Such is the esteem that Robbie Fowler is held in among the Liverpool faithful, many of them still refer to him as 'God'.

Known for his predatory instincts in front of goal, Toxteth-born Fowler found the back of the net 183 times in 369 appearances for the club over two spells.

However, as the 2001-02 campaign got underway, it became apparent very quickly that Fowler was no longer first choice in the eyes of manager Gerard Houllier, with whom he was reported to share a fractious relationship.

Houllier had forked out decent money 12 months earlier to sign Emile Heskey from Leicester City and he was frequently preferred to partner a young Michael Owen in attack. It was a situation that relegated Fowler to a bit-part role and with his ability to score goals in mind, it was little wonder that speculation started to link him with a host of clubs.

Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers, as well as Serie A outfit Lazio, were all said to be keen, but it was big-spending Champions League semi-finalists Leeds United that won the race for Fowler's services 14 years ago today.

His arrival - thought to have cost the Yorkshire outfit around £11m - came at a time when Leeds were parting with hefty sums in a bid to reach the summit of English football once again.

From the player's point of view, he made the switch with the following summer's World Cup at the forefront of his mind. Had he waited for things to change at Liverpool, there was every chance that he would be overlooked by England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"It is hard when three players at one club are fighting for two places," he said of the situation at Liverpool.

"With me, Michael Owen and Emile Heskey all trying to get into the team it made it more difficult for me with England. Leeds have offered me a challenge and I feel as though I will be given a better chance here."

"It was fairly obvious how things have panned out. Things haven't gone well for me and I needed a new challenge. Leeds United are as good as any club in Europe. When you look at the squad it is good and young. In the years to come they will be a major team."

Meanwhile, Leeds boss David O'Leary added: "When Jimmy Hasselbaink left I offered £12m for Robbie, and we have been chasing him ever since. I have bought an outstanding goalscorer. Technically he is as good as anyone."

Despite bagging 12 goals during his first season in a Leeds shirt, Fowler's new club finished fifth and therefore missed out on a place in the Champions League and all the revenues that it provided - something that continues to haunt the club to this day.

Injuries then started to take hold, meaning that when he departed for Manchester City in January 2003, he did so having appeared on only 33 occasions for Leeds, which yielded a return of 14 goals.