New! First Leg Reviews - 8. Bangkok Utd (Svein Falk Lorentzen): 2022

Next up in our series is Bangkok Utd fan, Svein Lorentzen. Here he sums up his club's first leg performance and looks forward to the rest of the season.

Q - Overall, how satisfied are you with your teams performance over the first half of the season? 

We started the season good, with 6-2-0 from the first 8 games. It looked very promising then, but I knew more difficult games were still to come. And they were more difficult. We dropped points both here and there, and from the last 7 games we only got 8 points, 2-2-3. Because of that we are already out of the title race. So, to answer your question, I`m not satisfied at all. I`m actually very disappointed! I wasn`t too optimistic before the season, due to disappointments from previous seasons, but I really didn`t think we would be out of the title race in November. 

Q - What has been the highlight of your season so far? 

Without a doubt the win against BG Pathum United. 

Q - And the low point? 

It`s been so many. First that we failed to beat Sukhothai. It was 2 points dropped. Same when we went to Port. Should have won easily, but we couldn`t score on our chances.

Q - Apart from your own, which is the best team you've seen so far this season? 

I don`t watch games in T1 except for Bangkok United, but Chonburi was good when we beat them. They deserved better from that game.

Q – And the worst? 

Khon Kaen United was poor when we played them.

Q - What are your hopes for the rest of the season for 

a) your club? 

None! At least not in the league. We have nothing to play for there. We will focus on the cups, according to the club, which is good. Hopefully we can win one of them, but I`m not putting any money on it. We have released players, and won`t replace them, and we are currently without a head coach since he resigned earlier this week.

 

b) the league in general? 

Again, none! But I would like to see Nongbua, Lampang and Lamphun relegated.

Q - Please sum up your season so far with song lyrics or by song title 

Manchester United used Monty Python 30+ years ago, so I will use it too:

Some things in life are bad

They can really make you mad

Other things just make you swear and curse

When you're chewing on life's gristle

Don't grumble, give a whistle

And this'll help things turn out for the best

And

Always look on the bright side of life

Always look on the light side of life

Q – Anything else you’d like to add?

Happy New Year to everyone following Thai football

New! First Leg Reviews - 7. Lamphun Warrior (Ben Davies): 2022

Lamphun Warrior fan, Ben Davies, shares his opinions on the first half of the season and looks ahead to the second leg.

Q - Overall, how satisfied are you with your team's performance over the first half of the season? 

The first 10 games were a tough watch and a baptism of fire. At times it looked like we were never going to score a goal let alone win a game! In contrast the last 5 games have been very positive and we haven't lost any and won 4. The new Brazilian manager has obviously had an instant impact.

Q - What has been the highlight of your season so far?

The highlight for me was the away win against Lampang,our local rivals. Not the best performance but the team finally showed some grit and determination to win 2-1 with a last gasp winner. It was a great full away end too!

Q - And the low point? 

The lowest I felt this season was a 5-0 thumping at home to Muangthong. It was the beginning of the end of the ex manager.  The feeling around the stadium was grim and the players were getting pelters.

Q - Apart from your own, which is the best team you've seen so far this season? 

Muangthong and Chonburi . Chonburi looked very slick on the ball and we couldn't get it off them for long periods. Muangthong were clinical in front of goal.

Q - What are your hopes for the rest of the season for 

a) your club? 

Our hopes are simple. To stay up. That would be a great achievement . I also hope some of our players start putting in better performances as they are on decent money.

b) the league in general?

I just hope the Thai leagues continue to grow and that attendances pick up a bit more. Lamphun at 700year in Chiang  Mai has been a bit of a ball ache for some. It is also too big. Cant wait to get back to our old rundown shack!

Q - Please sum up your season so far with song lyrics or by song title 

Song - "You Can't Always Get What You Want" - Rolling Stones.

Q – Anything else you’d like to add? 

Just like to say whatever the results are we always go along to the games for a laugh , a drink and to see friends. It's all about the day out. Keep supporting your local Thai teams!

New! First Leg Reviews - 6. Muang Thong Utd (Grant Aitken): 2022

Here's Muang Thong Utd fan, Grant Aitken, with his views on his team's first leg performance.

Q - Overall, how satisfied are you with your team’s performance over the first half of the season? 

Given that we were top 4 last year, I’m disappointed with the fact that we’ve seemingly gone backward. 3 league wins from 15 matches simply aren’t good enough. 

Q - What has been the highlight of your season so far?

Slim pickings, so I’d have to opt for Mario’s “Last Dance”. He got the response he needed from the players with an emphatic 5-0 win over Prachuap. There was palpable relief, and it was nice that the fans and head coach could share the moment in unison. Since then we’ve lost once in 6 matches, although 3 of those were draws, which indicates we’re still not hitting our potential. 

Q - And the low point? 

