My pre match interview with Ratchaburi fan, John Oliver.
What were your expectations for Ratchaburi before the season started?
Hoping to survive another season in the top flight is always my wish. Anything after that is a bonus.
And how would you sum up your season to date?
We had great start, helped by a lot of home games at the start of the season. Form took a dip from the last 2 games of leg 1 and a mediocre start to leg 2 (a lot of away games).
What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
I’m hoping we improve on last season’s FA Cup Final defeat. I’m still hoping for a top 6 finish. If we win the FA Cup, we’re going to be too knackered to succeed in the ACl. 4 HUGE games in quick succession is a stupid ask, Covid or no Covid.
What about next year and beyond?
I would love to see us challenging for the top spot, but we can all dream. BG have seemingly achieved the impossible this year, but I don’t foresee Ratchaburi competing with the big spenders.
How happy are you with the way your club is run?
Up to a point, it does not matter what I think – they are in charge, and they’ll do what they want to do.
If you could give those that run you club some advice, what would it be?
Learn how to manage 5 subs. Don’t play a weak team initially and then bring on better players to chase a negative score. Employ a Head Coach and give him chance to do his job. Somebody pointed out we had a new coach a couple of games back when he was listed on the team sheet. He’d gone by the following game. We used to get upset by the regular turnaround, but it’s the norm these days. Rather than a caretaker manager, why not send him away to gain the necessary qualifcations.
A story broke a few months ago that you will be losing Mitr Phol - your main sponsor. Please can you update us with the situation.
We don’t really get any important information. We were told Mitr Phol would withdraw at the end of 2020. They are still there (or are they?). We don’t know any more than you do – probably less.
Many fans of other clubs seem to admire your stadium. How do you feel about this, and what do you love about it?
A beautiful stadium, purpose built for football. It’s just a shame the dragon doesn’t blow smoke and fire every time we score. Every seat gives an excellent view.
Which is you favourite away ground?
I’ve only ever been to Prachuap, Prachinburi, Supahalasai, PAT Stadium, The Leo Stadium and the 72nd Anniversary Stadium. They’re all equivalent to lower league UK stadiums. I couldn’t really favour any of them.
What have been your impressions of Chonburi this season?
They’ve been a long way below us most of the season – I haven’t actually given them much thought. But I think you’ll be safe. The bottom 2 are gonners. Suphanburi should have gone last season. Sukhothai have been in free fall since the end of Leg 1 and we really dislike Prachuap. If you don’t stay up, you’ll have to work really hard at losing (and I hope it starts with a 6 goal thrashing this weekend)
What are your expectations for Sunday’s match?
There is no doubt that Ratchaburi will win. By how many depends upon whether we start with our best 11.
Which of our players are you most wary of ?
We are dragons, we fear nobody.
Which of your players do we need to look out for?
Our very own magician, Steeven Langil. He makes defenders cry.
It's great to see fans allowed back at matches, so how has your club handled tickets sales for Sunday?
We are season ticket holders, so it hasn’t really affected us. However, living in Hua Hin, with a 25% cap on the crowd we have had to travel very early to ensure other Hua Hin Dragons can gain access to the stadium. It is 2021 and you would have thought online booking would be available.
How do you think FAT/TPL have handled the situation this year?
They have done what they’ve had to do. Covid is not the fault of FAT or TPL. No complaints.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Scrap VAR – it brings nothing to the game. I was happier when the ref could make good old fashioned honest(?) mistakes.
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