Robbie Fowler has applied for the vacant manager’s position at Leeds United, according to reports on Sky Sports.
Controversial club owner Massimo Cellino is currently scouring the market for a new head coach, having relieved Dave Hockaday of his duties last month. The 56-year-old was only appointed during the summer, but he won just two of his six matches in charge and was dismissed following a League Cup defeat to rivals Bradford City.
A number of names have been linked with the Elland Road position since, with Neal Redfearn and Steve Clarke said to be the current frontrunners for the job. However, according to Sky Sports, a surprise name has entered the fray with sources claiming former England international Fowler has submit an application for the job.
The 39-year-old is best remembered for his time at hometown club Liverpool, having progressed through their youth team to make over 230 appearances in the Premier League. His time on Merseyside ended with a surprise £12million move to Leeds in 2001, and he went on to score 14 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions for the Whites.
Fowler left Elland Road in January 2003 when he joined Manchester City, and then made an emotional return to Liverpool three years later. He also had brief spells at Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers, before quitting England and heading to Australia in 2009. During his two-year stint down under, he played for North Queensland Fury and Perth Glory, before ending his playing days in Thailand in 2012 with a short spell at Muangthong United.
The former striker, who scored seven goals in 26 caps for England, has recently returned to Liverpool as a club ambassador whilst assisting the Academy staff by taking coaching lessons, and he has also made a number of television and radio appearances as a pundit. It now seems as though he wants to take his first steps into management, though, and will be hoping his application is looked on favourably by Cellino.
Would Fowler be a good appointment for Leeds, or is it just too big a risk to take? Let us know your opinion by joining in with the discussion below.
