Robbie Fowler has been relieved of his duties after only four months at Al-Qadsiah, despite an unbeaten start to the season that sees the Saudi side sitting second in the league.
The Saudi outfit, who finished 11th last season, have replaced Fowler with former Real Madrid forward Michel.
🇸🇦 Robbie Fowler has been sacked as manager of second-tier Saudi side Al-Qadsiah.
The #LFC legend had taken the side to 2nd place with 6 wins and 2 draws from their opening 8 matches.
He also won manager of the month last week with Max Power in his squad.
Crazy decision 🤯 pic.twitter.com/V7HM6IbJ5m
— English Players Abroad (@EnglishAbroad1) October 27, 2023
A statement on the club’s page on X reads:”The management of Al-Qadsiah Sports Club have decided to terminate the contractual relationship with first team footb all coach, Mr. Robbie Fowler. The club appreciates the coach’s efforts and professionalism and wishes him all the success in his professional career.”
From controversial celebrations in Merseyside derbies and ill-fitting white suits in his playing days, to stints all over the world as a boss, let’s look at Fowler’s managerial career so far.
MUANGTHONG UNITED- (2011-2012)
The ex-Reds striker’s first job was short-lived, seeing him announced as coach of Thai side Muangthong United, despite being unveiled as a player less than three months before.
He arrived with a lot of anticipation, as Fowler-mania struck Thailand. Fans began to quickly turn on their anticipated hero, as his commitment to Thai football was questioned by fans and media alike, with Fowler missing games to return to the UK.
No doubt tasked with steering a sinking ship in his first job, it was a move that certainly didn’t fulfil the hype, seeing him back in England seven-months later.
BRISBANE ROAR- (2019-2020)
His next gig came at A-League side Brisbane Roar, some years later from his first role.
Taking time to complete his badges, a more qualified Fowler took the reins in Australia. He oversaw a major clear-out of 14 senior players upon his arrival, indicating the club’s belief in their new boss.
The former Liverpool talisman lifted the team to fourth in the league, with him being in charge for 22 games, winning 10 and drawing five.
His time down under was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, with him not returning after the resumption of the league.
EAST BENGAL FC- (2020-2021)
Soon after Australia, India’s Super League came calling. In October, the 48-year-old was appointed as the new boss.
Upon his arrival, it was the club’s debut season in the league, proving to be another challenging task for Fowler and his assistant, Renady Singh.
An expected slog in the team’s inaugural campaign saw them record only three wins from 20. The team finished ninth out of 11th, although Fowler was praised by the club for bringing ”moments of joy to the fans in a challenging period.”
The Merseyside man left the club by mutual consent in September 2021.
Al-QADSIAH FC- (June 2023- October 2023)
The Kop legend’s most recent role was no doubt his most impressive so far.
Taking over just four months ago, the Saudi side had recorded six wins and two draws from eight games this season, seeing them a point adrift the top spot.
Impressing with his start to life in the Middle East, Fowler was surprisingly axed this week. The decision has left media outlets, fans and most likely the man himself baffled.
With the club’s long-term plan to gain promotion, they may have been on course for this, as currently they sit nine spots higher than where they finished last term.
Finding himself unemployed, Fowler’s next venture is unknown. Coming off the back of a premature end to his last job, the football world can expect a move soon.
READ MORE: Could Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler be the next Tranmere Rovers manager?
