AUGUST 1
Fowler actions speak louder than words

By Chris Bascombe - Liverpool Echo

Robbie Fowler has numerous targets for the season ahead, but he's sure babysitting Anfield's new recruits won't be among his requirements.

Although his example on and off the pitch has been hailed by his manager, particularly following the arrival of Craig Bellamy and Jermaine Pennant, it's not in the Liverpool striker's nature to brashly preach words of wisdom to his younger team-mates.

Pulling the new boys to one side and lecturing them about the pitfalls of being back in the spotlight doesn't sit comfortably with a player whose influence is far more subtle.

Actions speak louder than words in Fowler's case, and he believes the duo are already mature enough to recognise what's expected following their move to Merseyside without the constant need to broadcast it.

Even if Fowler is too modest to impose his legendary status on the recruits, there's no doubting the awe with which he's held by Pennant and Bellamy, as highlighted during their interviews on arrival.

"It's bit strange for me we're signing players who are mentioning how they used to watch me when they were young lads," he said.

"The same thing happened when I was at Leeds and Manchester City. In football terms, I am getting on, I suppose, but I'm not exactly old, am I?

"I'm not someone who'd go up to players and start telling them they've got to do this or that.

"I don't think I particularly need to go around giving someone like Craig any advice. It's more a case of us just chatting about football in general, and the same way anyone who works together does every day, and if we help each other, that's great.

"I think if I started coming out saying what Craig should be doing, it would be wrong and I'd leave myself open to criticism.

"He knows, like all of us at the club, what's expected when you sign for Liverpool. All of us have to toe the line, not just one particular individual."

The difference with Bellamy and Pennant, Fowler accepts, is they may become more of a target for those who want to see high profile footballers in bother.

Fowler suffered during his first spell at Anfield because there were those who preyed on his every move, but he thinks the new recruits have already suffered enough to know instinctively how to dodge trouble in future.

"Every player knows now they need to be careful and avoid certain situations," added Fowler.

"For whatever reason, there are always going to be certain people looking for you. I know Craig will be as aware as all of us what situations are best avoided, because he's suffered in the past."

Fowler is positive Bellamy's behaviour on the pitch rather than off it will be grabbing the headlines in the months ahead, and the striking pair have wasted no time forming a part-nership.

Fowler's ability to come deep and turn provider has been one of the more eye-catching features of the friendlies.

He's even been compared in some quarters to a Teddy Sheringham-style forward, whichis some transformation for a player once hailed exclusively for his finishing skills.

"It's nice to hear people saying that and the part-nership has worked out well so far," says Fowler.

"But you've got to say it's really early days and it's difficult to read too much into any of the games we've played. We've enjoyed playing alongside each other, but we know over the next couple of weeks there will be a bit more competition for places up-front.

"Crouchy will be available again soon and we're all expecting another striker to come in. That remains to be seen and I'm sure the manager is working on that one. Until then Craig and myself will keep working hard and try to develop an understanding which will get better in the future."

There's already been one significant milestone for Fowler this pre-season. That's the return to another spiritual home, this time in the form of the number nine jersey vacated by Djibril Cisse.

"I said when I joined that the badge on the front of the shirt is more important than the number on the back," the 31-year-old recalled.

"That's still how I feel, but obviously the number nine means a lot to me and it's nice to have it back. It's still what's on the front that matters most though."

If the sight of Robbie Fowler, Liverpool number nine, provokes the same number of goals at the same prolific rate as when he last wore it, his chances of fulfilling his main aim for the forthcoming campaign will be significantly increased.

"It was a bit disappointing missing out on the FA Cup Final last season, but I've already got a winners' medal from that competition." said Fowler, contemplating the season to come.

"I think it's fair to say I'd settle for a Premiership medal this year. The way we ended last season puts us in good stead, but we're not going to go shouting our mouths off saying what we're going to do.

"The best approach for us is to go about our business as quietly and as well as we can, and then I'm sure we can put in a stronger challenge than last season."

MAY 5
Fowler thrilled to stay

By James Pearson - Sky Sports

Robbie Fowler has spoken of his excitement at being offered a 12-month extension with Liverpool.