The 5-1 home defeat against a certain seaside club stung a little. 

Q - Apart from your own, which is the best team you've seen so far this season? 

I’ve not really watched other teams, if I’ve little vested interest in the outcome then I struggle to engage. It’s a little bit different when your team is in a title race, for example. I’d rather watch Muangthong’s youth teams or one of the T2/T3 sides that have a few of our lads on loan. With that being said, the best teams I’ve seen would be the sides that we came up short against. Ratchaburi, Tero, and Chiang Rai were all worthy victors in matches that I’d hoped to get something out of, but Chonburi were the cream of the crop as they put us to the sword on our own turf.  

Q – And the worst? 

Lamphun Warriors were pretty dreadful, aside from the aforementioned Prachaup game. I back Gama to turn around the Northerners’ fortunes, however. Dusit is a pretty limited coach, in my opinion, I think they’ll still struggle despite the big-name recruits. 

Q - What are your hopes for the rest of the season for 

a) your club? 

I’d hope to see us string a couple of wins together and climb into the safety of the mid-table region. We’ve made some positive signings so I don’t see why that wouldn’t be a realistic target. Then, it is a matter of focusing on the cups and preparing for the next season. I’d be quite happy if we had nothing to play for with several fixtures remaining so we can prioritise giving game time to some of the young guns like Ronan Pluijmen, Kakana Khamyok, Purachet Thodsanit and Khanaphod Kadee. The previous 2 U18 Youth League winning sides haven’t quite delivered to expectations, so I’d like to see us build with the next players in line instead. Our U18s were magnificent in the ‘Channel 7 Championship’ and probably deserved to add to our victory in 2016. We need to clear a path for some of those boys to come through as well. 

b) the league in general?

I hope the fans find a way to stay invested, but this season seems to be a write-off already. Hopefully, they can rebuild and rebrand for next year, although given the repeated mishandling from those in charge, I’m doubtful. I didn’t think TRUE did an amazing job with the TV coverage but at least it was reliable and accessible, with TRUE4U showing a couple of matches free each week. That was a deal brokered before the current president of the FA had begun his reign, however. 

Q - Please sum up your season so far with song lyrics or by song title 

How about “It’s Now or Never” by Elvis Presley. 

I feel like the board has played its part during the transfer window with some shred moves recruiting proven talent, and not to mention opening the door for Rajevac to lend his expertise. That leaves little in the way of excuses for Mario now that he has some extra firepower and support. We must do better and have a good run in the cups to redeem the season and set the foundations for next year’s campaign.  

Q – Anything else you’d like to add?

The FA needs to have a good, long hard think before the elections for the next FA President next year. I’m not sure they can survive another extended tenure summarised by ineffectiveness and mistrust. Gathering a group of heavy hitters from T1 clubs will only heighten grievances from rival clubs and fans, whether they be real or imagined. We need transparency, organisation, passion and most of all independence from football club owners and any agendas they may be concealing. If they don’t entice candidates deemed desirable to fans, then I see no way back for the league but an unavoidable and irreversible decline in all areas of our domestic game.

New! First Leg Reviews - 5. Samut Prakan City (Phil Williams): 2022

Samut Prakan City fan, Phil Williams, shares his views on his team's first leg performance and looks forward to the rest of the season.

Q - Overall, how satisfied are you with your team's performance over the first half of the season?

I'm reasonably happy with our lower mid-table showing. We've played some lovely football at home and probably deserved more out of the games. In contrast, our away performances haven't been good enough. However, we can't overlook the reality. With all that went on at the club at the start of the season (the Chonburi takeover, the mass exodus of players from the previous season, etc) I should just be grateful to still have a team to support.

Q - What has been the highlight of your season so far?

A tale of two shirts. Samut Prakan striker Petru Lueca giving me his match shirt after scoring our only goal away at Buriram in the FA Cup. Then my favourite player in T2, Trat FC captain Pornpreecha Jarunai, making a beeline to the away end to give me his shirt after his side's 1-0 victory against us in November. These gestures mean so much to a football fan and make Thai football extra special.  

Q - And the low point? 

Seeing defender Sarayut Somphim, probably the best player in the squad, unable to play for the team due to contractural issues. He's one of the nicest guys in Thai football and has become good friends with me and my wife over recent months as we've offered him support. We're both overjoyed that he has finally managed to escape his 'contract prison' and kickstart his career at Nakhonsi United. Can I add another low point? - the league cup exit at third division Bangkok FC after being 2-0 up in ten minutes.   

Q - Apart from your own, which is the best team you've seen so far this season?

No one really. I think most of the 18 teams in T2 are a much of a muchness. I was probably most impressed by Ayutthaya United, who beat us 2-1 at their place in early November. At that time they were league leaders but have since slipped to 4th.  

Q – And the worst? 

