Brisbane Roar is determined that speculation about the future of its captain Matt Smith will not derail the club’s ongoing efforts to get its Hyundai A-League season back on track.
The sixth-placed Roar plays Melbourne City in Melbourne today looking for a further three points following last week’s win over Western Sydney Wanderers and a draw with Perth Glory.
Reports today speculate that Smith has been approached by a Thai club about a possible move in the January transfer window.
Roar chairman Chris Fong said the club would meet with Smith to discuss the speculation.
“Matt has been an important part of our club’s success over the last four years. We helped revive his career in 2010 and he still has another year on his contract with the Roar after this season,’’ Fong said.
The 32-year-old defender joined the Roar in 2010 and has more than 100 appearances with the club. He has helped guide the Roar to three championships and two Premiers’ Plates.
The Roar’s new interim coach, Frans Thijssen, said his team remained focused on today’s away match against Melbourne City.
“We are working hard together as a group to continue improving. The focus of everyone is on today’s game,” the former Dutch international said.
Media reports also have linked former Western Sydney Wanderers defender Jerome Polenz to a possible move to the Roar after a short stint in Norway.
Brisbane Roar Football Director Ken Stead said the club would be an active participant in the upcoming transfer window.
“We will be strengthening our squad for next year’s AFC Champions League campaign,” he said.
Brisbane Roar have added Socceroo Adam Sarota to their bench today as he continues his comeback from knee surgery.