Fowler joined The Reds from Manchester City, but his deal lasted just six months as the Merseysiders wanted to see how he adjusted to his Anfield return.

Rafa Benitez has clearly been impressed with the veteran's performances and handed him a year's extension that is expected to be rubber-stamped next week.

Fowler is delighted his displays have been rewarded and is now looking forward to helping Liverpool challenge Chelsea for next season's Premiership title.

"You can imagine how happy I was when the manager offered me another year," Fowler told the club's official website. "This is something I have wanted for a long time.

"When I signed the manager told me he would look at the situation at the end of the season. He's had a look at what I've done and thankfully I've been given the best possible answer.

"I feel as though I've done alright and the manager has been pleased with me as well. I'm looking forward to next season now.

"I was buzzing when I got a six-month deal so you can imagine how happy I am to have been given another year. I am absolutely over the moon.

"We've got two games to go and then a break before pre-season. I can't wait for next season now. I just want to get going again."

Fowler is disappointed to miss out on the FA Cup final, but wishes his team-mates all the best as they tackle West Ham at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

"I'm gutted I have to miss next week's Cup final but I wish the lads all the best and I know we can
win it."

MAY 5
Fowler to sign new Liverpool deal

BBC Sport Online

Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler will sign a new one-year contract to stay at the Anfield club next week.

The 30-year-old was on a short-term deal after joining on a free from Manchester City in January.

"This is fantastic news," said manager Rafael Benitez. "Robbie has done really well and he deserves this.

"He has scored vital goals for us and has worked really hard. I am delighted to have him with us for next season, he is an important member of our squad."

Fowler has bagged four goals for the Reds in 15 appearances since re-joining the club he began his career with.

APRIL 28
Fowler's agent eyes Anfield deal

BBC Sport Online

Robbie Fowler's agent is optimistic the veteran Liverpool striker will be offered a new contract at Anfield.

Fowler rejoined the club from Manchester City on a short-term deal in January, which is due to end in July.

The 31-year-old is still waiting to hear from boss Rafael Benitez on whether he will be offered an extended deal at Anfield.

But his representative George Scott told BBC Sport: "Robbie wants to stay and I've got a good feeling about it."

Benitez hinted earlier this week that he may be ready to offer Fowler a new deal if he shapes up well during the summer.

The Liverpool manager said: "We cannot expect to see the best of Robbie now, perhaps in pre-season we will see him progress."

And Scott is now hopeful the former England striker will be given a chance to prove himself further when he reports back for training in July.

"He loves the club and with a really good pre-season under his belt Robbie is hoping to be even sharper for next season.

"It's a case of wait and see but I hoping something can be sorted out and I know Robbie is very keen to stay at Anfield.

"He is very happy being back 'home', he's scoring goals and training hard and I'm sure it's helping him playing again at his boyhood club."

Meanwhile, Bolton are among a group of top Premiership clubs monitoring Fowler's situation if Benitez decides to let him go.

And Scott admitted: "We know there is interest from elsewhere and I think any team in the Premiership would be happy to have him.

"He's only 31 and when you think of what he can do at this level I'd expect someone to come in.

"But Robbie's priority is to get a new deal with Liverpool and hopefully the club may feel it's a case of 'we know what we've got in him'.

"You never know sometimes how new players will settle in - but with Robbie they've got someone who's eager to play for them.

"He may not have be happy to sit on the bench elsewhere but at Liverpool, he would be still be glad to come on and do a job - that's how much it means to him being there."

Scott revealed that the Liverpool supporters' reaction to Fowler's return to Anfield was the inspiration behind his excellent goalscoring form.

Prior to Wednesday's 2-1 victory at West Ham, he had netted four goals in his previous five games.

"You only had to see the welcome he received when he returned to the club in January and I know that has really spurred Robbie on.

"I'm sure the fans would love to see him stay for a while longer.

"He was out injured for a long time while at Manchester City but he's getting back to full fitness and he feels that there is a lot more to come."

Thor Zakariassen ©