Probably Ranong FC, who look like they're strong relegation candidates. We still only came away with a 1-1 draw though as Ranong dragged us down to their level and we played just as poorly. 

Q - What are your hopes for the rest of the season for 

a) your club? 

A top six finish to add a bit of play off drama to the end of the season. As a travelling fan, I think I'd enjoy that. Secondly, to bring in some better quality foreign players (please can we have a goalscorer!) and finally to see a few of those missing thousands of supporters find their way back to the Samut Prakan Stadium.

b) the league in general?

I just hate to see clubs fold because I always think of how heartbreaking it must be for their hardcore supporters. So may all the teams survive even if the situation looks hopeless.

Q - Please sum up your season so far with song lyrics or by song title 

LOL. It has to be 'Favourite Shirts' by Haircut 100 (see answer to first question)

Q – Anything else you’d like to add?

I've been shocked, stunned and horrified at times by the poor quality of the football in T2. I had a feeling the gulf between T1 and T2 might be wide but I just didn't realise how wide. How could any of those teams survive in the premier without spendng millions that they haven't got?

New! First Leg Reviews - 4. Sukhothai (Bill Greaves): 2022

The fourth interview in our series. Sukhothai fan, Bill Greaves, sums up his club's first leg performance and looks forward to the rest of the season.

Q - Overall, how satisfied are you with your team’s performance over the first half of the season?

Winston Churchill said it best when he described the Sukhothai football team as a riddle, wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Unprepared for the season, we were first crushed, 3 – 0 by Prachuap at home. Then we gaily marched on to Buriram where we were lucky to escape only 6 – 1 down. The highlight of that trip was getting my picture taken with the Euro Custard Cake girls. 

A home draw with Konkaen Utd was followed by a 2 – 0 loss at Muangtong. At a point in the season when we were 11 – 1 down on goals scored, you may think that finding something positive to say might be a bit of a challenge. Not so. The Firebat Hardcore group of supporters, based in Bangkok, sang and cheered as the goals went in and the rain came down and down and down. The pitch was transformed into a mud puddle into a swamp and still we sang. That was the best atmosphere I have been in since I saw Aberdeen beat Real Madrid in the final of the European Cup Winners Cup many moons ago. 

The next home game saw Bangkok United arrive at Talay Luang. They were 11 – 0 up on goals, we were 1 – 11 down. Not looking good. After 90 heroic minutes of football we drew 0 – 0 and could justifiably go home moaning that ‘we wuz robbed’. We should have won. On to Lampang where we finally won a game. Ecstatic for a victory? Not as ecstatic as I was for clambering up to a front row seat. An effort that won me a well-deserved roar of applause. I like Lampang but they do have the worst seating for away supporters on Planet Earth. 

A draw in Chiang Rai and a home win over Ratchaburi and another draw in Nakhon Rachasima and we had transformed from being relegation challenged into a respectable mid table team. Then came Port and a 1 – 3 home defeat and we were again nervously peering at the teams behind us. Away to Chonburi, a courageous 1 – 1 draw and a home win over Police Tero. We were again a respectable mid-table team. 

Off we set for Bangkok Glass. Sukhothai city can be described as many things but being on the cutting edge of modern technology is not one of them. Arriving at a stadium where money is verboten can only be described as chaotic confusion. Cameras, codes, passwords and patient stadium staff were all necessities in buying tickets, beer and snacks. Was it all worth it? A 1 – 0 win and ecstasy was overwhelmed by rapturous delirium. It was mad! Who would dare to challenge us in Asia next year? A mid-table team looking eagerly at the acme of Thai success. 

Home to face last placed Nong Bua who got a draw and on to Lamphun who, thanks to Nong Bua’s efforts, were now last placed and they beat us 3 – 1.

We started terribly, improved, began thinking grandiose thoughts and then returned to the mud. A team that has achieved a 9th position in the league by scoring 10 goals in 15 games (and letting in 20). A riddle, wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma barely begins to describe the Sukhothai Firebats. 

Q - What has been the highlight of your season so far?  

Winning 1-0 at Bangkok Glass.

Q - And the low point? 

Losing 3-1 against Lamphun.

Q - Apart from your own, which is the best team you've seen so far this season? 

Port

Q – And the worst? 

Nong Bua

Q - What are your hopes for the rest of the season for 

a) your club? 

Sukhothai have re-signed John Baggio which has created a lot of renewed interest in the club. A Nong Bua attacking midfielder and a Filipino striker make up the new Firebat squad. I hope that they will help us to score more than 1 goal in a game; a challenge that we were unable to meet in the first half of the season.

b) the league in general?

As a supporter I feel that it is my duty to complain about the referees. However, having said that, I feel that Thai referees, in general, do a pretty good job. I would like to see attendance at all games increase and it should, because the television coverage is awful. I like Bangkok United but cheer against them strictly because they are sponsored by True. I do not understand AIS. A phone company that wants to televise football? I can’t complain because you are replacing the horrible True but you need work.

