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