The rumoured move was today confirmed by Glory owner Tony Sage who took a call from Fowler personally to apologise and admit he would no longer be able to play on Saturday.

Fowler had previously said he would make the Glory v Celtic clash his last ever game before moving his career into coaching in the UK so he could be closer to his family.

The former Liverpool legend had earlier turned down the chance of one last season with Glory, despite giving Sage his word he would be returning to Western Australia next season.

Now though Fowler appears to have decided to squeeze in another season on the field and joined the current Thai Premier League champions.

"I'm in shock. I don't want to say anymore than that," Sage told The West Australian.

He added: "Now that he's signed (for Muang Thong) he can't play against Celtic."

Coincidentally, Fowler and Sage holidayed together in Thailand earlier this year when they enjoyed a stay in Phuket.

Last night the Asian minnows were celebrating the coup.

"He agreed to play with Muang Thong United as a forward," team manager Ronnarit Suewaja told Agence France-Press yesterday.

"I'm confident that Thai football will improve as a famous player like him agreed to join us. The contract has already been signed. We just need to work out a few details.''