Separating the fact from the fiction at Thai Port
One of my favourite shows when I was growing up was 'All Our Saturday's'. This short lived sitcom featured Diana Dors as an underwear factory owner who takes over the local rugby league club. As Di Dorkins (clever!), the former Ms Fluck renames the hard bitten, but hapless, working class team, Frilly Things and sets about turning them into a side capable of challenging for honours, in spite of initial hostility from the players and the fans. The parallels are uncanny. Just as DD was the face and profile of the fictitious club, Mme Pang is very much to the fore when it comes to the public persona of the Klong Toey side. Would they survive without her? Probably. Would they have the same financial clout and success? Probably not. Would the new owner plaster his or her visage over everything that is connected to Port FC to the extent the current one does? Definitely not.
They Will Soon Be Leaving The PAT Stadium
As far as I'm aware there is no concrete evidence to support this story, but the rumours won't go away. It's no secret that the land on which the ground is situated is prime real estate and a developer's dream so it shouldn't be a surprise that there is always speculation. And, as we all know, it's not that uncommon for Thai clubs to move around - indeed the "Port Lions" themselves called four different grounds "home" between 2006 and 2009. Leaving the capital would surely be madness, but it's not inconceivable that they could relocate somewhere within the city limits. Whether this is to an existing ground (back to the Thai-Japanese?) or a spanking new development, built with all that lovely Muang Thai Life Insurance cash, remains to be seen. Or they could be crazy and follow the rest of the Port Authority down to Laem Chabang...
Everyone Loves PAT Stadium
Four stands, compact ground, fans close to the pitch, ramshackle, earthy, a "bit edgy". What's not to like? Well, for some away fans it depends where you sit to watch the match. Many have complained about restricted views - in spite of the close proximity to the action - and even surly stewards, spoiling their match day experience. The small section behind the goal is particularly unpopular with visitors and the recently installed seats seem to have caused a bit of a stink too. Truth is, it's not a particularly bad ground, but not as universally popular as many would have us believe. There are certainly others that come higher up on most fan favourite lists.
They Have The Best Fans In The League
There's no doubt that a packed - or even two thirds full - PAT Stadium guarantees a good atmosphere. But when the capacity is only 12,000, it's a lot easier to achieve this than if you play in a ground that is twice the size. In all fairness, a big night at Buriram Utd, Nakorn Ratchasima, Chiang Mai or Muang Thong Utd when the stands are jammed to capacity, is probably ahead of anything generated in Klong Toey in the "hairs on the back of your neck" stakes. Why, we've even had those occasions at Chonburi, in the dim and distant past. Sure, their fans are passionate, but every club has its diehards - the type who are prepared to travel the length and breadth of the country to cheer their team, regardless of kick off times, league position or level of success. Ultimately, the Port supporters are no different to anyone else who loves their club.
They Play Exciting, Attacking Football
With their "sign anything that moves" transfer policy ramped up to "11", it is inevitable that there'll be some thrillers involving Thai Port. And they've certainly been value for money this season. Their 26 league matches have yielded 86 goals - second only to Samut Prakan City's return of 97 - and are the TPL's top scorers with 54. The fact that they currently sit in third place, and have qualified for this year's AFC Champions League, would also suggest that the "kid in a candy store" approach has been rewarded. However, I'd settle for a drab 0-0 on Sunday. You can have too much excitement, you know.
They Have An Excellent Selection Of Food And Drink At Their Ground
They sure do. In common with many areas around Thai grounds on match days, the Port Authority food and drink experience is something special. The vendors roll up early, set out their stalls and the fans flock to buy their wares. It's a highlight of going to games in this country. The PAT Stadium's location certainly helps in this regard. It's fairly easy to get to and is close to houses and businesses. And the demand is clearly there from the supporters. In my experience, they continue serving well after the final whistle too. Which is a definite plus in my book!
With thanks to Russ, Grant, Jamie, Phil, Sven and Alec
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