Champions! Interview With Franz Schwarzwalder: 2007

My exclusive interview with Franz Schwarzwalder

Franz was Chonburi's goalkeeping coach for many years. Here he shares his memories of the night we won the league.

 

 

Q - What was the feeling like inside the camp going into the match?

We felt under no pressure. We knew we had a good team and could win the game.

 

Q - How had the team spent the week preparing?

We had been training every day and just before the game we had tactics training and a meeting.

 

Q - Were there any doubts going into the match?

Sometimes, I thought we played too offensively and didn’t concentrate enough on the defence. This was a worry for me.

 

Q - What research had you done into the opposition?

We just spoke about their strengths and weaknesses at the meeting before the match.

 

Q - What were your instructions to Kosin (Sinthaweechai)?

I used my experience and analysis to tell him exactly what his strengths and weaknesses were and to work on both.

 

Q - How was he feeling before the game?

He was a little bit nervous, but felt confident and motivated.

 

Q – How was Jadet before the match?

Like a young fox!

 

Q - How did it feel walking out in front of 10,000 Chonburi fans?

It was not a new experience for me to walk out in front of such a big crowd, but it was a good feeling for everyone in the team. It was great to have so many fans behind the team.

 

Q - What was the feeling like at the final whistle?

It was really good. I carried it all the way home with me to SriRacha.

 

Q - How did you celebrate after the match?

We all ran on the field. Then we celebrated again in the dressing room.

 

Q - What did the chairman say to everyone after the game?

I remember that Mr Witthaya Kunpleum was very proud and he spoke well to us all.

 

Q - Is there any particular moment from the night that stands out for you?

Going for a drink of Paulaner with Jadet, you, your wife and your friend Andrew in SriRacha.

 

Q - How does winning the league with Chonburi compare to your other achievements?

Winning the title with Chonburi and my work with Sinthaweechai, and Bui, are the highlights of my time in Thailand.

Champions! Interview With Kevin Aamlid: 2007

My exclusive interview with Kevin Aamlid

Kevin was a fourteen year old schoolboy when Chonburi won the league. Here's his account of the historic night.

Q - Who did you go to the match with?

A: I went to the match with my mum, dad, my brother and one of my dad’s friends.

 

Q - What was the mood like in the car on your drive up to the ground?

A: I was more anxious than everybody else if I am honest. I was really hoping that Chonburi, the province that I grew up in, finally had something to be proud of. As for the rest of my family, this was their first Chonburi match, I was really hoping they would enjoy it so we could come back more often. Prior to this, in order for me to watch the Chonburi matches I had to stay over at Harry Webb’s, a friend of mine, who went to the matches regularly. So I was really hoping that my parents enjoyed the game so much so that we could also come to the match regularly. Another reason I was nervous was because the previous home games that I went to before ended goalless, so I was hoping for a much better performance this time in such an important game.

 

Q - Where did you sit inside the stadium?

A: Sit?! Ha, ha! The stadium was so full and we arrived pretty late, so we stood by the corner flag behind the barricades. Then as the match kept going on, me and my brother, Matthew, decided to hop the rails and sit right next to the substitute benches. We had no worries as to what the security guard would say at all so we just climbed over and sat on the concrete pavement near the substitute bench. The view was definitely much better from there. If anyone wanted to do that today, the security guard would definitely evacuate them from the premises and the club would probably get a fine on top of that. But back then, the security at the grounds was much more flexible.

 

Q - How did it feel to be inside a packed ground for the first time in our history?

A: It was awesome! I personally believe that because of this particular game against Krung Thai Bank, the money started pouring into Thai football. I remember that you had told me at the previous home game to come early for this match, that it would be packed and they would add more seats in the stadium. I didn't believe it till I saw it. It was probably an atmosphere that Chonburi Football Club has still not seen again. 

 

Q - What were your expectations before the game?

A: My knowledge on Thai football was little to none at that time. I couldn't even name players on other teams, except for Ney Fabiano, who played for Thai Tobacco Monopoly. So the only thing I wanted in this game was a win and nothing less.

 

Q - How do you think the team played on the night?

A: Not very well, since we gave away a 2 - 0 lea,d but glad we ended up winning the match, 3-2!

 

Q - Which particular players stood out for you?

A: Pipob obviously, for scoring the winner! What a great moment that was. The “Thai Nakamura”, Arthit also contributed heavily to the game, with some fine crosses and passes. Kone Mohammed in particular worked really hard in that match (too bad that years later he went on to sign for Muang Thong!).

 

Q - Was there any point when you thought we were going to throw it away?

A: Yes. When Krung Thai bank scored their second goal. The Chonburi players looked lost from there, whilst the Krung Thai Bank players looked very motivated.

 

Q - At what point did you know we'd done enough and would be crowned champions?

A: The moment Pipob scored the team’s third goal All we needed from that game was a draw to be crowned champions and I knew for sure that there was no way Krung Thai Bank would steal the game from us after that important third goal.

 

Q - What did you do at the final whistle?

