Extreme Football Forum  |  Football Forums  |  General Football Forum  |  Topic: Robbie Fowler staying in OZ

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5883750,00.html

Striker Robbie Fowler will not be leaving fledgling Hyundai A-League club North Queensland, chairman Don Matheson insisted on Monday.

Matheson held a meeting between his star player and coach Ian Ferguson after a difference of opinion led to Fowler sitting out Saturday's clash against Brisbane.

Talk that the former Liverpool legend was poised to leave the club proved unfounded, though, with the Fury managing to resolve the issues and ensure both remain in Townsville until at least the end of the season.

"I've spoken to them today and realise there has been a misunderstanding - Ian wanted to play a particular formation and that included utilising Robbie as an impact player off the bench and Robbie believed he wasn't part of the squad - and there has been an unfortunate outcome because of that misunderstanding," Matheson said.

"We've sorted that out and there is now a clear commitment from both Ian and Robbie to try to win our three remaining matches of the season, starting with the Newcastle Jets this weekend.

"The club apologises to the fans here in the North and across the competition for what's happened, but moving forward, I am happy that we've been able to resolve this in the best interests of the club and the game."

There was speculation that family reasons would force Fowler to leave the club and return to England, but Matheson denied that was an issue.

"Robbie is getting pretty tired of the speculation that he will be leaving North Queensland Fury FC. He is not leaving the club," he said.

"He and his family have made some sacrifices for him to play for North Queensland - as have all the players - and he's happy with his decision."

Why would he want to come back here