics.com.
He’s expected to become an assistant coach at FC Dallas.
Briggs, formerly of Sac Republic and Real Monarchs, spent less than a season in Birmingham.
He’s expected to become an assistant coach at FC Dallas.
Briggs, formerly of Sac Republic and Real Monarchs, spent less than a season in Birmingham.
Reposted by Timothy Belin
New opponent (for open friendlies) for Birmingham fans.
For the first time in Birmingham, we’re going to see NSC and Matthew Corcoran come to the 205.
Last time these two teams faced off? Mohamed Buya Turay scored for the 3 Sparks.
For the first time in Birmingham, we’re going to see NSC and Matthew Corcoran come to the 205.
Last time these two teams faced off? Mohamed Buya Turay scored for the 3 Sparks.
January 5, 2026 at 9:06 PM
New opponent (for open friendlies) for Birmingham fans.
For the first time in Birmingham, we’re going to see NSC and Matthew Corcoran come to the 205.
Last time these two teams faced off? Mohamed Buya Turay scored for the 3 Sparks.
For the first time in Birmingham, we’re going to see NSC and Matthew Corcoran come to the 205.
Last time these two teams faced off? Mohamed Buya Turay scored for the 3 Sparks.
Moses Mensah becomes the second former Legion man to join South Georgia Tormenta this offseason.
The left-back joins Lucca Dourado at the USL League One club.
The left-back joins Lucca Dourado at the USL League One club.
After three seasons with Birmingham Legion, left back Moses Mensah joins Tormenta for the 2026 season. He's the second Championship veteran to join Tormenta today, following the earlier announcement of Andrew Booth from FC Tulsa.
What’s better than one USL Championship signing for Christmas? TWO! ✍️🎄
We’ve signed defender Moses Mensah to our 2026 roster! Welcome to the Boro, Moses!
We’ve signed defender Moses Mensah to our 2026 roster! Welcome to the Boro, Moses!
December 26, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Moses Mensah becomes the second former Legion man to join South Georgia Tormenta this offseason.
The left-back joins Lucca Dourado at the USL League One club.
The left-back joins Lucca Dourado at the USL League One club.
Matt van Oekel, Temi Ereku and Ronaldo Damus are the three remaining players we await an update on.
The good news is that now the team at least has a coherent 11 to field.
The good news is that now the team at least has a coherent 11 to field.
December 24, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Matt van Oekel, Temi Ereku and Ronaldo Damus are the three remaining players we await an update on.
The good news is that now the team at least has a coherent 11 to field.
The good news is that now the team at least has a coherent 11 to field.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨: Birmingham Legion have re-signed Amir Daley, Samuel Shashoua, Sebastián Saucedo and Dawson McCartney ahead of the 2026 season.
December 24, 2025 at 9:42 PM
🚨 BREAKING 🚨: Birmingham Legion have re-signed Amir Daley, Samuel Shashoua, Sebastián Saucedo and Dawson McCartney ahead of the 2026 season.
I made a roster tracker for Birmingham Legion's offseason dealings.
I'll pin this post and update it anytime a player's status changes or a signing is made as an easy place to keep on top of it all.
Also includes a chronological list of transfer updates.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
I'll pin this post and update it anytime a player's status changes or a signing is made as an easy place to keep on top of it all.
Also includes a chronological list of transfer updates.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
Birmingham Legion Roster Tracker
Keeping tabs on the Three Sparks' roster ahead of the 2026 season
open.substack.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:30 PM
I made a roster tracker for Birmingham Legion's offseason dealings.
I'll pin this post and update it anytime a player's status changes or a signing is made as an easy place to keep on top of it all.
Also includes a chronological list of transfer updates.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
I'll pin this post and update it anytime a player's status changes or a signing is made as an easy place to keep on top of it all.
Also includes a chronological list of transfer updates.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
Reposted by Timothy Belin
Forward Madison is going to regret this.
Lucca Dourado joins Tormenta after his loan from Birmingham to Madison expired, and Birmingham turned him loose. The striker had 8 goals and 2 assists in 22 regular season matches at Madison.
Lucca Dourado joins Tormenta after his loan from Birmingham to Madison expired, and Birmingham turned him loose. The striker had 8 goals and 2 assists in 22 regular season matches at Madison.
Welcome to South Georgia, Lucca Dourado! Looking forward to some golden moments in 2026!
December 19, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Forward Madison is going to regret this.
Lucca Dourado joins Tormenta after his loan from Birmingham to Madison expired, and Birmingham turned him loose. The striker had 8 goals and 2 assists in 22 regular season matches at Madison.
Lucca Dourado joins Tormenta after his loan from Birmingham to Madison expired, and Birmingham turned him loose. The striker had 8 goals and 2 assists in 22 regular season matches at Madison.
