I was at the game. To be honest, I know this is going to sound
funny. But Smeltz was out of his league. Off the ball, he was
sluggish. On the ball he was lacking pace and flair. He was
getting great service from the like of Chris James(Number 8), but
as soon as he received the ball in the Welsh side of half way, he
would get tangled up. lose the ball, or run with it a bit before
realising he had better pass it back to Chris James before
he does lose the ball.
Maybe it looked different on TV. But I can see why Halifax
released him.
Before you hang me out to dry. It is damn obvious his
finishing was absolutely superb! I am not taking that away from
him. If Ricki knows how to use him for his eye for goal then great.
But I can't see Smeltz taking the A-league by storm.
I think the best option, and I hope it happens. He should go
to a league 2 or better. It is going to be better to have as many
players in the english leagues. He will be training in the
professional evriornment and will leave his space in the phoenix to
another Kiwi. The more we get into England the better.
Overall, I just felt he lacked a bit of pace and flair.
My best player of the day(other than the two centre backs) was
Chris James. On and off the ball, he didn't stop running. he was
like a work horse. He was controlling the whole flow of the NZ
game. He likes to pass and move. He didnt panic on the ball and he
helped build the kiwis confidence with his short passing game. I
sure hope he breaks into the Premiership soon with Fulham. How did
Chris James(No.8) look on tv?
Amazing post really 
. Nothing
but the truth. Have to agree with everything you said about Smeltz
and James too.
. Nothing
but the truth. Have to agree with everything you said about Smeltz
and James too.