With the FFA now running the show in Townsville, at least temporarily, club employees (including players) are effectively starting from scratch when it comes to their jobs.

Coach Ian Ferguson is by no means guaranteed to continue in his current role while Fowler joins a queue of players who will sit down and discuss their futures with the FFA.

There has been speculation that Fowler could combine playing and coaching at the club. But A-League supremo Archie Fraser has dropped a heavy hint that such a scenario is very unlikely.

And if Fowler is to return to the club then he might have to accept a reduced financial package.

''If he wants to apply for the coaching role then certainly he can apply for the coaching role,'' he told the Townsville Bulletin.

''If he's got his A licence by June and he wants to apply for the role he'll be looked at the same (as anyone else), but I can't see us going for a player coach."