Monday 30 September 2019
Chonburi FC Success Sets A Great Example: 2008
Ravipan Pavasuthipand's article from the Bangkok Post - March, 2008 - and my reply to it. Please click on the images to enlarge.
Chonburi FC Movie Quotes: 2013
To coincide with the 2013 Oscars, I matched that season's Chonburi player squad numbers with the Top 50 Movie Quotes of all time.
1. Panupong Pichitham: "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."
Rhett Butler
Gone with the Wind
1939
6. Suttinun Phukhom: "Go ahead, make my day."
Harry Callahan
Sudden Impact
1983
7. Arthit Sunthornphit: "All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up."
Norma Desmond
Sunset Boulevard
1950
9. Ivan Boskovic: "Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy night."
10. Pipob On-Mo: "You talkin' to me?"
Travis Bickle
Taxi Driver
1976
11. Anucha Kitpongsri: "What we've got here is failure to communicate."
Captain
13. Anuwat Nakkasem: "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
Jennifer Cavilleri Barrett
14. Kaikitti In-Utane: "The stuff that dreams are made of."
16. Akarawin Sawasdee: "They call me Mister Tibbs!"
17. Sarawut Jantaphan: "Rosebud."
18. Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool: "Made it, Ma! Top of the world!"
19. Adul Lahso: "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"
Howard Beale
21. Sukree Etae: "A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti."
22. Kazuto Kushida: "Bond. James Bond."
24. Kroerkrit Thaweekarn: "I am big! It's the pictures that got small."
25. Chonlatit Jantakam: "Show me the money!"
26. Anderson dos Santos: "Why don't you come up sometime and see me?"
29. Jetsadakorn Hemdaeng: "You can't handle the truth!"
31. Nurul Sriyangem: "After all, tomorrow is another day!"
33. Prasit Nuamsala: "I'll have what she's having."
34. Noppanon Cachpalayuk: "You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow."
35. Puttinan Wanasri: "You're gonna need a bigger boat."
36. Surawich Lokavit: "Badges? We ain't got no badges! We don't need no badges! I don't have to show you any stinking badges!"
"Gold Hat"
1. Panupong Pichitham: "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."
Rhett Butler
Gone with the Wind
1939
3. Nattapong Samana: "You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am."
Terry Malloy
Terry Malloy
On the Waterfront
1954
1954
4. Kiatprawut Saiweaw: "Toto, I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."
Dorothy Gale
The Wizard of Oz
1939
Dorothy Gale
The Wizard of Oz
1939
6. Suttinun Phukhom: "Go ahead, make my day."
Harry Callahan
Sudden Impact
1983
7. Arthit Sunthornphit: "All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up."
Norma Desmond
Sunset Boulevard
1950
8. Therdsak Chaiman: "May the Force be with you."
Han Solo
Star Wars
1977
Han Solo
Star Wars
1977
9. Ivan Boskovic: "Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy night."
Margo Channing
All About Eve
1950
1950
10. Pipob On-Mo: "You talkin' to me?"
Travis Bickle
Taxi Driver
1976
11. Anucha Kitpongsri: "What we've got here is failure to communicate."
Captain
Cool Hand Luke
1967
1967
13. Anuwat Nakkasem: "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
Jennifer Cavilleri Barrett
Love Story
1970
1970
14. Kaikitti In-Utane: "The stuff that dreams are made of."
Sam Spade
The Maltese Falcon
1941
The Maltese Falcon
1941
15. Fode Diakite: "E.T. phone home."
E.T.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
1982
1982
16. Akarawin Sawasdee: "They call me Mister Tibbs!"
Virgil Tibbs
In the Heat of the Night
1967
In the Heat of the Night
1967
17. Sarawut Jantaphan: "Rosebud."
Charles Foster Kane
Citizen Kane
1941
Citizen Kane
1941
18. Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool: "Made it, Ma! Top of the world!"
Arthur "Cody" Jarrett
White Heat
1949
1949
19. Adul Lahso: "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"
Howard Beale
Network
1976
1976
20. Irfan Bachdim: "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
Rick Blaine
Casablanca
1942
Rick Blaine
Casablanca
1942
21. Sukree Etae: "A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti."
Hannibal Lecter
The Silence of the Lambs
1991
The Silence of the Lambs
1991
22. Kazuto Kushida: "Bond. James Bond."
James Bond
Dr. No
1962
Dr. No
1962
24. Kroerkrit Thaweekarn: "I am big! It's the pictures that got small."
Norma Desmond
Sunset Boulevard
1950
Sunset Boulevard
1950
25. Chonlatit Jantakam: "Show me the money!"
Rod Tidwell
Jerry Maguire
1996
Jerry Maguire
1996
26. Anderson dos Santos: "Why don't you come up sometime and see me?"
Lady Lou
She Done Him Wrong
1933
1933
27. Samuel Gbenga Ajayi: "I'm walking here! I'm walking here!"
"Ratso" Rizzo
Midnight Cowboy
1969
1969
29. Jetsadakorn Hemdaeng: "You can't handle the truth!"
Col. Nathan R. Jessup
A Few Good Men
1992
1992
31. Nurul Sriyangem: "After all, tomorrow is another day!"
Scarlett O'Hara
Gone with the Wind
1939
Gone with the Wind
1939
33. Prasit Nuamsala: "I'll have what she's having."
Customer
When Harry Met Sally...
1989
1989
34. Noppanon Cachpalayuk: "You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow."
Marie "Slim" Browning
To Have and Have Not
1944
1944
35. Puttinan Wanasri: "You're gonna need a bigger boat."
Martin Brody
Jaws
1975
1975
36. Surawich Lokavit: "Badges? We ain't got no badges! We don't need no badges! I don't have to show you any stinking badges!"
"Gold Hat"
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
1948
1948
37. Thiago Cunha: "I'll be back."
The Terminator
The Terminator
1984
The Terminator
The Terminator
1984
Nakleng Football Magazine: 2007-2008
A few issues of the excellent, and much missed, Nakleng Football magazine from 2007 and 2008.
Sunday 29 September 2019
Golden Boy Leesaw Aiming High by Wanchai Rujawongsanti: 2001
Golden Boy Leesaw Aiming High
by Wanchai Rujawongsanti
Bangkok Post 23rd December, 2001
Rising star Teerathep ``Leesaw'' Vinothai, who scored the golden goal in Thailand's victory over Indonesia in the SEA Games semi-finals, is starting to shine in England for Crystal Palace's under-19 team. For years, the SEA Games soccer gold medal was the highest international honour the Thai national team could achieve. The Kingdom became champions for the fifth time in a row at this year's SEA Games in Malaysia where a Thai player made his name on the international stage at the tender age of 16.
Teerathep Vinothai was the star attraction for Malaysian journalists when the Thai squad arrived in Kuala Lumpur back in September. The next day, a number of local newspapers ran stories on the 16-year-old who is now a trainee at English Division One side Crystal Palace. The boy lived up to all expectations when he scored the golden goal in Thailand's 2-1 victory over Indonesia in the semi-finals.
Thailand went on to win the gold by beating Malaysia 1-0 with a bizarre goal in the dying minutes, although Teerathep did not play in the final for tactical reason. Teerathep might even have netted another golden goal in that game had it not been for the bizarre winner. Thai officials said later they were going to use him in extra time when the match looked like ending in a goalless draw after 90 minutes.
For Teerathep, the tournament was one of the best moments in his rapidly-developing career. ``The experience in the SEA Games will make me stronger,'' he said. The SEA Games gold medal was added to his collection of international achievements which include three consecutive titles in the Norway Cup junior tournament in which he was twice the highest scorer and twice named best player. He also helped his former school, Bangkok Christian College, win the Physical Education Department's Under-12 and Under-14 championships.
Teerathep's road to glory started when he was a young boy. Thanks to his father Thepchai, a sportswriter for the Daily News, Teerathep developed a taste for football at a very young age as his father often took him to matches. ``I saw big crowds and I felt like I wanted to play before them,'' said Teerathep, who is nicknamed ``Leesaw'' because of his mother's love of the Hilltribe people of the same name which started when she was a volunteer teacher in northern Thailand during her college days.
The first turning point for young Leesaw came last year when he received a scholarship to study and play in England from a foundation established by sports media tycoon Ravi Lohthong, the founder of the Siam Sports Syndicate, whom Leesaw calls uncle. Teerathep was the first _ and so far only _ player deemed good enough to receive the scholarship which is supported by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).
