Perth Glory boss Ferguson sick of Fowler tiff claims

Perth Glory head coach Ian Ferguson wants questions regarding his and Robbie Fowler’s apparent tiff last season to stop.

Reports suggested the pair had a falling out when both at North Queensland Fury last term after Fowler was benched for a match.

The former Liverpool star started Wednesday night’s scoreless draw with Melbourne Heart as a substitute but Ferguson said it was to protect his ageing player and that there was nothing in it.

“I really hate when that (last season's tiff) is brought up all the time because there was never anything in it," Ferguson said.

"There was never any malice or any harm with me and Robbie Fowler, hatred or whatever.

"Robbie's professional, I'm professional, I make the decisions and Robbie respected that.

"When I told him he was on the bench it wasn't a problem. He played over against Central Coast Mariners (on Saturday) and then had to fly back.

"At 35 I just felt at times it might be too much, two games in quick succession.

"He came off the bench and I thought he did a fantastic job for us.

"He did well, held the ball, put some good balls through. I was pleased."