ROBBIE FOWLER is the new boss of Al-Qadsiah after two years away from management.
The former Liverpool and England striker has made the move to Saudi Arabia.
1Robbie Fowler is the new manager of Saudi Arabian side Al-QadsiahCredit: Willie Vass
Al-Qadsiah finished 11th of 18 in the second tier last season, 23 points behind the top four who were all promoted.
But they will now be hoping the Reds legend can fire them to promotion, where they would face the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
Fowler, 48, took on his first job in the dugout at Thai outfit Muangthong United from 2011-12.
He then was in charge at Brisbane Roar from 2019-20 before a spell with East Bengal in 2020-21.
The ex-frontman also did some coaching on a casual basis at Oxford United.
But now he will continue his senior managerial career in the Middle East.
Fowler has been brought in the day after Carlos Anton was appointed as technical director, having previously worked at Real Madrid, Malaga, Bristol City and Derby.
His new side won their only Crown Prince Cup in 1992, two years before adding the Saudi Federations Cup and Asian Cup Winners’ Cup.
The current squad has no players of note, with ex-Holland, Reading and Wolves winger Ola John the standout player in the Saudi First Division League.
Fowler becomes the latest high-profile addition to Saudi football, albeit in management.
Ronaldo’s January switch to Al-Nassr after his departure from Manchester United sent the profile of the country’s top-flight soaring.
Real striker Benzema, 35, and 32-year-old Chelsea midfielder Kante are joining champs Al-Ittihad in July,
Lionel Messi, 36, and 34-year-old Sergio Busquets have rejected the Saudi Pro League for David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
But Chelsea hitman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, also 34, could be one of the next to accept a massive Saudi pay-day.
Source: Thessun.com
