Shane Smeltz has all but ruled out another stint overseas and says he will look for a contract in the Hyundai A-League when his new short-term marquee deal with Gold Coast United expires at the end of the season.
Smeltz returns to his old club for the second time this year – first, days after signing a contract with Chinese side Shandong Luneng in July, and now after securing a release from Turkey’s Gençlerbirligi after being frozen out of first-team action.
But the New Zealand international has not committed to the Glitter Strip club beyond the end of the season and said he will “probably” look to remain in a league he dominated last season with 19 goals and the Golden Boot.
“I’ll make a decision down the track on what lies ahead but obviously I’ll speak to the club and see what my options are. I haven’t really thought about it too much,” he said.
“You never say never but the way I see it, I’m 29 and I feel like I’m in my prime, and I’ll probably be looking to secure something in the A-League to be honest.”
Smeltz will be thrown straight into action with Friday night’s matchup against North Queensland at Skilled Park a must-win if United are to stay in the race for second spot on the ladder.
He may be lacking in match fitness having played his last game a little over a month ago, but Smeltz said he’s feeling fresh and ready to reacquaint himself with a Fury side that he famously put four goals past in the clubs’ first ever meeting.
“I’ve kept tabs on the whole league while I was in Turkey and Gold Coast have been in the top three for the whole season except for the last couple of weeks,” he said.
“If you look at our situation there’s some interesting games left. It’s a little bit of a slump at this stage but I don’t think it’s too much to worry about. Every team goes through it and hopefully we can turn it around Friday.”
United coach Miron Bleiberg admits the timing is perfect for Smeltz to return and spearhead a goal-shy strike-force that has scored just twice over four winless weeks, and suggested his side will be one of many who will offer the marksman a contract when his new deal runs out.
“He couldn’t have come at a better time. From memory in the last game we didn’t win 6-0 so I’m sure he’ll help us on the field. But because we’ve had a few lean weeks it’s also a moral boost off the field,” he said. “It’s like you’re climbing a mountain and you’re almost at the top and you get an extra boost at the end.”
“Shane has signed with us until the last minute of the grand final. After that we’ll sit with him and talk with him. He will look for a contract in the A-League but there will probably be three, four, five bids for his services.”
“We’re not putting a gun to his head to sign now. I said to him to do the service for the rest of the season and whoever will be the best bidder for you and your family, go for it. It can’t be more clearer than that.”
