By Paddy Higgs
February 4th 2009 @ 3:31am
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Robbie Fowler would be the ultimate marquee signing
Surely it’s time for some good news for the A-League. Jason Culina’s imminent arrival has been soured somewhat by a number of the country’s best domestic-based players departing in their droves for the riches of continental Asia. In these times of peril, perhaps it is fitting that we have turned to God.
Not the God of bible fame, of course. His schedule must be tied up with much more pressing issues than the health of Australian football.
The God whose intervention is required made his name in Liverpool rather than Jerusalem.
That man, of course, is Robbie Fowler.
Fowler flew into Townsville on January 16 for a meeting with Ian Ferguson, coach of new franchise North Queensland Fury.
Topic of discussion was the Fury’s marquee spot, and whether Fowler would consider filling it.
At 33, Fowler’s best football is undoubtedly behind him. Dogged by injuries in the past few years, he has bounced between short stints with Liverpool, Cardiff and Blackburn.
But should he remain injury free, few could doubt his ability cut it in the A-League.
Besides, the Fury’s decision to chase Fowler is not just purely a football one. Dwight Yorke showed what the right marquee signing could do when he electrified Sydney in his one season with the Sky Blues.
Crucially in the first season for the Fury, Fowler’s signing would spark enormous interest in the Townsville community.
Not that North Queensland is the only suitor for Fowler. Soon after he left Townsville, it emerged that teams in China were prepared to throw big bucks at the 26-time capped Englishman.
But while Fowler could potentially earn far more at other clubs, money may not necessarily be the major factor in his decision.
Having earned more than sizable wages for at least a decade, Fowler has invested wisely in property and horseracing.
A move to Townsville would be a lifestyle change after years of kicking the frost off training grounds during the harsh British winters.
Ferguson appears quietly confident of landing his man, though he has identified alternative targets should Fowler spurn his advances.
But he would have been heartened last week after learning that Fowler had requested further information on Townsville schools in which he could potentially enrol his three children.
Should Fowler decide to nail his pennant to the Fury’s post, it would prove a terrific bit of news for the new franchise – which so far has played second fiddle to Gold Coast United – and the local game as a whole.
Given the recent exodus of quality from the A-League, it would make a fresh change.
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Rob said | February 4th 2009 @ 8:53am | Report comment
Paddy,
I don’t disagree with you here, I’m just concerned that the injury factor might blight his season, making him more like one of those white elephant marquees that we’ve had in recent years, Jardel (much as it pains me to say, him being a legend for my club, Gremio, for so many years), and sadly Aloisi this season, for example.
IF he keeps his body in good nick, he will be a brilliant signing for the Fury. Here’s hoping.
BIGfootBALLS said | February 4th 2009 @ 8:59am | Report comment
Fowler is dreamy.
Paddy Higgs said | February 4th 2009 @ 10:01am | Report comment
Announcement from the Fury is imminent – appears as if Fowler may in fact be their man….
Greg said | February 4th 2009 @ 11:01am | Report comment
A wise investment in horse racing is an oxymorn!
Brett McKay said | February 4th 2009 @ 11:08am | Report comment
Fox Sports has the Fury confirming the deal…
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25006811-23215,00.html
Paddy Higgs said | February 4th 2009 @ 11:20am | Report comment
Yup, official on http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/95572,fowler-says-yes.aspx
Great news for the club and the A-League.
Towser said | February 4th 2009 @ 11:27am | Report comment
This is a big coup for the Fury providing of course as Rob said he can deliver.
If he cant like other marquee players we know the consequences.
However if he can he is a name known to all football fans in Australia. Being a Roar fan up until this announcement the Fury were looking like an “afterthought” by the FFA in relation to expansion. A club stuck in the netherworld of cyclonic NQ,as opposed to the Clive & Miron show on the Glitter strip.
They have wisely employed a fitness & conditioning bloke whose speciality is managing sport played under hot & humid conditions(strangely a Scot). This could give them a home ground edge over rivals,provided of course Cyclone Jill,Tom or Alice is not on the way.