ARCHIE THOMPSON

ARCHIE THOMPSON!

In the biggest coup for any Premier League club in the country and competition’s history the Socceroo and A-League cult hero will return to his roots as the club’s marquee in 2017.

MUFC believes Thompson’s signing signals the coming of age for the second tier of football 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 the number of goals scored in an international 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.

Comments attributable to Archie Thompson

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.

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.

Comments attributable to Murray United director Darren Yates

Archie playing for us this year is clearly the most significant outcome for the club in its short history and the most significant signing ever for the NPL2 competition in Victoria.

We’re incredibly excited to have him at the club. Words cannot describe what this will mean for our players, coaches, supporters, sponsors, local businesses and all the young mini roos kids in the region who will be able to come and watch the most decorated domestic footballer in Australia play a few games in their backyard at Latrobe University in Wodonga.

Our senior players will now have the opportunity to play alongside one of the true legends of our sport in real competitive matches. The intensity at senior training is sure to increase in the coming weeks as players fight for positions in the team.

Archie’s career perfectly represents what is possible for our junior players. Our junior players have a terrific opportunity to follow in Archie’s footsteps down the NPL pathway all the way toward A-League and national teams provided they continue to work hard and we provide them with the best possible coaching in their early years.

We all know the quality Archie possesses. He is an absolute superstar and an ornament to our game.

We’re excited by the fact that Archie will forever be known as a Murray United player and that he is coming back to Wodonga where it all began for him at Twin City Wanderers. His family are based in Wodonga and we look forward to welcoming him with open arms into the Murray United family.