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.
Mega
Guest
This just gets weirder: http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=7932937
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
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.
Mega
Guest
Smeltz did a runner - http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/news/1014289/Smeltz-did-the-bolt-on-Shandong
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
From my understanding Jinan is quite a nice city and something of a tourist destination with its mountains and history. I think it may be China in general that was overpowering. If he'd been there a few months and wanted to come back I'd agree with you, but 5 days suggests he'd have just as much trouble in Shanghai or Beijing....... or possibly even Tokyo.
Andy
Guest
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.
Katipo
Guest
I understand how Jinan could be a major culture shock. If it has to be China at least go to Shanghai where you can get by speaking English and there is a large ex-pat community for your family to fit in with. Otherwise, if it's Asia, Japan or Singapore are much easier destinations. I hope Shane Smeltz gets the opportunity to pick up a big pay cheque. He deserves it.
Midfielder
Guest
agree
Australian Football
Roar Guru
No but if he stays in Australia he has to really want to leave the Gold Coast. He and his family are from the Gold Coast and if he does really want to leave GCU FC he has to fit within the salary cap of an Australian club.. Sydney and Melbourne are looking for bigger fish.
Mega
Guest
That doesn't mean he can't get out of whatever deal he has and that he is a certainty to rejoin them.
Australian Football
Roar Guru
"But a 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." http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2010/07/17/239501_sport.html#comment
Mega
Guest
If his buyout clause is so low ($300,000) surely other clubs will take a look at that.
Australian Football
Roar Guru
Smeltz is still under contract to GCU---luckily the paperwork for his transfer was not summated to the FFA and now won't be..
Mega
Guest
Not necessarily. From what I understand his GC was over when he walked out. It just means the deal with the Chinese club didn't start.
Realfootball
Guest
Surely this still leaves him under contract to GCU? He would be a great capture for Sydney.
Mega
Guest
No word from Smeltz or Gold Coast today: http://tvnz.co.nz/football-news/smeltz-still-resolve-future-3651181 I can't see him just going back to GC. Hope another A-League club has enough cap space to grab him.
Realfootball
Guest
Something must have happened. No doubt the story will out. Good for the A League, though.
Realfootball
Guest
Danny Alsopp
Mega
Guest
Smeltz does have a history of being indecisive.I can foresee him walking out on GC if a better offer comes along.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
5 days does not appear to be much time to give a city much of a chance. This move does not reflect well on the player nor the manager.
M1tch
Roar Guru
Are there any Aussies in the MLS?