North Queensland Fury have entered the A-League with a more modest fanfare to that of state neighbours Gold Coast United. Despite a meeker interest in the overall franchise, North Queensland have created the story of the closed season.

Former Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester City and England striker Robbie Fowler has been signed as the club's inaugural marquee player. However even the signing of an international class player - known by Liverpool fans as "God" with over 170 goals at the highest level - has failed to make the national splash it deserves.

If Fowler had signed for Sydney, Melbourne or even Gold Coast, then his arrival would have been lauded as the biggest signing the league has ever made; bigger even than Dwight Yorke's arrival considering the advanced maturity of the league.

Instead observers were more fazed with questioning his motives for moving to remote and underwhelming Townsville, if he will be able to handle the heat and humidity and why he didn't sign for a more "glamorous" A-League club?

There also might be a lack of awareness from local fans about just how good Fowler was - and potentially will be - with Fury in their first season. In short, the Liverpool legend was good. Very good. Exceptional in fact. You don't get called "God" for nothing.

Some may claim the 33-year old has not hit his Liverpool heights in years. Others point out injury and poor form might render Fowler an A-League passenger in the twilight of his career. Some say he won't get the support to enable his goal scoring ways.

However Fowler's attributes ensure his talents can be leveraged in the A-League. We can't think of many footballers who strike the ball harder or cleaner than Fowler. If Fowler keeps himself fit, he will score goals and gather crowds like an A-League marquee player should.

On the day Fowler arrives in Townsville, FourFourTwo is on the phone with the biggest attraction in the area since the first Great Barrier Reef boat tour was established. We're keen to find out his reasons for the move and Fowler's Fury hopes, but we also want to reminisce with this EPL legend about the Aussies he has played with and against in his illustrious career.

Continued on next page