A: Rushed onto the pitch like everybody else and started celebrating with the fans and some of the players. As I had said earlier, this was my dad’s first game and he loved it, every goal we scored there were fireworks and flares. I was so glad he enjoyed that game. At the end of the match, the fans made a circle, holding around each other necks and started singing and jumping. They got my dad to join in that circle of joy as well! I found that particular funny, but from that moment my brother and I knew that we would be coming back to the games for sure.

 

Q - How did you celebrate that night?

A: Not so much celebrating, I had school the next day! My dad kept going on and on about how much he enjoyed it and the same for my brother. I was happy with the fact that I had recruited Chonburi FC supporters within the family!

 

Q - What sort of reaction did you get from your friends at school?

A: As I have mentioned, Thai football wasn’t very big at the time, only Harry Webb and I could talk about the matches. If we mentioned it, the others would laugh us off and tell us just to watch the English Premier League or something. To be honest I was the same in the beginning... Until i went to my first game. I fell in love with it. It’s one of those things, you had to go see it for yourself to understand the joy and passion that comes with it. I have taken many friends to watch the matches over the years and they have enjoyed it very much. Which proves my point.

 

Q - What did it mean to you as a Chonburi fan to be the first provincial club to win the TPL?

A: It was great! My mum had represented Chonburi in the Thailand provincial games in bowling before so it obviously meant something to her as well, Chonburi province making a name for itself in sports. From the moment Chonburi FC won the league, the futsal team managed to become a powerhouse in the sport as well, managing to become two time Asian Champions League winners. This moment wasn't just historic for football, but it was a historic moment for the whole province of Chonburi.

 

Q - How important do you think Chonburi's title win was for Thai domestic football as a whole?

A: Really important for the rise of Thai football. Before this win most of the teams were "company" teams based in Bangkok and most of the time they had very few fans coming to support. Seeing Chonburi get a packed stadium, managed to light a fire in Thai football, hence provincial teams started to pop out of nowhere and the supporters of those regions came along with it. The club owners and the sponsors obviously saw a financial opportunity right away. Of course this did not work out for everyone. 

Interview With Oscar Ardon: 2018

Phoenix Rising fan, Oscar Ardon shares his thoughts on our December 2018 signing, Chris Cortez.

 

Q - Please can you introduce yourself

My name is Oscar Ardon. I’m 37years old. I’m from Honduras. I work in  telecommunications.

Q - Please can you tell us a little about your club, Phoenix Rising

Our Phoenix Rising FC is growing every year, with good players coming to the team. The club is hungry and determined to get the national championship.

Q - What is the standard of the United Soccer League?

It is a very good standard and a competitive league.

 

Q - What are Chris’s strengths?

Chris’s strengths are his heading - he is very good with his head - and his ball control. He was, and will be remembered as, one of the best attackers in the club’s history.

Q - What are his weaknesses?

His main weakness is his lack of speed.

Q - How did he perform last season?

He had a good season and was the club’s leader scorer.

Q - How has the move been covered by the local media?

Our own club’s media department reported that he was leaving the club and joining Chonburi.

Q - We have a fair number of American ex-pats living in the area. Do you think Chris’s signing will encourage them to come to matches?

I think Chris could bring American fans to the stadium.

Q - How do you think he will fare at Chonburi?

I think Chris will do an excellent job for Chonburi. Players from the USA will cope very well in the Thai league and bring a lot of experience.

Q - If you could give him any advice, what would it be?

I would advise Chris to keep his hunger for scoring and always give “110%” when playing.

 

Q - Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would like for your guys to have a successful season and hope that Chris can contribute a lot and finish as top scorer for the team.

NEW! Chonburi Shirts (2006 - 2021) Ranked by Charlotte Patterson: 2021

Football shirt collector, Charlotte Patterson ranks all of Chonburi's top flight home shirts from 16-1.

16) 2006

I understand that this is one of Chonburi’s earlier shirts, but the design lacks effort in creativity and personalisation. It is a shirt which would be synonymous with any team.

15) 2012

I like stripes, but this just looks all too crazy, with different variations of stripe boldness, length and

thickness. The neckline and collar is basic.

14) 2016

It’s just an average football shirt. But what keeps it from being bottom is the lack of the red trim, as seen on the 2006 shirt.

13) 2015

I can’t make my mind up on whether I like this shirt. I think the design is okay, but perhaps a lighter shade on the dark blue may have made it better or inverting the colours so its mainly light blue with a dark blue stripe.

12) 2020/21

The collar and slight pattern at the bottom of this shirt, is what saves it from ranking further down. It’s a simple shirt, that hasn’t been too adventurous in its design.

11) 2008

It sounds silly, but what lets the design down is purely the amount of stripes in the shirt. It looks too simple with the blocks of blue and doesn’t stand out.

10) 2007

Not too much to say about the shirt. Does what it says on the tin. Simple and sticks to the traditional pattern and colours. But nothing exciting.

9) 2011

A different take on the clubs usual stripes and colours, but adds a little bit more excitement and creativity to the design. If the pattern went right the way across it would’ve been great.

