Brisbane Roar appoint Robbie Fowler as head coach

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has played down concerns about his lack of coaching experience after being appointed as the Brisbane Roar’s new manager.

New Roar coach Robbie Fowler at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Jono Searle

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Brisbane Roar have pinned their hopes on “God” being their saviour.

The struggling Roar have announced Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler as the club’s new coach.

Dubbed as “God” by adoring Liverpool fans, 44-year-old Fowler arrived in Queensland on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s unveiling on the Gold Coast.

The Courier-Mail first revealed in January Fowler’s interest in the Roar job after the resignation of the club’s longest-serving coach John Aloisi in December.

Darren Davies has been Brisbane’s interim head coach since Aloisi’s departure, and will remain with the club next season as an assistant to Fowler.

Robbie Fowler can’t wait to get started at Brisbane Roar.

The Roar are about to complete their worst season in A-League history, having won just four of 26 matches heading into the final game of their disastrous campaign on Thursday against finals-bound Adelaide United at Suncorp Stadium.

Adelaide coach Marco Kurz, who will leave the Reds at the end of the season, had been linked to the Roar job, along with former Vancouver Whitecaps mentor Carl Robinson and a host of other names, including ex-Central Coast Mariners coach Paul Okon.

Throwback to one of @Robbie9Fowler's finest moments in the @ALeague 🔥

📝 https://t.co/ht1i0JfxoA pic.twitter.com/gMtBGqt8Wr

— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) April 23, 2019

Brisbane Roar Football Club is delighted to announce football legend @Robbie9Fowler has been appointed as the Club’s new @ALeague Head Coach.

Full story: https://t.co/REsigML7gr#RoarAsOne pic.twitter.com/zltjvxC8RJ

— Brisbane Roar (@brisbaneroar) April 23, 2019

But following a thorough and detailed search, the Roar have settled on former England international Fowler.

“It’s a massive challenge and I can’t wait to get going,” Fowler told The Courier-Mail.

“It feels fantastic to be here and it’s great to be the manager of the (former) champs and I believe I can change their fortunes.”

Fowler’s only previous experience as a senior coach was a short stint as player-coach of Thai club Muangthong United in 2012.

“I know people will mention the experience but as far I’m concerned, you get experience on the job,” he said.

“If anyone was to come into a new manager’s job — whether you’re experienced or not — it doesn’t dictate whether or not you’re going to do a good job.

Robbie Fowler insists he’s a ‘good, reliable, safe option’.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m a good, reliable, safe option and I’m going to do everything needed to do it the right way.”

However, he has knowledge of the A-League, having played for the now defunct North Queensland Fury in the 2009-10 season and Perth Glory the season after.

He is fully qualified, having a UEFA pro licence.

Fowler has made no secret of his desire to coach at senior level.

In December he revealed his interest in taking charge of English third-tier club Bristol Rovers, who instead preferred Graham Coughlan for the job.

“I’ve thrown in a few (CVs) over the years, still waiting for a call,” Fowler told Soccer AM.

“Bristol Rovers has obviously come up — would I be interested? Of course I would. I went over to Thailand and loved being a manager. People in this country (England) think I’m inexperienced but I’ve done it before.

Robbie Fowler signed with the Glory in 2010. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

“I came home, did all my badges, I’m properly qualified, so I think it’s just a case of watch this space.”

Fowler will be introduced to Roar fans on Thursday at Suncorp Stadium, where retiring club captain Matt McKay and the departing Henrique will be farewelled.

Davies will be one of two Roar assistant coaches next season, with Fowler to also bring in Tony Grant, who has several years’ coaching experience in the UK, having worked on the staff at Blackburn and Blackpool.