Football: Liverpool will regret this move,but it's great for you Robbie; EXCLUSIVE: STEVE McMANAMAN n ON THE DEAL THAT SHOOK FOOTBALL HOW LEEDS KOPPED FOWLER.
Byline: David MADDOCKIT USED to be said that leaving Liverpool was the equivalent of buying a one-way ticket to obscurity.
It was the Shankly philosophy that anyone who headed for the Anfield exit door was ushered in the direction of a club whose deeds would not embarrass Liverpool. That meant abroad or the lower divisions.
But times have changed, and Robbie Fowler's move to Leeds proves it.
Not only are Leeds genuine rivals to Liverpool, but they also present Fowler with a route to honours and a way back into the England side, where he seemed a permanent fixture just a year ago.
Fowler's friend Steve McManaman is adamant that not only has the striker made the right decision to move on, but also that Liverpool could just live to regret their strident transfer policy.
Macca himself has thrived since he left Anfield, winning the Champions League and the Spanish League with Real Madrid, who are now regarded as the best team in Europe.
He believes Fowler could achieve similar success because he thinks the striker's talents are exactly what Leeds require. "I think it is a great move for Robbie," he said.
"It surprises me, but some people question him and they forget what he has achieved in his career.
"I have heard some people say that he is not the same player as he was, and Liverpool were right to let him move on.
"I'm not criticising Liverpool, because they know the best way to play to achieve the success they have had, and good luck to them, but I think Robbie could thrive at Leeds.
"For a player who is supposedly not the same, he didn't do badly last season.
"He was man of the match in one cup final, and in two others he helped change the game in Liverpool's favour when they were struggling.
"And there were plenty of other games in which he made a massive contribution last season: semi finals, big cup games, the game against Manchester United, even against Charlton in the final match of the season, when his goals put Liverpool in the Champions League.
"But people have short memories. Because he hasn't played much this season, they say he's not the same player, forgetting that it is just a management decision on a certain style of play."
Macca believes that Leeds' exciting style will suit Fowler, who has not made the same impact at Anfield as Michael Owen, given the counter- attacking approach the team adopts. He also believes that the break from Anfield, after spending so long there, could have a liberating effect on the England forward.
Fowler has been attached to Liverpool from the age of nine, and McManaman, who saw him come through the ranks, insisted: "Sometimes, players need a change of scenery, especially after being at one club so long. I loved every minute of my time at Liverpool, but equally, I am enjoying it immensely in Madrid.
"I hope the same happens to Robbie. He has been a fantastic servant to Liverpool. They got him for nothing and in eight or nine years, he has become one of the best goalscorers in their history.
"He can leave with his head held high, because he has done his bit for them.
"I just hope that he goes on and enjoys the same sort of success with Leeds - and I'm sure most Liverpool fans will wish him the same, after what he has done for the club.
"Leeds are a great young side. We played against them in the Champions League last season, and you could see the potential. They got to the semi-finals and I think, with Robbie's goals, they have to be contenders for the Premiership this season.
"If he does well, then I think everyone will be happy. Liverpool have got decent money for him, and obviously they think the decision to sell him was the right one. Robbie thought the decision to go was the right one, so there's no criticism of either side."
Macca, though, believes that people should not draw the inevitable comparisons between himself and Fowler, who had 18 months left on his contract.
It has been suggested that Liverpool decided to sell because they feared that like Macca, Fowler would leave for nothing under the Bosman ruling, but the England winger said: "I don't think that is really the issue.
"Robbie appeared to be third-choice, and I think both sides thought that under those circumstances, it was best for him to move on.
"That's fair enough, because at his age, and with his class, he wants to be playing regular first-team football, and I think Liverpool knew that."MONDAY NOV 26:
Leeds state they have had no negotiations with Liverpool about Robbie Fowler and have made no official bid.
TUESDAY NOV 27:
9.30am: Leeds again insist there is nothing imminent on Robbie Fowler transfer as chairman Peter Ridsdale prepares for London business meetings.
12 noon: David O'Leary denies stories that Robbie Fowler is being lined up as a replacement for Alan Smith, because of Smith's disciplinary problems. He states that he will not pay over the odds for Fowler and says: "It would be easy for me to contact Liverpool because I have a good friend there in Gerard Houllier."
1pm: Liverpool state they have re-opened talks with Fowler over a new contract at Anfield as some kind of smoke screen to the pending deal.
2pm: The first suggestions that talks between Leeds and Liverpool are taking place surface.
5.30pm: Peter Ridsdale in meetings still in London and rumours start that Fowler has been spotted at Elland Road.
8pm: Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry arrives back from meetings in London and takes phone call from Ridsdale.
8.30pm: Deal is concluded between the pair after agreeing an pounds 11m deal.
9.10pm: First news leaks that Liverpool have given Fowler permission to talk to the Yorkshire club.
9.30pm: Fowler admits it will be a wrench to leave Anfield but is hoping to sort a deal out with Leeds.
WEDNESDAY NOV 28:
11am: Fowler arrives at Elland Road to meet with Ridsdale and to start the first half of a long medical process.
4pm: Fowler leaves Leeds to return to Liverpool, ready to complete the second half of his medical.
CAPTION(S):
DOUBLE ACT: McManaman and Robbie Fowler; RIDSDALE; SELL PHONE: Robbie Fowler spreads the news of his switch to Leeds yesterday Picture exclusive: BRADLEY ORMESHER
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| Title Annotation: | Sport |
|---|---|
| Publication: | The Mirror (London, England) |
| Date: | Nov 29, 2001 |
| Words: | 1080 |
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