8) 2013

I love traditional football collars like this. I think If the stripes hadn’t continued down the arms, this shirt would have stood out more. But still lovely.

7) 2014

Different from its usual designs, I find this shirt quite smart and it reminds me of a Bordeaux, Melbourne Victory style with the V shape.

6) 2017

Simple smart and the correct amount of stripes. Not too little and not too many. Perhaps a white

outline on the stripes would have added some more emphasis.

5) 2021/22

The collar on this shirt is smart and I like the light diagonal stripes. The addition of the

graphic in the middle adds just a little something more to make it stand out.

4) 2009

I like the stripes and this sticks to its similar design in other years. The amount of stripes and white outline adds some emphasis to the shirt which helps it stand out.

3) 2019

A different and more modern take on the clubs colours and stripe styles. It's simple but effective, without being too overwhelming. A smart shirt.

2) 2018

Whilst you can tell it is more modern in its design, it still aims to keep to the club's traditional colours and style.

1) 2010

I am always a sucker for a long sleeved shirt, so this decision was easy for me. Whilst simple in its design, it isn’t overcomplicated. The stripes are perfect and I like the deep neckline collar.

Chonburi 0-2 Bodo Glimt - Match Report: 2009

Pre Season Friendly

Chonburi 0-2 Bodo Glimt

Chonburi OBJ Stadium

Saturday 17th January, 2009

Match Report

Chonburi lost 0-2 against Bodo Glimt from Norway on Saturday. A decent game but hard to get a real feel for our season, as most of the squad were either out injured (Pipob and Kiatprawut) or on international duty. That said, we did play a very precise passing game and got the ball out wide a lot more than we were doing last year. So I'm quite optimistic ahead of the coming campaign.

The Norwegians brought on a big strapping Brazilian centre forward at half time. He made all the difference. Scored an absolute cracker with virtually his first touch and then gave the defenders a hard time for the rest of the afternoon. I wish we had him!

Most of the Norwegian ex-pat community were in attendance so, for a friendly, there was a good atmosphere.

Chonburi v Chiang Rai Utd - Head To Head Record

2011 

TPL 

23/4/11 Chonburi 1-0 Chiang Rai Utd

23/10/11 Chiang Rai Utd 4-3 Chonburi

2012

TPL

13/6/12 Chonburi 2-1 Chiang Rai Utd

8/8/12 Chiang Rai Utd 0-0 Chonburi

2013

TPL

2/6/13 Chiang Rai Utd 3-4 Chonburi

6/10/13 Chonburi 3-0 Chiang Rai Utd

League Cup

5/6/13 Chiang Rai Utd 0-0 Chonburi

(Chonburi won 6-5 on penalties)

 

2014

TPL

6/4/14 Chonburi 2-1 Chiang Rai Utd

27/7/14 Chiang Rai Utd 1-1 Chonburi

 

2015

TPL

21/6/15 Chiang Rai Utd 1-1 Chonburi

24/10/15 Chonburi 4-0 Chiang Rai Utd

 

2016

TPL

22/6/16 Chonburi 2-1 Chiang Rai Utd

 

2017

TPL

12/5/17 Chonburi 3-1 Chiang Rai Utd

14/10/17 Chiang Rai Utd 3-1 Chonburi

 

2018

TPL

10/2/18 Chiang Rai Utd 1-0 Chonburi

7/10/18 Chonburi 1-1 Chiang Rai Utd

2019

TPL

19/5/19 Chiang Rai Utd 1-0 Chonburi

25/8/19 Chonburi 0-2 Chiang Rai Utd

2020/21

TPL

25/10/20 Chonburi 0-3 Chiang Rai Utd

4/3/21 Chiang Rai Utd 4-3 Chonburi

FA Cup

11/4/21 Chonburi 1-1 Chiang Rai Utd

(Chonburi lost 3-4 on penalties)

2021/22

TPL

1/10/21 Chonburi 2-3 Chiang Rai Utd

6/2/22 Chiang Rai Utd 1-0 Chonburi

2022/23

TPL

5/11/22 Chiang Rai Utd 1-1 Chonburi

OVERALL RECORD 

TPL

Home 

P11 W7 D1 L3 F20 A13 Pts22

Away

P11 W1 D4 L6 F14 A20 Pts7

Overall 

P22 W8 D5 L9 F34 A33 Pts29

OTHER

FA Cup

P1 W0 D1* L0 F1 A1

*Lost on penalties

League Cup

P1 W0 D1* L0 F0 A0

*Won on penaltues

Overall

P2 W0 D2* L0 F1 A1

*Lost one & won one on penalties

NEW! Sharks Sharp Start: 2021

Chonburi are on course to make their best start to a top flight campaign since the 2010 season. Victory against Chiang Rai Utd on Friday night will see us reach 11 points from the first 5 matches, a feat we've only equalled or bettered on two previous occasions. Pleasingly, whatever happens at the weekend, we have already set a new record for goals scored during this period of the season, the 14 we have already chalked up beating the 13 times we hit the net, also in 2010.