For many people, going to a new environment in a foreign country would be a major obstacle. But for Teerathep, who will turn 17 in February, it was more or less business as usual as he has been to a lot of countries including Norway, Russia and South Korea, not to mention Malaysia and Singapore. ``I adapted to life in England quite fast because I have travelled a lot,'' said the good-looking Teerathep who is often mobbed by Thai female students when he is in Thailand.
``I do not have any problems with the food or the weather. The only problem was the language but now that is not a big issue.''
In England, Teerathep is a boarding student at Brentwood School in Essex outside London. He travels to London to play for Crystal Palace's under-19 team on Saturdays and stays overnight with the Siam Sports reporters at their house. ``This makes me feel at home,'' he said.
Although he is still not in the first 11 of Palace's under-19 team, Teerathep has often come on as a substitute and scored goals, including one against Wolves in a recent FA Youth Cup third-round tie which was rated by the player himself as his most memorable goal so far in England.
``I came on in the second half and changed the course of the game. I scored the opening goal and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. We went on to win on penalties,'' Teerathep said.
Contrary to the general belief that football training in England is very harsh, Teerathep feels it is not that hard. He says the training concentrates on team work and using the ball. ``In Thailand, we often run around in hot conditions. But in England, they concentrate on training with the ball and how to solve problems you are likely to face in a match,'' he said.
As he regularly been finding the net for Palace, it is not surprising that Teerathep is being monitored by bigger clubs, including Premiership champions Manchester United who have reportedly shown interest in signing the young Thai star. ``The Crystal Palace coaches told me about Manchester United's interest but they advised that I should remain with them. They said that if I stay with Palace I will at least get the chance to play regularly, even though I am still a reserve for the under-19 team,'' Teerathep said. ``At clubs like Manchester United or Arsenal, it is unlikely that you would have a chance to play and show how good you are because they have a lot of good players.''
Fittingly, Manchester United are Teerathep's favourite English team and he has supported them since he was a young boy. Like father, like son _ as his dad is also a Man U fan.
Teerathep is treading the same path as former national coach Vittaya Laohakul, who played for a number of German sides decades ago, and Kiatisak ``Zico'' Senamuang, who had a brief but unsuccessful spell with English side Huddersfield Town. Thai pundits believe Teerathep has the potential to put Thailand on the European football map just like Japan's Hidetoshi Nakata and Iranian Ali Daei have done for their countries. But for an Asian player to be successful in Europe, and in particular in England, footballing skill is just one of several factors.
Teerathep's skill should not be an issue and English coach John Ryan has no doubts about his ability. ``I have seen Leesaw at Crystal Palace. He is a talented player and a quick learner. His technical skill is at a good level and one of the most important things is that he is still very young,'' said Ryan, who has signed a contract with the FAT to oversee a development project for Thai Under-12 players. But Ryan warned that Teerathep must bear in mind that he has to adapt himself to the unpleasant weather in England and that the English game relies heavily on physical strength and fitness.
While Teerathep insists the weather is not a problem for him, he admits that his physical strength needs improvement. Aged 16 and standing 1.72m, he is tall by Thai standards. But at just 63 kilogrammes, he is a bit skinny compared to Europeans. ``I need more physical strength as I am at a disadvantage when it comes to physical contact. Also, I need to improve my ball control,'' Teerathep said.
Vittaya, who has monitored Teerathep's progress since he was very young, believes Teerathep can make the grade in the English league as long as he adapts quickly to his new environment and stays away from ``social vices'' _ in particular alcohol and girls.
Teerathep agrees. ``To become a successful player, I know that I have to be patient, determined and work hard. More importantly, you have to control yourself. I have to behave because everybody is watching me,'' Teerathep said. ``No matter what you want to do, you have to try hard and learn. I have learned a lot from watching Zico and (former national team striker) Piyapong Piew-on. I also try to learn from good players on TV.''
Arguably the most talented footballer ever born in Thailand, Teerathep is now one of the country's most popular athletes. This year he was named the Outstanding Youth by the National Youth Bureau and was runner-up for the Sports Authority of Thailand's Best Youth Athlete of the Year. As a Manchester United fan, it is fitting that his idol _ apart from local heroes Kiatisak and Piyapong _ is Red Devils star and England captain David Beckham. ``Yes, I want to play with him,'' said Teerathep, who wears an earring like Beckham.
The young Thai's ultimate dream is to become an expensive player and famous worldwide. But before reaching that point his more realistic target is to be good enough to play professionally in England. Teerathep still has many mountains to climb before reaching the goal. But like the Leesaw Hilltribe people, he should be able to climb the mountains.
This article first appeared in the Bangkok Post
by Wanchai Rujawongsanti
Bangkok Post 23rd December, 2001
Rising star Teerathep ``Leesaw'' Vinothai, who scored the golden goal in Thailand's victory over Indonesia in the SEA Games semi-finals, is starting to shine in England for Crystal Palace's under-19 team. For years, the SEA Games soccer gold medal was the highest international honour the Thai national team could achieve. The Kingdom became champions for the fifth time in a row at this year's SEA Games in Malaysia where a Thai player made his name on the international stage at the tender age of 16.
Teerathep Vinothai was the star attraction for Malaysian journalists when the Thai squad arrived in Kuala Lumpur back in September. The next day, a number of local newspapers ran stories on the 16-year-old who is now a trainee at English Division One side Crystal Palace. The boy lived up to all expectations when he scored the golden goal in Thailand's 2-1 victory over Indonesia in the semi-finals.
Thailand went on to win the gold by beating Malaysia 1-0 with a bizarre goal in the dying minutes, although Teerathep did not play in the final for tactical reason. Teerathep might even have netted another golden goal in that game had it not been for the bizarre winner. Thai officials said later they were going to use him in extra time when the match looked like ending in a goalless draw after 90 minutes.
For Teerathep, the tournament was one of the best moments in his rapidly-developing career. ``The experience in the SEA Games will make me stronger,'' he said. The SEA Games gold medal was added to his collection of international achievements which include three consecutive titles in the Norway Cup junior tournament in which he was twice the highest scorer and twice named best player. He also helped his former school, Bangkok Christian College, win the Physical Education Department's Under-12 and Under-14 championships.
Teerathep's road to glory started when he was a young boy. Thanks to his father Thepchai, a sportswriter for the Daily News, Teerathep developed a taste for football at a very young age as his father often took him to matches. ``I saw big crowds and I felt like I wanted to play before them,'' said Teerathep, who is nicknamed ``Leesaw'' because of his mother's love of the Hilltribe people of the same name which started when she was a volunteer teacher in northern Thailand during her college days.
The first turning point for young Leesaw came last year when he received a scholarship to study and play in England from a foundation established by sports media tycoon Ravi Lohthong, the founder of the Siam Sports Syndicate, whom Leesaw calls uncle. Teerathep was the first _ and so far only _ player deemed good enough to receive the scholarship which is supported by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).
For many people, going to a new environment in a foreign country would be a major obstacle. But for Teerathep, who will turn 17 in February, it was more or less business as usual as he has been to a lot of countries including Norway, Russia and South Korea, not to mention Malaysia and Singapore. ``I adapted to life in England quite fast because I have travelled a lot,'' said the good-looking Teerathep who is often mobbed by Thai female students when he is in Thailand.
``I do not have any problems with the food or the weather. The only problem was the language but now that is not a big issue.''
In England, Teerathep is a boarding student at Brentwood School in Essex outside London. He travels to London to play for Crystal Palace's under-19 team on Saturdays and stays overnight with the Siam Sports reporters at their house. ``This makes me feel at home,'' he said.
Although he is still not in the first 11 of Palace's under-19 team, Teerathep has often come on as a substitute and scored goals, including one against Wolves in a recent FA Youth Cup third-round tie which was rated by the player himself as his most memorable goal so far in England.
``I came on in the second half and changed the course of the game. I scored the opening goal and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. We went on to win on penalties,'' Teerathep said.
Contrary to the general belief that football training in England is very harsh, Teerathep feels it is not that hard. He says the training concentrates on team work and using the ball. ``In Thailand, we often run around in hot conditions. But in England, they concentrate on training with the ball and how to solve problems you are likely to face in a match,'' he said.
As he regularly been finding the net for Palace, it is not surprising that Teerathep is being monitored by bigger clubs, including Premiership champions Manchester United who have reportedly shown interest in signing the young Thai star. ``The Crystal Palace coaches told me about Manchester United's interest but they advised that I should remain with them. They said that if I stay with Palace I will at least get the chance to play regularly, even though I am still a reserve for the under-19 team,'' Teerathep said. ``At clubs like Manchester United or Arsenal, it is unlikely that you would have a chance to play and show how good you are because they have a lot of good players.''
