They have fans all over the country
Wherever you go in Thailand you are guaranteed to see people wearing Buriram Utd shirts. From the sois of Songkhla to the hills of Chiang Rai. They are everywhere. Everywhere. But are these people all fans? I'm not so sure. One of the great things about Buriram Utd's marketing department is that they actually seem to know how to market the club. And supplying cheap, good quality, easily available shirts is obviously a high priority (the knock offs you can buy on markets nationwide should also get a mention here). Add to this the fact that Thais love to be associated with success, and there are a large number of Buriramians (??) living and working all over the land, and you have good reasons for the said garments' ubiquity. How many of the folks sporting them actually go to matches or can even name more than two members of the current squad, is a different kettle of pla altogether.
Newin Chidchob built the club from scratch
No he didn't. No. He. Didn't. Despite what ESPN commentators and various other media outlets want you to believe, he did not build the club from scratch and it's not a fairytale rise from nowhere. The plain truth is that he had a massive head start. The "former politician" bought Provincial Electric Authority FC - a club with a long history who had won the league in 2008 and competed in the AFC Champions League the following year - and moved them lock, stock and barrelful of top players and a coach to Buriram, ready made to compete in the 2011 season. The hard work - on the field - had already been done. Moving the fans, however, proved a bit more difficult. He did offer them free bus rides from Ayutthya to their new north east home (a round trip of 450 miles) for every home match, as a sweetener, but they responded by burning their old scarves and banners.
They have a great stadium
They do. It's the envy of every other club in Thailand. Or should be, if they have any sense. And this was built from scratch...twice! Following the controversial move (see above), Khun Newin set about constructing the i-mobile Stadium to host the town's two clubs. It was OK, but nothing special. However, a few months later, he gave the world the New i-mobile Stadium/Buriam Stadium/The Thunder Castle/Chang Arena* and what a delight it is. Modern, purpose built, good sight lines, great facilities and when it's full, as good as any ground of its size anywhere in the world. It's the envy of supporters the length and breadth of the kingdom and, quite rightly, features in most fan lists of favourite grounds to visit. Without doubt, what Buriram Utd have is what every owner in the Thai league should aspire to.
*Delete where applicable
Everybody hates them
Buriram Utd - and their owner - certainly divide opinion. I'd put the love/hate split at 0.05/99.95. And this has nothing to do with their success. Those of us who've been around long enough still hold a grudge due to their move from Ayutthya - football fans never forget! - and the arrogance of Newin Chidchob. He's just not very likeable. I can appreciate what he's done for his home province - and he is undoubtedly idolised up there - but in a land of tricky little chaps, he's right up there with the trickiest. There have also been a few very unloveable players at the club over the years. Which just adds to the "Booooo!!" factor for the vast majority of us.
They are the biggest draw in Thai football
This is true. I think it's fair to say that a large number of supporters from other clubs look for their name first on the fixture list - when it finally gets released! - to see when you'll be able to sample the delights of their impressive stadium or when they'll be visiting you. The two fixtures are genuinely something to look forward to. You're pretty much guaranteed a full house when the Buriram Utd roadshow rolls into town. Not only do the locals turn up in numbers, but you get a large, well behaved travelling contingent too. This always makes for a good atmosphere and helps to swell the coffers. Their appeal also extends beyond Thailand. And many people from around the region have become more aware of Thai football due to the Esarn side's appearances in Asia wide competitions. Which can only be a good thing for local football. Right?
They always have great foreign players
Some of their overseas recruits have been a bit hit and miss recently, but, by and large, they have a habit of signing top quality foreign players. And this is a big reason why they've done so well over the years. The well respected coach, Steve Darby states that any non Thais at a club should be better than what's locally available and always in the starting line up. Buriram Utd clearly believe in this maxim as well. They don't use up those valuable foreign slots on any old rubbish...like some others I could mention...
They have won the TPL seven times*
No, no, no, no, no, no, no they haven't. There are those who will try and tell you otherwise. But they're wrong. How can they possibly lay claim to a trophy won by a club - with a different name, a history and a tradition - located nearly 250 miles away? How?! And as for their "first" title win as a north east based club, they were still piggybacking on - and masquerading as - PEA then. These are the facts. Buriram Utd as a club didn't exist until 2012, when there was a merger between Buriram PEA (TPL champions, League Cup winners & FA Cup winners in 2011) and Buriram FC (2011 Division One champions). Making this one of those rare occasions when the suffix United is actually appropriate. Anything before this doesn't count. It really doesn't. And don't get me started on the farce that was Wuachon Utd...
*See also number of FA Cup and League Cup wins
They always have nice kits
Yes they do. Plain and simple is the key here. They never go in for flashy and their kits always have a touch of class about them. They also scream "power and success!"And while I'd never ever ever go as far as buying one, I do like the cut of their self produced, cloth. I wish my own club would take note. They can keep their trophies (the ones they have won legitimately), their big crowds, their fantastic stadium, their egotistical mad as a frog in a sock owner and his wife. None of that makes me jealous - especially the latter. But I would kill to have those strips!
Thanks to Alec, Phil, Russ & Vinnie
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