Sunday 18 September 2022

Thursday 15 September 2022

New! Questions And Answers - Chonburi v Muang Thong Utd: 2022

Take a few Muang Thong Utd fans and a couple of Chonburi fans, and get them to fire questions at each other ahead of the big match. What do you get? Well, here's the result:

Grant (Muang Thong Utd) asks Stephen (Muang Thong Utd)



1.Who is your favorite Chonburi player, past or present?
Kroekrit. Or Pipob. Or Kroekrit. I cannot decide..I guess I'll go with a current player. So Kroerkrit it is.
 
2.It would be fair to say that Muangthong hasn’t quite found the right gear so far this season. Which of our players needs a good performance the most in the Chonburi match?
Eric Johana needs to start scoring...he was brought in after Popp left to be a key goal scorer...he's got great speed, a wicked shot with either foot..it's time!

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Tim (Chonburi) asks Stephen (Muang Thong Utd)



1. Why are your fans so aggressive towards Chonburi fans?
In my experience I've not seen this, the opposite in fact.  But in any club's fan base you are bound to have people getting carried away.

2. This season who has been your best performer and why? 
Adisak - turning the ball over, creating chances, forcing errors, winning headers.  Not what I thought, considering he was supposed to be with Port FC.

3. Will you sell out any games other than Buriram Utd?
I doubt we will sell out even Buriram. It has been very disappointing so far.

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Stephen (Muang Thong Utd) asks Kevin (Chonburi)



1. If Danilo stops scoring, then what? 
Then someone else will have to step up.

2. Chonburi has started strongly before, but will this be a trophy season?
I would like to say yes, but I don’t think our squad is strong enough. 

3. If you could choose one thing for the club to improve on for the fan experience, what would it be?
Honestly, I am not sure. Just hope we can get better results so we can have more people attend the regular matches and not just big matches.

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Stephen (Muang Thong Utd) asks Grant (Muang Thong Utd)



1. Muang Thong Utd have played a diverse range of starting 11s so far, what's your ideal line up?
I quite like the fact that there 16-18 players that all have a reasonable shout of playing come match day, so I’m not overly worried about having a set 11, but instead, 3 or 4 players that are undroppable. On Saturday though, I’ll be happy if we line up with the following:

Somporn
Wattankorn, Bontawee, Rocha, Nyholm
Picha, Wheerathep
Poramet, Mirzaev, Ekkanit
Anier

2. If you could choose one thing for the club to improve on for the fan experience, what would it be?
I’ve never visited Choburi’s stadium so it is difficult to comment. We’re spoilt at The Thunderdome as there’s no such thing as a bad view, so I guess the running track factor doesn’t appeal. That being said, a couple of days spent in the Chonburi province still make it an ideal away day.

In terms of my own club, I wish they’d offer a better deal on season tickets. I don’t mind paying the highest ticket price in the league as I think the game is undervalued out here anyway, especially when compared to other forms of entertainment. However, I’m a working man with a family and if I miss a match or two during the season then I’m suddenly out of pocket as the season ticket is only marginally better value than paying for tickets individually. There needs to be more of an incentive before I stump up for 3 or 4 season tickets, and a 10% discount at the club shop doesn’t cut it I’m afraid.

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Tim (Chonburi) asks Grant (Muang Thong Utd)



1.Why are your fans so aggressive towards Chonburi fans? 
I’m skeptical that they are, to be honest, assuming we’re talking about recent seasons. I usually see Chonburi fans walking carefree around our stadium when the two teams meet so I’d be surprised if that was an opinion many fans held. Our Ultra fans certainly look intimidating but that’s pretty much the point. I love the sense of theatre they bring and without their unwavering vocal support, I’m not sure I’d have stayed quite as fanatical about the club as I am.

2.This season who has been your best performer and why? 
I’ve yet to see Picha Autra have a bad game since he transitioned to centre midfield. When he played on the wing, I wouldn’t have had him in my starting 11, but as a defensive midfielder, he’s the first name on the team sheet. Being a Leeds United fan, this is a role we’ve always valued above all others, with tough tackling players like Johnny Giles, Vinnie Jones, David Batty and Kalvin Phillips being cult heroes. Billy Bremner’s infamous line of “Side before self, every time” is sprawled across the stadium wall at Elland Road. Picha is cut from the same cloth.

3.Will you sell out any games other than Buriram Utd?
It’s pretty doubtful. The capacity is 14k, so if the BG or Bangkok Utd matches can reach 10k+ figures then I’d be delighted. It will take time to win back the dedication of casual attendees after the stop-start season we had last year.

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Grant (Muang Thong Utd) asks Kevin (Chonburi)



1.If you could pick any of the current Muangthong players to join your side, who would it be?
None of them. I was thinking about Weerathep, but he’s just a poor man’s Kritsada.

2.With Chonburi placing so much emphasis on nurturing young talent, what is your take on the current trend of academy graduates trying their hand abroad?
Depends where they go. If it helps further their careers, I don’t see why not. However, I thought Channarong’s loan move to the Spanish 4th division was a complete waste of time.

