In the biggest coup for any National Premier League club, Socceroo and A-League cult hero Archie Thompson will return to his roots as Murray United’s marquee player in 2017.
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The club believes Thompson’s signing signals the coming of age for the second tier of soccer in the country and is by far the biggest name to join the competition in any state.
The 54-cap Socceroo and world record holder for number of goals scored in an international fixture will play a minimum of three home games for the club.
Thompson’s decision was heavily influenced by the opportunity to return to his roots on the Border and play in front of family and friends.
“I was a little surprised – when I said yes, I had butterflies in my stomach, there was a real buzz for me and I probably didn’t expect that,” Thompson said.
“I feel like I’m coming home – I’m 1km from where I played junior football at Kelly Park and 1km from mum and dad.
“Hopefully I can contribute on the field and put a few goals away, but I also have a role to play as a mentor and leader for some of the younger guys.
“It’s a role that I played in the last couple of years at Victory – no one says it out loud, but these boys are looking to you, watching how you prepare, trying to come to grips with the demands of playing professionally.
“A little like Murray United’s plans, if I can help some of these boys realise their dream then I’m doing my job – I’m giving back and that is exactly what I want to do.”
Head coach James Coutts said the news is huge for the club both on and off the field.
If I can help some of these boys realise their dream then I’m doing my job – I’m giving back and that is exactly what I want to do.
- Archie Thompson
“He wished the club was around when he was here, so for him to hopefully finish his career at Murray United is a huge deal for us and Archie as well,” he said.
“He played back at Twin City and visits the club regularly and some talks started coming up when he left Heidelberg that there was a possibility of it happening.
“He’s always said if there was an opportunity to play at his hometown club he would love it.
“I know he is going to add a lot outside of the team and I’ve been focusing on what he can bring to the team.”
Coutts said there is hope Thompson will be available for more than his minimum of three games, but it will depend on his schedule.
“Even though he is older now, he’s still a very sharp in the final third,” Coutts said.
“He has a lot of creativity, pace and he can finish.
“Last year, we created a lot of opportunities at the top end and I think that will be same this year with the attacking players we’ve brought in.
“Archie is only going to come in and complement that.”
Coutts admitted Thompson hasn’t done a lot of training in the lead-up and will take time to settle into the club, but is confident he will be available to play early in the campaign.
