TPL
Chonburi v Buriram Utd
Chonburi Stadium
Saturday 26th December, 2020
Here's my pre match interview with Buriram Utd fan, Jamie Pinder.
Hi Jamie. How are you and what have you been up to lately?
I’ve been good, thank you. Even with the virus it’s been nice to spend some time at home. It’s probably more than 10 years since I spent this long at home, at home meaning in Thailand. Lots of lovely time spent riding a bicycle and keeping fit in the swimming pool, with a little bit of football to keep us busy.
How would you sum up Buriram Utd's season so far?
Well you’re talking to an Arsenal fan so I’d say our season has been a great success so far. But in any regular year it’s been almost a disaster. That said, in the last few weeks it seems to be coming together slowly. Simply not good enough for a great team as ours.
Why do you think they had asuch a slow start?
Sometimes the players just don’t gel together and the team doesn’t play as a team. Maybe there was pressure from other teams with the players they bought. Don’t forget this is a team that was one point away from winning the title last year so the start was very unexpected.
What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
I’ve always said I expect us to improve further and with the players coming in maybe we can push for second place. However, I think first is way beyond us and anybody else. We just need someone to turn BG over so that they’re not unbeaten.
Your signing policy seems to have been responsible for a few duds lately. Why do you think this is?
There have always been a few duds along the way but there have been a couple of great successes, such as Diogo and Tunez, plus a couple of others who are now plying their trade in other League 1 Teams. Watch out for our new Brazilians in Leg 2!
What kind of players would you like to see come to the club?
As has been often said we don’t normal recruit foreigners who are already here which is surprising. One thing we need is a leader of the team who will bollock the lazy players.
What do you enjoy most about your trips down to our place?
Of course it’s the prawn sandwiches you bought for us last time and your wonderful banter and humor... and maybe, just maybe, because it involves staying a night or two nearby, as it’s so far from home.
Is there anything you don't enjoy?
Losing to you.
Is the Chonburi v Buriram Utd still as intense as it was?
There’s still intensity, as it brings a good crowd into the stadium every year. We’ll see how that pans out this year but there’s good fan rivalry.
What are your thoughts on Chonburi this season?
Saturday will be my first look at them so I can’t say, but they seem to be doing their best to retain their '7th Place Again' trophy.
What are your expectations for Saturday's match?
Just hoping it goes ahead. Expect the usual tight affair with the odd goal winning it. Not saying to which team, as last time I made a prediction with Phil, I predicted we’d thwack Samut Praka City 5-0! We lost 3-1.
Which of our players are you most wary of?
Everyone of them, as we’re not very good and prone to gifting goals.
Who do we need to look out for on Saturday?
It's a secret, my friend. But if our new Brazilian striker is playing...
With tickets being limited, how has the club organised sales and how easy was it for you to get one?
As a season ticket holder it’s dead easy but tickets have also been on sale at 7/11 so it’s not been a problem.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
It’ll be strange not meeting up with you, as I’ve always enjoyed your hospitality. Best wishes to you over there and come back soon. We all miss seeing you.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the foreign and local fans. Stay safe.
And thanks, Dale, for everything you do on Twitter, keeping the chatter going.
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