by Dale Farrington
On the 2nd of August, 2007, The Football Association of Thailand revealed that they had received an official letter from Manchester City inviting three Thai players to have trials with the club. The players were, Suree Sukha and Kiatprawut Saiwaew (Chonburi) and Teerasil Dangda (Muang Thong-Nong Jok United). The then president of the FAT, Worawi Makudi, said the invitation was signed by former Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Wittaya Khunpluem, the Chonburi chairman, was reported as saying he didn't have any problem about losing two of his key players. ''We are pleased and have congratulated them. We want them to make the most of the opportunity. However, if possible we would prefer them to go when the first leg of the Thailand League ends on September 8th.''
Unsurprisingly, most of the fans had a different view and weren’t so happy to see the duo go to the north west of England, especially as the whole thing was clearly a publicity stunt. We were also concerned that losing a couple of our best players might have an adverse effect on the team and derail our title challenge. Nevertheless, they were duly packed off and given a heroes’ farewell by the Sharks.
After “successful” trials during August and September, and supposedly overcoming the hurdles that had initially denied them a work permit to play in England, it was announced that the three players would all be offered contracts with the Sky Blues.
Sven Goran Eriksson, who was Manchester City manager at the time, flew out to Thailand in November to attend a signing ceremony and press conference at the Conrad Hotel in Bangkok - they also managed to pop back for our victory celebrations (We needn’t have worried!) - During the meeting in the capital, the Swede denied that politics was involved in the signings of the trio, and categorically denied that Shinawatra - who had been ousted in a military coup in 2006 - was using the deal to boost his popularity ahead of the general election on December 23rd. The coach insisted that the move was to help Asian football and promote the club in the region. Worawi Makudi, also got in on the act, and said it was an historic day for Thailand.
Needless to say, the whole affair turned out to be an unmitigated disaster. Apart from an exhibition match in Bangkok, the three never got to kick a ball in anger for City, or the European clubs they were loaned out to for “experience” and to help them obtain the necessary paperwork to play in England. In July the following year, they came back home.
Speaking on their return, Makudi said,”I have discussed the matter with City executives, who told me they did not want to terminate their contracts but wanted them to play for any club in Thailand. They said when the three players were on loan to clubs in Switzerland and Belgium, they failed to impress, so City want them to play for clubs in Thailand particularly their former clubs here.''
Whilst Suree and Teersail went on to enjoy lengthy and successful careers, Kiatprawut never really recovered from the injury he picked up in Switzerland. A real shame as he was one of the classiest Thai players I’ve ever seen.
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