Perth striker Shane Smeltz has blamed the club’s lack of resources in their sports science department for his and the side’s struggles this season.
Perth striker Shane Smeltz has blamed the club’s lack of resources in their sports science department for his and the side’s struggles this season.
Smeltz has endured an injury disrupted campaign, managing just 13 appearances as the Glory have struggled to produce results on the field.
The New Zealand international, one of the All White stars of FIFA World Cup 2010, believes the club haven’t put enough resources into their support staff and it’s affected the Glory’s chances of being competitive in the Hyundai A-League.
While Perth officials are still to make a decision on a new full-time boss for next season, Smeltz says appointing a new strength and conditioning coach is just as important.
“Glory’s strength and conditioning coach was axed before the beginning of this season. It was a terrible decision and I have no doubt we have been affected as a result, both individually and as a team,” Smeltz said in his column in Perth’s Sunday Times newspaper.
“My current problem was only a minor tear in my left management, there is no way it should have cost me five weeks on the sidelines.
“But I’ve now missed the past four matches and remain doubtful for the final game of the season against Sydney FC next Sunday.
“I was feeling good a fortnight ago before my symptoms went backwards, mainly because we didn’t adhere to a proper procedure that should have been in place.
“I was asked to do too much too soon and the symptoms returned. It seems the team is paying the price for decisions that were made before the season.
“In a competition as even and competitive as the A-League, we can’t afford to be left behind the eight-ball compared to rival teams because we don’t have the right support for the players.”
Smeltz revealed the situation was so bad in the rehab department that the club appointed William Gallas’ personal trainer from France midway through the season to help out.
“This is the first season I’ve played in my career where my club hasn’t had a strength and conditioning trainer,” Smeltz said.
“Our physio has done the best he can, but has had to deal with a huge workload which has made it difficult.
“Following my hip operation in the off-season, I had to do my rehab basically by myself.
“My hip is fine so there is no problem there, but ideally players should be guided through their rehab.
Glory boosted their chances of avoiding the wooden spoon with their 3-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners at nib Stadium on Saturday night.
A win over the Sky Blues this weekend in Sydney – or if Melbourne Heart fail to beat Western Sydney – will ensure Perth don’t finish in last place.
“Kenny Lowe walked into a difficult situation on a number of fronts when he took over from Alistair Edwards in December.
“That’s why it’s so hard to judge him and his time as coach,” added Smeltz.
“Whether it is Kenny or somebody else in charge next season, let’s hope the coach is able to assemble both the right squad and support staff to ensure Glory can climb the ladder.”
Perth Glory will travel to Allianz Stadium to take on Sydney FC in the final match of the regular season on Sunday 15 April, 5.00pm kick-off. Click here to purchase tickets.