I am not sure about VAR. I am old-school and football is a game between 2 teams of 11 men with another 3 men controlling it. All 25 of them are liable to make mistakes and that is all part of the game. A referee who insists on stopping the game to catch up on his favourite Thai series is no friend of mine.

 

Q - Please sum up your season so far with song lyrics or by song title 

A Whiter Shade of Pale.

Pale is the colour of a body that is not healthy. White is the skin colour that all Thai ladies aspire to. The Sukhothai Firebats have been pretty sickly at times but they have also glowed like a Euro Custard Cake lady.

New! First Leg Reviews - 3. Buriram Utd (Jamie Pinder): 2022

Continuing our series, Buriram Utd fan, Jamie Pinder, sums up his club's first leg performance and looks forward to the rest of the season.

Q - What has been the highlight of your season so far?

Being unbeaten at the half way point, without doubt. I think most fans are very excited about the second half of the season. I must add that, personally, I’m very pleased that the Prince of Buriram is playing the best football of his life. He’s so good, he’s even back in my good books!

Q - And the low point? 

That’s a difficult one. Just for the sake of it, I’d say not beating the Council Estate Boys at home. 

Q - Apart from your own, which is the best team you've seen so far this season? 

BG by far. They controlled the game at our place and were very comfortable passing the ball around. 

Q – And the worst? 

Maybe that had an off day, but Sukhothai were poor when they came to Buriram. 

Q - What are your hopes for the rest of the season for 

a) your club? 

To remain unbeaten and to be entertaining every game

b) the league in general?

Please, Mr Thai League, find a way to get more bums on seats. Maybe if Thailand win the AFF Cup, fans will come back. But, work needs doing to make Thai football worth watching, in person.

Q - Please sum up your season so far with song lyrics or by song title 

This question has been tormenting me. I could go for “We are the Champions” but that’s a little presumptive, don’t you think. 

How about:

Nobody does it better

Though sometimes I wish someone could

Nobody does it quite the way you do

Why'd you have to be so good?

Q – Anything else you’d like to add?

Due to work I’ve missed too many away games. Hope to rectify that in 2023 and hope to welcome everyone up to the Thunder Castle sometime soon. Best wises to everyone for a wonderful 2023

New! First Leg Reviews - 2. Ratchaburi (Neal Oliver): 2022

Ratchaburi fan, Neal Oliver, sums up his club's first leg performance and looks forward to the rest of the season.

Q - Overall, how satisfied are you with your team's performance over the first half of the season? 

A.  Ratchaburi Football Club have well surpassed my greatest expectations so far this season and have been superb in defence.  We have the best shot stopper in Thailand, and our defenders are amazing.   8 clean sheets, and only one team has managed more than one goal past us all season, and even that only happened in extra time.

I always knew Rafael Da Cunha Jansen was the best defender in Thailand, but when he teamed up with Park Jun-heong, the partnership became virtually unbeatable.  Add the speed of Hein Phyo Win and the level headedness of Jirawat Thongsaengphrao, our defence is complete.  Amazingly, we have such strength in defence, the likes of Pawee Tanthatemee, who would command a place in most T1 teams is currently a bench warmer.

Q - What has been the highlight of your season so far? 

A – Thrashing Prachuap 5 – 1 at the Sam Ao Stadium.  The Hua Hin Dragons were formed from devoted Hua Hin City Fans.  What Prachuap did to Hua Hin City in 2014 will always remain deep in our hearts.  It was such a pleasing result.

Q - And the low point? 

A – Losing to Sukhothai.  I’d watched Sukhothai play several times early in the season, and at that point, in my mind it was just a matter of which other 2 teams would be relegated with them.  To lose to Sukhothai was simply unthinkable.  I was stunned for a couple of days.

Q - Apart from your own, which is the best team you've seen so far this season? 

I had my first visit to the Chang Arena this season, and I was so impressed by our hosts.  It was a fantastic experience.  The home support was like nothing I had seen before.  The way the home fans were singing, and especially dancing throughout the match was amazing, and Buriram Utd were playing great football to match.  They were very good.  The cynic inside me says it was no accident when they reduced our defensive duo by 50% when Park Jun-heong was stepped upon early in the first half, but such is the strength of our defence, we simply brought Pawee Tanthatemee on to replace him.  That aside, Buriram were easily the best overall footballing unit I’ve seen in T1 this season.  Their top position is deserved.

Q – And the worst? 

I’m answering this based on what I’ve seen versus Ratchaburi i.e. I’ve already mentioned my early thoughts on Sukhothai.  I don’t think any team has played badly against us.  Even the 5-1 victory at Sam Ao Stadium flattered us.  The team I will single out though is Muangthong.  When they played us, they were nowhere near as good as they used to be.

