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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.