Below is the team’s record over the opening five matches from 2006 – 2020/21:

2006

P5 W2 D2 L1 F9 A6 Pts8

2007

P5 W3 D1 L1 F7 A5 Pts10

2008

P5 W3 D2 L0 F8 A4 Pts11

2009

P5 W3 D1 L1 F5 A4 Pts10

2010

P5 W4 D1 L0 F13 A3 Pts13

2011

P5 W3 D1 L1 F12 A6 Pts10

2012

P5 W2 D3 L0 F10 A2 Pts9

2013

P5 W2 D2 L1 F9 A6 Pts8

2014

P5 W2 D3 L0 F12 A7 Pts 9

2015

P5 W1 D3 L1 F9 A9 Pts6

2016

P5 W3 D1 L1 F12 A6 Pts10

2017

P5 W1 D3 L1 F6 A8 Pts6

2018

P5 W1 D1 L3 F3 A6 Pts4

2019

P5 W1 D1 L3 F7 A12 Pts4

2020/21

P5 W3 D0 L2 F8 A8 Pts9

2021/22

P4 W2 D2 L0 F14 A5 Pts8

NEW! Interview With A Chiang Rai Utd Fan: 2021

My pre match interview with Chiang Rai Utd fan, Alec Peeples.

How have you performed in your opening four matches?

We got an opening that most teams would love -- 4 home matches against teams that should all be good results (on paper). We are coming out of that run with a paltry 5 points. We’ve been pretty poor and I can’t find too much to feel good about. We’ve been poor in defense, poor in transition, and poor in front of goal.

In which areas do you think you need to improve?

All of them. To start we need to figure out our finishing. In our last two matches we dominated possession and had a huge amount of chances but we simply can’t seem to finish them.

What have you made of Chonburi's start to the season?

Top of the table! Hard to find any faults so far. You had a tough opening to the season with BG and Muangthong but you managed results in both (the 3-3 was a great match). Then went on to convincingly defeat two of the league’s newcomers. An excellent start all things considered.

Many people think this is our strongest squad for a few years. What do you think and how do you think we'll do this season?

I’d have to agree. You ended last season with a great FA Cup run (I’ll get to that a bit later), added one of the league’s hottest commodities in Dennis Murillo, and seem to have picked up right where you left off.

What are you most looking forward to about Friday's game?

I’m looking forward to getting a break from the stadium and watching from home. If you can’t tell, I am quite sour towards the team at the moment. It’s always nice to get a bit of distance when you find yourself getting too pessimistic.

Which of our players are you most wary of?

Has to be Dennis. Watching him score 4 against Khon Kaen was something else.

Which of your players do we need to look out for?

Right now nobody is playing particularly well. Felipe and Ekanit have been putting in decent performances and Chotipat has now returned from a long injury layoff. If anyone causes trouble it’d be one of those 3.

Would you care to make a score prediction?

Chiang Rai is always liable for a result when you least expect it, that said it’s hard to go against the difference in form between the two sides. All I can hope for is that you don’t score 7 against us. 3-1 Chonburi.

Which has been your most memorable Chiang Rai Utd v Chonburi match from over the years?

I’ll go with some recency bias and say the FA Cup final. From the great run by both sides to Sasom’s comments. It carried an air of excitement. Felt great to win a trophy but I wish us fans could have been there.

And which one would you most like to forget?

I’ll be honest with you -- we’ve always turned up against Chonburi. There was one defeat a few years back - 3-0 or 3-1, I can’t remember - that comes to mind. But generally we’ve held our own against the Sharks.

What have been your impressions of the league in general so far?

As far as the league itself goes I’m very pleased - no hiccups and I’ve gotten to watch all the home matches in person. For results… well I am surprised to see you at the top of the table but that’s about it. 

Now it's underway, what are your expectations for the rest of it?

All I hope for is an uninterrupted season and more and more fans getting to join in at matches. I’d also like to see the likes of Chonburi and Samut Prakan continue to fight at the top of the table.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Hate to sound so down on Chiang Rai -- but our management made it clear before the season that the title was our goal this year and if I judge us by that standard then we are far off.

Chonburi v Khon Kaen Utd - Head To Head Record

2021/22

TPL

25/9/21 Khon Kaen Utd 0-7 Chonburi

23/1/22 Chonburi 2-0 Khon Kaen Utd

2022/23

TPL

Khon Kaen Utd 0-3 Chonburi

 

OVERALL RECORD

TPL

Home 

P1 W1 D0 L0 F2 A0 Pts3

Away 

P2 W2 D0 L0 F10 A0 Pts6

Overall 

P3 W3 D0 L0 F12 A0 Pts9

NEW! Khon Kaen Utd 0-7 Chonburi - Photos & Videos: 2021

T1

Khon Kaen Utd 0-7 Chonburi

Khon Kaen PAO Stadium

25th September, 2021

Thanks to Tim & Daniel

Samut Songkhram v Chonburi - The Aftermath: 2012

The aftermath of a controversial match in Samut Songkhram in July, 2012. The game had been played in atrocious conditions and then visiting fans - and a player - were confronted by home supporters after the final whistle.

