Archie Thompson will play his final game in a Melbourne Victory shirt next Tuesday night after 11 seasons and more than 260 games.
It’s been one hell of a ride for the lovable attacker, providing so many memories and a whopping 97 goals in all competitions.
He’s enjoyed a glittering career in the Hyundai A-League, claiming two Victory Medals (2007/08 and 2009/10) and two Victory Golden Boot awards (2005/06 and 2006/07) as well as winning three Premiers Plates, three championships and a Westfield FFA Cup title.
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Thompson has been a one-club man in the A-League and – despite being just five months short of his 38th birthday – has hinted he may continue playing next season.
So where could the former Socceroo and A-League’s greatest-ever goal-scorer end up?
Given his affinity with Victory and its supporters, it would be hard to see Thompson turn out for another Hyundai A-League club.
That’s not to say it can’t happen.
Thompson has shown in his limited chances this season he still has something to offer in the competition. His ageing body is still in excellent condition and he hasn’t lost too much of that lightning speed.
His experience would be great to help nurture a club’s young talent while there’s arguably no more marketable player in Australia than the seemingly always smiling Archie.
There are sure to be other clubs in the A-League that will make enquiries. Could he join the exodus to Wellington with former boss Ernie Merrick or – dare we say it – end up at Victories bitter rivals City or Sydney FC?
Asia looms as another possibility for Thompson.
His talents and goal-scoring exploits are well-known in the region and Australian players are also well-regarded in Asian leagues.
While competitions like those in China, Japan and Korea would be more interested in players at the peak of their powers, some of the second-tier leagues are far more attractive.
Somewhere like Thailand or Malaysia would be ideal for a player like Thompson and they are consistently snapping up Australian players.
If Thompson is looking for one last pay day a trip across to that continent might interest the man who once scored a world record 13 goals for the Socceroos in a World Cup qualifier against American Samoa.
The other option for Archie would be a step down to the PS4 NPL.
A rock star in Melbourne, he is sure to be chased by a number of Victorian NPL clubs and his presence in that competition would not only give it more exposure but maybe also see him back on the national stage in the Westfield FFA Cup.
It would also allow him to stay in his home town, remain close to his family and stay involved in the A-League perhaps through coaching or TV work with Fox Sports.
The man himself was giving little way when he spoke to reporters after his final game at AAMI Park against Jeonbuk Motors in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday night.
“Call me at 7 in the morning when I can’t move and I might say ‘I’m going to hang the boots up’,” Thompson said.
“Come later in the week when I’m feeling better it’s like ‘I’ll go another year’. The decision is down to me…you’re a long time retired.
“Maybe I might get to local football. Maybe I’ll go play six-a-side. Over 35s (or) Masters, where I could actually have a beer before the game.”
Whether or not Thompson continues on or wherever he ends up, it will be worth watching.
