Sydney FC has pulled off a major coup with the signing of one of the Hyundai A-League’s all-time greatest goalscorers, Shane Smeltz.
The Kiwi international has signed a one-year contract with the club and will wear the Sky Blue jersey during the 2014/2015 Hyundai A-League season.
Smeltz is second on the A-League’s all-time leading goalscorers list having scored 77 goals in 135 games. The striker is also a two time Oceania Footballer of the Year, a Jonny Warren Medal winner and has twice won the A-League’s Golden Boot.
“I’m very happy to be signing for Sydney FC,” said Smeltz. “This is the biggest and most renown club in Australia and it will be an honour to pull on the Sky Blue shirt.
“I’m excited to get to work with Graham Arnold and to start training with the squad. I’m coming here with an expectation that we can win trophies and qualify for the Asian Champions League.
“I’m already looking forward to the season starting and I’m confident we can do well.”
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 Sydney FC Head Coach Graham Arnold believes his signing is another which will delight fans.
“Shane Smeltz is an exciting signing for the club,” said Arnold. “He brings World Cup experience to the squad as well as fantastic leadership qualities.
“His goal scoring record speaks for itself and it will be a privilege to work with Shane.”
Smeltz has also enjoyed a prolific career overseas having played for clubs in England and Turkey, while he has made 50 senior international caps for New Zealand.
Smeltz’s signing ends an exciting week for Sydney FC Members and fans with the captures of young forward Bernie Ibini, fitness and conditioning coach Andrew Clark and the re-signing of defender Matthew Jurman.
The Sky Blues still have a number of spots to fill in the squad including the domestic and international marquees spaces.
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