Muang Thong Utd fan, Grant Aitken is here with his new season preview.
We have a young side but I’d like to see some indication of progress whilst we continue to focus on youth. Last season we finished on the same points as SPC, but I see them going backwards this season. Similarly, I hope we can leapfrog any side that finished above us that haven’t shown much signs of growth. My expectation is 4thor 5th but we’ll have to cut out the defensive naiveties that cost us dear last season.
How do you think the lack of a regular pre season will affect your early performances?
Muangthong arranged several preseason friendlies that were cancelled due to the uncertainty of whether live action was permitted. Meanwhile teams from the provinces arranged multiple friendlies, and in some cases involving players that should have been in quarantine. The FA deserves credit for persevering with their plan to start the season as close to the scheduled time as possible, but the lack of guidelines around preseason friendlies has led to a disparity in preparations. It’s not the ideal way to start the season. As it stands we will be going into the first match of the season pretty cold.
What are your thoughts on the plan for the way the season will start?
I’m of the opinion that the need to start the season ASAP as further delays would cripple clubs financially. Whatever it takes, just make it happen and do what is necessary to appease the government and any restrictive measures they put in place.
How long do you think it will be before things can return to "normal"?
I’m not expecting a return to normality this season. Perhaps partial attendances will be permitted early 2022. We look at least 6 months behind the West in terms of vaccinations, and I expect that gap to widen if anything.
What are your thoughts on your team's opening four fixtures?
Honestly, I don’t mind who we play and in what order. Largely, because I will be watching the matches on a screen either way, but also as we tend to fair well against top half teams whilst being equally prone to the odd banana skin too.
Once fans are allowed back in, which home games are you most looking forward to?
Buriram. Anyone that says it is not the highest profile match on the calendar is in denial.
And which away games are you most looking forward to?
My better half is from Chiang Mai so she will be itching for us to attend that fixture. We went a cup game about 4 years ago against the other Chiang Mai team, but the away stand at the university venue was the size of a shoe box and looked like it had been hurriedly assembled using a child’s Meccano set. United’s stadium looks much more suitable for purpose.
How do you plan to follow the matches you're not allowed to attend?
Probably on my desktop. I hope there are matches on free to view TV as well.
What do you make of your new signings?
We signed a new keeper, although I didn’t really feel we required one. Peerapong is a very modern goalkeeper and certainly not scared to involve himself in build-up play so at least it’s nice to see the board buying in to the new style of play. Jessie Curran should finally make his long awaited debut and take up a foreign quota spot this year. He’s a good worker and even if he doesn’t have the skills to win matches on his own, I think he will add much needed balance to the side with his height a physicality. I’m probably more excited to see the returning loanees and academy players in action to be honest. I followed them closely last season so I feel pretty invested in their success.
And what about the players you've let go?
Derley did a decent job for his, but he was Gama’s target man and less relevant to the current side. To his credit he adapted well to Mario’s style but his finishing could be sharper and he was prone to taking an extra touch or two whereas I don’t think Adisak will have that issue. I wish him well, though. Conversely, I’m not happy that Chatmongkol’s loan wasn’t made permeant. The deal was there to be made but we procrastinated and allowed The Bangkok Glass Phatum Thani United Football Club to sneak in. We’ll have trouble replacing him.
Which players will have the most impact this season?
Sardor scored 13 goals, and all of them came under Mario in the last 2/3 of the season. Significantly, they were all from open play too. Several league players were lauded for their goal tallies despite a majority coming from VAR aided penalty kick decisions. In Sardor we have a player that is the best in the league at finding pockets of space behind the main striker and with the selfless Adisak complementing him, he could further elevate his status. Equally, Popp has quickly become the heartbeat of the team and Rocha is a much needed cool head at the back. I’m also expecting young forwards, Poramet and Korrawich, to fully illustrate their capabilities this season in an attack minded set up.
If you could re-sign one of your club's former players, at the peak of his powers, who would it be?
2016 Tananboon Kesarat. He was instrumental in that title winning side and we could use another ball winner in this side in Chat’s absence.
If you could give your head coach one piece of advice, what would it be?
Be brave and take risks, although that’s pretty much his mantra anyway.
What do you think of your club's new kits?
I think we have to finalise a main sponsor before we can officially launch so I can’t yet answer that. There are some hideous kits floating around so I’m getting a little nervous. I would genuinely be embarrassed to wear at least 50% of the shirts I’ve seen from other teams. I prefer simple, symmetrical designs. SPC and Suphanburi are the best I’ve seen so far.
What song would you choose for your team's run out music on match days?
Great question! I was raised in the 90s so my tastes compromise of Hip-Hop and little else. I’d opt for something with an instantly recognisable intro, high tempo beat and an aggressive tone. Something like “The Choice is Yours” by Black Sheep or “Live at the BBQ” by Main Source. In fairness, I’m not sure others would feel quite as exhilarated hearing those anthems, but when we’ve played Guns and Roses or Nirvana it is has served the same purpose and even I have appreciated them.
Who are your favourites to win the league?
I think Buriram collected the most points in Leg 2 last year, and main rival’s BG have seemingly over-complicated their title defence. I can see the Isaan team putting another star on their shirt this season. I don’t think any other team can mount a serious title challenge. The rest will be vying for the remaining places.
Who is going down?
I’m not sure Khonkean Utd or Nongbua have shown enough ambition to beat the drop. One from another six or seven could make up the other relegation spot.
Which team would you most like to beat this season?
Buriram, obviously. Outside of that The Bangkok Glass Phatum Thani United FC threw several tantrum fits when we beat them at the end of last season which was something to savour. However realistically, if we want to progress we need to aim focus at Bangkok Utd and Chiang Rai. We beat neither last season so they represent the litmus test for us.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Just that I hope everybody keeps the faith and stays safe. There’s always next season, and so long as Thai football community remains engaged and healthy we can come back stronger and the 2023 season shapes up to be the most anticipated yet as we attempt to adjust to the ‘old’ normal.
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