Even before Robbie Fowler was confirmed as Brisbane Roar coach, his potential to shift the spotlight onto the A-League strugglers was apparent.
As rumours swirled that the Liverpool great would be named Roar coach, a tweet from a journalist at the Liverpool Echo newspaper about the pending appointment had garnered over 9,000 likes in just a few hours.
By contrast last weekend's home game against Newcastle had an official attendance of 7,985.
Roar chief executive David Pourre denies appointing Fowler - a great former player with no coaching experience - is a gamble, but admits his global profile is a bonus for a club which has endured a horror 2018-19 campaign.
"It wasn't a primary reason why we appointed Robbie but obviously those are the fringe benefits as they would say," Pourre told AAP.
"He's a legend of the game ... it's no surprise those overseas ... that do follow them (Liverpool) would get right behind him.
"... But in Australia as well. There's a lot of fans of Robbie across all clubs. I think it's great, not only for this club, but also the A-League ... that we can attract really good people."
Pourre said over 150 candidates put their hand up for the role following John Aloisi's resignation in late December.
A panel including former Socceroos and Roar defender Jade North deliberated for months before handing Fowler the job.
Pourre said Fowler's lack of coaching experience wasn't a major concern as far as the selection panel was concerned.
"There are never any guarantees in the hiring of any manager of any club," he said.
"The criteria ... was extensive, around knowledge of the A-League; having a connection with Queensland; man management capability; knowledge of the salary cap environment; a technical background.
"Robbie, clearly from the panel's perspective who interviewed him, rated quite highly across every one."
Australian Associated Press
