Fowlers future.

There have been contrasting reports today regarding the future of strike Robbie Fowler, with The Sun, Clubcall and Evening Times suggesting Fowler will be offered a take it or leave it 50% pay cut if he wants a new contract, yet TeamTalk and Sporting Life state the club have yet to decide on whether a new deal will be offered, preferring to wait until nearer the end of the season.

The club clearly have the upper hand at the moment as despite rumours that have circulated (mainly about a loan move) there has presumably been no firm interest in Fowler either to buy him from City or offer a contract to him for his signature at the end of his current deal. However, (and this is a big 'if') if Fowler does become a more permanent fixture for the remainder of the season and posts a decent return of goals then it will serve to strengthen his position in negotiations. Pearce will probably already have a strong idea whether he wants to bring Fowler back after this season, and I expect an announcement on his future will be made by the end of March at the latest.