WHITTLESEA Ranges have missed out on the signature of A-League legend Archie Thompson, who will be officially unveiled as a Heidelberg United player tomorrow.

Heidelberg, which sits third in the National Premier League, has landed the most sought-after free agent on the market after his contract with Melbourne Victory was not renewed.

The 37-year-old has been a mainstay at Victory over the past decade, scoring 91 goals for the A-League side.

He had been strongly courted by NPL2 West leader Whittlesea, which has sponsor links to Victory, in recent weeks.

Ranges coach Vinko Buljubasic said the club was disappointed to not secure the services of the former Socceroos striker.

“From a marketing point of view I think it would have added to crowd numbers and (would have) added a bit more attacking flair to our team,” Buljubasic said.

Whittlesea is already home to the NPL’s most lethal strikeforce, with Atilla Ofli (24) and George Selfendorfas (seven) combining for 31 goals in 17 matches.

But that impressive record did not stop the club dreaming about what Thompson could have brought to Epping Stadium.

“I’m pretty happy with the goal tally we’ve got,” Buljubasic said.

“But we’ve missed quite a few chances during the year in a lot of games, it could have been even more.”

Buljubasic said he hoped the club would entertain a marquee signing with Thompson’s profile again should one become available.

“Not only Archie Thompson, I think any other player if he can contribute to our team and our ambitions and our plans for the future,” he said.

“We’ll always consider it.”

Ranges made four additions during the mid-season transfer, signing midfield trio Nick Tzoulis (Northcote City), Thomas Barforosh (Melbourne City youth) and Andrew Milicevic (St Albans Saints), along with attacker Tedros Yabio (St Albans Saints).

Whittlesea opened a two-point lead at the top of NPL2 West on Sunday after defeating Nunawading City 4-1.

It next meets NPL2 East title contender Kingston City away from home this Saturday.

Heidelberg United currently sits third in the NPL top flight, 10 points behind leader South Melbourne.