STRIKER Shane Smeltz won't be rushed into signing a new contract at Wellington Phoenix or anywhere else, he insisted today.
The Phoenix hitman wants to focus on the remainder of his current club's campaign before making any decision about his playing future.
Smeltz comes off-contract with Phoenix on June 30 next year and speculation has been swirling around about where the 27-year-old may end up next season.
He is said to have been wooed by both Gold Coast United and Adelaide United after he kept up his devastating form into the new season.
But he said: “That’s not an issue I’m even considering at the moment – my focus here and now is on playing to the best of my ability for the rest of the season with the Phoenix.
“I’m playing the best football of my career and I’m honoured and privileged to have been given the opportunities I have in Wellington. There’s work still to be done and that’s what I’m concentrating on right now.
"I’m in no rush to make any decisions.”
Family matters will play a pivotal role in Smeltz’s ultimate decision. Smeltz’s wife, Nikki, hails from Adelaide and the couple has two young daughters.
“Nikki and the girls have been in Australia for a little while but they’re coming back to Wellington soon and that’s something I’m really looking forward to,” he added.
In the hottest goal-scoring form of his career, Smeltz will almost certainly be a target for rival clubs now that the October 1 negotiation window has opened.
Phoenix have already tabled a "very attractive" offer, say the club, and they remain hopeful Smeltz will extend his stay in the New Zealand capital.
“I love it here. Phoenix is a great club and Wellington is a great city to live and work in,” Smeltz said. “I’m incredibly thankful to [Phoenix owner] Terry Serepisos and [coach] Ricki Herbert for giving me the chance and making all of this possible.
“I owe an awful lot to the club and as such I’ll be concentrating solely on contributing to the team’s ongoing success on the field.”
With so much to consider regarding his future, Smeltz said it was only prudent that he take his time and weigh up his options.
He added: “This isn’t just about my future as a professional footballer; it’s also about my family’s future.
"Nikki and the girls are my most important consideration and we’ll eventually make a decision that’s right for the family. We won’t be rushed into anything.”
Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said the club respected Smeltz’s position.
“Right now all Shane wants to do is concentrate on playing for the Phoenix and we’re prepared to give him the time and space he needs to make a longer term decision.”
Smeltz comes off-contract with Phoenix on June 30 next year and speculation has been swirling around about where the 27-year-old may end up next season.
He is said to have been wooed by both Gold Coast United and Adelaide United after he kept up his devastating form into the new season.
But he said: “That’s not an issue I’m even considering at the moment – my focus here and now is on playing to the best of my ability for the rest of the season with the Phoenix.
“I’m playing the best football of my career and I’m honoured and privileged to have been given the opportunities I have in Wellington. There’s work still to be done and that’s what I’m concentrating on right now.
"I’m in no rush to make any decisions.”
Family matters will play a pivotal role in Smeltz’s ultimate decision. Smeltz’s wife, Nikki, hails from Adelaide and the couple has two young daughters.
“Nikki and the girls have been in Australia for a little while but they’re coming back to Wellington soon and that’s something I’m really looking forward to,” he added.
In the hottest goal-scoring form of his career, Smeltz will almost certainly be a target for rival clubs now that the October 1 negotiation window has opened.
Phoenix have already tabled a "very attractive" offer, say the club, and they remain hopeful Smeltz will extend his stay in the New Zealand capital.
“I love it here. Phoenix is a great club and Wellington is a great city to live and work in,” Smeltz said. “I’m incredibly thankful to [Phoenix owner] Terry Serepisos and [coach] Ricki Herbert for giving me the chance and making all of this possible.
“I owe an awful lot to the club and as such I’ll be concentrating solely on contributing to the team’s ongoing success on the field.”
With so much to consider regarding his future, Smeltz said it was only prudent that he take his time and weigh up his options.
He added: “This isn’t just about my future as a professional footballer; it’s also about my family’s future.
"Nikki and the girls are my most important consideration and we’ll eventually make a decision that’s right for the family. We won’t be rushed into anything.”
Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said the club respected Smeltz’s position.
“Right now all Shane wants to do is concentrate on playing for the Phoenix and we’re prepared to give him the time and space he needs to make a longer term decision.”
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