Thompson confirmed as Victory starter - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Thompson confirmed as Victory starter

By Guy Hand 19/05/2006 07:01:31 PM Comments (0)

The A-League has received a huge boost with its most exciting homegrown talent Archie Thompson confirming he will rejoin the Melbourne Victory.

Dutch club PSV Eindhoven has decided not to exercise its option to buy the Socceroos striker after he spent the past six months on loan in Holland.

Thompson, in Melbourne ahead of Australia's friendly against Greece next week, met with the Victory on Friday night after hearing from PSV and will now see out the remaining three years of his A-League contract.

The 27-year-old was a sensation in the Victory's inaugural A-League season, before moving to Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink's club PSV in January on a controversial loan with an option to buy.

He made just two appearances for the Dutch club, though was able to maintain his fitness by training well beyond the A-League's February finish.

"Getting the opportunity to play under the current national coach at PSV and prepare for the World Cup was an unbelievable opportunity," Thompson said.

"(But) my family is settled here in Melbourne and the set-up of the club and the support of the fans is brilliant.

"I visited Victory training yesterday and all the boys are looking fit and raring to go.

"With the new signings coming on board I'm positive we can give the title a real shake next season."

Despite Thompson criticising Victory management and threatening to walk out on the club in protest at protracted negotiations which dragged on for more than a fortnight, Victory officials said there were no hard feelings, only anticipation at his return.

Thompson's signing comes the day after Melbourne secured the signatures of two Brazilian strikers.

Left-footed Claudinho, 24, comes from Brazilian first division side Atlético Paranaense, while 26-year-old Fred played with their local rival Guarani.

Both players are scheduled to arrive in Melbourne on Sunday.

"It's almost an embarrassment of riches for us in the forward line at the moment," Victory coach Ernie Merrick said.

"We've designed our recruitment strategy hoping Archie would return, but the news today that he will definitely be with us next season is a real bonus.

"We can now focus our energies into securing the services of a high-quality left-back and central midfield player to provide the overall strength and depth well need to challenge for the A-League title."

Thompson will be in action for the Socceroos during next month's World Cup finals.

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