Q - What are your hopes for the rest of the season for 

a) your club? 

A – I’ve said it before, I am probably Ratchaburi’s biggest pessimist.  The thing we have lacked all season is a really good forward player to support Vanderley Dias Marinho.  27 goals in leg 1 (5 against Prachuap and 4 against a non-league side) speaks for itself.  The only guy, who was anything like the support player we need was Alvin Fortes.  He has been offloaded to Nongbua on loan.  However, we’ve recruited a few players, so hopefully we have a decent replacement amongst them, who will give the support we need.  However, I’m always dubious when sides change critical players mid-term.

b) the league in general? 

A – Hopefully, Ratchaburi should be pretty safe, but I’ve been following some of the signings by the struggling clubs, and I’ve been very impressed.  LOL – it seems every other signing I see has been from BG.  I think BG will start Leg 2 with just the groundsman.  I think we will see some interesting Leg 2 battles between the bottom 8 teams.  Any one of them could go.

Q - Please sum up your season so far with song lyrics or by song title 

A – For a non-musical type, this has to be the hardest question you have ever asked me, Dale.  I hope this is OK:

I want to be on top

Forever on the up and damn the competition

I never play it fair

I never turn a hair, just like the politicians

I wrap my conscience up

I want to win that cup and get my money, baby

But back in the dressing room

The other side is weeping

Q – Anything else you’d like to add?

A – We have a proper coach this season, and Coach Xavi is making a huge difference.  He has the team working very well as a footballing unit.  He has a regular starting line-up, and has been able to field a consistent side each week.  I hope the mid-term changes have all had his blessing.  If they have, brilliant.  This is probably the best continuity I’ve felt at Ratchaburi in the last 5 years.

NEW! First Leg Reviews - 1. Port (Marco): 2022

Port fan, Marco, sums up his club's first leg performance and looks forward to the rest of the season.

Q - Overall, how satisfied are you with your team's performance over the first half of the season?

Not very satisfied - although I was kind of expecting another mediocre season. We really should be doing better though. 

Q - What has been the highlight of your season so far?

My highlight of the season was winning away at Sukhothai. Nothing out of the ordinary on the face of it but it is our only away win in last 392 days. 

Q - And the low point? 

My low point was the away defeat to Samut Songkhram in the League Cup. A hardy bunch of us went there for a 3pm Wednesday kick-off only to see Port dumped out by a T3 side. With no chance of winning the league, both cup competitions should have been prioritized.

Q - Apart from your own, which is the best team you have seen so far this season?

The best T1 team I have seen live this season is Buriram United. They weren't at their best against us but they were clinical and had a bit of extra class. 

Q – And the worst? 

The worst T1 team I have seen live this season is Nakhon Ratchasima. They were dreadful at PAT Stadium. They looked like they had come for a draw but even after falling behind they showed no ambition whatsoever. 

Q - What are your hopes for the rest of the season for 

a) your club? 

I am hoping we can go far in the FA Cup. It's our only remaining hope of silverware. In the league we need to find a way to win some games - way too many draws so far. Away form needs to improve massively too. 

b) the league in general?

I think it will be a fairly dull second-leg in general. Barring an aberration, Buriram have the title sewn-up, so the relegation scrap might provide the only source of intrigue. A lot of teams in mid-table will be going through the motions.  

Q - Please sum up your season so far with song lyrics or by song title

I'll dedicate my choice to our top scorer Hamilton Soares for his 9 goals during the first-leg; 'Big Man Up Front' by Half Man Half Biscuit. 

Q – Anything else you’d like to add?

Roll on January 22nd!

NEW!! What's In And What's Out In 2023: 2023

New Year Ins and Outs: 2023

It's out with the old and in with the new. Here are a few things we'll see the back of and a few things to look forward to in the new year.

OUT

2022

IN

2023

OUT

Finishing 7th

IN

Finishing 2nd

OUT

Chonburi needing a goalkeeper

IN

Chonburi signing a goalkeeper

OUT

Cup competitions

IN

The league

OUT

Nike

IN

FBT

OUT

Plain blue shirts (including those with squiggles or patterns on)

