Robbie Fowler goes down under

Off to the land of Oz.

SYDNEY (AFP) — Former Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler has signed a two-year deal with new Australian A-League side North Queensland Fury, according to the club.

The 33-year-old forward, whose goal-scoring exploits once saw him idolised on the red half of Merseyside, will be the Fury's marquee player as the club makes its debut in the A-League this season.

Fury officals  described the signing as a major coup, which showed the club, based in Townsville, was intent on making a successful start.

"Robbie is a legitimate international superstar of the game and there's no doubt he will give us every chance of winning," Fury chairman Don Matheson said.

"It's taken a lot of work to make this happen, but it was worth it because I really believe having him playing for North Queensland Fury will change the way people think about the A-League."

He did not reveal financial details involved in the contract, which commits Fowler to playing in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons.

Fowler scored 120 goals in 236 league appearances for Liverpool and also played for Leeds United, Manchester City, Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers, where he was released late last year after a short stint.

The striker, who turned down a chance to play in the A-League for Sydney FC in 2007, said he had been impressed with the footballing set-up at the Fury as well as the lifestyle that playing in Queensland offered his young family.

"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," he said.

Under the A-League rules, clubs can sign a marquee player whose wages are exempted from the team's salary cap as a means of raising the sport's profile in Australia.


Best of luck to the lad.  Past his best but I hope he has a great time - and I'm sure he will re-ignite the property market down there!

Just one thing though - North Queensland Fury  What kind of name is that for a football team?

what if he regains his touch like becks and next thing you know he is taken on a loan by real madrid,puts in tremendous performances for them & gets raul & all pleading for him to extend his deal

what if he regains his touch like becks and next thing you know he is taken on a loan by real madrid

He can score an oggy in the next round of the European Cup.

He can score an oggy in the next round of the European Cup.

would he get a standing ovation from kop for that???

He wouldn't need to score an oggy to get a standing ovation.

Jeez you post quickly JD just been flicking between these two threads.. Fury, its a bit like wanderers though I think just some random name.

Good Luck me old Cobber set them alight down there.

I'm going to see Robbie Fowler!!!!!!!! Best news ever.

If you think the Fury is a bad name; Central Coast Mariners.

Townsville, Oz.From my time out there I seem to remember T/ville being up the East coast and in a bit like towards the scrub (not much green grass) Might be wrong tho.

Good luck to him!

Hope he does well!

Townsville has alot to offer. Currently its raining quite abit thanks to Cyclone Ellie and damages are plenty but it has beautiful weather alot of the time (maybe not suited to Robbie though), the people are really relaxed and its just a great place to have your family.

If a New South Welshman can say that about a QLD town then you know its good.

So stoked i'm going to see him, might be able to get a few snaps if i'm very lucky.

Yes, should be able to get a regular game - that's what he needs. It might be permanent if he likes it there.

Good luck Robbie, you served us well.

Excited that I will get to see him play live but I dont think he will really like it much. The standard of footie is still pretty poor and not much to do up there in old T-Ville. But I suppose if he is a family man and would like to stay out of the rat race then that is a good decision for him.

I too hope to get some pics..you never know I actually saw Dwight Yorke get rejected from a club here in Sydney because he wanted to walk in to an upper class club wearing a cap. Me and my mates were metres behind in the line (didnt get in either) when he goes to the bouncer a big Samoan looking fella who doesnt know his right from left " do you know who I am?, I am Dwight Yorke ex Man Utd player" the bouncer was like never heard of you mate but if you want in the cap has to come off.

Yes Fury what a ridicolous name ey?? Almost as funny as Chicago Fire

Accrington  Stanley takes some beating......but fair play best of luck to the lad and his family.             

Best of luck Robbie.

Bit of a change from the astro on Windsor St eh

Good luck Robbie!

Playing on a freezing cold afternoon at Accrington Stanley or a nice warm day in OZ?

I know which I'd choose.

Good luck to him. Was a true legend for the club and wish him all the best in his endeavour. Good luck in the massive time difference!

Release your fury on them God!

Good luck Robbie!

I still kind of feel that he is ruining his legacy as I said in the thread in the general football forum. However I respect the man for continuing to do what he loves and at least now his decline in football is out of the English and Irish media. Best of luck Robbie. YNWA.

Aussiered will be made up 

Good luck Robbie, im sure you will be a success there too.

nice one robbie!

hope you enjoy you're stay down under.

Good luck Robbie, im sure you will be a success there too.

Oh i'm sure he'd be big down under.