No upcoming games
Future matches are yet to be scheduled
No upcoming games
Future matches are yet to be scheduled

Please update your browser

Unfortunately you cannot view this website on the current version of your browser. Please either update your browser or use an alternative browser.

Dec 24, 2010   |  6:48PM AET

Allsopp happy to be home

Allsopp happy to be home

Striker Danny Allsopp says he is an improved player after a stint overseas and hopes his return will boost the Victory as they charge towards the A-League finals.

Striker Danny Allsopp says he is an improved player after a stint overseas and hopes his return will boost the Victory as they charge towards the A-League finals.

Allsopp, a foundation player, scored 36 goals in 89 Hyundai A-League matches before leaving for overseas deals in Qatar and the United States in 2009.

The dual Victory Medallist has signed a 27-month contract and will officially join the Victory next week.

His first match will be against Wellington on January 5, pending an international clearance.

“I had fantastic experience over there but I’m a Melbourne boy and Melbourne Victory is the club I am passionate about,” Allsopp said after re-acquainting with team-mates at AAMI Park on Friday.

“I’m not sure how fit I am yet, but I’ve been trying to keep myself fit although I haven’t had a chance to train with a team for a while,” he said.

“I’m still in pretty good shape. Essentially I’ll be the same player but I’ve got more experience, a little bit more confidence about what I’ve learned about the game.”

“Hopefully the next one or two years will be my best years.”

The 32-year-old has not played a match since his time at Major League Soccer club DC United finished in mid October.

He admitted other Hyundai A-League clubs had shown interest, but he said his mind was set on a Victory homecoming.

“I was confident I could work something out with Melbourne Victory. I didn’t have to think too much about it. I’m grateful to Gary and the board for helping me to get back, Allsopp said.”

Allsopp will wear the number 18 shirt for the rest of the season.

Football operations manager Gary Cole said the signing came at an ideal time Archie Thompson sidelined for four weeks for with a hamstring injury.

“Danny is a fantastic acquisition for the club and we’re very excited to have him back,” Cole said.

“We’ve maintained contact with him since he left last season and when things didn’t quite go to plan in the US, we began the process of bringing him home to Melbourne Victory.”