IN

Stripes

OUT

Selling our best players

IN

Keeping our best players

OUT

Ronaldo or Messi discussions

IN

Kritsada or Sittichok discussions

OUT 

Grounds without running tracks

IN

Grounds with running tracks

OUT

Drums

IN

Rattles

OUT

Partner clubs

IN

Clubs going out of existence

OUT

Fans wearing replica shirts at matches

IN

Fans wearing rosettes at matches

OUT

Charging away fans more

IN

Charging foreign fans more

OUT

Twitter

IN

Mastodon

OUT

Criticising FAT/TPL

IN

Praising FAT/TPL

OUT

Thammasat

IN

Rajamangala

OUT

Jokes about Newin

IN 

Jokes about Pang

OUT

Jokes about Pang

IN

Jokes about Newin

OUT

The current Thailand national team kit

IN

Three new Thailand national team kits

OUT

The World Cup

IN

AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup

OUT

Thai football blogs

IN

Thai football fanzines

OUT

Mano Polking

IN

Jadet Meelarp

OUT

Lists

IN

Photos

OUT

Groundhoppers

IN

Spacehoppers

NEW! Ins and Outs - December 2022/January 2023

IN

Jesse Curran 

BG Pathum Utd (Loan)

Diego Bandanca

Buriram Utd (Loan)

Go Seul-ki

(Port)

OUT

Kroerkrit Thaweekarn

Nakhonsi Utd (Loan)

Zaw Min Tun

Released

Bukkoree Lemdee

Customs Utd (Loan)

Kasidit Kalasin

Samut Prakan City (Loan)

Jakkapong Sanmahung

Uthai Thani (Loan)

Chonburi v BEC Tero - Match Preview by John Lees: 2014

TPL

Chonburi v BEC Tero

Sunday 13th July, 2014

Match preview by John Lees

 

Three straight victories has lifted us back into the title shake up and on Sunday we welcome unbeaten BEC Tero Sasana to the Chonburi Stadium. A home victory would lift us above the Fire Dragons in the league standings.

 

Their Season so Far

As mentioned in the introduction, Tero have yet to taste defeat this season. With a statistic like that you’d expect them to be running away with the title. They are, however, only in second place as they have drawn 50% of their 22 matches. In their ten away matches, they’ve won four and six have been tied. Their four away day successes came at Army, Chainat, Ratchaburi and Suphanburi and, they were all won by one goal margins.

 

Who are They Managed By?

Jose Alves Borges was head coach of the uninspiring BBCU football club before he was given the same position at BEC Tero just under a year ago. In the three seasons prior to his appointment, Tero had gone through six coaches so the fact that he’s kept his job this long shows he is doing something right.

 

Who Plays for Them?

(Foreigners)

In Sho Shimoji’s maiden season in the TPL last year, he didn’t look anything special, yet this year he has stepped up to the mark and is the club’s top scorer with 10 goals. The Japanese man isn’t an out-and-out striker which makes his tally even more impressive. Georgie Welcome comes next on the list with six goals. The 190cm striker has dawned the world’s biggest tournament and came off the bench three times at the 2010 World Cup for Honduras. The big man has also made a handful of appearances for Monaco in Ligue 1. Another player who made it onto the plane to South Africa was Daiki Iwamasa of Japan. He didn’t make an appearance but his CV does include 3 successive J-League titles with Kashima Antlers between 2007-09. The experienced defender is an ever present this term and he’s scored four goals including one at Buriram last Saturday. He could be partnered by Belix Kasongo although it’s most likely the man from Congo will be a substitute. Youngster Gilbert Koomson appears to have been on the scene for ages yet he is only listed as being 19 years old. The pacy winger has benefited from a loan spell at Samut Songkhram last year. New signings Otman Djellilhine and Radomir Dalovic will be hoping for his first involvement this Sunday.

(Thais)

Our recently departed left sided player, formerly known as Anucha Kitpongsritada, has made his way onto the bench at Tero and it’s unlikely we’ll see him on Sunday. For the record, he now goes by the name of Chayapat and not Anucha. Club captain Rangsan Viwatchaichok is well into his 30’s and was part of the PEA/Buriram revolution a few seasons ago. Similar to our very own Therdsak, Rangsan can change a game with a killer ball. Goalkeeper Tossaporn Srireung came from Army last season and is an ever present between the sticks. He’s made a couple of clangers this season and seems to lose his bearings at times. Youngsters Peerapat Notechaiya, Tanaboon Kesarat and Narubodin Aromsawa potentially have a bright future in the Thai game and the trio should feature in some form of defensive capacity. Another youngster Chanathip Songkrasin was billed as the ‘Thai Messi’ a couple of years ago but his jockey-like frame hasn’t dazzled the Thai public as much as anticipated. Jirawat Makarom arrived this week just before the transfer window closed after he was deemed surplus to requirements at the Thunder Castle. French/Thai forward Tristan Do was another late entrant boarding the Tero bus.

 

The Fans

When Chonburi first emerged onto the scene, BEC Tero were seen as the big fish in a relatively small pond. At this time they had connections to the Nong Jork area but during the TPL boom years, they played at the Thephasadin in the centre of Bangkok. With so many shopping malls in the location, they struggled to entice fans to the stadium and the club have moved back to their roots in a bid to find some. Home crowds have gotten larger but their away support is still rather paltry considering their league position. Even though they are not a university club, the supporters of Tero have a student vibe about them.

