THAI PREMIER LEAGUE champions Muang Thong United have turned to Robbie ‘God’ Fowler to get their season back on track.
The former Liverpool striker signed for the club on a playing basis in July but has now taken on the role of caretaker coach/ player following the team’s recent exit from the AFC Cup and the departure of Henrique Calisto.
A statement of the club’s website confirmed that Fowler had been appointed, adding: “The contract is until the end of the season and the team must adapt to the long-term goals if it is to succeed in Asia.”
Now 36 years of age, the ex-England international has only had limited coaching experience – working with Milton Keynes Dons, Bury and Liverpool for short spells – but has had the carrot of a longer-term contract held out in front of him should the appointment prove to be a beneficial one.
“Robbie will be caretaker coach until the end of the season,” Muang Thong general manager Ronnarit Suewaja told the Bangkok Post. “If he is successful, we may offer him a long-term contract. We have to move forward and I am sure that everyone involved will support him.”
It won’t be easy though – Muang Thong are currently third and 12 points behind league leaders Buriram PEA as they bid to retain their title and Fowler is the club’s fifth coach in just three years.