11th May, 2013
Q - Please can you introduce yourself.
A - I am known as ECP and I'm 48. I'm originally from Melbourne and now living in Sydney. I am a Sales Manager for an alcohol distribution company and spent a large part of last year living and working in Thailand. I was previously involved with Melbourne Knights in Australia. Some readers would probably remember our greatest player at Knights in Mark Viduka, who went on to star in the EPL.
Q - How long have you been supporting Chainat FC?
A - I have been supporting Chainat FC for nearly 3 years now.
Q- What first got you interested in Chainat FC?
A - My Thai partner is from Chainat, hence my initial interest in Chainat FC, which after attending a game grew into support.
Q- Realistically, what do you think Chainat FC can achieve this season?
A - After last seasons scare of finishing near the relegation zone, a strong mid table position should be the minimum goal this season. It would seem we have strengthened our defence from last season which leaked in a hell of a lot of goals. If we can keep our players fit and injury free, we should have a good season.
Q- What do you think Chainat can achieve long term?
A - It will be very hard for Chainat FC to match it with the big boys like Muang Thong United, Buriram United and Chonburi but nevertheless I believe there is always a place for smaller clubs in the TPL.
Q- How easy is it following Chainat from Australia?
A - It is hard at times following Chainat FC from Australia, as a lot of the games cannot be found streamed live online. I do have family in Chainat and a Chainat FC facebook site where I regularly do get links from for games. Chainat FC does have a lack of English language supporter sites which makes it harder for us no Thais. Who knows, maybe one day I can help address that. Also I must make special mention of both Thai_League & thaifussballde on Twitter, who both provide a great and informative service, especially for those of us living outside Thailand.
Q- Have you managed to get any of your friends in Australia to support Chainat FC?
A - I have managed to get quite a few friends and acquantances interested and following Chainat FC, mainly through a football forum in Australia at www.footballanarchy.net. I must warn people that at times this is a crazy forum as all sorts of views and opinions are encouraged and go unregulated but in the end it's all people that love football. We even have our own thread on the forum dedicated to Chainat FC at http://www.footballanarchy.net/forum/the-official-chainat-fc-supporters-club-t41510.htm. A few of us also run @ozchainatfc on Twitter and encourage any discussion there as well.
Q - What are your thoughts about Chonburi FC?
A - Chonburi FC in my opinion is one of the great clubs in Thailand. I was fortunate enough last year to attend the Chonburi FC v Al Zawra Asian Cup game. Besides having a great stadium, the passion and level of support for Chonburi FC was awesome to see. From the outside looking in all this points to Chonburi FC being run professionally with an opportunity to develop into not only a powerhouse in Thailand but a very strong club in Asia.
Q- Which Chonburi players are you most wary of?
A - Chonburi FC fans are lucky in that the club always seems to be able to sign and attract quality imports as well as great local talent. Hard to go past Pipop, who has proven both his quality and loyalty to Chonburi FC over the years. I admire that a lot. If Thiago can stay on the park for you guys, I feel he can cause a lot of damage this season and knock in quite a few goals.
Q- What do you think will happen in Saturday's match?
A - Saturdays game will be a major test for Chainat FC. I am confident we can manage at least a draw against a side I rate as one of the best in the TPL. We have managed a draw away to Buriram already this season, so there is no reason we cant go into this match full of confidence.
Q - If you could give one piece of advice to Chainat's players ahead of Saturday's match, what would it be?
A- This would be my advice to the Chainat FC players. We have already proven we can match it with arguably the best in the league so there is no reason to feel intimidated by Chonburi FC.
Q- Who is your favourite Chainat player & why?
Favourite Chainat FC player is definetly Michael Byrne. Just love the way he goes about his game with minimal of fuss but is a workhorse and quality finisher, having scored some great goals for us.
Q - Statistics suggest it but are Chainat the most boring team in the TPL?
A - It could be argued that Chainat FC were more exciting last season with the high number of goals scored but the problem there was the high number of goals that were also conceded. It would seem this season we are a lot more focused and in my opinion having stabilised our defence so early in the season, the moment we can start scoring goals we will become a very exciting team to watch.
Q - If you could sign any current TPL player, who would it be & why?
A - 2 players I would love to sign at Chainat Fc would be either Mario Gjurovski or Teerasil from Muang Thong Utd. Wouldnt knock back Thiago from you guys either. Any of these players would greatly assist our current goalscoring drought.
Q- Anything else you'd like to add?
I would just like to encourage anyone reading this that if you have the chance to get to Khao Plong Stadium in Chainat to see a game, do so. It is a great little stadium with passionate local supporters who will make you feel totally comfortable and treat you with respect. An awesome experience which I greatly miss now being back in Melbourne. Good luck to both Chainat FC and Chonburi FC. I am going for the Hornbills to win 2-1. And to finish off, I thank you as well for a great site on Chonburi FC and this opportunity to discuss Chainat FC.
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