Shane Smeltz has become new Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold’s latest acquisition with the New Zealand international striker joining the A-League club on a one-year deal.
The prolific goalscorer’s move to Sydney from Perth ends an exciting week for the Sky Blues after snaring young forward Bernie Ibini and re-signing defender Matthew Jurman.
Smeltz, 32, is second on the A-League’s all-time leading goalscorers list having scored 77 goals in 135 games.
He is also a Jonny Warren Medal winner and has twice been Oceania Footballer of the Year and the A-League’s Golden Boot winner.
“I’m excited to get to work with Graham Arnold and to start training with the squad,” Smeltz said in a club statement on Sunday.
“I’m coming here with an expectation that we can win trophies and qualify for the Asian Champions League.”
Smeltz scored New Zealand’s equaliser against Italy at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, making him the first A-League player to score at a World Cup Finals, and Arnold believes his signing will delight Sydney FC fans.
“He brings World Cup experience to the squad as well as fantastic leadership qualities,” Arnold said.
“His goal-scoring record speaks for itself and it will be a privilege to work with Shane.”
Smeltz, who has 50 international caps for the Kiwis, scored 28 goals in 58 appearances for Perth, but his 2013/14 campaign was blighted by a series of injuries.
The Sky Blues still have a number of spots to fill in the squad including the domestic and international marquees spaces.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