Fittingly, Manchester United are Teerathep's favourite English team and he has supported them since he was a young boy. Like father, like son _ as his dad is also a Man U fan.
Teerathep is treading the same path as former national coach Vittaya Laohakul, who played for a number of German sides decades ago, and Kiatisak ``Zico'' Senamuang, who had a brief but unsuccessful spell with English side Huddersfield Town. Thai pundits believe Teerathep has the potential to put Thailand on the European football map just like Japan's Hidetoshi Nakata and Iranian Ali Daei have done for their countries. But for an Asian player to be successful in Europe, and in particular in England, footballing skill is just one of several factors.
Teerathep's skill should not be an issue and English coach John Ryan has no doubts about his ability. ``I have seen Leesaw at Crystal Palace. He is a talented player and a quick learner. His technical skill is at a good level and one of the most important things is that he is still very young,'' said Ryan, who has signed a contract with the FAT to oversee a development project for Thai Under-12 players. But Ryan warned that Teerathep must bear in mind that he has to adapt himself to the unpleasant weather in England and that the English game relies heavily on physical strength and fitness.
While Teerathep insists the weather is not a problem for him, he admits that his physical strength needs improvement. Aged 16 and standing 1.72m, he is tall by Thai standards. But at just 63 kilogrammes, he is a bit skinny compared to Europeans. ``I need more physical strength as I am at a disadvantage when it comes to physical contact. Also, I need to improve my ball control,'' Teerathep said.
Vittaya, who has monitored Teerathep's progress since he was very young, believes Teerathep can make the grade in the English league as long as he adapts quickly to his new environment and stays away from ``social vices'' _ in particular alcohol and girls.
Teerathep agrees. ``To become a successful player, I know that I have to be patient, determined and work hard. More importantly, you have to control yourself. I have to behave because everybody is watching me,'' Teerathep said. ``No matter what you want to do, you have to try hard and learn. I have learned a lot from watching Zico and (former national team striker) Piyapong Piew-on. I also try to learn from good players on TV.''
Arguably the most talented footballer ever born in Thailand, Teerathep is now one of the country's most popular athletes. This year he was named the Outstanding Youth by the National Youth Bureau and was runner-up for the Sports Authority of Thailand's Best Youth Athlete of the Year. As a Manchester United fan, it is fitting that his idol _ apart from local heroes Kiatisak and Piyapong _ is Red Devils star and England captain David Beckham. ``Yes, I want to play with him,'' said Teerathep, who wears an earring like Beckham.
The young Thai's ultimate dream is to become an expensive player and famous worldwide. But before reaching that point his more realistic target is to be good enough to play professionally in England. Teerathep still has many mountains to climb before reaching the goal. But like the Leesaw Hilltribe people, he should be able to climb the mountains.
This article first appeared in the Bangkok Post
Video Interview With The Blogger: 2011
Here's a short video interview I recorded with Nin from the T-Sports Channel in October, 2011.
Interview With Jason Withe: 2014
Chonburi's first league meeting with today's opponents, PTT Rayong, was in March, 2014. Here's my pre match interview with Jason Withe, who was then working at the club as assistant coach to his dad, Peter.
Q - Please can you introduce yourself
Jason Withe age 42. I'm an ex professional footballer having played for West Bromwich Albion, Burnley, Crewe Alexandra and Stockport County. When I finished playing I went into coaching, working for Birmingham City and Aston Villa. I then moved into coach education, delivering FA qualifications. I got the opportunity to become the head coach for Bec Tero Sasana FC and steered them to their first league championship. I also assisted my father with the Thailand national team during their most successful period. I then moved to Home United in Singapore, where I steered the team into 2nd in the league, before returning to Thailand as technical director and then head coach of Bangkok Bank. I then worked as assistant national coach for the Indonesian national team and U23 team for 3yrs before moving back to the UK, where I was academy director for Aldershot Town FC and then director of football for Leicester City girls & women. I am one of the highest qualified coaches in the world of football and a coach educator. I have applied myself to a lifelong education of improving myself as a coach and manager.
Q - What is your current role at PTT Rayong?
I am currently assisting Peter with the 1st team, this includes coaching, scouting opposition & potential new players. Although I'm not contracted to the club as I am on the market for any new head coach position that might arise in the region.
Q - What does this role involve?
My role involves the day to day coaching with the 1st team and planning opposition scouting and possible recruitment of new players. The coaching is then linked into strengths and weaknesses of opposition teams we are about to play.
Q - How easy do you find working with your dad?
Not a problem at all. We have very similar ideas on how the game should be played and we get on very well. I assisted Peter with both the Thailand and Indonesia National Teams in the past so it's not new to work together. My reason for being here is to find my own team to manage and Peter knows this, so it helps both of us. PTT Rayong FC have been very helpful with this also.
Q - Please can you describe a typical week's training schedule
We like to plan in advance so myself and Peter will have watched the opposition play at least twice. We will then draw out a game plan on what we need to work on to play that particular team.
Q - How are the PTT players responding to your methods?
This is a big transition for not only the players but also the club. It's their first season in the Thai Premier League so as always things take time to adjust but we are happy with the response the players have shown and the support from the club.
Q - How have you had to adapt your methods to suit the local mentality?
We have both coached in Thailand for around five years previously and both myself and Peter have had great success with working with Thai players in the past both internationally and domestically. We both understand how to bring out the best in Thai players and we have a real grasp of the Thai culture and mentality of players here.
Q - Do you think that Thai clubs train too much?
For me it's about intensity at the right time. I took time out while I was in the UK to watch Arsene Wenger working for three weeks at Arsenal preparing his team for both Premier League games and Champions League games. This not only gave me an insight into Arsene's philosophies but how he trains players leading into key games. I have applied these ideas into my own philosophy and coaching practices. You can get the same intensity in a one hour session rather than dragging out a coaching session for two and a half hours. Your coaching practices need to be game related and linked into your overall game-plan.
Q - Do you think playing friendly matches during the season in place of training is a good idea?
Planning for the long term as well as the short term is vital for any team but you have to take into account players’ fitness levels. If you are carrying a big squad, players need to have match practice, so playing practice games for that reason is really important. Playing practice games to replace training for me is a waste of time. Coaches need to have a real understanding of fitness and especially recovery of players and getting players to peak at the right time is the key to having a successful team.
Q - How does having foreign players in the squad help with coaching Thai players and introducing new ideas?
The key element for me is bringing in the right foreign player - who has the same mentality as the head coach - to improve your team. I also work for a company called Scout7, covering Asia, which has the biggest data base of players in the world. Scout7 is being used by the biggest clubs and associations mainly in Europe and South America so when signing a player we hold all the player’s real appearances and videos of games he's played in. So if you have quality foreign players who have played at good levels Thai players can hopefully take some of these ideas into their own game. If Thai players compare themselves against these players, who might have played at a high level elsewhere, and they can be better, then why not have Thai players going to play in other leagues around the world?
Q - What are the major differences between football in Thailand now and when you were here before?
My initial observations are the differences of the fan base for each club. This is a real improvement on the past. Although football has always been the number one sport in Thailand, it was only the national team that had big support for games but each club is run more professionally now and they see the importance in tapping into the local community. On a playing side, the Thai players have become physically stronger and players have seen the importance with regards to fitness. Although the league has improved, what has really disappointed me is the position of the national team slipping down the FIFA rankings and not even being the number one team in South East Asia. Both myself and Peter worked extremely hard in raising the standards in Thailand while we coached here for five years and when we left the national team declined and have yet to reach the standards that they reached in the past, which has been a great disappointment to both myself and Peter.
Q - What are your opinions on how you've started the season?
The club has seen some major changes in a short period with regards to new coaches, players and finding themselves in a new league. It is important to put the foundations down first and build slowly. We have been impressed with the players’ response to training so this season will be a big learning curve. If we take last Saturday’s game against Suphanburi, who finished 4th in the league last season, it was a very even game with both teams creating chances and to be honest the game could have gone either way.
Q - What will be considered a successful season for PTT Rayong?
For any team entering a new league, the first season is all about stabilising the club, learning and then moving the club forward after that. The biggest problem for the league is that 5 teams get relegated this season, which is losing a third of your teams and I don't see this as being productive to the Thai Premier League.
Q - Which TPL teams have impressed you this season and why?
I'm going to have to be brutally honest and say I haven't seen a team that has blown me away. In fact, I haven't been over impressed with any teams. I'm yet to see a team play with a real identity and a real threat and totally dominate a game. I have seen plenty of individuality but not a team playing as a team. I believe the league is very open this year and any number of teams could be challenging.
Q - Which players have impressed you and why?
