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Still buzzing after wooing Robbie Fowler, North Queensland Fury believe they will know whether Scott Chipperfield will sign with the A-League newcomers as soon as next week.
Chipperfield’s wife Stefanie is a key part of the equation, as she plans to attend university in the area, and the Fury will lay out the welcome mat for her next week.
The newcomers are also buoyed by the fact they can boast arguably the A-League’s biggest coup in Fowler.
Now Stefanie Chipperfield is yet to confirm her arrival date in Townsville, but Fury chairman Don Matheson believes it will be “within the next week”.
Socceroos fullback Chipperfield, 33, said he was close to a deal with the A-League new boys after starring in Australia’s 0-0 World Cup qualifier draw with Japan in Yokohama last Wednesday night.
Matheson believed Stefanie’s trip up north would be the clincher.
“I’d feel confident that we will know by the end of her visit, I think that’s a fair assessment,” Matheson told AAP.
“She carries a fair bit of weight in that decision.
“And we’ve got the information she needs when she gets here.”
Chipperfield has been on the cusp of a move from his long-time Swiss club FC Basel all season – nearly joining German side Hertha Berlin during the recent transfer window.
But that deal fell apart, prompting Chipperfield to seriously consider a move back to the A-League.
Chipperfield has admitted to being concerned about how playing domestically will affect his hopes of making the Socceroos squad for the World Cup finals, with Australia taking a huge step towards qualification with their point in Yokohama.
But in a deal sweetener, Matheson said Chipperfield would be free to play in Europe during the A-League off-season if he signed with the Fury “if that’s what he felt would keep him in the Socceroos”.
“Talks have been going on for a fair while, we have always been comfortable with our position with Scott,” Matheson said.
“The decision for him is to come home or keep a career going overseas.
“Whatever he decides to do, we will understand.
“But obviously we would be excited if he decides to come here.”
Matheson said Fowler’s recent signing had certainly boosted talks with Chipperfield.
“It certainly hasn’t done any damage to them,” Matheson laughed.
“He is obviously very excited about the opportunity to play alongside Robbie Fowler – I don’t know too many who wouldn’t be.”
While the Fury are still waiting on Chipperfield’s signature, the recruitment drive continued strongly on Tuesday with the 2009-10 debutants snapping up UK-based Australian striker Daniel McBreen.
The 31-year-old has enjoyed a stint with Scottish Premier League outfit Falkirk.
“He gives us yet another attacking option. He’s over six foot, so that provides a big, physical target for us up front on the set plays,” Fury coach Ian Ferguson said.
“Daniel brings the height that I was missing and he’s an aggressive player who’s been playing in some tough competitions and that’s what I want in the team – a player who will give centre halves a hard time.”
Matheson said the entire roster would be finalised in “three to four weeks”.
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