Perth Glory chief executive Paul Kelly has confirmed the club has talked to marquee man Robbie Fowler about staying on next season.
The 35-year-old Liverpool legend, whose contract in Perth finishes at the end of this campaign, has expressed an interest in staying with the Western Australian club although the decision will depend on his family.
Fowler may have had a quiet start to his Glory career, but he’s scored seven goals since mid-November, a record that includes a hat-trick against Melbourne Victory and a brace in Wednesday night’s 4-2 win over Adelaide.
That result has given the struggling Glory some much-needed Christmas cheer, moving them off the bottom of the table and keeping their slim finals’ hopes alive.
But Fowler was not at recovery on Wednesday morning as he is flying to Dubai to meet his family, who are apparently dividing their time between the United Kingdom and Perth.
“Robbie’s indicated he wants to stay,” said Kelly.
“He’s got a few personal things he’s got to go through. He’s got to speak to his wife and kids for a start.”
“So let’s see what happens there.”
“Robbie’s been a pleasure this year, he’s been absolutely fantastic (and) we as a club no doubt would want Robbie to stay.”
Kelly confirmed the club had spoken briefly to Fowler about a new contract before he flew to Dubai, although serious negotiations may have to wait for the outcome of an independent review into the club by legendary coach Ric Charlesworth’s company.
Kelly said the review, which should be finished in late January, would look at ways of tackling the Glory’s losses over the last two seasons, which he said were over $3 million dollars for each year.
He added that some contract negotiations might be influenced by this review, including Fowler’s.
“Obviously we’ve been in a mould where we’re looking at next year and looking at potential signings, potential retention of players,” Kelly said.
“That will all come out in the wash in January.”
“Everything’s relative in relation to cost. We’ll have a look at that when we start looking at contracts, salary caps and everything else, whether Robbie fits in and Robbie can make a call on that.”
“Let’s be honest, he’s scored nine goals, he’s probably second in the scoring charts.”
“From a commercial point of view he’s been fantastic. We did sign him for his football, everyone thinks we signed him commercially, (and) yes that’s an element, but he’s scored nine goals and he’s produced.”
“I hope he is,” was Kelly’s simple response when asked if he was confident Fowler would stay in Perth.
“We’ve had a brief chat with him and we’ll have a few more chats with him but I know Robbie loves this place, he really enjoys the team, he enjoys the boys.”
“He heads to Dubai for a few days to spend some time with his family and then let’s see what happens after that.”
Kelly also confirmed that interim coach Ian Ferguson’s position was safe, despite the Rangers’ legend presiding over just two wins since taking over from Dave Mitchell earlier in the season.
At the time Mitchell opted to move into a football director role at the club as he looked to see out his contract, which finishes this year, Kelly saying that owner Tony Sage and Mitchell would have discussions on a possible new deal.
“Dave’s contracted and he’ll see that contract through,” Kelly said. “(But) that’s up to the owner and Dave and we’ll see what happens in the review.”