I have seen most teams this season and I watched Bec Tero Sasana play against Chonburi on Sunday. Iwas impressed with Tero's striker Georgie, who looked a real handful. I was also impressed with Darko Tesevski in the Bangkok Glass midfield.
Q - What are you expecting from Saturday's match?
I'm expecting a hard game. We will have a game plan and if we stick to this we will make it difficult for Chonburi.
Q - Without giving too much away, what will your approach be on Saturday?
I was very impressed with the Chonburi strikers on Sunday and I know Pipob very well - he was my player at Bec Tero when I was head coach, in fact it was me he gave him his Thai Premier League debut. He is still a very dangerous player who puts defenders under pressure all the time so we will be trying to stop these first of all.
Q - What are your impressions of the Chonburi team/squad?
Having watched Chonburi play against Bec Tero on Sunday, I also watched them play at home on Wednesday against Bangkok Glass. Against Tero, Chonburi scored in the first half against the run of play. They have two wingers who can cause problems and this combined with two very quick strikers, Chonburi can be a real threat. Therefore, containing these players will be key to getting something from the game. My old striker at Bec Tero, Warrawut is assisting coaching the team and I'm sure he will be looking to get one over on me and Peter at the weekend.
Q - Which Chonburi players have impressed you and why?
Chonburi like to play through the thirds and I was also impressed with both central midfielders on Sunday. They look to receive the ball under pressure, mixing their passing up and playing into strikers’ feet or getting the ball out wide.
Q - Where do you think our strengths are?
A very structured 4 4 2 formation, defending well as a unit and making it very difficult for opponents to break you down. I would have to say both strikers are very mobile and quick and when you have pace upfront that will always be a threat to any team.
Q - And our weaknesses?
Chonburi is not the biggest of teams and against Bec Tero, Chonburi really struggled with set plays, especially corners.
Q - Anything else you'd like to add?
I'm looking forward to a good game this weekend. I always enjoy watching teams and putting an evaluation together on how to contain and win the games. It will be good to see my old players; Warrawut, Pipop and Therdsak. Let's hope they all have an off day!
Q - Please can you introduce yourself
Jason Withe age 42. I'm an ex professional footballer having played for West Bromwich Albion, Burnley, Crewe Alexandra and Stockport County. When I finished playing I went into coaching, working for Birmingham City and Aston Villa. I then moved into coach education, delivering FA qualifications. I got the opportunity to become the head coach for Bec Tero Sasana FC and steered them to their first league championship. I also assisted my father with the Thailand national team during their most successful period. I then moved to Home United in Singapore, where I steered the team into 2nd in the league, before returning to Thailand as technical director and then head coach of Bangkok Bank. I then worked as assistant national coach for the Indonesian national team and U23 team for 3yrs before moving back to the UK, where I was academy director for Aldershot Town FC and then director of football for Leicester City girls & women. I am one of the highest qualified coaches in the world of football and a coach educator. I have applied myself to a lifelong education of improving myself as a coach and manager.
Q - What is your current role at PTT Rayong?
I am currently assisting Peter with the 1st team, this includes coaching, scouting opposition & potential new players. Although I'm not contracted to the club as I am on the market for any new head coach position that might arise in the region.
Q - What does this role involve?
My role involves the day to day coaching with the 1st team and planning opposition scouting and possible recruitment of new players. The coaching is then linked into strengths and weaknesses of opposition teams we are about to play.
Q - How easy do you find working with your dad?
Not a problem at all. We have very similar ideas on how the game should be played and we get on very well. I assisted Peter with both the Thailand and Indonesia National Teams in the past so it's not new to work together. My reason for being here is to find my own team to manage and Peter knows this, so it helps both of us. PTT Rayong FC have been very helpful with this also.
Q - Please can you describe a typical week's training schedule
We like to plan in advance so myself and Peter will have watched the opposition play at least twice. We will then draw out a game plan on what we need to work on to play that particular team.
Q - How are the PTT players responding to your methods?
This is a big transition for not only the players but also the club. It's their first season in the Thai Premier League so as always things take time to adjust but we are happy with the response the players have shown and the support from the club.
Q - How have you had to adapt your methods to suit the local mentality?
We have both coached in Thailand for around five years previously and both myself and Peter have had great success with working with Thai players in the past both internationally and domestically. We both understand how to bring out the best in Thai players and we have a real grasp of the Thai culture and mentality of players here.
Q - Do you think that Thai clubs train too much?
For me it's about intensity at the right time. I took time out while I was in the UK to watch Arsene Wenger working for three weeks at Arsenal preparing his team for both Premier League games and Champions League games. This not only gave me an insight into Arsene's philosophies but how he trains players leading into key games. I have applied these ideas into my own philosophy and coaching practices. You can get the same intensity in a one hour session rather than dragging out a coaching session for two and a half hours. Your coaching practices need to be game related and linked into your overall game-plan.
Q - Do you think playing friendly matches during the season in place of training is a good idea?
Planning for the long term as well as the short term is vital for any team but you have to take into account players’ fitness levels. If you are carrying a big squad, players need to have match practice, so playing practice games for that reason is really important. Playing practice games to replace training for me is a waste of time. Coaches need to have a real understanding of fitness and especially recovery of players and getting players to peak at the right time is the key to having a successful team.
Q - How does having foreign players in the squad help with coaching Thai players and introducing new ideas?
The key element for me is bringing in the right foreign player - who has the same mentality as the head coach - to improve your team. I also work for a company called Scout7, covering Asia, which has the biggest data base of players in the world. Scout7 is being used by the biggest clubs and associations mainly in Europe and South America so when signing a player we hold all the player’s real appearances and videos of games he's played in. So if you have quality foreign players who have played at good levels Thai players can hopefully take some of these ideas into their own game. If Thai players compare themselves against these players, who might have played at a high level elsewhere, and they can be better, then why not have Thai players going to play in other leagues around the world?
Q - What are the major differences between football in Thailand now and when you were here before?
My initial observations are the differences of the fan base for each club. This is a real improvement on the past. Although football has always been the number one sport in Thailand, it was only the national team that had big support for games but each club is run more professionally now and they see the importance in tapping into the local community. On a playing side, the Thai players have become physically stronger and players have seen the importance with regards to fitness. Although the league has improved, what has really disappointed me is the position of the national team slipping down the FIFA rankings and not even being the number one team in South East Asia. Both myself and Peter worked extremely hard in raising the standards in Thailand while we coached here for five years and when we left the national team declined and have yet to reach the standards that they reached in the past, which has been a great disappointment to both myself and Peter.
Q - What are your opinions on how you've started the season?
The club has seen some major changes in a short period with regards to new coaches, players and finding themselves in a new league. It is important to put the foundations down first and build slowly. We have been impressed with the players’ response to training so this season will be a big learning curve. If we take last Saturday’s game against Suphanburi, who finished 4th in the league last season, it was a very even game with both teams creating chances and to be honest the game could have gone either way.
Q - What will be considered a successful season for PTT Rayong?
For any team entering a new league, the first season is all about stabilising the club, learning and then moving the club forward after that. The biggest problem for the league is that 5 teams get relegated this season, which is losing a third of your teams and I don't see this as being productive to the Thai Premier League.
Q - Which TPL teams have impressed you this season and why?
I'm going to have to be brutally honest and say I haven't seen a team that has blown me away. In fact, I haven't been over impressed with any teams. I'm yet to see a team play with a real identity and a real threat and totally dominate a game. I have seen plenty of individuality but not a team playing as a team. I believe the league is very open this year and any number of teams could be challenging.
Q - Which players have impressed you and why?
I have seen most teams this season and I watched Bec Tero Sasana play against Chonburi on Sunday. Iwas impressed with Tero's striker Georgie, who looked a real handful. I was also impressed with Darko Tesevski in the Bangkok Glass midfield.
Q - What are you expecting from Saturday's match?
I'm expecting a hard game. We will have a game plan and if we stick to this we will make it difficult for Chonburi.
Q - Without giving too much away, what will your approach be on Saturday?
I was very impressed with the Chonburi strikers on Sunday and I know Pipob very well - he was my player at Bec Tero when I was head coach, in fact it was me he gave him his Thai Premier League debut. He is still a very dangerous player who puts defenders under pressure all the time so we will be trying to stop these first of all.
Q - What are your impressions of the Chonburi team/squad?
Having watched Chonburi play against Bec Tero on Sunday, I also watched them play at home on Wednesday against Bangkok Glass. Against Tero, Chonburi scored in the first half against the run of play. They have two wingers who can cause problems and this combined with two very quick strikers, Chonburi can be a real threat. Therefore, containing these players will be key to getting something from the game. My old striker at Bec Tero, Warrawut is assisting coaching the team and I'm sure he will be looking to get one over on me and Peter at the weekend.
