North Queensland Fury has completed a massive coup by signing former England striker Robbie Fowler for its debut Hyundai A-League season in 2009/10.
A free agent following his recent departure from English Premier League club Blackburn, Fowler had been chased by the fledgling Australian club and also by several other clubs in China.
But Fury chairman Don Matheson announced on Wednesday morning that the 33-year-old had signed to play with the club when it joins the league along with the Gold Coast United later this year.
Fowler came close to joining the Hyundai A-League in 2007, only for his proposed move to Sydney FC to fall through but, having visited Townsville recently, the front man best known for his club exploits with Liverpool in the 1990s will be heading Down Under.
“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.
“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.”
The Fury coach said having Fowler on board was a huge boost for the team.
“I’ve admired him as a player for a long time and it’s just fantastic to have him signed,” Ferguson said.
“Robbie is more than just a goal scorer – although he certainly knows where the net is – he links up play and he knows how to position himself to get other players involved.”
“I knew he was serious about our offer when he came to Townsville. There was a real commitment shown by flying out to meet personally with us and to see the facilities and the lifestyle we’re able to offer him and his family.”
Having also been linked with Socceroos midfielder Scott Chipperfield, the Fury will continue their attempts to woo him back to Australia after he enjoyed a decorated playing career with Wollongong in the old NSL.