Full update of where things stand with Birmingham Legion's 2025 roster:
December 17, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Full update of where things stand with Birmingham Legion's 2025 roster:
First few returnees confirmed for Birmingham Legion: Sam McIllhatton, Peter-Lee Vassell, Sebastian Tregarthen, AJ Paterson, Trevor McMullen, Phanuel Kavita, Tyler Pasher and Ramiz Hamouda will all be back for 2026.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
Birmingham Legion FC Confirms Eight Players to Return for 2026 Season. - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC Confirms Eight Players to Return for 2026 Season. The club has confirmed contract options exercised following the 2025 season, along with players already under contract for 2026. ...
www.bhmlegion.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:56 PM
First few returnees confirmed for Birmingham Legion: Sam McIllhatton, Peter-Lee Vassell, Sebastian Tregarthen, AJ Paterson, Trevor McMullen, Phanuel Kavita, Tyler Pasher and Ramiz Hamouda will all be back for 2026.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
Birmingham Legion’s schedule for 2026 is released.
Included are USL Cup games: SAFC/Red Wolves away and Tulsa/Corspus Christi at home. One Knox is also in the group but will not face the Three Sparks, as was the case in 2025.
Included are USL Cup games: SAFC/Red Wolves away and Tulsa/Corspus Christi at home. One Knox is also in the group but will not face the Three Sparks, as was the case in 2025.
December 16, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Birmingham Legion’s schedule for 2026 is released.
Included are USL Cup games: SAFC/Red Wolves away and Tulsa/Corspus Christi at home. One Knox is also in the group but will not face the Three Sparks, as was the case in 2025.
Included are USL Cup games: SAFC/Red Wolves away and Tulsa/Corspus Christi at home. One Knox is also in the group but will not face the Three Sparks, as was the case in 2025.
Birmingham Legion will open their 2026 season at home vs Tampa Bay Rowdies on March 7th.
The Three Sparks drew one and lost the other in their two games against the Rowdies this past season.
The Three Sparks drew one and lost the other in their two games against the Rowdies this past season.
The #USL-C has announced the home openers for the 2026 season, with @brooklynfc.bsky.social and @sportingjax.bsky.social hosting games as part of a 10-game slate of action kicking off on the weekend of March 7-8.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
USL Championship Reveals 2026 Home Openers
Newcomers Brooklyn FC, Sporting Club Jacksonville open campaign at home, defending title-holder Pittsburgh set for March 28 return to Highmark
www.uslchampionship.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Birmingham Legion will open their 2026 season at home vs Tampa Bay Rowdies on March 7th.
The Three Sparks drew one and lost the other in their two games against the Rowdies this past season.
The Three Sparks drew one and lost the other in their two games against the Rowdies this past season.
Reposted by Timothy Belin
The competition format for the 2026 #USL-C season has been announced, with 25 teams set to compete in the 34-week regular season.
13 clubs in the East, including new arrivals @brooklynfc.bsky.social and @sportingjax.bsky.social, 12 in the West.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
13 clubs in the East, including new arrivals @brooklynfc.bsky.social and @sportingjax.bsky.social, 12 in the West.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
USL Championship Announces Competition Format for 2026 Season
25 teams to compete in league’s 16th campaign kicking off on Saturday, March 7
www.uslchampionship.com
December 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
The competition format for the 2026 #USL-C season has been announced, with 25 teams set to compete in the 34-week regular season.
13 clubs in the East, including new arrivals @brooklynfc.bsky.social and @sportingjax.bsky.social, 12 in the West.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
13 clubs in the East, including new arrivals @brooklynfc.bsky.social and @sportingjax.bsky.social, 12 in the West.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
Reposted by Timothy Belin
We're told we should finally have #USL men's 2026 home openers and Jager Cup dates on Thursday, and full schedules out on December 16th 👀
December 9, 2025 at 7:55 PM
We're told we should finally have #USL men's 2026 home openers and Jager Cup dates on Thursday, and full schedules out on December 16th 👀
Former Birmingham Legion player Ethan Kos has found a new home
𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑹𝑽𝑨 🔴
We are excited to announce that former Birmingham Legion and Kerry FC central defender, Ethan Kos, will be joining the club in 2026!
𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘭
📰: bit.ly/4oNQTB1
Keiter CPA | #UpTheRoos
We are excited to announce that former Birmingham Legion and Kerry FC central defender, Ethan Kos, will be joining the club in 2026!
𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘭
📰: bit.ly/4oNQTB1
Keiter CPA | #UpTheRoos
December 9, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Former Birmingham Legion player Ethan Kos has found a new home
Reposted by Timothy Belin
With Trevor Spangenberg’s retirement, a chapter has closed in Birmingham: he was the last man standing from the Legion’s inaugural game.
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
Trevor Spangenberg: against the odds - Birmingham Sports Media
From a tiny school in Indiana, a potential career-ending injury and the unstable US soccer landscape, the odds never particularly favored Trevor Spangenberg.
bhamsports.net
December 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM
With Trevor Spangenberg’s retirement, a chapter has closed in Birmingham: he was the last man standing from the Legion’s inaugural game.
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
Life of a Birmingham Legion reporter, I guess….
December 4, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Life of a Birmingham Legion reporter, I guess….