Should He Stay Or Should He Go?: 2017

SHOULD HE STAY OR SHOULD HE GO?

1st November, 2017

THE COACH

Therdsak Chaiman

Even after almost two seasons in charge, I think that it's fair to say that the jury is still out on Therdsak's capabilities as a coach at this level. We certainly haven't seen any progression, but, on the other hand, we haven't got noticably worse. A quick look at our record from this stage last season (when the league was brought to a premature end) shows an uncanny similarity:

 

2016

P31 W14 D9 L8 F52 A33 Pts51 - League position 5th

 

2017

P31 W14 D8 L9 F52 A53 Pts50 - League position 6th

 

The only real difference being the alarming increase in the number of goals conceded. So, it could be argued, that he's brought a level of consistency to the team. It could also be said that we're stagnating. Personally, I'm in the latter camp.

 

With one or two exceptions, the level of performances this year have been poor, and sometimes, very poor. Indeed, other than the Buiram Utd League Cup tie, I'm struggling to recall a time that I came away from the stadium feeling enthused and that I'd got my money's worth. It really has been that bad.

 

True, time's are tight and he doesn't have the luxury of being able to bring in better personnel than what we have/are stuck with, but he hasn't shown any signs that he'd know what to do, even with more talented players at his disposal. In fact, he's often looked out of his depth and has cut a forlorn figure during his less than frequent visits to the touchline. His team selections and substitutions also leave most of us - and I'm sure some of the players - baffled.

 

Therdsak was (still is) a great player. A real magician and some of my happiest memories of watching Chonburi come from matches that he's bossed. Unfortunately, he doesn't appear to be able to pass on his expertise and get the team playing in a way that truly reflects his own talents. He's by no means unique in this, but it is frustrating - I'd go as far as to say heartbreaking - to watch a side that appears to be the complete antithesis of what the man was like in his own playing days.

 

I've said all along that he would benefit from having a more experienced coach working alongside him - and certainly one who knows how to set up a defence! However, there are no signs that this is likely to happen anytime soon so Therdy will be left to sink or swim on his own.

 

I genuinely would like him to succeed, but on what we've seen so far, I can't see it happening. The jury might still be out, but it's looking more and more like the judge is getting ready to pass sentence.

 

Verdict

Let him go. Unless someone comes in to work with him and from whom he can learn.

Likelihood

He'll stay, barring a major disaster in our last three matches. I doubt the club will want to fork out to bring someone new in.*

*He resigned 17 days later