Stewart Petrie: Swapping Ross County for North Queensland Fury no brainer

Stewart Petrie is excited about returning to Singapore this week.

Now assistant coach at new A-League club North Queensland Fury, Petrie, who spent ten years at Dunfermline Athletic, admits his time in Singapore with Geylang United was a career highlight.

The Fury will face Tampines Rovers at Jalan Besar Stadium on May 31 in a game which will officially mark the Australian club's introduction to Asian club football.

Petrie told tribalfootball.com: "Yes, I am excited about going back - very much so.. I had a fabulous time when I was there as a player and it’s an exciting challenge that we’re all thoroughly looking forward to at the Fury.

"The S-League while I was playing there was a very competitive League and again I enjoyed my time as a player there. I can’t speak highly enough of Geylang Football Club during my time there.

"Singapore itself is one of the best countries I’ve ever visited and I was very fortunate to spend four to five months of my career and life there. I know my family also really enjoyed Singapore and I’m looking forward to getting back –
hopefully I’ll be able to catch up with a few friends."

Petrie left a promising player-coaching job in Scotland at Ross County to join good friend Ian Ferguson at the Fury. Petrie is now the Rangers legend's No2 and insists he had no second thoughts about leaving Scotland.

"The decision for myself was easy, but when you’re travelling half way around the world you have your family to consider," he reasoned. "So we agreed as a family to give Australia a go again and we’re all very excited as to what lies
ahead.

"The job at Ross County was towards the end predominantly coaching .. I took the under 19s on a daily basis along with helping out the fist team on match days.

"Also, I took the under 17s two nights a week, also on a Sunday, so it was a fairly hectic schedule. Going from being a player and then going home to becoming a coach and being at the club 8am – 5pm took a bit of adjusting to.

"(But now) I'm very excited about the role I have to play in NQ Fury FC’s debut season in the Hyundai A-League."

As a lifestyle choice, Petrie admits the decision was a no-brainer.

"We’ve all settled in really well in Townsville, including the family life. It’s a fabulous environment to work in and also has huge benefits for the family – the climate is slightly better than it is in the North of Queensland.

"The backdrop we have at our training venue is spectacular, with blue skies on a daily basis."

Of course, a bonus in taking the Fury job is the opportunity for Petrie to work with Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, who will be the star attraction in Singapore this week.

"For Robbie, along with the other players, this is going to be their first full pre-season game, so our expectations for him will be fairly low, like all other members of the team.

"But anyone who’s followed football and Robbie’s career will know the sort of touch of class he can bring to any side. That's what fans should look out for.

"The goals for the tour are quite simple ... it’s a stepping stone for our fitness levels and also a great chance for the players to bond and get to know one another a lot better."

Petrie adds: "We’re expecting a very competitive game from Tampines Rovers, who during my time in Singapore was one of the best sides in the S-League."