- Robbie Fowler open to again coaching in the A-League
- Endured a bitter falling out with Brisbane Roar in 2020
- FIFA got involved, Fowler was awarded damages
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has declared an interest in reigniting his managerial career in Australia – despite a bitter falling out with Brisbane five years ago.
Fowler, 50, spent just over a year in charge of the Roar and took legal action against the A-League Men club at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic over what he claimed was his unfair dismissal.
FIFA eventually ordered Brisbane to pay damages to Fowler, ruling his contract was terminated without just cause during the competition’s 2020 shutdown period.
The man known as ‘God’ on Merseyside in the United Kingdom has since held head coaching positions in India and Saudi Arabia, and is eager to give management another crack.
‘I love the game and I feel as though I’ve got a lot to give,’ Fowler said in Melbourne on Tuesday.
‘I spent many years doing all my coaching badges and all the correct badges that you need to go represent football clubs.
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has declared an interest in reigniting his managerial career in Australia – despite a bitter falling out with Brisbane Roar five years ago (pictured, with football identity Mark Bosnich in Melbourne this week)
Fowler was in Melbourne as a Liverpool ambassador – the famous English club is celebrating 20 years since their remarkable Champions League final triumph in 2005 against AC Milan
Fowler made his Premier League debut for the Reds against Chelsea aged just 18 in 1993
‘There will be an opportunity for me to travel overseas again and if it’s in Australia, brilliant. If it’s not, then I’ll go somewhere else.
‘But I love being involved in football and being a part of a football club, and fingers crossed it’s soon.’
Fowler was one of the biggest names to grace the A-League, spending one season each at North Queensland Fury and Perth Glory from 2009-2011.
The former England striker, who had only previously played club football in the UK, scored 18 goals in 54 ALM appearances.
Fowler clarified he would only return to Australia if the ‘right opportunity’ presented, and suggested time was healing his wounds from the Brisbane fallout.
‘I won my case against them and wasn’t happy with the way I was treated at the end, but it is what it is,’ Fowler said.
‘I understand a lot of what happened was because sponsors were pulling out of the league.
‘I loved my time here and that little bit probably dampened my love of Australia.
In the twilight of his football career, Fowler played in the A-League for the now defunct North Queensland Fury and then Perth Glory (pictured)
Fowler then got into management, with his stint at Brisbane Roar one to forget
‘But if I get an opportunity to come over and it’s the right opportunity, then I’m all for it.’
Fowler still keeps tabs on the ALM, including Melbourne City’s tense 1-0 win over arch-rivals Melbourne Victory in last week’s grand final.
‘I watched the game and I enjoyed it. Melbourne Victory were probably unlucky,’ Fowler said.
‘(City’s) performance wasn’t great, but no one really remembers that. You remember the result.’
A current Liverpool ambassador, Fowler made a brief appearance in Melbourne this week at an event hosted by Carlsberg to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Reds’ ‘Miracle Of Istanbul’ UEFA Champions League triumph in 2005 against Italian giants AC Milan.
‘I love being part of Liverpool,’ Fowler said.
‘I’ve been blessed with playing with Liverpool for a lot of years and now travelling the world as an ambassador.
‘You get to spend a lot of quality time with supporters of the football club and I love it.’
