EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool fan Robbie Middleby grew up idolising one Anfield hero and can't wait to start alongside another at Townsville.
Middleby said his goodbyes to Sydney FC colleagues at the club's annual award ceremony on Saturday night with the evening featuring a video highlights package of the versatile player's time at the club.
But it's the future rather than the past that dominates Middleby's thoughts as he prepares to head north in the next 24 hours.
He told au.fourfourtwo.com today: "I'm really, really excited. I feel like a kid again, you know? I think a change and a new challenge in life does you good.
"There are new things to consider with the move. People have talked a lot about the humidity but we'll work in those conditions and hopefully it will be more for the opposition to worry about."
Middleby is one of two new signings named Robbie - and he can't wait to meet the other one. He said: "I grew up a Liverpool fan and really looked up to Craig Johnston.
"So it will be fantastic to have Robbie here. From all the things coach Ian Ferguson has said, he has a lot to offer as a team player and I think he can have an important impact - for the league as well.
"Dwight Yorke provided that in season one with Sydney. These guys bring so much experience with them and the younger guys can learn so much."
Fowler aside, Fury's approach has been somewhat lower key than fellow new boys Gold Coast United but Middleby has no problem with that. He is also aware that not everyone has been entirely complimentary about the squad assembled so far.
"People can say what they like and the challenge is there to prove them wrong," he said. "There's some very good players been brought together at this club and everyone wants to do well.
"I think both new teams will be aiming to do well, it's important for the league."
As for his own position in the team, Middleby will be happy to do a job wherever is asked of him. He said: "Whether it's the left, the right or maybe in a more attacking role I'll just do the best I can."
Middleby expects to pull on his training boots for the first time on April 1.
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