Robbie Fowler’s extraordinary career has taken in five English Premier Clubs over 16 years, but he admits one of his most exciting challenges lies ahead of him.
Fowler is relishing the thought of running out onto the field for the North Queensland Fury at the start of the Hyundai A-League season and starting something that he hopes will go on for many years to come.
“It’s a long way to go to the season, obviously we’re excited, but it’s a long way. It’s a brand new club, and everybody’s really excited about that. Everyone’s settled in really, really, well. We’ve still got to get a few players together yet. But all the boys have settled in and looking forward the remainder of what will happen,” he said.
Fowler admits the lure of starting with a new club in the top-flight of a burgeoning league was a big part of his decision to sign with the Fury. He said it’s a rare opportunity to get in with a club on the ground floor.
“It’s fantastic. The fact is that anywhere in the world, I don’t think this would happen that you’d have a brand new club starting off in the highest division. I don’t think that would happen anywhere else. I think coming over here, it makes it a bit more special to have a brand new club. It’s great being part of this, hopefully this club can run for many, many years,” he said.
The 34-year-old has maintained a keen interest in the Hyundai A-League since he almost signed for Sydney FC two seasons ago. He expects the standard of the competition to be high, and believes it has improved over the past couple of years.
“I think it will be good. I’ve followed it pretty closely because I was almost here two years ago with Sydney. Back in the UK, they have a highlights show every Wednesday which is an hour long, which gives you the results and the highlights of the games, the standard is good,” he said.
“Within the two years, I’ve watched it, the standard has probably progressed a little bit more. I’m looking forward to it starting. In terms of how will it be and how will I cope, I really couldn’t answer that. I’ve never played in the A-League. I’m confident in what I can do. Playing in any league wouldn’t faze me, I don’t think.”
But North Queensland fans shouldn’t expect too many changes in the way the Liverpool legend will play. He expects to fill his usual attacking role, and won’t be spending too much time up the pitch.
“I’m not going to be running around everywhere, like a madman. The manager’s got plans. I think he’ll probably want me to stay up front and that’s where I’ll probably be,” he said.
“Obviously, we are yet to sit down and discuss formations, or our tactics, how we are going to play because the season’s that far off. Games are that far off. We’re just doing very light training sessions and we’ll be doing that for the next month, when we’ll kick on that little bit more.”