3.Muangthong and Chonburi have the two youngest average squad ages in the league, where do you see both of these clubs in 5 years’ time?
Probably right where we both are currently. When one of our players seem to get good, the people running our clubs first thought is to sell.

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Tim (Chonburi) ask Rick (Muang Thong Utd)



1.Why are your fans so aggressive towards Chonburi fans? 
Must be the El Classico factor, but I get along fine with you.

2.This season who has been your best performer and why?
Has to be Picha. We look vulnerable without him. The value that he brings to the team in both attack and defence is priceless.

3.Will you sell out any games other than Buriram Utd?
Maybe games with Chonburi and Bangkok United, but I can't see any other match having higher numbers than Buriram Utd.

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Stephen (Muang Thong Utd) asks Rick (Muang Thong Utd)



1. Muang Thong Utd have played a diverse range of starting 11s so far, what's your ideal line up?
I kind of like a diverse starting 11, but Weerathep Picha and Mirzaev will always have to be there in my ideal line up.

2. If you could choose one thing for the club to improve on for the fan experience, what would it be?
I don't know maybe one or two lucky fans to lead the team out.

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With thanks to Grant, Stephen, Rick, Kevin and Tim

Sunday 11 September 2022

Thursday 8 September 2022

Chonburi v Prachuap - Head To Head



2018
TPL
29/4/18 Chonburi 4-2 Prachuap
12/9/18 Prachuap 0-0 Chonburi 


2019
TPL
31/3/19 Chonburi 3-2 Prachuap
27/7/19 Prachuap 0-2 Chonburi


2020/21
TPL
20/9/20 Prachuap 1-0 Chonburi
18/2/21 Chonburi 0-1 Prachuap


2021/22
TPL
10/11/21 Prachuap 1-2 Chonburi
10/4/22 Chonburi 2-1 Prachuap

League Cup
25/5/22 Semi Finals: Chonburi 0-1 Prachuap


2022/23
TPL
10/9/22 Chonburi 1-0 Prachuap
11/2/23 Prachuap 3-1 Chonburi


OVERALL RECORD 
TPL
Home 
P5 W4 D0 L1 F10 A6 Pts12

Away
P5 W2 D1 L2 F5 A5 Pts7

Overall 
P10 W6 D1 L3 F15 A11 Pts19


OTHER
League Cup
P1 W0 D0 L1 F0 A1

Wednesday 7 September 2022

New! Exclusive Interview With Patrick Reichelt: 2022

Here's my exclusive interview with Prachuap forward, Patrick Reichelt.


What are your feelings on Prachuap's start to the season?
Considering we are a totally new team, 6 points out of the first 4 games is something we can build on. There a lots of  new signings, but I believe everybody is doing well and settling in. The chemistry is great. Many of our new players are coming from a tough time last year and everybody has something to prove!


And your own personal performances? 
It’s ok. You can always do better, but I’m feeling quite comfortable and happy in this new environment with lots of new faces. 


What are your hopes for the rest of the season? 
I've been fighting relegation now every year since I came back to Thailand 2020 . It would be a refreshing experience to maybe not this year, but I’m honestly super confident in this group. I think single digit finish is possible. 


What are your thoughts on Chonburi's start to the season?
The team is looking good, but if I’m not mistaken so they were at this stage last year. Right? (After 4 matches last season, we were unbeaten and had 8 points - ed) I think it's too early to say, but considering the teams they have faced, the results are great. I feel Chonburi is a team that can beat and lose to everybody. More consistency over a whole season would be a good goal for them. 


Which individual players have impressed you the most? 
I said it last year and now again, Kritsada for me is the best local midfielder in the country. The first few games this season have confirmed it.


What are your expectations for Saturday's match?
Chonburi had two very good games at home against two big clubs. We have to prepare very well and maybe have some luck on our side to get something out of it. 


How would you describe the mood in the Prachuap camp ahead of the trip to Chonburi? 
We had a good last game at home and the atmosphere is very positive. I think the whole team is driving to Chonburi with a decent amount of confidence.


How will you prepare for the match?
We will leave tomorrow (Thursday) and will stay in Chonburi . It’s a long trip so I think arriving the extra day early is important.


What are your thoughts on how the Thai league has started this season? 
It’s very early, but I think the biggest issue so far is the consistency in refereeing. I am a supporter of VAR but surely not how it’s used in this country.  


What are your expectations for the rest of the season? 
Buriram Utd will be champions again.

Prachuap single digit finish in the table.

And, more of a hope than expectation, no last minute schedule changes. Ha, ha!


Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Good luck on Saturday.

Monday 5 September 2022

New! Shark's Sharp Start (Revisited): 2022


Chonburi are on course to make their best start to a top flight campaign since the 2010 season. Victory against Prachuap next Saturday will see us reach 12 points from the first 5 matches, a feat we've only bettered on one previous occasion. 