Q - Which Chonburi players have impressed you and why?
Chonburi like to play through the thirds and I was also impressed with both central midfielders on Sunday. They look to receive the ball under pressure, mixing their passing up and playing into strikers’ feet or getting the ball out wide.
Q - Where do you think our strengths are?
A very structured 4 4 2 formation, defending well as a unit and making it very difficult for opponents to break you down. I would have to say both strikers are very mobile and quick and when you have pace upfront that will always be a threat to any team.
Q - And our weaknesses?
Chonburi is not the biggest of teams and against Bec Tero, Chonburi really struggled with set plays, especially corners.
Q - Anything else you'd like to add?
I'm looking forward to a good game this weekend. I always enjoy watching teams and putting an evaluation together on how to contain and win the games. It will be good to see my old players; Warrawut, Pipop and Therdsak. Let's hope they all have an off day!
PTT 2-3 Prachinburi Match Report: 2009
The Sharks return to action today with a home game against PTT Rayong. Here is a report I wrote on PTT's match with Prachinburi in July, 2009, when the "Firepower" were based at Chonburi Sports College - a stadium that we were to use the following season.
PTT 2-3 Prachinburi
Chonburi Sports College
5th July, 2009
I’ve visited the Chonburi Sports College Ground on many occasions – the most recent being for a pre season clash between Chonburi and Bodoglimst of Norway - and have always been impressed with the set up. Therefore, I was delighted to see that they are currently in the middle of a rebuilding programme. Three sides of the ground now has terracing and the fourth will be completed soon; whether or not this means that PTT will make this their permanent home remains to be seen. I’ve already seen the stadium used as a home base for four different clubs (a large Chang to anyone who can name all four) so it would be nice for them to have long term tenants.
The match itself was a thoroughly entertaining game played in a Cumbrian style drizzle – it took me right back to my days on the terraces of Parkside Road, home of Netherfield FC (now Kendal Town). Twice the home team came from behind but it would have been a great injustice if they’d got anything out of this game. The visitors were by far the better side, enjoying the bulk of possession and creating the better chances, much to the delight of their impressively large band of noisy fans.
The first half was pretty even but it ended with the away team deservedly going in 2-1 up, courtesy of a well struck free kick and a glaring error by the goalkeeper. Sandwiched in between was a superb headed goal by the impressive PTT centre half.
Prachinburi came out for the second period looking to increase their lead. They had obviously been instructed to shoot on sight and the shots rained in. The number 2 in particular looked threatening every time he took aim. The home keeper atoned for his earlier mistake by producing a string of fine saves to keep the deficit to one.
During a rare foray into opposition territory, PTT were awarded a free kick. The ball was swung across to the far post, where it was met by the centre half. This time he headed across the face of the goal and his team mate had the simple task of nodding home. 2-2.
It didn’t take Prachinburi long to restore their lead. The PTT defence failed to react quickly enough to a left wing free kick and the number 23 (who scored the first goal) nipped in at the near post to glance his header past the keeper.
In the time remaining, the away team had a few chances to add to their goals tally but when the final whistle blew the away support seemed more than happy to celebrate a well deserved 3-2 victory.
This was a very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday evening. And, thankfully, the rain had stopped so I was able to ride home without getting wet.
PTT 2-3 Prachinburi
Chonburi Sports College
5th July, 2009
I’ve visited the Chonburi Sports College Ground on many occasions – the most recent being for a pre season clash between Chonburi and Bodoglimst of Norway - and have always been impressed with the set up. Therefore, I was delighted to see that they are currently in the middle of a rebuilding programme. Three sides of the ground now has terracing and the fourth will be completed soon; whether or not this means that PTT will make this their permanent home remains to be seen. I’ve already seen the stadium used as a home base for four different clubs (a large Chang to anyone who can name all four) so it would be nice for them to have long term tenants.
The match itself was a thoroughly entertaining game played in a Cumbrian style drizzle – it took me right back to my days on the terraces of Parkside Road, home of Netherfield FC (now Kendal Town). Twice the home team came from behind but it would have been a great injustice if they’d got anything out of this game. The visitors were by far the better side, enjoying the bulk of possession and creating the better chances, much to the delight of their impressively large band of noisy fans.
The first half was pretty even but it ended with the away team deservedly going in 2-1 up, courtesy of a well struck free kick and a glaring error by the goalkeeper. Sandwiched in between was a superb headed goal by the impressive PTT centre half.
Prachinburi came out for the second period looking to increase their lead. They had obviously been instructed to shoot on sight and the shots rained in. The number 2 in particular looked threatening every time he took aim. The home keeper atoned for his earlier mistake by producing a string of fine saves to keep the deficit to one.
During a rare foray into opposition territory, PTT were awarded a free kick. The ball was swung across to the far post, where it was met by the centre half. This time he headed across the face of the goal and his team mate had the simple task of nodding home. 2-2.
It didn’t take Prachinburi long to restore their lead. The PTT defence failed to react quickly enough to a left wing free kick and the number 23 (who scored the first goal) nipped in at the near post to glance his header past the keeper.
In the time remaining, the away team had a few chances to add to their goals tally but when the final whistle blew the away support seemed more than happy to celebrate a well deserved 3-2 victory.
This was a very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday evening. And, thankfully, the rain had stopped so I was able to ride home without getting wet.
Saturday 28 September 2019
Chonburi FC Fan Badge Designs: 2011
In 2011, Chonburi fans were invited to submit designs for the new club badge. Here is a selection of the entries that made it to the final stages.
Interview With Dez Corkhill: 2010
Between 2006 and 2008 I supplied video footage, information and the occasional interview about, Thai football to the good people over at ESPN/Star Sports. The highlights were mainly featured on two shows : Football Crazy and The Top Corner. The latter was the brainchild of one Dez Corkhill, a British journalist who was responsible for most of the Asian football output on the network. A champion of the local game, Dez is currently working as Head of Broadcast for Malaysia Football League content. Here is an interview I did with him in 2010.
Q - For starters, please can you tell me a bit about your background.
- I was born and bred in Liverpool, and have followed the Reds for as long as I can remember. My first match was Liverpool vs Stoke City, in what proved to be Gordon Banks' last ever match in England. I went to University in Scotland where Dundee United were my adopted second team. I got my first job in South Wales where a then struggling Cardiff City became my new "second" team.
Q - When did you first get into sports journalism and was this always your ambition?
- It was in South Wales that I broke into sports broadcasting. I played football to a decent level, as a goalkeeper, in the League of Wales and the Scottish Junior Leagues, as well as representing British Universities. But I was never disciplined enough, tall enough, fit enough nor good enough to make it as a professional and decided at 21 that if I can't play a sport, I might as well talk about it. I'd written match reports for school magazines as a young lad, and done some "Hospital Radio" in my late teens, so when I gave up playing competitively, I knew that sports journalism was the career I wanted. Getting the first break was tough and numerous knock-backs followed over the next five years. Eventually, a local radio station (Red Dragon Radio) in South Wales gave me some airtime, after which I got freelance work with BBC Wales radio and TV, plus several other regional radio stations and work.
Q - How did you end up in SE Asia?
- The first full-time broadcast journalism job I had was in London working for a company (TWI, now IMG Media) who were commissioned to produce an international version of the famed US SportsCenter. After five years working on this, and on a UK version of the brilliant Futbol Mundial, a chance to move to Singapore to help set up ESPN's SportsCenter regional programming came my way. Having set that up, I added some on-air work to my repertoire (mainly promoting local football Leagues), moved into commentary, and then helped relaunch and revamp the ESPNSTAR.com website.
Q - Why are you so passionate about Asian football?
- My passion is football and how it represents where you are from. Forgive the lecture that's about to follow but, a football club represents you and your community, and should provide a central focal point for that community. Football isn't just about money, it's about belonging and identity and long after the money men disappear from World football, people will remember that football is about belonging and identity. A football club is one of the few ways a place can have "meaning" and be recognised. Mention "Liverpool:, and the chances are that people think of "The Beatles" and "Liverpool Football Club.".
Q - Who is the best South-East Asian player you've ever seen?
- I loved watching Therdsak Chaiman play at Singapore Armed Forces. Even as a "veteran" he was three moves ahead. He made the players around him better, and the opposition look worse. The most thrilling combination of players I saw was when the Indonesians Bambang Pamungkas and Elie Aboi were together at Selangor in Malaysia. They won a treble in front of packed houses, and persuaded me to make the 4-hour journey to Shah Alam on several occasions.
