February 04, 2009

SIGNING Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler gives A-League newcomers the North Queensland Fury "instant credibility", according to their coach Ian Ferguson.

And it may also deliver the 2009-10 debutants yet another big name - Australian midfielder Scott Chipperfield.

After confirming Fowler had signed a two-season deal as their inaugural marquee player, Ferguson hoped arguably the A-League's biggest coup would help lure the Switzerland-based Chipperfield to Townsville.

“I think so. But I would like players to come here because he wants to, not because I have a certain player,'' he said.

“But I am sure at the back of some player's minds they will be thinking 'they've got Robbie Fowler, how good is it'.

“I spoke to Scott a couple of days ago and he is definitely still interested.''

But the name on everyone's lips at North Queensland on Wednesday was the 33-year-old Fowler, still known as “God'' by Liverpool fans.

“It gives us instant credibility,'' Ferguson said of the former England striker.

“People take you seriously when you announce someone like that.

“When guys like Dwight Yorke came out for Sydney FC (in 2005-06) people started looking up at the A-League.

“When he (Yorke) left it was disappointing, and I don't think we have ever replaced someone like Dwight Yorke.

“But this boy is on a par with Dwight, actually I think he is better but I am biased.''

The Fury had been sweating on a decision from Fowler since he returned to England on January 22 to discuss a potential move to Australia with his family after spending a week in Townsville.

“I had nothing but good things to tell my family about the football side of things and the lifestyle opportunities North Queensland can offer us,'' Fowler said in a statement.

“From a football perspective everything Fury coach Ian Ferguson put on the table and showed me was first class and the enthusiasm and drive of everyone at the club is fantastic.

“It's a huge decision for my family, but it's also an opportunity to continue my football career in a truly wonderful part of the world.''

Ferguson and chairman Don Matheson had been in talks with Fowler since he was released by English Premier League side Blackburn recently.

After meeting a two-page list of demands that arrived as late as Tuesday night, Ferguson and Matheson proudly announced they had got their man at Townsville on Wednesday morning.

“When he came over, he liked what he saw and he liked my ambition - I don't want to be second best,'' Ferguson said.

“What does this mean for the club? He will put bums on seats, he will attract all array of different cultures to the games.

“They will all come and watch this guy - that's how big he is.''

Matheson added: “Robbie is a legitimate international superstar of the game and there's no doubt he will give us every chance of winning.

“It's taken a lot of work but it was worth it because I really believe having him playing for North Queensland will change the way people think about the A-League.''

Since making his professional debut at 17, Fowler has been hugely popular, but has had his share of controversy.

He made world headlines in 1999 when he taunted Everton fans by pretending to snort cocaine on the goalline while celebrating a goal for Liverpool in a Merseyside derby.

Fowler will become the third high-profile English Premier League star to play in the A-League, following Dwight Yorke and Juninho's stints with Sydney FC.

Sydney almost lured Fowler to Australia in 2007 but the deal ultimately fell through.


Life And Times Of Robbie Fowler

Liverpool (1993-2001) -
330 goals from 171 appearances

Leeds United (2001-2003) -
14 goals in 33 appearances

Manchester City (2003-2006) -
27 goals in 92 appearances

Liverpool (2006-2007) -
12 goals in 35 appearances

Cardiff City (2007-2008) -
6 goals in 16 appearances

Blackburn Rovers (2008) -
0 goals in 6 appearances

Great news for the A-League he isnt as good as he use to be but should bring some experience to the team.

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March 15, 2009

North Queensland Fury FC marquee signing Robbie Fowler has dismissed suggestions he is aiming to captain the rookie outfit in their debut season of the A-League.

The England international, who played 26 games and scored seven goals for his country, said the captaincy would be decided by manager Ian Ferguson.

"In terms of me being captain it is not something I have thought about," Fowler said on his first day in Fury colours.

"The manager picks the captain and that is his job, I am not going to go up and ask him I want to be captain.

"He will see players on the training pitch then he will make that decision himself."

The man nicknamed God touched down before a rapturous crowd of Liverpool and Fury supporters at Townsville airport before being introduced to the media, rock star fashion, pool side at Jupiters Casino.

After agreeing to become the A-League's biggest signing in February the 33-year-old goal scoring whiz said he wasn't feeling any weight of expectation to perform.

"Not really, I am obviously quite grounded, I keep myself to myself and if I can do well, I do well, but more importantly it is about the team."

The Premier League veteran believes Ferguson has put together a strong squad for North Queensland's 2009-10 debut season but stopped short of making any finals predictions.

"The manager has put together a good squad and he knows what players he wants and he knows what the players can do so it should be an interesting time."

The star striker believed it would take time for the team to find rhythm but stressed he was intent on building a winning culture at the Fury.

"In terms of any football club you want to continue to win games ... if you are winning games that breeds confidence and confidence helps you to do well in everything.

"This is a brand new team and until all the players get together and we train day in, day out we will play a few games before the season we will see how it goes from that aspect."

Ferguson said Fowler would begin official pre-season training next month.

"Robbie is obviously doing a bit of work himself before he comes on board on the 1st of April, I am just looking forward to getting him on board, training with us and the boys are obviously looking forward to training with him."