It seemingly took Shane Smeltz just five days to realise Jinan, 400km south of Beijing, wasn’t going to be as homely as the Gold Coast, turning his back on a two-year deal with Chinese Super League club Shandong Luneng and returning to Australia for what’s expected to be a quick comeback to the A-League.
The Gold Coast Bulletin broke the story yesterday, indicating Smeltz’s concerns about whether his young family could settle in the region forced a rapid change of heart.
If that’s the case, credit to Smeltz for putting the wellbeing of his wife and two children ahead of his football aspirations and a financial windfall.
But it’s a timely warning for players tempted by the riches on offer throughout Asia to do their due diligence before they commit to a move. The dollars can be tempting, but they need to appreciate the cultural and social differences in Asia.
Smeltz’s return to Australia also reinforces one of the great selling points for the league when trying to attract players down under.
Even if A-League clubs can’t compete with the dollars on offer throughout Asia and elsewhere, the lifestyle afforded to players, be they foreigners or locals, is an attraction in itself. Just ask Dwight Yorke.
As for Smeltz, his future will be discussed today, with Gold Coast United officials set to meet with the reigning Golden Boot winner.
Thankfully it seems there won’t be protracted wrangling about who owns his contract.
According to the Gold Coast Bulletin article, “Football Federation Australia source yesterday confirmed that since Smeltz’s International Transfer Clearance form was never dispatched by United, he is free to rejoin them without any possibility of an international tug-of-war over his services.”
But if he already quit the Gold Coast, perhaps displeased at his wage, could another A-League club come calling?
Melbourne Victory is in desperate need of a striker, and it will be interesting if they or any other A-League club go after Smeltz.
Smeltz’s departure sparked wild rumours that Clive Palmer would dip into his treasure chest with an approach to former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires, and even a surprising approach to Socceroos great Harry Kewell. But Gold Coast fans must hope Smeltz and Jason Culina are retained by the club.
Only their presence can help Gold Coast avoid the second-year blues on the field, not to mention off the field, following a subdued off-season in which they have only made one significant signing – former Manchester United defender John Curtis.
Hopefully the pair stay.
The league desperately needs its superstars and the clubs need continuity in their playing rosters, not only for their on-field product but also so they can market and reach out to their communities with the same stars from season to season.
Hopefully Smeltz’s backflip is a reminder to A-League players that they don’t have it too bad here in Australia.
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July 19th 2010 @ 10:46am
Andy said | July 19th 2010 @ 10:46am | Report comment
It is NOT as simple as the official website said.
Obviously, Shane regreted at the final stage of the transfer. Even through the international transfer clearance form has not been dispatched, Shandong Leneng has probably paid the GCC for the transfer and signed the contract with both Shane and GCC.( Otherwise Shane would not have been there for 5 days).
International Transfer clearance form is used to finalise the deal, but not the only evidence that FIFA approved. I think it is gonna be a war between Shane( UNited) and the Chinese club.
July 19th 2010 @ 1:37pm
Mega said | July 19th 2010 @ 1:37pm | Report comment
Smeltz did a runner – http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/news/1014289/Smeltz-did-the-bolt-on-Shandong
July 19th 2010 @ 2:01pm
AndyRoo said | July 19th 2010 @ 2:01pm | Report comment
The club warned Smeltz’s actions could irreparably damage the future prospects of A-League players moving to Asian clubs and Australia’s reputation in Asia.
Shandong also believes it sends out a very strong message that A-League players are mentally fragile.
Is Shandong under the immpression Smeltz is the only Aussie/kiwi overseas?
Beijing just won the CSL with two Aussies in their starting line up.
Smeltz looks like a bit of a dill but i’m honestly not fussed at all, if it leads to Shandong never buying an Aussie again that seems a bonus
Edit:
A source close to the player, who did not want to be named, confirmed Smeltz returned to his waterfront Sovereign Islands mansion, provided free of charge to him and his family as a contract sweetener by Gold Coast United.
Well i can see how Palmer lost so much money last year then.
July 21st 2010 @ 9:56pm
Mega said | July 21st 2010 @ 9:56pm | Report comment
This just gets weirder: http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=7932937