Q - And the best club side in South-East Asia?
- I'm quite taken by South China. They performed brilliantly in one of the Permier League pre-season challenges a couple of years ago when they played Liverpool and Birmingham. A club with the potential to be big if a South-East Asian league ever becomes a reality. They performed at a higher level than any others I can remember. Saying that, the BEC Tero Sasana side that made it to the AFC Champions League Final (again with Therdsak to the fore) were pretty useful as well.
Q - During your time at ESPN/Star Sports you were always very supportive of Thai football, why was this?
- During a couple of trips to Thailand soon after I moved to South East Asia, I got to watch BEC Tero Sasana and Krung Thai Bank and I enjoyed their style of play. Uninspiring names for football clubs but the football was quick, slick and entertaining. I remember BEC Tero beating the Air Force 4-0 on one visit, with Jatupong scoring two, including one gem after a lovely passing move. Although the crowd was small, I saw that the "product" was actually quite good, and with the right promotion, could be a good sell. I wasn't so supportive of the Thai team in the 2007 ASEAN Cup when they performed that petulant walk-off against Singapore, but generally, Thai's like to play attacking football, pleasing on the eye, and the fans are passionate and appreciative.
Q - Do you still take an interest in Thai football?
- Very much so. A change of work has taken me to Malaysia with a company called Astro Arena (Channel 801). Our brief (and what attracted me) is to cover and promote local sport, and local football is top of the tree in this area. It has made me even more aware of the domestic Leagues in and around South East Asia, and how football really does matter.
Q - What do you think about the changes that have taken place in the TPL over the past five years?
- Getting rid of the company associations and trying to make the clubs represent a community is what football is / should be all about. Chonburi was the original model, but the likes of Bangkok Glass and others have followed suit. Long may it continue. That strange season when there were two competing Leagues seems a long time ago, though it does concern me that there seems to be progress from 4 or 5 teams, but not from all.
Q - Where do you see Thai domestic football in five years time?
- That depends on the administrators and the ability to build on the progress over the past few seasons, and to properly market the clubs, and make the Thai League part of the mainstream sports coverage. Media is important. Without it, football will struggle. With negative media, football will struggle. It needs pro-active and positive media. Good administrators plus positive media equals a good future.
Q - How did you add the commentary to the TPL tapes I used to send you? Was it ad-libbed or scripted? Did you try and avoid hearing the scores beforehand?
- I needed to do some research on the positions of players in the starting line up so I "peeked" at the tape first to ensure I could identify the players. After that, I tried to do an "as live" commentary, but I did know who the scorers were before-hand.
Q - What were your impressions of the quality of Thai league football back in 2006 & 2007?
- The International team was doing OK, but the domestic League seemed to be on the way down. Interest was low and crowds were low.
Q - How long did you work at ESPNSTAR Sports?
- A very enjoyable ten years. They remain, to my mind, the standard bearers of coverage for international sport.
Q - What does your new job involve?
- My work at Astro Arena is to encourage coverage of local sport to the same professionalism, and with the same care and attention to quality as ESPNSTAR cover International sport.
Q - Which has been the best Asian match you've ever covered?
- Undoubtedly: Copa Indonesia Cup Final in 2005. Persipura Jayapura beat Persija Jakarta 4-3 after extra time. A nearly packed Senayan Stadium, my first taste of Jakmania, a cracking game of football, and Boaz Salossa in brilliant form. Running in second was a Singapore Cup Final where Chonburi were denied a win over Tampines by two very, very late goals in regulation time, and a late extra time winner. There have been some excellent Singapore Cup Finals, but that Copa Indonesia game was simply wonderful.
Q - If you could have been at any match in history (anywhere in the world) which one would it have been?
- Istanbul. Champions league Final 2005.
Q - For starters, please can you tell me a bit about your background.
- I was born and bred in Liverpool, and have followed the Reds for as long as I can remember. My first match was Liverpool vs Stoke City, in what proved to be Gordon Banks' last ever match in England. I went to University in Scotland where Dundee United were my adopted second team. I got my first job in South Wales where a then struggling Cardiff City became my new "second" team.
Q - When did you first get into sports journalism and was this always your ambition?
- It was in South Wales that I broke into sports broadcasting. I played football to a decent level, as a goalkeeper, in the League of Wales and the Scottish Junior Leagues, as well as representing British Universities. But I was never disciplined enough, tall enough, fit enough nor good enough to make it as a professional and decided at 21 that if I can't play a sport, I might as well talk about it. I'd written match reports for school magazines as a young lad, and done some "Hospital Radio" in my late teens, so when I gave up playing competitively, I knew that sports journalism was the career I wanted. Getting the first break was tough and numerous knock-backs followed over the next five years. Eventually, a local radio station (Red Dragon Radio) in South Wales gave me some airtime, after which I got freelance work with BBC Wales radio and TV, plus several other regional radio stations and work.
Q - How did you end up in SE Asia?
- The first full-time broadcast journalism job I had was in London working for a company (TWI, now IMG Media) who were commissioned to produce an international version of the famed US SportsCenter. After five years working on this, and on a UK version of the brilliant Futbol Mundial, a chance to move to Singapore to help set up ESPN's SportsCenter regional programming came my way. Having set that up, I added some on-air work to my repertoire (mainly promoting local football Leagues), moved into commentary, and then helped relaunch and revamp the ESPNSTAR.com website.
Q - Why are you so passionate about Asian football?
- My passion is football and how it represents where you are from. Forgive the lecture that's about to follow but, a football club represents you and your community, and should provide a central focal point for that community. Football isn't just about money, it's about belonging and identity and long after the money men disappear from World football, people will remember that football is about belonging and identity. A football club is one of the few ways a place can have "meaning" and be recognised. Mention "Liverpool:, and the chances are that people think of "The Beatles" and "Liverpool Football Club.".
Q - Who is the best South-East Asian player you've ever seen?
- I loved watching Therdsak Chaiman play at Singapore Armed Forces. Even as a "veteran" he was three moves ahead. He made the players around him better, and the opposition look worse. The most thrilling combination of players I saw was when the Indonesians Bambang Pamungkas and Elie Aboi were together at Selangor in Malaysia. They won a treble in front of packed houses, and persuaded me to make the 4-hour journey to Shah Alam on several occasions.
Q - And the best club side in South-East Asia?
- I'm quite taken by South China. They performed brilliantly in one of the Permier League pre-season challenges a couple of years ago when they played Liverpool and Birmingham. A club with the potential to be big if a South-East Asian league ever becomes a reality. They performed at a higher level than any others I can remember. Saying that, the BEC Tero Sasana side that made it to the AFC Champions League Final (again with Therdsak to the fore) were pretty useful as well.
Q - During your time at ESPN/Star Sports you were always very supportive of Thai football, why was this?
- During a couple of trips to Thailand soon after I moved to South East Asia, I got to watch BEC Tero Sasana and Krung Thai Bank and I enjoyed their style of play. Uninspiring names for football clubs but the football was quick, slick and entertaining. I remember BEC Tero beating the Air Force 4-0 on one visit, with Jatupong scoring two, including one gem after a lovely passing move. Although the crowd was small, I saw that the "product" was actually quite good, and with the right promotion, could be a good sell. I wasn't so supportive of the Thai team in the 2007 ASEAN Cup when they performed that petulant walk-off against Singapore, but generally, Thai's like to play attacking football, pleasing on the eye, and the fans are passionate and appreciative.
Q - Do you still take an interest in Thai football?
- Very much so. A change of work has taken me to Malaysia with a company called Astro Arena (Channel 801). Our brief (and what attracted me) is to cover and promote local sport, and local football is top of the tree in this area. It has made me even more aware of the domestic Leagues in and around South East Asia, and how football really does matter.
Q - What do you think about the changes that have taken place in the TPL over the past five years?
- Getting rid of the company associations and trying to make the clubs represent a community is what football is / should be all about. Chonburi was the original model, but the likes of Bangkok Glass and others have followed suit. Long may it continue. That strange season when there were two competing Leagues seems a long time ago, though it does concern me that there seems to be progress from 4 or 5 teams, but not from all.
Q - Where do you see Thai domestic football in five years time?
- That depends on the administrators and the ability to build on the progress over the past few seasons, and to properly market the clubs, and make the Thai League part of the mainstream sports coverage. Media is important. Without it, football will struggle. With negative media, football will struggle. It needs pro-active and positive media. Good administrators plus positive media equals a good future.
Q - How did you add the commentary to the TPL tapes I used to send you? Was it ad-libbed or scripted? Did you try and avoid hearing the scores beforehand?
