Farina warns Fowler player-coaching too tough

Former Socceroos coach Frank Farina believes North Queensland Fury must retain Robbie Fowler but not as a player-coach.

Farina has distanced himself from being in the running for Fury’s vacant coaching post following Ian Ferguson’s move to Perth Glory where he’ll serve as Dave Mitchell’s assistant.

But he did back his former national captain, Paul Okon, who served as Gold Coast United’s assistant last season, as a worthy contender.

Football Federation Australia, now in control of the cash-strapped Fury, have the job to replace Ferguson along with signing a 23-man squad.

Foundation skipper and marquee man Fowler is understood to be keen to return to Townsville, possibly as a captain-coach, but the FFA is opposed to such a move.

Farina, a north Queensland product, joined with the Fury’s players and former owner in arguing the Football Federation Australia should do all it can to keep Fowler.

“It would be a massive loss if he was to leave, they should do everything they can to keep him,” said the former Brisbane Roar mentor.

“He brought a lot to the table last year and it would be a shame for the club if he didn’t continue there.”

But Farina, who led the Brisbane Strikers to 1997-98 NSL premiership glory as a player-coach, thought Fowler would do better to play on and be an assistant coach.

“He would do a wonderful job as a coach but I’ve done it myself, and the pressure of playing while coaching, takes its toll,” he said.

Farina said Okon, who lacked chemistry with United coach Miron Bleiberg on the Gold Coast, deserved to be regarded as a genuine contender.

“He’s well credentialed, he’s a good guy and he knows his football,” he said.

The Fury, seventh in their inaugural A-League campaign, have lost New Zealand international striker Jeremy Brockie to Newcastle and midfielder Rostyn Griffiths to Central Coast in recent weeks.