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.
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?
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