In ‘God’ they trust to regain the Roar

Brisbane Roar head coach Robbie Fowler has wasted no time in stamping his mark on the team.

Robbie Fowler at a training session for Brisbane Roar at Logan Metro Sports Park yesterday. Picture: AAP

Brisbane Roar head coach Robbie Fowler has wasted no time stamping his mark, charging his players with the rebuild of their club’s tattered reputation two days into pre-season training.

The man affectionately known as “God” cut an animated figure during yesterday’s open session, as high-profile recruits Aaron Amadi-Holloway, Roy O’Donovan and Scott Neville slogged it out with the rest of Brisbane’s squad.

Fowler’s meticulous preparation as a player has seeped into his coaching, with the Englishman setting high standards both on and off the field with the playing group.

“We want to be as professional as we can, we want players to be ambitious, we want to give them a little bit of focus and ownership of themselves as well,” Fowler said.

“I’m obviously new to the job and I’m not saying I know everything because I have good staff around me, and the players will bounce off each other, they’ll bounce of myself and they’ll bounce off all our coaching staff.

“So, it is a case of getting the attitude and mentality right.”

Fowler faces the difficult prospect of lifting Brisbane from the A-League doldrums to their former glory, but even Liverpool’s greatest striker can’t help enjoying the thrill of a new role in a new country.

“It’s been a long time getting over here, obviously we knew the plans months ago but actually getting on to the pitch has been special,” Fowler said.

“We’re working with a great bunch of lads, the attitude and the ambition of everyone has been first class and I couldn’t be happier.”

Fowler’s infectious energy has already captivated senior players like Irish striker O’Donovan, who shared his admiration for the man who convinced him to leave Newcastle.

“He doesn’t need this job, he wants this job because he wants to be successful as a coach,” O’Donovan said.

“Him coming here and bringing his family all the way out from England, it just shows you he’s invested.

“If the players aren’t, they’re not going to play. You’ve got to be 100 per cent in with him and do the right thing and he’ll look after you.”

Not even a looming FFA Cup round-of-32 clash with Sydney FC next month will dampen Fowler’s enthusiasm, with the former North Queensland Fury and Perth Glory star welcoming the challenge.

“I think it’s a magnificent game for myself to start,” he said. “It’s a magnificent game for the players. Of course it’s a tough game but I think every game can be tough.

“There’s no pressure on us whatsoever. We’re playing against the reigning (A-League) champions, maybe all the pressure will be on Sydney?”

The Courier-Mail