Perth Glory sign Smeltz from Gold Coast United

Goal scoring great Shane Smeltz has joined Perth Glory as the club’s international marquee player.

In one of the recruiting coups of the off-season, the New Zealand international is the sixth new player to sign with the club, determined to start Perth Glory’s revival.

“It’s all about timing and I think Perth Glory is heading in the right direction,” Smeltz said.

“There’s a fresh look about the club and it’s something I want to be part of.

“I don’t think one player is going to change everything but I think I can certainly help out.”

Smeltz has scored 49 Hyundai A-League goals in stints with Wellington Phoenix and Gold Coast United and is set to become only the second player to reach 50 goals in the competition.

“He’s a fantastic signing for the club,” Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson said.

“Shane was my first priority, my first target because I knew we had to get a proven goal scorer and that’s what we have done.

“Shane is the type of forward we missed last season, one who can hold up the ball and bring other players in the game.”

Smeltz, has also has netted an impressive 17 goals in 34 internationals for New Zealand including a goal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa when he scored against the defending champions Italy.

In a stellar career, the 29-year old sharp-shooter has won a host of awards including the Hyundai A-League Golden Boot (twice) and the Johnny Warren medal as the competitions best player.

After a brief spell in Turkey last year, Smeltz dominated the Hyundai A-League again on his return, scoring 9 goals in a stunning 12 game spell to help Gold Coast to the preliminary final.

Smeltz is one of the Hyundai A-League’s most respected players whose international performances for the All Whites have also received rave reviews.

 
The game is about opinions. Make yours heard! Join the tribalfootball.com
nation on Facebook today: Facebook.com/tribalfootball