- I needed to do some research on the positions of players in the starting line up so I "peeked" at the tape first to ensure I could identify the players. After that, I tried to do an "as live" commentary, but I did know who the scorers were before-hand.
Q - What were your impressions of the quality of Thai league football back in 2006 & 2007?
- The International team was doing OK, but the domestic League seemed to be on the way down. Interest was low and crowds were low.
Q - How long did you work at ESPNSTAR Sports?
- A very enjoyable ten years. They remain, to my mind, the standard bearers of coverage for international sport.
Q - What does your new job involve?
- My work at Astro Arena is to encourage coverage of local sport to the same professionalism, and with the same care and attention to quality as ESPNSTAR cover International sport.
Q - Which has been the best Asian match you've ever covered?
- Undoubtedly: Copa Indonesia Cup Final in 2005. Persipura Jayapura beat Persija Jakarta 4-3 after extra time. A nearly packed Senayan Stadium, my first taste of Jakmania, a cracking game of football, and Boaz Salossa in brilliant form. Running in second was a Singapore Cup Final where Chonburi were denied a win over Tampines by two very, very late goals in regulation time, and a late extra time winner. There have been some excellent Singapore Cup Finals, but that Copa Indonesia game was simply wonderful.
Q - If you could have been at any match in history (anywhere in the world) which one would it have been?
- Istanbul. Champions league Final 2005.
Friday 27 September 2019
Football Siam Thai League Review: 2004/2005
The Football Siam Thai League review magazine and free VCD of all the goals from 2004/2005.
Season Preview: 2011
Paul Hewitt's preview of the 2011 season.
Thai Premier League Preview: The Good, the Bad, and the Chidchob.
The 2011 Thai Premier League gets underway on February 12th at a time when the domestic game has never been more popular. Following the relaunch of the TPL in 2009, big-name sponsors, businessmen and politicians all jumped aboard the bandwagon bringing huge amounts of money with them. But how is this new-found wealth and popularity affecting the game? We investigate the positives and negatives in this Brave New Era, starting with the good things about the game.
Media
Live matches will be shown on Saturdays and Sundays on True Visions, NBT 11 and T-Sport. The sports newspapers, meanwhile, devote more column inches than ever before to the game. Siam Keela is particularly supportive and offers TPL pull-outs in its weekend editions. Every club in the TPL has an official website and most have several unofficial ones, too. There is even an increasing number of independent English-language sites started up by Westerners who have become devoted to the beautiful game here in the Land of Smiles.
Stadia
Stadia have been and are being improved. Chonburi, PEA, and Sriracha all play in new arenas, whilst those of Muang Thong, Thai Port, Bangkok Glass and TTM Phichit have been redeveloped beyond recognition. Sisaket’s has also been expanded, and Chiang Rai are beginning the redevelopment of their Mae Fah Luang home.
Tickets
When the TPL really took off, in 2009, there were fears that ticket prices would also rocket. By and large, those fears haven’t been realised. Five years ago ticket prices ranged from 20 to 50 baht. In 2010 ticket prices were still as low as 50 baht at many grounds, and the top clubs charged only a little more. The cheapest ticket at champions Muang Thong was 60 baht. Bangkok Glass also started at 60 baht; Chonburi’s and Thai Port’s cheapest were 80 baht while tickets for the prestigious FA Cup final were only 100 baht.
Scheduling
There are still problems, but, for the most part, matches start at a reasonable time on Saturdays or Sundays. ‘Nothing surprising there’ you may say, but it wasn’t always this way. Long-term Chonburi fan Dale Farrington tells us about the bizarre timing of matches during Chonburi’s title-winning season: “During our 2007 campaign we had a rash of Wednesday 4:00pm kick offs. Even the last round of matches – which could have seen the title decided – were all played on Tuesday at 4:00pm! Thankfully, we'd beaten Krung Thai Bank the previous Tuesday in front of 8,000. The following week there were less than 500 in the ground.” In 2011, nearly all the fixtures will be played on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Another one of our positives that cuts both ways. Matches may now kick off at a sensible time at weekends, but there are simply far too many games. The FAT have let themselves get carried away by the success of the relaunched top flight and are now behaving with all the restraint of a child given the keys to a sweet shop. Halfway through the 2010 season, without warning, the FAT announced that there would be a brand new league cup competition. Sure enough, just a couple of weeks later, the Toyota League Cup got underway. This new tournament had to be squeezed in alongside the TPL fixtures, and the FA Cup which was already underway, and it was a two-legged competition. Sure enough, it caused fixture congestion chaos.
The TPL finished a month later than was originally scheduled, and the FA Cup final was played nearly two months late. But the FAT weren’t finished there. Just a few days before the end of the season they announced that the bottom three weren’t to be automatically relegated, as had been assumed all season. Instead, the three ‘relegated’ sides from the TPL were to take part in play-offs against the fourth, fifth and sixth placed teams from Division 1. Two of these six teams would be rewarded with places in the 2011 TPL, along with the top three from Division 1, as the FAT decided to expand the top tier from sixteen teams to eighteen. The TPL season, which had been originally scheduled to finish on September 26th, eventually drew to a close on Christmas Day. We will see the controversial League Cup again in 2011, but it is at least scheduled to start earlier. The high-stakes play-offs may also return as FAT president Worawi Makudi recently said he would like to see a 20-team TPL in 2012.
Fans
The revamped, slick, streamlined TPL is attracting fans as never before. Before 2009, only Chonburi and PEA Ayutthaya could attract attendances of over a thousand; before 2007 no clubs could. Now, attendances in the thousands are the norm. Muang Thong typically attract 10,000; double that for big games. Bangkok Glass, Thai Port and Chonburi are in the 5,000-10,000 range, and over in Buriram, Newin Chidchob’s PEA usually fill their 20,000 capacity i-Mobile Stadium. As fans fill the stadiums the media show more interest in the game and offer more coverage. As they offer more coverage more fans come to matches. It’s an upward spiral which slows little sign of slowing.
Perhaps understandably, this huge surge of popularity, coupled with the attendant increase in wealth, has brought new challenges and problems.
A positive can also be a negative. The multitudes packing stadia every week are to be welcomed. But this new era for the TPL has seen the arrival of hooliganism in Thailand. Thai Port F.C are often held up as the main offenders, but trouble has also flared at Chonburi, Navy Rayong, Pattaya, Muang Thong, Buriram PEA and throughout the Thai football pyramid, but punishments have been pretty feeble. The most serious incident occurred at Nakhon Pathom of Division 1 in late December. At the end of this crucial relegation/promotion play-off against Sisaket, fans of the home side attacked Sisaket fans on the pitch whilst members of the coaching staff went after the referee. One of the aggressors even produced a gun! On this occasion the authorities acted swiftly and very firmly: Nakhon Pathom have been banned from the league for two years. The punishment seems draconian, but it sends out a strong message to would-be offenders.
Referees
Unfortunately, the most important person on a football pitch has not been a part of the TPL cash bonanza. The referee who was threatened with a gun in the aforementioned Nakhon Pathom game received 1500 baht for his efforts – equivalent to a couple of replica shirts. The pathetic remuneration of referees clearly opens the door for corruption. Dr Vichit Yamboonreung, the TPL president, has stated that referees will receive 5,000 baht per game baht in 2011. It’s a start, but we still think it’s nowhere near enough. And there are no excuses anymore: the TPL can now easily afford to pay them far more.
Those problems are all easily solvable: hit hooligans with strong punishments; stick to the original schedule as closely as possible and don’t introduce new competitions during the season; pay referees much more. Therefore, we’re still positive about the state of the TPL in this era of unprecedented popularity: low ticket prices, new and improved stadia, great media coverage and thousands of fans flocking to games every week are all reasons to be cheerful. Your domestic league has never been in better shape so get yourself down to your local TPL club this season. You won’t regret it.
Thai Premier League Preview: The Good, the Bad, and the Chidchob.
The 2011 Thai Premier League gets underway on February 12th at a time when the domestic game has never been more popular. Following the relaunch of the TPL in 2009, big-name sponsors, businessmen and politicians all jumped aboard the bandwagon bringing huge amounts of money with them. But how is this new-found wealth and popularity affecting the game? We investigate the positives and negatives in this Brave New Era, starting with the good things about the game.
Media
Live matches will be shown on Saturdays and Sundays on True Visions, NBT 11 and T-Sport. The sports newspapers, meanwhile, devote more column inches than ever before to the game. Siam Keela is particularly supportive and offers TPL pull-outs in its weekend editions. Every club in the TPL has an official website and most have several unofficial ones, too. There is even an increasing number of independent English-language sites started up by Westerners who have become devoted to the beautiful game here in the Land of Smiles.
