The phrase “ticking all the boxes” has become a well-worn and overused cliché in sporting vernacular. But when it comes to Robbie Fowler’s move to Perth Glory, it’s hard to find a more fitting description. Fowler this week signed switched to the club from A-League rival North Queensland after the embattled Fury could not afford to re-sign the legendary striker.
The Glory had competition from the likes of Sydney FC, as well as clubs in Asia and the Middle East.
The link with Sydney had – for a while during Fowler’s availability – seemed the most natural of fits.
But Sydney’s dalliance was Perth’s gain.
The Glory wasted scant time in contacting Fowler in the UK as soon as he became available, offering him a one-year deal rumoured to be in the vicinity of $500,000.
Jacob Burns – a former teammate of Fowler’s at Leeds – and ex-Premier League defender Andy Todd were called in to sell the club and the city.
The Sky Blues interest hadn’t appeared as urgent.
Nick Carle seems the priority, despite the fact that both could have linked up at the club under the new marquee rules.
Curiously enough, the Glory has also expressed some interest in Carle. How club owner Tony Sage and company would fit the Crystal Palace midfielder within the salary cap, and whether Sydney would allow the Glory to steal a march on it a second time, remains to be seen.
But back to more pressing issues: Will Fowler be a hit in WA?
This, somewhat regrettably, is where I delve into the most clichéd of current clichés.
He may be 35, but Fowler has crowd-pulling power, a likable personality and indisputable talent.
What other boxes do you need ticked?
There had been some doubt as to Fowler’s ability to both stay fit and perform in the A-League when he signed for the Fury in February 2009.
But the Liverpool favourite scored nine goals in 26 games last season, despite the new club’s onfield struggles and a midfield routinely bereft of creative players.
Imagine how he must look forward to the service from the likes of Victor Sikora and Mile Sterjovski, the latter of who is at his best when not having to carry the goalscoring load of his side.
There has been occasional criticism of the marquee ruling, perhaps leading to the dual system catering for both an Australian and international slot.
Only Dwight Yorke and Fowler have truly summed up the marquee tag in the A-League.
Thank God we’ll see the latter back next season.
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Sydney moved into fourth with their point but Glory's finals hopes are now officially extinguished.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.
