In Defence Of The New Kit by Phil Larkin: 2011

Chonburi's 2011 playing kit met with a mixed reception on its release . Some people were less than complimentary, describing it as "Hideous", and adding "Not too keen", and "The diagonal stripes don't work for me". However, one fan, Phil Larkin, was really impressed with the new look. Here's what he had to say about the controversial shirt.

In Defence Of The New Kit
by Phil Larkin
2nd February, 2011
Dear Chalamchons,
It has come to my attention that the new kit has divided opinion. Personally, I think it is great and can see Pipop lifting more than one trophy whilst wearing it. Over recent years, there have been many dodgy kits. The pink one Everton had, the tiger print one Hull had and I even had my doubts about Chonburi's orange and blue third strip from last season.

However, as kit manufacturers standardise their designs, it is quite nice to see a little bit of ingenuity going into the design of our new strip. The design appears to be unique and I feel that it is appropriate for a club of our size to have a strip that stands out. Adidas and Nike strips are just the same all over and there is rarely any difference between the stock designs. Chelsea and France, Stoke City and Paraguay are just a couple among the tired and weary world of today's kit designs.

FBT have created a unique kit for us and that is to be applauded. I know that many people feel strongly about their teams strip; Celtic and Newcastle fans went nuts over the fact that the hoops and stripes were not connected one year. We do not have that problem as we have not always worn stripes, and one must always remember that there are AFA rules regarding what can actually be on a strip so as not to make the sponsors irate.

If you are still not convinced, fellow Sharks, please remember that this kit 'is just for a season, and not for life!