Stadia
Stadia have been and are being improved. Chonburi, PEA, and Sriracha all play in new arenas, whilst those of Muang Thong, Thai Port, Bangkok Glass and TTM Phichit have been redeveloped beyond recognition. Sisaket’s has also been expanded, and Chiang Rai are beginning the redevelopment of their Mae Fah Luang home.
Tickets
When the TPL really took off, in 2009, there were fears that ticket prices would also rocket. By and large, those fears haven’t been realised. Five years ago ticket prices ranged from 20 to 50 baht. In 2010 ticket prices were still as low as 50 baht at many grounds, and the top clubs charged only a little more. The cheapest ticket at champions Muang Thong was 60 baht. Bangkok Glass also started at 60 baht; Chonburi’s and Thai Port’s cheapest were 80 baht while tickets for the prestigious FA Cup final were only 100 baht.
Scheduling
There are still problems, but, for the most part, matches start at a reasonable time on Saturdays or Sundays. ‘Nothing surprising there’ you may say, but it wasn’t always this way. Long-term Chonburi fan Dale Farrington tells us about the bizarre timing of matches during Chonburi’s title-winning season: “During our 2007 campaign we had a rash of Wednesday 4:00pm kick offs. Even the last round of matches – which could have seen the title decided – were all played on Tuesday at 4:00pm! Thankfully, we'd beaten Krung Thai Bank the previous Tuesday in front of 8,000. The following week there were less than 500 in the ground.” In 2011, nearly all the fixtures will be played on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Another one of our positives that cuts both ways. Matches may now kick off at a sensible time at weekends, but there are simply far too many games. The FAT have let themselves get carried away by the success of the relaunched top flight and are now behaving with all the restraint of a child given the keys to a sweet shop. Halfway through the 2010 season, without warning, the FAT announced that there would be a brand new league cup competition. Sure enough, just a couple of weeks later, the Toyota League Cup got underway. This new tournament had to be squeezed in alongside the TPL fixtures, and the FA Cup which was already underway, and it was a two-legged competition. Sure enough, it caused fixture congestion chaos.
The TPL finished a month later than was originally scheduled, and the FA Cup final was played nearly two months late. But the FAT weren’t finished there. Just a few days before the end of the season they announced that the bottom three weren’t to be automatically relegated, as had been assumed all season. Instead, the three ‘relegated’ sides from the TPL were to take part in play-offs against the fourth, fifth and sixth placed teams from Division 1. Two of these six teams would be rewarded with places in the 2011 TPL, along with the top three from Division 1, as the FAT decided to expand the top tier from sixteen teams to eighteen. The TPL season, which had been originally scheduled to finish on September 26th, eventually drew to a close on Christmas Day. We will see the controversial League Cup again in 2011, but it is at least scheduled to start earlier. The high-stakes play-offs may also return as FAT president Worawi Makudi recently said he would like to see a 20-team TPL in 2012.
Fans
The revamped, slick, streamlined TPL is attracting fans as never before. Before 2009, only Chonburi and PEA Ayutthaya could attract attendances of over a thousand; before 2007 no clubs could. Now, attendances in the thousands are the norm. Muang Thong typically attract 10,000; double that for big games. Bangkok Glass, Thai Port and Chonburi are in the 5,000-10,000 range, and over in Buriram, Newin Chidchob’s PEA usually fill their 20,000 capacity i-Mobile Stadium. As fans fill the stadiums the media show more interest in the game and offer more coverage. As they offer more coverage more fans come to matches. It’s an upward spiral which slows little sign of slowing.
Perhaps understandably, this huge surge of popularity, coupled with the attendant increase in wealth, has brought new challenges and problems.
A positive can also be a negative. The multitudes packing stadia every week are to be welcomed. But this new era for the TPL has seen the arrival of hooliganism in Thailand. Thai Port F.C are often held up as the main offenders, but trouble has also flared at Chonburi, Navy Rayong, Pattaya, Muang Thong, Buriram PEA and throughout the Thai football pyramid, but punishments have been pretty feeble. The most serious incident occurred at Nakhon Pathom of Division 1 in late December. At the end of this crucial relegation/promotion play-off against Sisaket, fans of the home side attacked Sisaket fans on the pitch whilst members of the coaching staff went after the referee. One of the aggressors even produced a gun! On this occasion the authorities acted swiftly and very firmly: Nakhon Pathom have been banned from the league for two years. The punishment seems draconian, but it sends out a strong message to would-be offenders.
Referees
Unfortunately, the most important person on a football pitch has not been a part of the TPL cash bonanza. The referee who was threatened with a gun in the aforementioned Nakhon Pathom game received 1500 baht for his efforts – equivalent to a couple of replica shirts. The pathetic remuneration of referees clearly opens the door for corruption. Dr Vichit Yamboonreung, the TPL president, has stated that referees will receive 5,000 baht per game baht in 2011. It’s a start, but we still think it’s nowhere near enough. And there are no excuses anymore: the TPL can now easily afford to pay them far more.
Those problems are all easily solvable: hit hooligans with strong punishments; stick to the original schedule as closely as possible and don’t introduce new competitions during the season; pay referees much more. Therefore, we’re still positive about the state of the TPL in this era of unprecedented popularity: low ticket prices, new and improved stadia, great media coverage and thousands of fans flocking to games every week are all reasons to be cheerful. Your domestic league has never been in better shape so get yourself down to your local TPL club this season. You won’t regret it.
Thursday 26 September 2019
Diary Of An Away Day: 2009
Diary of an Away Day
Nakorn Pathom v Chonburi
Saturday 26th September, 2009
07:30hrs: Woke up. Made a cup of tea and went back to bed to read ‘When Saturday Comes’.
08:15hrs: Got up.
08:45hrs: The wife went out to the hairdressers. I started up the computer and tried to log on to the internet. Unfortunately the connection wasn’t working.
09:00hrs: Had some breakfast and did the washing up.
09:30hrs: Pottered about the house. Listened to The Jam’s ‘In the City’ lp – hard to believe that it’s 32 years old!
10:15hrs: The wife came home looking lovely.
10:30hrs: Started to get ready for the long trip ahead. Packed the usual things, including a change of clothes (in case it rains) and a copy of ‘The Olivetti Chronicles’ by John Peel.
11:10hrs: Left the house.
11:20hrs: Nearly get knocked off the motorbike when a car pulled out without indicating. I aimed a few choice Anglo Saxon expressions in the direction of the driver.
11:25hrs: Arrived at the bus stop. The usual crowd has gathered.
11:30hrs: The arranged departure time. The bus still was nowhere to be seen.
11:45hrs: Still waiting for the bus.
12:00hrs: Still waiting for the bus.
12:15hrs: The bus arrived. My Dutch friend and fellow Chonburi fan, Jerry, pops along to say goodbye – he’s going back to Holland for 6 months so will miss the end of the season.
12:20hrs: The bus set off. Only 50 minutes late.
13:15hrs: Toilet and food stop just north of Chonburi. I bought some noodles, a packet of crisps and a bottle of water
13:50hrs: The driver took a wrong turn. A five way discussion ensued.
14:00hrs: We headed back the way we had just come.
14:00hrs – 15:30hrs: I read a few chapters of ‘The Olivetti Chronicles’ as the Thai countryside passed by.
15:40hrs: We arrived at the stadium.
15:45hrs: I bought a couple of souvenirs from the Nakorn Pathom FC stall. The match kicked off with most of us still outside.
15:50hrs: I found a seat and sat down.
16:35hrs: Half time. 1-1. I chatted with a few other fans and we all felt confident that we’d go on to win the game. Nakhon Pathom had equalised just before the break, but we had been the better team.
17:45hrs: Full time. Won 2-1. I chatted with a few more fans and we were all happy with the result and, more importantly, the performance.
18:15hrs: We got back on the bus.
18:30hrs: The bus left the stadium.
19:35hrs: Toilet and food stop. I bought a Kit Kat and a bottle of water.
19:55hrs: Back on the road.
21:30hrs: Nigel from www.thaileaguefootball.com calls for a match report. I manage to struggle through it – I’d been on the sauce since half time so it probably sounds more garbled than usual!
21:55hrs: Received a text from my mum to let me know that it was 0-0 at half time in the Southend v Oldham match.
22:00hrs: Arrived back at the drop off point – it started to rain.
22:10hrs: Arrived home soaked to the skin. It had been fine all day!!
22:15hrs: Sat down – in my dry clothes - to watch the rest of the Wigan v Chelsea match on the TV
22:55hrs: Received a text from my mum. Oldham won 1-0. Went to bed a very happy man.
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