CLUB TO MAKE OFFICIAL COMPLAINT?

29th July, 2012
 

I have heard through various sources that the club is planning to make an official complaint to the Thai Premier League and the Football Association of Thailand about the events surrounding Saturday's fixture with Samut Songkhram. Club officials have been contacting fans to ask them to supply details about their experiences at the match.

I understand that some of the people approached have already made claims that women and children were threatened by individuals wearing Samut Songkhram colours during the disturbances that followed the Sharks' 1-0 defeat. There are also claims that a Chonburi player, who had made his own way to the ground with his family, was followed by a group of local men in a car after the game. He informed the club's management and the police were called to deal with the matter.

The club already has video and photographic evidence of injuries sustained by Chonburi fans and damage to vehicles belonging to visiting supporters sustained in the violence following the final whistle.

It is also understood that the state of the pitch and the lack of work done by the hosts to make it playable will form a large part of the complaint, along with the dangerous nature of the stand occupied by travelling fans and the lack of security inside and outside the stadium.

Samut Songkhram have already issued an apology and paid for the hospital treatment of those people who were hurt. They have also stated their intentions to improve their facilities in the future but, as far as I'm aware, have made no reference to the shocking state of the playing surface and their failure to deal with it.

HENG BLASTS "THAT" PITCH

29th July, 2012

 

Witthaya Laohkul has launched a blistering attack on the state of Samut Songkhram's pitch. The experienced coach blasted the surface as totally unacceptable for the Thai Premier League and challenged the club's management to improve it.

He told reporters, "We had worked hard to prepare for this match but the conditions were ridiculous." He also revealed that Adul Lahso and Fode Bangaly were fasting for Ramadan and are unlikely to play in Wednesday's FA Cup tie against Buriram.

You can read my thoughts on the state of the pitch here: Glug, glug, glug. 

NEW! Interview With Douglas Cobo: 2021

My exclusive interview with ex Chonburi defender, Douglas Cobo, who will be lining up against us for Khon Kaen Utd on Saturday.

What are your thoughts on Khon Kaen Utd's start to the season?

I think we've had a good start, especially because it’s the first ever season of Khonkaen United in Thaileague 1. In the first 3 games we made 2 goalkeepers Man of the Match. That's a good point. 

What are your expectations for the club this year?

I hope we can perform well and finish in the top 10. Our team is well trained. We not come all the way up to bounce straight back down.

What does it feel like for you to be playing in the TPL again?

I've played all the leagues, T4, T3, T2 and T1 and it’s good to come back to highest league in the country 10 years after I last played in it. I see that a lot has changed and the level is much higher now, especially the Thai players.

What are your plans for when you finish your playing career?

Honestly I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I’m definitely  will work in something relate with football.    

What do you enjoy about playing at Khon Kaen Utd?

All the support that I have received since I arrived at the club. The fan club is amazing. Also, the city has got everything that me and my family need. It is good to be part of the history of the club, being the only foreigner to stay with the team since we started T4 in 2018.

Can you tell us any funny stories about your Khon Kaen Utd team mates?

The funniest guy in our club is Suwit (nº2). He is always joking and something always seems to happen to him. But the funniest thing is when he tries to speak English with others and he wants to be cool, saying words like “bro”! Hahahahah

What are your favourite memories of your time at Chonburi FC?

I have a lot of good memories, but the best I think must to be the first professional goal of my career. I scored agains Kedah at the national stadium, playing the group phase of the AFC Cup.

Do you keep in touch with anyone who was at Chonburi with you?

Yeah, for sure. Me and Michael Byrne are very close, and I often speak with Mohamed Kone.

And do you still have friends at the club?

No, I just see the players and some fan club members at the games. Besides that I don’t have contact with anyone. 

Do you have any funny stories from your time at Chonburi?

I laugh when I remember the kitman called Jhon. That guy was funny. Always speaking loud and with good vibes. When I first arrived in Thailand, we were in Chumpon playing a tournament. He came to our room with sticky rice and roasted pork, and tried to speak with us in Thai-English. We couldn’t understand a word of what he was saying. There is also this time when I showed up with a moustache at training. Every single player laughed at me, especially Sintawechai!

What are your thoughts on Chonburi's start to the season?

I think Chonburi's game is very consistent. They lost concentration agains Muangthong Utd, but that's game they should’ve won. They have quality players, otherwise they wouldn’t have drawn with BG Pathum Utd.

How do you think we will do this season?

I really think they can finish in the top 5 this season. But the league is very even this season, so we will have to wait to see. Anything can happen.

What are you expecting from Saturday's match?

The game is not going to be easy, no game in the Thai league is easy, but I hope we can perform our best and get 3 points.

Which Chonburi players do you need to be wary of?

For sure, Dennis Murilo is the most dangerous. He’s deadly near the box.

Would you like to make a score prediction?

I think 1-0 for us is good.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I just want to say thanks to you and everyone related with Chonburi FC. If it wasn’t for this club I would never have come to Thailand and had this amazing experience. This club will be always in my heart! 

