Perth signs Smeltz, gets commitment from Fowler

Published Apr. 19, 2011 3:22 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Perth Glory have signed New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz to a three-year deal and received a commitment from former England international Robbie Fowler to rejoin the A-League team next season.

Fowler's future with the club had been in doubt with the expected signing of Smeltz as its new international marquee player. Each team in the league is allowed one marquee player whose salary can be excluded from the salary cap, so if Fowler stays, his pay will need to fall within the AUS$2.35 million (US$2.46 million) cap.

The team said Tuesday that Fowler had committed to another season and a deal would be signed in the coming weeks.

Smeltz is a two-time A-League golden boot winner who played last season with Gold Coast. He has scored 42 goals in 66 A-League games.