Below is the team’s record over the opening five matches from 2006 – 2021/22:

2006
P5 W2 D2 L1 F9 A6 Pts8

2007
P5 W3 D1 L1 F7 A5 Pts10

2008
P5 W3 D2 L0 F8 A4 Pts11

2009
P5 W3 D1 L1 F5 A4 Pts10

2010
P5 W4 D1 L0 F13 A3 Pts13

2011
P5 W3 D1 L1 F12 A6 Pts10

2012
P5 W2 D3 L0 F10 A2 Pts9

2013
P5 W2 D2 L1 F9 A6 Pts8

2014
P5 W2 D3 L0 F12 A7 Pts 9

2015
P5 W1 D3 L1 F9 A9 Pts6

2016
P5 W3 D1 L1 F12 A6 Pts10

2017
P5 W1 D3 L1 F6 A8 Pts6

2018
P5 W1 D1 L3 F3 A6 Pts4

2019
P5 W1 D1 L3 F7 A12 Pts4

2020/21
P5 W3 D0 L2 F8 A8 Pts9

2021/22
P5 W2 D2 L1 F16 A8 Pts8

2022/23
P4 W3 D0 L1 F7 A3 Pts9

New! Lamphun Warrior 0-2 Chonburi - Highlights: 2022

 TPL
Lamphun Warrior 0-2 Chonburi
Sunday 4th September, 2022



Saturday 3 September 2022

New! Interview With A Lamphun Warrior Fan: 2022

Here's my pre match interview with Lamphun Warrior fan, Ben.



Please can you introduce yourself 
My name is Ben Davies and I'm from Edinburgh,UK.


How long have you been supporting Lamphun Warrior?
About 5 years.


What first got you interested in the club?
When I moved to Lamphun from Chiang Mai my friend Jake ,who has supported them since the 4th division, took me.


What is your involvement with the fan group, the Fanaticos?
I design the logos and banners and also run the IG page.


What do they do and what does it mean to you?
We attend every home game and some aways. In the original stadium we sit in the uncovered area near the Ultras. It's a great way to meet new people who live in Lamphun and thay are passionate about local football.


What has been the highlight of your time supporting Lamphun?
My highlight was the final game of last season against Kasetsart FC in Bangkok. Over 1000 Lamphun fans made the journey where we were presented with the league winners trophy. A great atmosphere.


And the low points?
Not being able to attend during Covid.


What are your thoughts on your team's start to the season?
It has been a baptism of fire in T1 and a poor start. 3 of our main attacking players our out injured and goals are hard to come by.


Realistically what are your hopes for this year?
To stay up.


And where would you like to see the club in five years time?
In 5 years time who knows in Thai football but a proposed move to a new stadium 7km away from the current one is being mooted. Most of our members don't really want this. The current stadium is right in the middle of town and easy to get in and out of.


What are your impressions of your head coach?
The head coach got us promoted to T1 and has shown he is astute in the transfer market. There have been a few grumbles this season as we have found it hard to adjust to T1,especially as we have to play all our home games in the Chiang Mai 700 Year Stadium.


And your owners?
The owner has put his money where his mouth is and has invested in players ,if not the current stadium.  He is a young ambitious guy who is great with the fans. Free beer is a regular occurrence. 


If you could give them both one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would say please invest in the current stadium a bit more as it is old and makeshift. Even a lick of paint would do.


What are your thoughts on Chonburi?
Chonburi are a well established T1 club who we had the pleasure of playing in the cup last year in front of a near sell out crowd. We lost 2-1 and could see the class difference in the players. Hope to see you down there this year.


What sort of match are you expecting at the weekend?
A very difficult match, with Chonburi having most of the possession.  I would take a draw but we really need the points. The cup game really highlighted the size difference in players. 


Which of your players do we need to look out for?
Anan ,Osman and Cissokho are all very decent. We are unfortunately missing Thales upfront. Hopefully he's back soon.


Which of our players are you most wary of?
Number 99 Alves looks like a real handful.


What sort of reception will our fans receive?
A very friendly reception as at all Thai games. 700yr stadium is very big and the fans all mix with each other outside. Lots of places for food and beer. 


Do you have any recommendations for places we can visit?
Well, because the game has been moved to Chiang Mai I am sure you know some areas of the city. Stay inside the most if you're looking for a fun night . Go up Doi Suthep and take in the wonderful views. 


Is there anything else you would like to add?
Have a safe journey up and give us a shout . We will be round the back at zone E or next to the main stand earlier on.




Chonburi 1-0 Thailand Tobacco Monopoly - Match Report: 2008

TPL
Chonburi 1-0 Thailand Tobacco Monopoly
Srindhorn Stadium
Wednesday 3rd September, 2008



Match Report
A good win last night. We started off like an express train and I thought that we were going to score a hatful of goals. However, we seemed to fade in the second half. I don't think that the result was ever in doubt, but it wasn't as convincing as I thought it was going to be.

Kone Mohammed has returned from Vietnam. He looked a little off the pace, but played for the whole match. I spoke with him afterwards and he admitted that he probably wasn't match fit and had been surprised that he was in the starting line up. Still, he is very valuable (re) addition to the squad.

We just need to keep winning now and hope that PEA slip up. After last night's results it's looking more and more like a two horse race.

Thursday 1 September 2022