by Reg » Thu Jul 12, 2007 1:45 pm
Fowler in Australia for Sydney FC talks: reports 07-12-2007, 10h57 SYDNEY (AFP)
Former Liverpool ace Robbie Fowler, seen here in 2006, has touched down in Australia for talks with A-League club Sydney FC.
(AFP/File)
Former Liverpool ace Robbie Fowler has touched down in Australia for talks with A-League club Sydney FC, media reports said Thursday.
The striker, modestly known as "God" on the red half of Merseyside, is believed to be in Australia until Monday to inspect the Sydney facilities and decide on whether to become the club's marquee signing for the upcoming season.
Fowler, who scored 183 goals in 369 games during his two spells with Liverpool and has 26 England caps, was released by his hometown club at the end of the Premier League season.
The 32-year-old reportedly has a number of British clubs chasing his signature, including Leicester, Cardiff and Port Vale.
Sydney FC chief executive George Perry told a Sydney radio station Wednesday that he expected a decision from Fowler next week.
Under 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.
Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke filled the role in 2006, helping Sydney FC to the inaugural A-League title before moving back to Britain with Sunderland.
‘Go for it Robbie’ says Rush Jul 12 2007 by Mark Bloom, South Wales Echo
ROBBIE Fowler has been urged to join Cardiff City – by fellow Liverpool strike legend Ian Rush.
Former Wales captain Rush has revealed details of a private chat the pair had when the Bluebirds’ interest in Fowler first emerged.
And the advice from the old master was emphatic: “Cardiff City is the right move for you Robbie.”
Rush told the Echo: “I’ve told Robbie to go for it.
“I told him that Cardiff is a great city and the supporters are different class.
“I made it clear to him that he would enjoy the whole experience with the Bluebirds.”
And Rush reckons his words could well tip the scales in City’s favour, as the club seek to fill the void soon to be left by the departure of Michael Chopra. “Robbie has told me that he’s seriously thinking about the move,” added Rush.
“I told him that I think it would be the right move at the right time for both him and the club.
“I made it clear to him in no uncertain terms what he should do.”
And Rush dismissed the fears of some Bluebirds supporters, that Fowler is over the hill at 32.
He continued: “It’s not just a case of the Robbie Flower factor – he would bring skill and experience which would rub off on those around him.
“Robbie still keeps himself fit and he still scores goals and I know he could do a great job in the Championship.
“Getting him on board would be a great boost for Cardiff City, especially now with Chopra gone.
“I just hope it all comes together because I want Cardiff City in the Premiership.
“I want them on the football map because I want the best for Welsh football in general.
“And that will definitely be the case if Robbie goes there.”
Sydney are trying to persuade Fowler to move to Australia, but he’s not thought to be keen.