NEW! Khon Kaen Utd Spy Report: 2021

Thai Port fan, Jim Clarke, gives us the lowdown on Saturday's opponents, Khon Kaen Utd.

What are Khon Kaen Utd's strengths?

The main thing they had going for them was a good team spirit. They went two nil down early and many teams, away from home against well fancied opposition, would have folded and been soundly beaten. The fact that everyone for Khon Kaen Utd kept trying and they had a spells late in the first half, and at various points in the second half, when they were looking the more likely to score, bodes well for them long term. Maybe Port eased off, maybe KKU didn’t start well, but they certainly finished it. After 20 minutes I thought they could be the team that gets cut a drift at the bottom this season. But by full time, l’d become a believer in their chances of staying up.

And their weaknesses?

There wasn’t really anyone who looked particular special. At the end of the game there wasn’t a single player l thought “he could do a job for Port”, even sitting on the bench. The defence early on looked particularly weak, but they brought a bit more stability to it by dropping Cobo back to centre back. However, then they lost his influence in midfield.

Which of their players impressed you and why?

Their Brazilians look like a pair of very solid players. Cobo was great and Melo was unlucky not get on the score sheet. He's a solid goalscorer at this level and it was purely variance that he didn’t end up finding the net. If he keeps getting into the positions he did, and the service the team laid on is sustained, he’ll get goals.

How do you think they will fare this season?

Its not going to be easy but currently they’re seemingly battling for the whole 90 minutes each week. If they can keep that team spirit going all season, and supply Melo enough chances, they’ll have a puncher's chance. As ever, the first half the season is just about staying in contention. The manager seems to have the team as well organised as he can and if they pick up a few smart signings in the second window there’s no reason they can’t stay up.

What are your expectations for our match against them?

I’ve watched the highlights of their first three games. It seems they like to play on the break and sit back absorbing pressure. If you get the early goal then things could end up looking quite easy. If not, it is going to get more frustrating and they’ll look to nick one. That said, they’re yet to keep a clean sheet and I’m not sure that’ll change when faced with Murillo. I think you’ll get the win.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Look out for their away kit! If they wear the same one as at The PAT, it's...erm... an interesting look! Combining a pink shirt with some burgundy shorts. Individually, both items look reasonable, but together its not a great look.

Interview With Sasom Probprasert: 2011

Ahead of his 50th league match in charge of Chonburi, here is a 2011 interview with Sharks' coach, Sasom Pobprasert, taken from BK magazine.

As Sasom Popprasert makes the move from coach of Thai Port to Second Division team Buriram F.C Monruedee Jansuttipan talked to the former midfielder and True soccer pundit about the reasons behind his move, his ambitions for the future, why the TPL still has a long way to go, why he worries about foreign players and why people need to start looking at the game as a business. 

So why did you decide to take the job at Buriram?

As I’ve already said it’s because we need to divide up the burden of Thai Port’s debt.

How exactly?

I respect Pichet Munkong [owner of Thai Port]. He got me to help out there and he gave me everything. We treat each other like brothers and if a brother is in trouble we have to help each other out. I may not be able to help with much but it’s better than not doing anything. Could I have stayed? Yes. But I can’t imagine how we could have handled the debt. I said that since I’m a man, I’m going to help. I sacrificed myself to help the team with this problem. It’s ok, I can handle it and it’s better than if I walk out. For instance if the club can’t pay me or the athletes and they quit, that’s not fair. At least this way they get money and pay for some of the debt. I received support from Newin, for which I thank him.

But you’re obviously sad to go?

I’ve been with Thai Port for over two years. Every day I come down from the express way, I see a motorcycle driver wearing the blue shirt driving from Klong Toei and I am happy. I get goose bumps every time, “how could I make them so into it?” It’s what they love. It’s their local team. Every time I come to Thai Port I am still proud. I am from Thai Port. So no matter where I am, it will still be in my heart and my thoughts. But I have to go. And once I leave I put on the Buriram hat.

What do you think to politicians getting involved with football?

There are advantages and disadvantages. But I think there are more advantages because part of it is that most politicians have to have projects. Whether it’s bringing in money to the team, or building public utilities, like stadiums or training facilities. It’s better than using the money for something else. Politicians get involved with football so people get to know who they are. If the team does well then everyone is happy and the politician’s reputation improves.

And the disadvantages?

Problems arise when politicians aren’t honest with the players about what are they doing it for. Some have done well, I admire that, but others are like once the election is over they lose interest. They will learn their lesson when they campaign again.

So you're off to Buriram but what are your longer term plans?

Right now I love being a coach. It represents me best and it’s what I want to prove myself in. A coach’s career is on a fine piece of string; without success, who would hire you. Let’s say without my record, would Newin Chitchob have chosen me? He could choose anybody else in the world, can buy anybody in the world. All coaches want to be a coach for the national team. I have views on how to get there. It’s my dream. Once I’ve made the nation team, I’ll see if I can handle it. When something has reached a limit, my instincts will tell me what to do next in my life.

What's your footballing philosophy?

