What are your impressions of the league overall this year?
It is so hard to judge it against any other season. It has been such a difficult fourteen months and a real hard slog at times. Thankfully - and thanks to everyone's sensible approach and cooperation - we got through it. I'm just pleased we finally made it to the end and the results on the field counted for something. The next one will be better. Won't it?!
Which PLT team most impressed you and why?
No one team really stood for me. Even BG Pathum Utd didn't look that impressive on the couple of occasions I saw them. They were certainly there for the taking when we played them. However, it would be churlish not to recognise their achievements this season so I'll reluctantly say them.
What are your overall impressions of our season?
FA Cup run aside, very disapoointing. More than once during that nervy final few weeks, I genuinely thought we'd be relegated. Ultimately, we did enough, but it isn't good enough. Big changes need to be made during the close season. And not just involving the playing staff. If you know what I mean? Nudge, nudge...
What did Sasom get right?
The tactics in those three FA Cup ties during that mad eight days. He got everything spot on, and geared towards being most effective against the opposition. The semi final against Buriram Utd was a masterclass in coaching and players carrying out instructions. He should get a statue for that one match alone.
And what did he get wrong?
Everything other than I've just mentioned. And I mean everything! Letting Leesaw compete in a celebrity boxing match mid season particularly annoyed me. I honestly don't think I'll ever forgive him, the club or the player for this. The post bout celebrations stuck in my craw too. Ridiculous. On second thoughts, forget the statue idea...
What advice would you give him ahead of next season?
Always pick your strongest team, believe in your players and your tactics, don't let senior management have any involvement in team matters, look like you're enjoying yourself - it's a football match, not a funeral - keep on making those tongue in cheek remarks and replicate those three FA Cup performances over a whole season, not just one week. Otherwise, carry on as you have been doing.
Who have been our best players this season?
The two youngsters, Chatmongkol Rueangthanarot and Channarong Promsrikaew have been outstanding. It's been a real joy to watch them break into the first team and perform so well. The former's goal in the FA Cup final was the icing on the cake and just rewards for the season he's had. Just a shame it wasn't the winner. I'd also add Eliandro and Junior Eldstal. Eliandro has been immense - a potential terrace hero - and Junior has given us a glimpse of what he can do. Here's hoping they stay (no guarantee, given our crazy foreign player recruitment policy) and help lead us on to better days.
And who hasn't performed?
Pretty much everyone else. There needs to be a huge improvement all round next season.
Which players, or type of players, would you like to sign?
My stock answer to this is always: a goalkeeper. We need a goalkeeper. A good goalkeeper. One who can keep the ball out of the net, scare opposing forwards and command hs defence. This should - as always - be our priority. We should be scouring the globe for someone who fits the bill and then doing whatever it takes to bring him here. It really is that important. Oh, have I said we need a goalkeeper?
Which was our best performance this season?
The FA Cup semi final against Buriram Utd. Nobody gave us any hope - including me! - but we turned in a performance and result that ranks right up there with some of the greatest in our history. There wasn't even a peep of complaint from our opponents. Which tells you all you need to know. It's a night we'll never forget. But what a shame that there were so few of us actually in the ground to witness it.
And our worst?
The 1-5 defeat at Bangkok Utd. It was dire, depressing and downright unacceptable. Absolutely unforgivable at any time, but especially in the circumstances. This capitulation - and lack of effort - had me convinced we'd be relegated. I was ready to burn my shirt.
What was the best thing that happened to you this season?
Without a doubt, it was the lifting of the food and drink ban at Chonburi Stadium. A glorious day for all concerned and I feel vindicated. My tireless campaigning and incessant moaning has finally paid off. Maybe I should get a statue...
Which song sums up Chonburi's season?
'Teenage Kicks' The Undertones. It's not been the best of seasons - obviously! - but this song is always guaranteed to cheer me up and is a testament to our new young breed. Who cares if it's cliched?!
What advice would you give the club management ahead of next season?
Don't let regular first team players miss matches to fuel their own ego and participate in stupid events. Don't! Also, make sure you have a workable plan to attract fans back to the stadium. Its been such a difficult time and many have now got out of the habit of going to matches. You need to convince these people to return. (Just a hint: a winning, attractive team would help). Oh, and sign a top class goalkeeper.
Finally, what message would you like to give to our fellow Chonburi fans?
Those last eight days have reminded us all of what it was like to be a Chonburi fan in the "glory days" and how much fun we had. It won't always be like that, but you have to believe that those spells of joy will get longer and longer. Keep coming, get behind the team, boo them when they deserve it and be proud of this great club. We Are Chonburi! We Are Chonburi! We Are Chonburi!
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