Melbourne Victory today announced a major re-signing ahead of its blockbuster clash against Adelaide United at Telstra Dome this Friday, with Qantas Socceroo Archie Thompson extending his contract as the club’s marquee player for a further two years.
Melbourne Victory today announced a major re-signing ahead of its blockbuster clash against Adelaide United at Telstra Dome this Friday, with Qantas Socceroo Archie Thompson extending his contract as the club-s marquee player for a further two years.
Thompson, 29, who holds the record for the most goals in the Hyundai A-League with 30 from 58 appearances, is one of the Hyundai A-League-s most recognised stars, having scored five goals in Victory-s Hyundai A-League 2007 Grand Final win against Adelaide.
The dynamic striker also holds the world record for most goals in an international match with 13 against American Samoa in 2001 and will now lead Victory into its new home at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, which is due to open late next year.
“It’s a new contract which will see Archie play until the end of the 2010/11 season. It’s a fantastic result for both Archie and Melbourne Victory and for our fans and supporters,” Victory Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said.
“It was a great coup for Melbourne Victory when we signed Archie to get him back from Europe and it’s a great coup now. He’s been a fantastic asset for our football club and for the A-League in general as well as the Socceroos,” Cole said.
Thompson said he had everything he wanted in Melbourne and wanted to continue his work with the club.
“I just love the club. I’ve been here since day one. I enjoy Melbourne, my wife loves Melbourne. My kids are settled here. The team and the supporters, I just love. I think we’ve got a great side, and I just want to be a part of the future going forward,” Thompson said.
Thompson will be 32 when the deal finishes, but said he wasn’t interested in a longer-term deal.
“I’m sure I’ve got plenty of good years left in me,” he said. “It’s not always about the money. I’m just happy to be part of the set-up. I like to think it’s one of the best clubs in Australia. I just want to win championships and I think this is a club that can do it.”
Coach Ernie Merrick said Thompson was a vital part of his on-field plans and it was very much a positive to have his three-man striker forced secured beyond this year.
“It’s just great to have signed up for the longer term, Danny Allsopp, Archie and Ney Fabiano. Danny and Archie are the two highest goalscorers of all time in the league. From a coach’s perspective it’s pretty much ideal,” he said.
Victory memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season are currently available from the Victory Shop, 236 Swan Street, Richmond, by calling 1300 GO MVFC or online by clicking here.