It doesn’t mean anything if you score a very good goal but don’t win the championship. Playing a good game without actually winning wouldn’t make anybody remember you. I don’t fake things, I enjoy my life. But if I am always making jokes at work then, I wouldn’t be able to control people. I am a fighter, I was raised and taught to fight all my life. That’s what I want to teach my players as well; the ‘who I am’, which is serious and smart. It’s not like I don’t care, I do, but because this is what I am it is hard to change.

And after coaching?

I want my own football team. My dream of owning my own football team won’t happen in a long time but I’ve started to dream of it. My team would be entertainers. Playing exciting football.

 

So where do you see Thai football at the moment?

It took a hundred years for football in Europe to get where it is. We’ve just started playing football professionally. The footballers must learn, I must learn, the fans must learn, the referees must learn, the association must learn, everyone must learn. Look at today’s Thai football players, they come from being semi-pro, or amateurs and then turning into professionals.

So everyone needs to get more professional about the game?

As a professional, you have to be strong in all areas. Your heart, your mind, your discipline you have to have everything but you have to learn to change. It takes time to become a professional. For example, go back in time and look at Steven Gerard who is now nearly 30, what was he born with? Professional football. When he was a kid he probably got Liverpool shirts as presents. Then take one of our top football players, like Datsakorn Thonglao (currently at Muangthong United) who’s also almost 30, what was his first present? Probably a doll. Dasakorn was trained to be a professional where? Vietnam, abroad.

You think we’re still a long way off from that?

I believe that if you take a Thai kid who is now 10, in 15 years, you’re going to see the professional in him, if Thai football remains this strong. He’s going to be a complete soccer player. I don’t call Thai Port current players professionals, because they’re just changing from being amateurs. What I always taught them, though, is that they have to act like professionals, do everything like professionals. Professional soccer players don’t have to be asked if they’ve eaten their meals or be ordered to go to bed early.

What do you think about Thailand’s chances internationally?

Right now, we have to admit that the national team is really low on good players. So low that we have to worry. What I mean is from the U16 and U19 teams, you can actually count the ones who are going to become professional soccer players. The same players are used again and again. No new players rise up, this is dangerous. We urgently need to spend money on training our young teams our U10s, our U12s it's vital.

What are Thai players lacking?

We need a Zidane, Messi or Maradona, to truly go international. Having good soccer players, but nothing stands out about any of them...it’s difficult.

What do you think about bringing in foreign players to the TPL?

I think it’s both good and bad. Good because they have some characteristics that Thai players don’t: responsibility, strength, and the perspective of real soccer professionals. But on the other side let’s say 5 out of 11 players are foreigners it’s good for marketing because people have fun watching the match. But in the soccer structure itself, we only have 6 Thais on the field. For example, about a hundred Thai players get to play in a week when it should be a thousand.

Do you think they need to be changes to the rules?

I think 3+ foreigners would be OK, and the rest should be Thai players. That way, Thai players would benefit. If you use 5 out of 11 players, Thai kids won’t even try to become players. Don’t forget there’s already very high competition.

So football is more than just a sport?

Soccer is also a business. You can bring in politics or whatever, you sell ads, anything to start making profits. I don’t care how you get the money, but soccer is a business so you have to control the spending. If you invested 30, and you make 35 a year... that is success, the end. But if you invested 30 million, like Thai Port, and you get a revenue of 20. You now have a B10 million debt, I don’t think this is the way to do it. The point is soccer is a business, you should do anything to make a profit.

What can be done to make Thais watch more Thai football?

I think we’re on the right track. Football fans are starting to understand the culture of cheering. It’s up to us what we’re going to do to make these fans like customers. If I was owner of a club, like Thai Port, everyone in the audience is our customers. How do we make them think “Today I’m here to see Thai Port! The weekend is here!”

So football is just another form of entertainment?

It’s not sport, it’s entertainment. So what are we going to do to make them stay? Every second we’re here, it’s like watching a movie. Buy popcorn, buy coke, bring in the money. It’s a show where if you’re entertaining, you will keep getting customers. If you’re not entertaining, customers will go see another show.

Can football help to fix problems with young people in society?

Yes. Now I think the media has to promote it. Football nowadays has idols like Anucha and Kitpongsee from Chonburi they used to be dek van. And now they are big stars, earning good money playing football. You have to be daring. You have to give chances to those people. One of my players Ekapoom used to be a motorcycle taxi driver. Now he plays football and earns money. Or Annawin, who used to be a drug dealer - it reflects that these kids can change.

Chonburi v Nongbua Pitchaya - Head To Head Record

2016

FA Cup

13/7/16 Chonburi 4-2 Nong Bua Pitchaya

2021/22

TPL

18/9/21 Chonburi 3-1 Nong Bua Pitchaya

15/1/22 Nong Bua Pitchaya 3-2 Chonburi

2022/23

TPL

2/10/22 Chonburi 2-1 Nong Bua Pitchaya

 

OVERALL RECORD

TPL

Home 

P2 W2 D0 L0 F5 A2 Pts6

Away 

P1 W0 D0 L1 F2 A3 Pts0

Overall 

P3 W2 D0 L1 F7 A5 Pts6

OTHER

FA Cup

P1 W1 D0 L0 F4 A2

NEW! Nongbua Pichaya Spy Report: 2021

Samut Prakan City fan, Phil Williams recently watched his team play against our next opponents. Here he gives us the lowdown on what we can expect from top flight new boys, Nongbua Pichaya.

