I was bored to death at times! It helped when English football returned to the screen, but if it had gone on for longer without football, live music and other stuff I enjoy, I would have gone mad. I really hope that it won`t be like that again. Ever!
How do you feel the TPL and FAT dealt with the crisis?
They screwed up when they made the decision to stop, having 3 meetings with 3 different outcomes in 5-6 days. That was ridiculous! First to play on, then behind closed doors and then stop. But the decision to postpone until September, and change the season calendar was a good one. The test everyone needed to take before the restart was also ridiculous and a total waste of time, money and resources, and as everyone probably knew before, nobody had the virus, but of course they managed to screw up the restart for 8 clubs due to a faulty test.
What would you have done differently if you had been in charge?
I would not have stopped in March until the order came from the government. If still no infections in Thailand, I would allow at least 50% of capacity into games from start of 2nd leg at the latest.
What are the best things about having the football back again?
Being able to attend games again and see some friends.
And the worst?
VAR. It is awful wherever it`s being used! It has ruined football! And I think it`s even worse in Thailand due to poor referees, technology used, camera angels etc.
What differences have you noticed since your return to watching live football?
Tickets in advanvce, entry to stadium, seating arrangements, outside the ground, fan behaviour etc At Bangkok United we can buy tickets outside the stadium on matchdays as normal, so no change there. Outside True Stand there are now only one entrance, due to temperature checks, so a longer walk is needed to get into/out from the area. Food/drinks sold as normal. Many seats not allowed to use, but large True banners are removed, so still enough space for the fans. The atmosphere is poor without drums etc, and when singing fans can`t stand/sit together.
How have Bangkok Utd performed since the restart?
We have only played 2 games, but overall I will say poorly. We started bad in the first, but woke up and got better and better through the game, and deserved the win. The 2nd game was really poor.
What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
I expect us to be in the title race, but I`m worried about not getting the goals we need. I was very excited when we signed Bonilla before last season, but signing him might have been the reason of not winning anything last season, and it might also be the reason if we don`t win anything this season. He missed a third of last season due to injuries, and had to be replaced this season for the same reason. Brenner, his replacement, is said to be out injured now, from when and for how long, I have no idea. After 7-8 months at the club, we still don`t know if he is the player who will give us the goals needed to win a trophy. Had we signed a striker who was fit and available for all/most games instead of Bonilla, things could have been different now. But that`s football. Most signings are a gamble, and sometimes you are just unlucky. Bonilla is a great player when fit, but hasn`t been that for 15 months. Let`s see if Brenner is back soon and score some goals.
Bangkok Utd can be labelled "the nearly time" because they always promise so much but are yet to really deliver. Why do you think this is?
We have been amongst the top 2-4 teams in the last 4 seasons, and played some wonderful football for big parts of that time, but we have been unlucky at times, and not good enough at others.
And what of your coach, the well respected Mano Polking?
I think his contract ends next year. If we don`t get a trophy this season, then I doubt he will be given a new one. He certainly should be offered one if we get a trophy, but if he would accept, I don`t know. After 7 years at Bangkok United, maybe he would like to go elsewhere whatever happen this season.
What are your thoughts on the proposed move to the new ground?
I got excited when Kachorn Chiaravanont (chairman of Bangkok United) told me in February last year that they had plans to build a stadium in the Bangna-Trat area. I hoped then that it would be under construction by now, but unfortunately nothing has happened yet. In fact, he said recently that the plans was on hold now until the economy recovers, so that most likely mean that nothing will happen until 2022 at the earliest. If so, the stadium will certainly not be completed until 2024/2025, or even later, so another move is still far, far away from happening. And then the question is, will True still be around to pay for it?
Fans of other clubs often give Bangkok Utd stick for their low crowds. Here's your chance to reply to them. What would you like to say?
It`s mostly the Port guys, but I rarely respond to them now. I wonder how many fans would attend their games if they played at Rangsit, or Laem Chabang. I`m certain Bangkok United would have filled Thai-Japanese for most games with the entertaining football they have been playing since they moved.
What are you expecting from the match at the weekend?
I expect us to play better than against BG, so just hoping it will be enough to win.
What do Bangkok Utd fans need to do in order to obtain tickets for Chonburi Stadium?
Everyone who books a seat with the club`s buses to the game is getting a ticket. Season ticket holders who don`t travel with the buses can book a ticket to the game here:
http://www.truebangkokunitedfc.com/fans.html
This is new due to Covid-19. Until now only those travelling by bus would get a ticket this way. Bangkok United get 212 tickets for the game. Chonburi is also selling awaytickets online, so how Bangkok United make sure those who order through them get one, I don`t know.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Keep up the good work, Dale!
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