NEW! Chonburi FC All Time XI: 2020

My all time Chonburi FC XI 2002-2020

1.SINTAWEECHAI HATHAIRATTANAKOOL (Position: Goalkeeper, Seasons played: 2007 – 2015 & 2019 - present)

After coming through the ranks at Assumption College and representing Chonburi province, “Tee” finally signed for the Sharks in 2006. The former Thailand international is still regarded as one of the country’s top stoppers and, apart from the odd rush of blood to the head, was very reliable as our last line of defence during his first spell. In September, 2009, he officially changed his forename from Kosin to Sinthaweechai in an effort to bring good luck. I guess that worked out OK. The popular keeper rejoined us halfway through the 2019 season, after spending a few years at Suphanburi.


2.SUREE SUKHA (Position: Defender, Seasons played: 2002 – 2012)

If it wasn’t for the the snide, underhand way that he engineered a move to Buriram Utd – allegedly not turning up for training and not answering phone calls from the club – Suree would quite rightly be regarded a Chonburi legend. Right up there with Pipob On-Mo. Brought up through the ranks at Assumption College and giving us ten years loyal service – playing in any position he was asked – he was definitely one of our own and a firm favourite with the Sharks fans. His rugged, non-stop style of play was always very popular with the supporters and earned him a great deal of respect within the game.


3.NATTAPONG SAMANA (Position: Defender, Seasons played: 2008 – 2014)

A left sided player who can operate as either a full back or attacking midfielder. Natthapong is another one who had a long association with Chonburi – playing in the 2002 provincial team and a seven year stint in the TPL. He can occasionally look uncomfortable against a pacy right winger but is dangerous when going forward himself. I was looking forward to him continuing his career with us until he retired, however, someone – if their infinite wisdom – decided it would be a good idea to sell him to our TPL rivals Suphanburi at the start of the 2015 season, where he stayed until moving back to his home town a few weeks ago, to join Chiang Mai Utd.


4.ANDERSON DOS SANTOS (Position: Defender, Seasons played: 2012 – 2016)

Our 2014 Player of the Year, Anderson dos Santos – or A.D.S. – as we mischieviously liked to call him – was Mr Consistency (we also liked to call him that). Whether he was playing centre half, just in front of the back four or as an emergency striker, we could always guarantee that he would perform. After being deemed surplus to requirements by Buriram Utd, A.D.S. was welcomed with open arms by the Chonburi faithful and repaid us by being one of our better players; whilst also treating us to a range of hairstyles such as the Jheri Curl, Cornrows or Skinhead.


5.SUTTINUN PHUKHOM (Position: Defender, Seasons played: 2008 – 2018)

A cultured footballer who is good in the air and on the ground. One of the best central defenders to have played in the Thai league and well liked and respected within the game. Sadly, Em’s time at the club was blighted by injury. In 2015, the unassuming 31 year old returned from a two year absence and immediately made a big difference to the team, showing just how much we'd missed him. He finally left the club in 2018 - joining PTT Rayong - and has just completed a move to Sukhothai. Let’s hope he stays fit now and is allowed to enjoy the rest of his career.


6.SURAT SUKHA (Position: Midfielder, Seasons played: 2006 – 2009)

In total contrast to his twin brother (see no.2) Surat left Chonburi with the good wishes of the the Sharks’ faithful ringing in his ears. He made his final bow in our 4-0 win against PSMS Medan in the AFC Cup 1st Round match at Rajamangala on June 23rd, 2009. He was substituted in the 89th minute in order to let the fans show their appreciation, as he set off for a new career with Melbourne Victory. After a couple of successful years in Australia, the tough tackling defensive midfielder returned to Thailand when he joined Buriram Utd. Like Suree, the 37 year old former Thailand international is also a product of the Assumption College, SriRacha assembly line. However, unlike Suree, he is always assured of a warm welcome whenever he returns.


7.THERDSAK CHAIMAN (Position: Midfielder, Seasons played: 2010 – 2018)

Where do you start? The man is an absolute legend. Not just at Chonburi. Not just in Thailand. But in the whole of South East Asia. He’s sure to be included in anyone’s top ten  players from the region of the last twenty five years. In fact, he’s probably in most people’s top one! He possessed an amazing football brain and could turn a game in the blink of an eye. It was an absolute privilege watching him play for the Sharks during the twilight of his career and he gave us many, many happy memories. It was such a shame that it didn't work out for him as head coach.


8.MICHAEL BYRNE (Position: Midfielder, Seasons played: 2009 – 2010)

Michael’s career with the Sharks is undoubtedly a case of what might have been. The English born Welshman is without question one of the most talented players we’ve had at the club. His single handed demolition of BEC Tero in July 2010 is one of the greatest individual displays I’ve seen by anyone in a Chonburi shirt. However, a succession of niggling injuries and a seeming fall out with the management, saw him transferred to TPL rivals Bangkok Glass after just 38 first team appearances, over one and a half seasons. However, he’ll always be remembered at Chonburi as someone who would run through brick walls for his team and be capable of flashes of brilliance.


9.KONE HAMED (Position: Forward, Seasons played: 2006)

Nicknamed The Little Snake by Chonburi fans, Kone Hamed is one of the most exciting players we’ve had at the club. His unpredictability and love of mazy dribbling runs meant he was a handful for any defender and a joy to watch. If he had a fault, it was that sometimes he’d attempt to do too much, when a simple pass would have been more effective. His performances during our run in the 2006 Singapore Cup caught the eye of Home Utd and the Ivorian signed for The Protectors in the two month gap between the semi final and the final. However, he was given special permission to return on a one match “loan” for the big occasion. After a short spell in Singapore, he went on to achieve some success with Gainare Tottori in Japan.


10.PIPOB ON-MO (Position: Forward, Seasons played: 2005 – 2018)

The legendary Pipob On-Mo. A man who is Chonburi to the core and has a heart as big as Liverpool. Mo is another graduate of Assumption College who graced the first team for many years. After leaving Assumption, the diminutive striker had a very successful couple of seasons at BEC Tero, who were then the country’s top club. However, the Pichit native returned to his spiritual home in 2005 and cemented his place in Sharks folklore as a speedy, gritty forward with an eye for goal and the incredible ability to out jump much taller players. Even in his twilight years, the former Thailand international was a thorn in the side of defenders whenever he played. He might have lost some of his electrififying pace but he still had his trademark bravery, skill and guile to make life tough for opponents. It was a sad day when he announced retirement, but the club gave him the most emotional send off imaginable and kept him on as part of the coaching staff. A magnificent tribute. Now all we need is that statue!


11.THIAGO CUNHA (Position: Forward, Seasons played: 2012 – 2015 & 2017)

Not just our best ever striker, I’d argue the case that he’s our best ever player. The Brazilian made a slow start to his Sharks career but there’s absolutely no doubt that he more than made up for that, with a goalscoring record that anybody would be proud of.When Thiago played, you were always guaranteed thrills, spills and entertainment. And plenty of talking points. Not everything he did was impressive – the diving and harassing of officials really grated – but we wouldn’t have wanted him any other way. The man is a genius and we were a different team when he was in the line up. Chonburi FC is a lot poorer without him and we have a lot less to talk about. Viva, Thiago!


Coach
Kiatisuk Senumuang

Subs
Yuttana Thumprasert (GK)
Nattaporn Phanrit (Def)
Adul Lahso (Mid)
Kazuto Kushida (Mid)
Leandro Assumpcao (For)