THANKS to FourFourTwo for the opportunity to talk to NQ Fury officials, thanks to NQ Fury media manager Brett Judge who arranged it and finally thanks to coach Ian Ferguson for taking the time out of his busy schedule.

On the U23 marquee spot, Paul Henderson, local lads and that unknown Macedonian.
Not too long ago NQ Fury were in negotiations with Tahj Minniecon. The club was interested in him filling the vacant U23 spot, due to money issues the deal did not go ahead and he later signed for GCU. The club currently is neither looking home nor abroad for a player to fill the U23 marquee position and has no intentions to for the time being.

“We’re not looking for one at the moment, but if one comes up who fits a spot we need then I’ll have a look at it, but no, we’re not looking at an under-23 marquee player,” said Ferguson.

Many NQ Fury fans are itching to find out who the club are looking at to fill the #1 keepers spot. While he did reveal Paul Henderson is a player he rates, it was not his only option when it came to keepers.

“He’s a goalkeeper that does interest me... there’s a few others out there as well. I’m spoiled for choice because of the number in Australia who are available.

"I have been lucky to pick up Justin Pasfield... he’s only 23 and a fantastic goalkeeper and when I sign the second keeper there’ll be plenty of competition there for that number one spot.”

The A-League has seen a host of players emerge from various State League's such as Sasa Ogneovski, Michael Zullo and Shannon Cole. Ferguson confirmed he had his eyes on a few local lads, but wasn’t giving anything else away.

“There have been a few names given to me but I don’t think it’s fair to bring them up because I don’t want to put pressure on any players, especially young guys trying to get break into professional football.”

The latest rumour is to come out is that the club is interested in signing Macedonian international Darko Tacevski, a player who I had never heard of until a few days ago. Of course Ferguson HAD heard of him.

“He’s a very good player but there’s no interest there.”

On Robbie Fowler and why he's remaining on the cautious side of things.
Robbie Fowler has left Townsville to head back to England where he will discuss the move with his wife and family. Fowler's agent has said that Robbie will make a decision as quick as possible; this is not the view of the club however.

“I would like to make it quite clear there is no time limit on Robbie to make a decision because it is such a massive move for him and his family. I’d like them to discuss it and make 100 per cent sure that it’s the right move, so I’ll give him whatever time he needs.”

In Fowler's short stay in Townsville he indicated to the press he was keen on signing and was ultimately leaving it up to his wife and kids. Ferguson though isn't putting all his eggs in one basket.

“It’s such a massive decision for Robbie and his family, so I’m on the cautious side of things. I’ve been trying not to get too excited until I get the final answer and hopefully it will be the right answer for NQ Fury.”

When asked how confident he was of Robbie signing, Ferguson cautiously replied:

“I’ve only got two strikers on board, so Robbie was the obvious marquee choice. If he does decide to stay home we still have two or three others we could target as marquee players.

"Of course, I’d rather not have to think about that,” he added.

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As always you can find the NQ Fury supporter's forum at http://forums.northqldfc.com.au/