20 Dec 2011

Smeltz could be looking for new A-league club

6:00 am on 20 December 2011

The All Whites striker Shane Smeltz could be looking for a new club with Perth Glory owner Tony Sage declaring his intention to walk out on the club at the end of the season.

Sage, who took over Perth's ownership in 2007 as part of a three-way partnership before taking sole control in February 2009, is citing dwindling attendances as his main reason for wanting to leave.

The mining entrepreneur was also left disappointed after fans abused him and his family following Saturday night's 2-1 home loss to Melbourne Heart.

Sage told the West Australian newspaper the incident had finalised his decision to leave.

He had high hopes the Glory could attract around 10,000 people per game and compete for higher honours this season.

But the club's average attendance has been just 7947, while they sit a lowly eighth on the table following six losses from their past eight games.