Fowler signing a real coup for North Queensland
NORTH Queensland Fury FC has pulled off one of Australian sport’s greatest recruiting coups by signing former Liverpool superstar Robbie Fowler as the club’s Marquee player for the Hyundai A-League 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons.
Fury FC chairman Don Matheson said Fowler-s signing was a clean signal to other Hyundai A-League clubs that North Queensland wants to taste success on the pitch in its debut season.
“We want to win games - that-s what we-re about,” Matheson said.
“Robbie is a legitimate international super star of the game and there-s no doubt he will give us every chance of winning. It-s taken a lot of work to make this happen, but it was worth it to because I really believe having him playing for North Queensland Fury FC will change the way people think about the Hyundai A-League.”
Fury FC coach Ian Ferguson said having the former international striker 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.”
Fowler is looking forward to taking a new path in his football career with North Queensland Fury FC in its historic entry into the Hyundai A-League.
“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.
North Queensland Fury FC CEO Dean Hassall said Fowler would help to raise the profile, not just of his new club, but for the Hyundai A-League as a whole.
“There was a real buzz around Robbie being in Australia when he came out to talk to club,” Hassall said.
“I can only imagine how much interest there will be when he pulls the boots on in his first Hyundai A-League match. It-s an amazing coup for North Queensland Fury FC and the A-League for a player of his profile to be playing here.”
Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, said that Fowler-s signing was an indication of the growing reputation of the Hyundai A-League.
“Robbie Fowler is one of the best known names in football with a wonderful record playing for both Liverpool and England.
“It-s terrific to welcome him to the Hyundai A-League and particularly to one of our newest clubs.
“Led by Robbie, the team North Queensland Fury is putting together will give next =year-s competition added excitement and impetus for North Queenslanders as well as Hyundai A-League fans across Australia.”