What are Nong Bua's strengths?

I honestly didn’t see any. They worked hard and huffed and puffed, especially in the second half, but any team will have good spells in a match.

And their weaknesses? 

There was a general lack of quality all over the pitch. They didn’t have a single player who stood out as a potential game changer.

Which of their players impressed you?

None of them. Obviously we needed to keep on eye on Soares after his two goals against Nakhon Ratchisima, but frankly, we never gave him a kick. The Israeli midfielder, Mahan Rahmani, is a feisty character. He got booked in the first half and was lucky to avoid a second yellow later on for a bad challenge on Eliandro.

How do you think they will fare this season?

I’ve seen one or two of our regular Thai football pundits tip them for a swift return to the second tier and I wouldn’t argue with that. I certainly think they’re in for a long, hard season.

What are your expectations for our match against them?

I’ve only caught glimpses of your first two games but it already feels like a much stronger Chonburi side than last season. This will be a very comfortable home win for the sharks. I’ll go for 3-0.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Nongbua’s first match – the 2-0 home win against Nakhon Ratchisima – was played on a ridiculously waterlogged pitch and the game was a lottery. You couldn’t read much into that victory and Nakhon Ratchisima were unlucky in a way to face those sort of conditions. Against Samut Prakan, the pitch had dried out, it was a much better playing surface, and we could play our passing game. We didn’t even have to play that well to get the three points if truth be told.

Chonburi v Bangkok Glass/BG Pathum Utd - Head To Head Record

2009 

TPL 

4/4/09 Chonburi 1-3 Bangkok Glass 

12/8/09 Bangkok Glass 1-0 Chonburi 

Super Cup 

24/12/09 Chonburi 1-2 Bangkok Glass 

2010 

TPL 

23/5/10 Chonburi 2-1 Bangkok Glass 

19/9/10 Bangkok Glass 0-0 Chonburi 

League Cup 

22/9/10 Bangkok Glass 1-0 Chonburi 

20/10/10 Chonburi 0-2 Bangkok Glass 

Queen’s Cup 

11/2/10 Chonburi 0-3 Bangkok Glass 

2011 

TPL 

12/6/11 Bangkok Glass 2-0 Chonburi 

29/12/11 Chonburi 1-0 Bangkok Glass

2012

TPL

25/3/12 Bangkok Glass 0-0 Chonburi

20/10/12 Chonburi 1-1 Bangkok Glass

League Cup

5/9/12 Bangkok Glass 1-0 Chonburi

11/9/12 Chonburi 1-1 Bangkok Glass

2013

TPL

5/5/13 Chonburi 3-1 Bangkok Glass

24/8/13 Bangkok Glass 0-0 Chonburi

FA Cup

26/6/13 Bangkok Glass 1-0 Chonburi

 

2014

TPL

26/3/14 Chonburi 3-2 Bangkok Glass

20/7/14 Bangkok Glass 0-2 Chonburi

FA Cup

9/11/14 Chonburi 0-1 Bangkok Glass

 

2015

TPL

26/4/15 Bangkok Glass 2-2 Chonburi

12/9/15 Chonburi 2-2 Bangkok Glass

 

2016

TPL

14/5/16 Chonburi 2-1 Bangkok Glass

20/8/16 Bangkok Glass 1-1 Chonburi

 

2017

TPL

17/5/17 Bangkok Glass 3-0 Chonburi

22/10/17 Chonburi 1-1 Bangkok Glass

 

2018

TPL

10/3/18 Chonburi 0-2 Bangkok Glass

1/7/18 Bangkok Glass 7-4 Chonburi

League Cup

8/8/18 Chonburi 4-6 Bangkok Glass (AET)

2020/21

TPL

21/11/20 BG Pathum Utd 2-1 Chonburi

11/3/21 Chonburi 0-1 BG Pathum Utd

2021/2022

TPL

5/9/21 Chonburi 1-1 BG Pathum Utd

4/5/21 BG Pathum Utd 4-1 Chonburi

2022/23

TPL

31/8/22 Chonburi 1-0 BG Pathum Utd

OVERALL RECORD 

TPL 

Home

P13 W6 D4 L3 F18 A16 Pts22

Away 

P12 W1 D5 L6 F11 A22 Pts8

Overall 

P25 W7 D9 L9 F29 A38 Pts30

OTHER

FA Cup

P2 W0 D0 L2 F0 A2

League Cup 

P5 W0 D1 L4 F5 A11 

Queen’s Cup 

P1 W0 D0 L1 F0 A3 

Super Cup

P1 W0 D0 L1 F1 A2 

Overall 

P9 W0 D1 L8 F6 A18