North Queensland coach Ian Ferguson has flagged big personnel changes to his squad ahead of their second A-League season – none of which involve himself or star striker Robbie Fowler.
Ferguson’s side bowed out of finals contention with a spirited 2-0 loss to Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
Now the Fury’s attention turns to next year and moving on from an A-League debut which featured an unusual amount of long-term injuries and a much-publicised spat between coach and star player Fowler.
Ferguson has also been the subject of speculation he will be sacked ahead of next season, with his former Central Coast boss Lawrie McKinna mentioned as a possible replacement.
But the former Glasgow Rangers midfielder said he wanted to remain at the Fury and was adamant both he and Fowler would be in Townsville at the start of next season.
“I can’t be any more clear – me and Robbie Fowler are fine,” Ferguson said.
“Robbie will be there next year, Robbie’s got a contract.
“I’ve got a contract, I want to see that out, and Robbie wants to see his out.
“There’s nothing wrong with me and Robbie Fowler.”
But elsewhere Ferguson has signalled squad changes and is particularly looking forward to getting back four important players all lost to long-term injuries during this season.
“We have to start recruiting and it’s got to be better than what we’ve got to take us forward,” Ferguson said.
“I’d like to have (injured players) Ufuk Talay back, Scott Wilson back, Shane Stefanutto back and Jeremy Brockie back – there’s four players who’d make a huge difference straight away.
“I think we’ve got the nucleus of the squad which is great.
“I’ve got to make sure what we’re bringing in are better than the ones we’re letting go to make us even stronger.”
One Fury player considering his options for next season is veteran wing-back Robbie Middleby, who admitted next weekend’s final fixture against Gold Coast United may be his last.
An NSL and A-League championship winner with Wollongong and Sydney FC, the 34-year-old is thinking about an off-field role with the Fury.
“We’ve had a lot of adversity there this year, but if we can strengthen the team, the future’s bright in North Queensland,” Middleby said.
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