Cardiff's signing of Robbie Fowler has certainly thrust the Welsh club back into the national spotlight. The sale of Michael Chopra to Sunderland had left supporters wondering whether the club was going to kick on following last year's brush with promotion but the signing of Fowler has answered any critics. The former England, Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester City star has scored piles of goals during his decorated career but isn't ready to hang up his boots just yet. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson spoke to Fowler at the press conference to announce his signing as the national media descended on Ninian Park.
Q:THERE WAS A LOT OF TALK ABOUT YOU RETIRING AFTER YOU LEFT LIVERPOOL – DID THAT EVER ENTER YOUR MIND?
A:People talked about me retiring but I spoke to the manager and chairman and they have given me the chance again. A few clubs came in for me. Over the years I have had to deal with a lot of pressure and I can handle it. I have played in the Sunday league and other levels, so it does not matter what division I am in? I am only 32. not 38. I have a few years in me yet. Forget about the hype.
Q:THIS IS THE FIRST TIME YOU HAVE DROPPED OUT OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE ISN'T IT?
A:A lot of people have said to me about staying in the Premier League. There were a few top flight clubs after me but if you stay there and are fighting relegation, then it is obviously not that good, and the confidence can suffer. If you challenging for promotion in the Championship then the confidence is high, winning games, that is what players want. I am not guaranteed a starting place. I am like everyone else I will need to fight for my place. I am not too big or proud to sit on the bench if the manager wants me to sit on the bench. But I am here to make my way in the team. I have not played that many games of the past two years but any player will tell you that you live off games. The more you play, the more you successful you are.
Q:WERE YOU DISAPPOINTED NOT TO PLAY MORE GAMES DURING YOUR SECOND SPELL AT LIVERPOOL?
A:I knew the circumstances - anyone will tell you that - when you are in a club you want to play as many games as you can, but when the squad is massive it is obviously going to be harder. The squad here is not as big as Liverpool, so I think will have more of a chance! I will train today. Until I get out on a pitch I will not know about my fitness. I feel good but let's wait and see. I think there is premiership potential here. The way that Cardiff was last year they were top of the league in November. The fact that they never sustained that level of football was because they drew eight or nine matches. So the basis was there. If they change the draws to wins who knows? There are good players if they keep the consistency, they have half a chance.
Q:DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AS A DIRECT REPLACEMENT FOR MICHAEL CHOPRA?
A:He is a very good player. I don't understand why he has gone, but I don't want to delve into that. I am here now and he has gone and hopefully I can step into where he started. I've been here before in the FA Cup with Leeds. I know what the home fans can do. On that day, I would not say that Leeds or us were scared. But when they get behind the team, like they did that day then I am sure that they are like that all the time, I am sure that it will help.
Q:IS IT HARD TO MAINTAIN MOTIVATION?
A:Football is all I have done and I want to do. As for motivation, I want to go out and play and win games to help the manager and chairman for the success of the team. I don't need any motivation; I just want play football. I know what I need to do. I have never given myself targets, as if you don't reach them you have let yourself down.
Q:HOW DO YOU THINK LIVERPOOL WILL FARE THIS SEASON?
A:It is a fantastic club and the manager has bought well this summer, some fantastic players. They have a bigger squad. He has bought some great players. I want them to win the Premier League. I hope for the players', manager's and supporters' sake that they do win leagues.
Q:WERE YOU DISAPPOINTED NOT TO PLAY IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL?
A:I knew what was coming to be honest. I was not kidding myself. I enjoyed my second time at Liverpool. To be fair I had a chat with the manager and I could not have thanked him enough. He was fantastic for me. I was not playing at Manchester city when he brought me back. Not just the manager, but all the staff were fantastic.
Q:DID YOU SPEAK TO ANYONE ABOUT THE MOVE TO CARDIFF BEFOREHAND?
A:I live a stone's throw from Ian Rush. He has been phoning me all the time asking what is happening. He kept telling me that it is a great club, a great city. Other players have been on the phone telling me how good it is – (Stephen) Macphail and Sinclair and as I call him Tosh (John Toshack). The plan is to get promotion and play in the Premier League with them. I don't think that there is a more fitting place than the Premiership to get the new stadium. This club needs to be playing there and there is a big enough squad and some very talented players, so let's see how it goes.
