The Puerto Rico Islanders announced the return of defender Jay Needham for the upcoming 2012 season. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“I am delighted to announce the re-signing of Jay Needham, our defender from last year, Although it was my first year working with Jay, I knew as soon as the season ended and was put in charge I wanted him to return. We had a good, long chat about what direction we want the futbol club to move in and he is on the same page as me. Jay is a leader and has nothing but good intentions for himself, his wife Jessica, and for the future of the Islanders,” said Head Coach Adrian Whitbread.

Needham played his college career at Southern Methodist University and was drafted in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. During that same year he logged more than 2,000 minutes helping the Islanders reach the CFU and USL semi-final, as well as named Rookie of the Year.  Needham moved on to Alta IF of Norway in 2008, playing center back, and later played for the Austin Aztex in 2009. He was also named one of the best players in Europe by the “New York Soccer Blog” in September 2011.