NORTH Queensland Fury’s high-profile signing of Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler back in February was met with mixed responses from football fans around the world.
Some, sure his two years in the A-League will be an on-field success, others not so confident. While that question still remains another one looks to be clearing up after the club announced a number of friendlies that are expected to be sell-outs.
The latest of which looks to be a clash against the soon to be English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers after recently appointed Director of Football Michael Petrillo announced the club were "keen". There's a twist to the story though, with reports suggesting the match could be held in Perth. Not ideal for NQ football fans, but such is Robbie Fowler's pulling power that a Fury vs Wolves game held in Western Australia is expected to be a success.
Speaking of Fowler's pulling power, only days before the announcement of a possible friendly between the two sides, a yet to be confirmed, but highly likely to go ahead three-match tour of Asia was made public by 'tour insiders'. Once again Robbie Fowler is seen as the "huge drawcard" to football fans in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Sabah, fans who have clearly not seen or heard of the amazing talent that is James Robinson. Questions still remain, and will for quite a while as to whether Fowler can dominate the A-League, but it's not hard to recognise Fowler's signing is already paying dividends away from the pitch.
With the Pre-Season Cup having been axed, it leaves a collection of matches to be scheduled. Thanks to Fowler that shouldn't present much of a problem for NQ Fury, who will no doubt be keen to secure more high-profile friendlies with overseas clubs. Aside from Fowler's playing ability, Don Matheson quite noticeably chased his signature because of his commercial potential.
"We all knew Robbie would add a lot of value to the club," he said. "Over in Asia it would be a very attractive proposition to bring Robbie over."
A proposition that is already in motion both in Asia and more then likely in other parts of the world as well, who knows how long it'll be until club sides in Europe or Asia come banging on NQ Fury's door. Robbie Fowler is yet to have prove himself on the park, but so far the signing of the Liverpool legend has been nothing but a huge success.
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Meanwhile NQ Fury's official supporters' group named F-Troop was unveiled at a BBQ along with the group's official logo. Amongst the 60-strong group was the surprise inclusion of coach Ian Ferguson, who was obviously keen to get away from the Fury HQ and have a chat with some of the fans. F-Troop organiser Tony Saldana said the one thing they all had in common was a passion for the game.
"It's all about fun really, just enjoying the game and participating and singing and chanting," he said.
The F-Troop will be seated in the northern grandstand for games held at Dairy Farmer's stadium, with fans that are prepared to sing and chant welcome to join.
"It's just to generate some atmosphere because most of us feel that when we go to Cowboys games there's no atmosphere whatsoever," Saldana said.
"So if people see that and feel they can participate then the more the merrier."
For more info you can contact F-Troop at ftroophq@gmail.com
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The much anticipated 2009/10 A-League fixture list has been released, with the Fury being drawn up against Sydney FC to begin with.
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For all the latest news and views regarding NQ Fury visit www.nqfuryfcthejournal.blogspot.com
