Coming of ‘God’ Robbie Fowler a high for A-League

The appointment of Robbie Fowler as coach of the Brisbane Roar could also help resurrect the A-League’s waning fortunes.

Robbie Fowler had some controversial moments, such as when he mimicked snorting drugs after scoring against Everton. Picture: Ross Kinnaird/Allsport

Soccer’s A-League might have suffered from a real lack of star quality on the field this season, but the man known as “God” to millions of fans around the world could be the one to help resurrect the game’s fortunes next season.

At a time when crowds are down, interest has waned and the television audience has diminished, Robbie Fowler’s appointment as coach of the Brisbane Roar will hopefully provide a much-needed shot in the arm for the national competition.

One of the classiest and most colourful players to have graced the field, the Liverpool legend now wants to make a fist of being a football manager and the Roar are happy to oblige, even if the 44-year-old has no experience in senior coaching.

Fowler was yesterday unveiled as Brisbane Roar’s new coach. Picture: AAP

As much as the three-time A-League champions will be hoping he can turn them around on the field after a disastrous season, the lure of football’s equivalent of royalty is something the club is certain will be an added bonus in terms of what he can bring off the field.

Fowler is still one of the most recognised and revered figures in the soccer world who will be expected to attract quality players, bring in new fans and members, garner huge media attention locally and overseas, and potentially excite new sponsors.

That he is a media magnet goes without question, especially if you look back through his career.

While he has won much praise for his footballing feats — he played more than 420 games and scored almost 250 goals in a stunning career spanning 17 years — Fowler, who was given his nickname by the Liverpool faithful, also occasionally made the news pages in the English media.

Legendary Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has known the highs of a memorable career. Picture: PA

Notably, he was tagged in the 1990s as a member of the Spice Boys, a group of high-profile Liverpool players who enjoyed their lifestyle. It was suggested they convinced the squad to turn up for an FA Cup final dressed in all-cream Armani suits. An unfounded rumour also suggested Fowler was dating Spice Girl Emma Bunton (Baby Spice).

Then there was his infamous goal celebration against bitter rivals Everton in which he put a finger to the side of his nose and appeared to snort the white line. He was responding again to unfounded allegations of drug-taking. Fowler later apologised.

During his time with Manchester City, the City fans would, in reference to his extensive property portfolio, chant “We all live in a Robbie Fowler house, a Robbie Fowler house” to the tune of The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine.