Fowler signing may be a poisoned chalice for the Fury
Columnist By Adrian Musolino, 4 Feb 2009 Adrian Musolino is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- A-League, football, North Queensland Fury, Robbie Fowler
One of the most protracted signings of a marquee player is finally over. Robbie Fowler, the former Liverpool great, is A-League bound heading to the North Queensland Fury. While his signing represents a significant development for the club and the league in general, question marks over his fitness cloud his potential as the “new Dwight Yorke” of the A-League.
Not since Yorke, who helped boost crowd figures across the country and Sydney FC to the inaugural title, has a star name with such pulling power and recognition committed to a full A-League season.
The popularity of the EPL has grown exponentially down under and the Fowler signing will help connect that supporter base to the A-League.
The 33 year old has a formidable record and the ability of an A-League franchise to be able to sign such a star name, in particular a new franchise, demonstrates we do have some pulling power relative to the likes of the American MLS.
With no real star name import gracing the A-League this season, Fowler will help boost crowd figures and interest throughout Australia and the EPL mad Asia.
However, he has to play regularly to achieve that and there is the concern over his fitness having only played three games during his very brief stint at Blackburn Rovers while ankle injuries plagued his time with Cardiff City.
There is also the concern of how Fowler will cope in the intense heat and humidity of North Queensland, quite different from the conditions he experienced in Cardiff and Liverpool!
A worrying comparison can be made between Adelaide United’s marquee signing Paul Agostino whose return from Europe was plagued by injury.
Let’s hope Fowler stays fit. The Fury needs him. The A-League needs him.
Another star marquee failure will damage the A-Leagues reputation, we don’t won’t the league to become just a retirement home for washed up stars that don’t play regularly.
The Fury have been well and truly trumped by Gold Coast United in the battle off the field before the clubs join the competition next season. Their expansion rivals down the Queensland coast have stolen much of the attention with a rash of stunning signings including the bombshell enticing of Socceroo Jason Culina and Johnny Warren medallist Shane Smeltz.
The Fury’s signings thus far have been conservative to say the least. The current squad won’t send other A-League franchises into a panic like the Gold Coast United line-up will.
The marquee player position at the Fury has been the subject of much speculation.
Adelaide United defender Cassio was rumoured to be filling the position but backed out of the deal while Jade North signed on from Newcastle before he was released to complete his move to South Korea.
Never the less, the Fury finally has their marquee player. A player with the pulling power worthy of the marquee tag, if he plays!
Hopefully the Fowler signing will be the impetus in attracting quality players up north.
Let’s just hope he can do the business on the pitch so he can have a positive influence off it.
Recommend this story.
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- A-League, football, North Queensland Fury, Robbie Fowler
February 4th 2009 @ 7:49pm
Adrian Musolino said | February 4th 2009 @ 7:49pm | Report comment
From the BBC – http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7869080.stm
February 4th 2009 @ 7:50pm
Koala Bear said | February 4th 2009 @ 7:50pm | Report comment
Congratulation Fury, well done and “God” will be the next Dwight Yorke in the HAL.. To add that star quality that has been absent since Dwight left after V1 .. I hope and pray he will remain fit and healthy to see out his entire 2 year contract .. This seems like a retirement move to me and could be an important acquisition for Nth Queensland Football as their Technical Director for the region after playing out his contract .. I hope his long term future is to stay in Australia and help the youngsters develop into future Roo players ..
What has been missing so far in the Australian Football set up is a mentor for Strikers.. We have not been able to produce strikers who can hit the target as often as they do in Europe .. I hope “God” can help to improve this deficiency in Australian Football .. He has been so successful in his playing career for Liverpool England .. That I hope he will impart this much needed skill for young Strikers in Australia .. There is more to it than just firing shots at the goal keeper in training .. What the youngsters need to know is when to time their runs.. How to find the space .. and how to shoot to hit the target more often.. If anyone can teach that skill “God” can… Good luck lad..!
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KB
February 4th 2009 @ 7:57pm
Ronnie from Lonnie said | February 4th 2009 @ 7:57pm | Report comment
Gotta Laugh … Ten’s “Sports Tonight” covered the Fowler signing after a silly puff piece on Brendan Fevola doing some dumbass thing like scratching his crotch in Malaysia (as if we give a toss!)
If the Fury got him for less than SFC’s stoopid Aloisi deal I’ll PM LOL.
As Dave says a bit of good PR for HAL. Who will benefit the most? HAL or NQF? Will Fowler bump up MV’s crowds more than NQF’s? Staye tuned.
February 4th 2009 @ 8:10pm
Dave said | February 4th 2009 @ 8:10pm | Report comment
RFL
l reckon it will add thousands, possibly 10,000 to the gate if FFA scheduled the first game for NQF at TD v MV. There are thousands of unfulfilled Liverpool supporters in Melb and to see one of their own in the flesh would be too much to resist.
A MV home game, presentation of some silverware for this season and Fowlers NQR in town…l think they could get 40,000 plus. Lock it in.
February 4th 2009 @ 8:20pm
Adrian Musolino said | February 4th 2009 @ 8:20pm | Report comment
I would love to see North Queensland V Gold Coast as the first match of the season. It will help build the rivalry between the two franchises.
February 4th 2009 @ 8:27pm
Dave said | February 4th 2009 @ 8:27pm | Report comment
Have to disagree Adrian, would think GCU v QR 1st game. local derby etc. NQR at the biggest stadium with the biggest potential crowd of the season at TD. HUGE. 40,000 plus.
Then NQF at home to GCU 2nd round!!
Rd 1
AU v PG
MV v NQF
GCU v QR
CCU v NJ
SFC v WP
Would achieve in the vicinity of 110-120,000 spectators.
February 4th 2009 @ 8:40pm
Koala Bear said | February 4th 2009 @ 8:40pm | Report comment
Adrian,
I totally agree.. GCU FC’s Chairman has stated that the Skilled Stadium will draw a full house 27k.. He intends to do a blanket promotion for their first home game with lots of fanfare… This man means business… Bloody good to see someone in charge with Balls…
~~~~~~~~
KB
February 4th 2009 @ 9:26pm
Joe FC said | February 4th 2009 @ 9:26pm | Report comment
Does Qld Roar need to become Brisbane Roar to add more spice to Qld derbys?
February 4th 2009 @ 9:36pm
hazza said | February 4th 2009 @ 9:36pm | Report comment
Cant wait for the derbies. Read the headlines
CULINA v FOWLER.
FOWLER v MILLER
February 4th 2009 @ 10:41pm
Adrian Musolino said | February 4th 2009 @ 10:41pm | Report comment
Joe FC, IMO yes they do and I’ve written about this previously. They need to distinguish themselves from NQ and GC.
I think it would be very symbolic if the first game of the season was between the two new teams and they would both have a chance to build up and promote the game heavily.
Melbourne shouldn’t have the honor of hosting the first game of the season with the biggest import visiting just because they attract the biggest crowds. The new franchises should have the chance to shine by having the first game.