Guiseley sign World Cup scorer

The Lions have brought in a striker who will forever be remembered for scoring a goal against then World champions Italy at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Smeltz has joined the Northern Premier League side after moving to Leeds from the Southern Hemisphere for family and work reasons.

The now 41-year-old was born in Germany, raised on Australia’s Gold Coast and gained international recognition playing for New Zealand, who he represented 58 times, scoring 24 goals.

A two-time A-League Golden Boot winner, Smeltz played for Borneo FC in Indonesia and has also enjoyed spells in Australia, England, Turkey and Malaysia.

On signing for Guiseley, Smeltz said: “I have recently come to Leeds with my family and settled here for family and work reasons.

“I let a few people know that I may want to play and I ended up talking with the Guiseley manager Paul Phillips. One thing led to another, and I looked into it and the club appealed to me.

“I think I’ll bring my experience and an ability to help players around me.

“I watched the team live last week and the commitment was great to see. I think sometimes younger players seeing myself still playing and being competitive gives them a good perspective as well.”

Photo credit: Guiseley