 

How Do We Usually Do When BEC Tero Are in Town? 

We haven’t lost to BEC Tero in 12 meetings. Our last defeat to them came six years ago in 2008. Since that home loss, we haven’t conceded a goal on home turf against BEC and we’ve been victorious on their last five visits. Last season we easily beat them 3-0. Our former stopper Sujin had a ‘mare as goals from Boskovic, Chakrit and Anucha rounded off an enjoyable Sunday evening.  

Chonburi FC Legends: No8. Ney Fabiano

 

I have been collecting, and saving, these images over the years and they come from a variety of sources. If your photos are included and you would like to be credited, or have them removed, please contact me. Thank you

Chonburi v PEA (Defunct) - Head To Head

2006 

TPL 

8/4/06 PEA 2-2 Chonburi 

27/5/06 Chonburi 1-0 PEA 

2007 

TPL 

30/5/07 Chonburi 0-1 PEA 

27/10/07 PEA 0-4 Chonburi 

2008 

TPL 

5/4/08 Chonburi 1-0 PEA 

30/8/08 PEA 0-0 Chonburi 

2009 

TPL 

25/4/09 PEA 2-2 Chonburi 

29/8/09 Chonburi 3-0 PEA 

Kor Royal Cup 

1/3/09 Chonburi 1-0 PEA 

2010 

TPL 

26/6/10 PEA 3-1 Chonburi 

17/10/10 Chonburi 2-2 PEA 

2011 

TPL 

20/3/11 PEA 3-0 Chonburi 

13/8/11 Chonburi 1-1 PEA

League Cup

21/9/11 PEA 1-0 Chonburi

1/10/11 Chonburi 3-2 PEA

OVERALL RECORD 

TPL

Home 

P6 W3 D2 L1 F8 A4 Pts11 

Away 

P6 W1 D3 L2 F9 A10 Pts6 

Overall 

P12 W4 D5 L3 F17 A14 Pts17 

OTHER 

Kor Royal Cup 

P1 W1 D0 L0 F1 A0 

League Cup

P2 W1 D0 L1 F3 A3

Overall

P3 W2 D0 L1 F4 A3

Chonburi v Pattaya Utd (Defunct) - Head To Head

2009 

TPL 

22/3/09 Pattaya United 0-0 Chonburi 

9/8/09 Chonburi 2-0 Pattaya United 

2010 

TPL 

4/4/10 Pattaya United 1-2 Chonburi 

28/7/10 Chonburi 2-2 Pattaya United 

FA Cup 

15/9/10 Pattaya United 0-2 Chonburi 

2011 

TPL 

29/5/11 Pattaya United 1-1 Chonburi 

11/12/11 Chonburi 2-2 Pattaya Utd

2012

TPL

30/5/12 Chonburi 2-1 Pattaya Utd

18/8/12 Pattaya Utd 0-2 Chonburi

2013

TPL

6/4/13 Chonburi 5-1 Pattaya Utd

14/8/13 Pattaya Utd 4-3 Chonburi

 

2015

League Cup

22/7/15 Pattaya Utd 3-1 Chonburi

 

2016

TPL

6/3/16 Chonburi 2-1 Pattaya Utd

25/6/16 Pattaya Utd 0-2 Chonburi

 

2017

TPL

19/2/17 Pattaya Utd 2-1 Chonburi

17/6/17 Chonburi 1-0 Pattaya Utd

 

2018

TPL

11/4/18 Pattaya Utd 1-0 Chonburi

4/8/18 Chonburi 1-2 Pattaya Utd

OVERALL RECORD 

TPL

Home 

P8 W5 D2 L1 F17 A9 Pts17 

Away 

P8 W3 D2 L3 F11 A9 Pts11

Overall 

P16 W8 D4 L4 F28 A18 Pts28

OTHER

FA Cup

P1 W1 D0 L0 F2 A0

League Cup

P1 W0 D0 L1 F1 A3

Overall

P2 W1 D0 L1 F3 A3

Chonburi v Osotspa (Defunct) - Head To Head

2006 

TPL 

4/4/06 Osotspa 3-3 Chonburi 

10/6/06 Chonburi 1-1 Osotspa 

2007 

TPL 

2/6/07 Osotspa 0-3 Chonburi 

3/11/07 Chonburi 1-0 Osotspa 

2008 

TPL 

19/4/08 Osotspa 0-1 Chonburi 

23/8/08 Chonburi 1-1 Osotspa 

2009 

TPL 

14/3/09 Chonburi 1-0 Osotspa 

2/8/09 Osotspa 1-2 Chonburi 

FA Cup 

23/9/09 Osotspa 2-1 Chonburi 

2010 

TPL 

4/7/10 Chonburi 0-0 Osotspa 

24/10/10 Osotspa 1-1 Chonburi 

2011 

TPL 

26/2/11 Osotspa 2-2 Chonburi 

10/9/11 Chonburi 2-0 Osotspa

2012

TPL

29/4/12 Chonburi 3-1 Osotspa

25/10/12 Osotspa 3-1 Chonburi

2013

TPL

30/6/13 Chonburi 0-0 Osotspa

3/11/13 Osotspa 1-4 Chonburi

 

