No-one stood out. This is the most uninspiring Chonburi squad of all time. There isn’t a single player in there who gets me excited. However, it was nice to have Tee back in goal and we finally got to witness Leesaw in a Chonburi shirt – something that has been on the cards since 2009!
Which was your match of the year?
I don’t really have one, but getting ten points out of a possible twelve against Buriram Utd and Muang Thong Utd was particularly satisfying, especially as it cost the former the title. And a special mention must go to the remarkable 7-5 win against Chiang Mai. Now there’s an evening I won’t forget in a hurry.
Which was your favourite away trip?
Bangkok Utd on a cold, wet Wednesday in April. Even though we only enjoyed about 20% of the possession, we went home with a well deserved 4-2 win. And, as there were only a few dozen in the vast away end, it was certainly one of those “I was there” occasions.
What was your biggest disappointment?
It felt as if the season never really got going and there was very little to get excited about so I’m tempted to say the whole year! However, if pressed, I’d have to say losing in the first round of both cup competitions against lower league opposition. These two defeats pretty much sum up 2019 for me.
What was your funniest incident?
When a bunch of numbskull fans of a certain Indonesian club took umbrage at my joke about the ridiculous number of sponsors on their team’s shirt. Their reaction caused a major international incident – it made the CNN website! – and I received numerous threats and vile abuse on social media. However, my own club’s reaction was the most disappointing aspect of the whole affair. Tossers.
It was grim. The club is stagnating and something needs to be done soon or we will be stuck in limbo for all eternity.
Please give marks out of ten for the following:
The coach: 5/10 – He was an improvement on the previous one, but, as with most of his squad, there’s very little there to get excited about. He’s steady enough and will probably deliver another “respectable” run of results in 2020 that will see us end comfortably in mid table.
The team: 4/10 – It was a hard watch at times. Where are the flair players? Where are the characters? Where are the leaders? At times it appeared that they were just going through the motions. Which seems to be acceptable to most at the club these days. Ho hum.
The fans: 7/10 – I’m never going to criticize anyone for turning up and supporting the team. The fans got behind the players and coaches again – far more than they often deserved. I do wish they’d sometimes show their dissatisfaction a bit more. Just like we used to.
The management: 2/10 – After getting Pipob’s testimonial absolutely spot on and staging one of the most memorable and genuinely moving occasions I’ve ever seen in a football ground they went rapidly downhill. Switching the last home match of the season to Sattahip so Chonburi Stadium could host an U19s women’s tournament was the final straw for me. Clueless.
Which songs sum up Chonburi’s season for you?
Glad It’s All Over – Captain Sensible
Losing My Religion - REM
Please sum up the season in five words
It was bloody hard work.
What are your hopes for next season?
I really hope things get better, on and off the pitch. Dragging myself along this season has seemed like a real chore at times. However, the early announcements of contract extensions for both Caion and Junior Lopes suggest that it will be more of the same in 2020 and we will be mounting a serious challenge for that coveted 7th place spot again. The best we can hope for is a good cup run.
Anything else you’d like to add?
In previous years I would arrange my social life – and occasionally my work life – around Chonburi matches. However, this season, it really didn’t bother me if I missed games – even on TV. This probably tells you all you need to know. I only hope we – them and me - get our mojo back…and soon.
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