Robbie Fowler to Blackburn Rovers – a tenuous connection?

“Ecuador international midfielder Alejandro Castillo claims he is in talks over a move from Red Star Belgrade to Blackburn. (La Red radio, Ecuador)”…..

I always maintain I don’t believe in coincidence; I wonder if Ecuador has equally brisk trade in export of ‘Bolivian marching powder’ and the (factually sparse as yet) rumour about Fowler joining Rovers are connected?

I was as shocked as anyone to hear the ‘news’ Robbie Fowler has turned down the option of a one year contract extension at Cardiff to join Rovers on their pre-season training camp next week. However, it’s worth applying a bit of logic and common sense before we all get too flustered…..

 

1. Fowler is clearly angling for a new contract
2. The fact he’s training with Rovers mean nothing – Beckham did some training with Arsenal last season didn’t he?
3. Rovers are renowned for having a good sports science/fitness regime, and with Fowler being out injured for so long he possibly wants to train with as good a set-up as possible;
4. Ince and Fowler are more than likely mates?
5. We don’t know in what capacity (if any) Fowler may be an option for Rovers (or not at all) – everyone’s making the assumption we MUST be signing him and therefore Ince has somehow took leave of his sanity.
6. There has been no official comment from Rovers – and there needn’t be – the story has broken from Fowler’s/Cardiff’s side, and arguably they’ve vested interests.
7. IF, and it’s a big if, Rovers decide to offer some element of a contract to Fowler – he is still a natural goalscorer (providing he is fit, injury-free and motivated) and surely will be a great asset off-pitch, in training, at the Academy, etc.
8. Simon Garner was never the most athletic player, and had his own ‘refueling’ habits that were frowned on even in his era, yet he still banged them in every season. Fowler still scored 6 out of 16 last season….

Moral of the story – “let the chips fall as they may” as they say in Fight Club. IF Rovers sign Fowler, and IF he’s a flop, criticise him then. Look back at Souness – he brought Hughes in, and we all said “why?” as indeed we did when he signed Friedel. If we knew then, what we knew now…….