2014

TPL

1/6/14 Chonburi 2-1 Osotspa

22/10/14 Osotspa 0-1 Chonburi

 

2015

TPL

25/7/15 Chonburi 2-0 Osotspa

9/12/15 Osotspa 1-0 Chonburi

 

2016

TPL

2/4/16 Chonburi 3-0 Osotspa

16/7/16 Osotspa 1-0 Chonburi

OVERALL RECORD 

TPL 

Home

P11 W7 D4 L0 F16 A4 Pts25

Away

P11 W5 D3 L3 F18 A13 Pts18 

Overall 

P22 W12 D7 L3 F34 A17 Pts43

OTHER

FA Cup 

P1 W0 D0 L1 F1 A2 

Overall

P1 W0 D0 L1 F1 A2

Chonburi v Krung Thai Bank (Defunct) - Head To Head

2006 

TPL 

17/2/06 Krung Thai Bank 0-2 Chonburi 

25/6/06 Chonburi 2-2 Krung Thai Bank 

2007 

TPL 

4/4/07 Krung Thai Bank 1-1 Chonburi 

21/11/07 Chonburi 3-2 Krung Thai Bank 

2008 

TPL 

29/3/08 Chonburi 1-1 Krung Thai Bank 

8/9/08 Krung Thai Bank 0-2 Chonburi 

Kor Royal Cup 

13/2/08 Chonburi 1-0 Krung Thai Bank 

2009 

Queen's Cup 

15/2/09 Chonburi 1-1 Krung Thai Bank 

OVERALL RECORD 

TPL 

Home

P3 W1 D2 L0 F6 A5 Pts5 

Away

P3 W2 D1 L0 F5 A1 Pts7 

Overall 

P6 W3 D3 L0 F11 A6 Pts12 

OTHER

Kor Royal Cup

P1 W1 D0 L0 F1 A0

Queen's Cup

P1 W0 D1 L0 F1 A1

Overall

P2 W1 D1 L0 F2 A1 

Chonburi v BEC Tero (Defunct) - Head To Head

2006 

TPL 

11/2/06 Chonburi 0-0 BEC Tero 

17/6/06 BEC Tero 0-1 Chonburi 

2007 

TPL 

31/3/07 Chonburi 1-3 BEC Tero 

10/10/07 BEC Tero 1-2 Chonburi 

2008 

TPL 

3/5/08 Chonburi 0-1 BEC Tero 

6/8/08 BEC Tero 0-1 Chonburi 

2009 

TPL 

7/3/09 Chonburi 1-0 BEC Tero 

26/7/09 BEC Tero 1-2 Chonburi 

Queen's Cup 

17/2/09 Chonburi 4-1 BEC Tero 

Super Cup 

27/12/09 Chonburi 1-2 BEC Tero 

2010 

TPL 

14/7/10 BEC Tero 1-4 Chonburi 

18/8/10 Chonburi 2-0 BEC Tero 

2011 

TPL 

30/4/11 Chonburi 2-0 BEC Tero 

18/12/11 BEC Tero 0-1 Chonburi

2012

TPL

21/7/12 BEC Tero 1-2 Chonburi

25/7/12 Chonburi 3-0 BEC Tero

2013

TPL

2/3/13 BEC Tero 2-2 Chonburi

7/7/13 Chonburi 3-0 BEC Tero

 

2014

TPL

23/3/14 BEC Tero 1-1 Chonburi

13/7/14 Chonburi 1-0 BEC Tero

 

2015

TPL

8/3/15 Chonburi 2-2 BEC Tero

16/8/15 BEC Tero 1-2 Chonburi

 

2016

TPL

7/5/15 Chonburi 1-0 BEC Tero

6/8/16 BEC Tero 1-3 Chonburi

 

2017

T1

27/5/17 BEC Tero 1-3 Chonburi

12/11/17 Chonburi 5-1 BEC Tero

OVERALL RECORD 

TPL 

Home

P12 W8 D2 L2 F21 A7 Pts26 

Away 

P12 W10 D2 L0 F24 A10 Pts32

Overall 

P24 W18 D4 L2 F45 A17 Pts58

OTHER

Queen's Cup 

P1 W1 D0 L0 F4 A1 

Super Cup 

P1 W0 D0 L1 F1 A2 

Overall

P2 W1 D0 L1 F5 A3

Myanmar National Team Scarf: 2015