Thompson Eyes Europe Stint To Keep His Cup Hopes Alive
Sydney Morning Herald
Monday November 21, 2005
Socceroos forward Archie Thompson may seek a short-term loan to Europe during the January transfer period if the Melbourne Victory are unlikely to make this season's A-League finals.
Thompson would pursue the European loan deal in an effort to push his case with the Socceroos selectors, as well as to stay in peak condition ahead of the May announcement by Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink of Australia's World Cup finals squad. While Thompson would prefer to remain with the Victory, it is understood Socceroos insiders have suggested that his international interests might be better served by playing at the highest level, although Football Federation Australia management have also stated that playing for an A-League club would not necessarily minimise players' chances of selection. However, should Melbourne miss the finals, Thompson's last match before the Australian 23 is announced would be on February 4. Even if the Victory qualified, the A-League grand final is on March 4, while other players would continue to push for selection in the weeks leading up to the World Cup selection deadline. Thompson's agent, John Grimaud, said yesterday it was a subject he hoped to raise with Victory management soon. "Archie loves the Victory and the relationship he has with the fans," Grimaud said. "That's why he came home to play. But he desperately wants to play in the World Cup and be part of the Socceroos squad in Germany."He does not want to leave Melbourne, but if it was in his interests to stay sharp and match-fit and increase his chances of World Cup selection, he could look for a loan deal to a club in Europe which would mean he could keep playing until Guus Hiddink makes his selections. If it became clear before the end of January that Melbourne was not going to make the finals, we could look at moving him to a club in Holland, Germany or Belgium in the January window." Regardless, Thompson would remain on the Victory's books and be contracted for the next season. The early end to the campaign is not just an issue for Thompson. Several other fringe Socceroos - such as Newcastle's Jade North, Perth's Simon Colosimo, Queensland's Alex Brosque and perhaps Central Coast centre-back Michael Beauchamp - would also find themselves inactive for between three to four months ahead of World Cup selection. Matt Carroll, the FFA executive in charge of A-League operations, said the issue would be addressed this week. "It's a situation we will discuss with our high performance unit head, John Boultbee. We want to offer every A-League player the chance to make the World Cup squad and we know that Guus Hiddink does put great store in players who are playing regularly. Nothing is impossible, and we can make arrangements to suit," Carroll said yesterday. Meanwhile, Australia's triumphant Socceroos players were rested from English Premier League action on Saturday, leaving John Filan to wave the flag in a match he will be keen to forget. Wigan's veteran Australian goalkeeper faltered as the high-flying minnows finally came back to earth, beaten 3-2 at home by Arsenal. Wigan came into the match with the Premier League's best defensive record, due in no small part to Filan's excellent form in goal, having conceded just five goals all season. But by half-time, that number had jumped to eight. Filan was to blame for Arsenal's opener, inexplicably letting a speculative long-range effort by Robin van Persie slip through his grasp in what should have been a comfortable save. He could do little about Thierry Henry's brace, beaten by a low, angled shot and then diving in vain to try to stop one of the Frenchman's trademark free kicks that rocketed in off the post from 25 metres.Wigan fought Arsenal all the way, roared on by a club record 25,004 crowd at the JJB Stadium, but the Gunners left the north west relieved after posting their first away win of the season. Harry Kewell, star of Australia's triumph over Uruguay last week, was not in the Liverpool squad that beat Portsmouth 3-0 at Anfield. Tim Cahill, nursing a groin strain after the match in Sydney, was missed by Everton, who were hammered 4-0 at West Bromwich Albion. Blackburn were expecting the worst with the absence of Socceroos pair Lucas Neill and Brett Emerton for the visit to Manchester City, but left with a point after a goalless draw. Hiddink's PSV Eindhoven salvaged a point in a 4-4 draw at RKC Waalwijk on Saturday. Australian midfielder Jason Culina did not play for PSV. PSV stay top with 29 points after 12 matches.
© 2005 Sydney Morning Herald
