New! Chonburi v Buriram Utd Q&A: 2023

It's a Chonburi v Buriram Utd pre match Q&A. Representing the Sharks is Tim Spear and for the Thunder Castle we have Jamie Pinder. The floor is yours, gentlemen...

Tim answers Jamie's questions

Have you visited the Chang Arena before and how does it rank among viewing experiences compared to other stadiums?

Yes, I have been to Buriram a fair few times. I've seen many an exciting match, some fabulous, others so close for us. The ground is great, though it is a rather kitsch Meccano set up. The away end is cramped in the corner, so the view, although close up, is probably the worst in the ground. The atmosphere is invariably amazing. A big shout out must go to your stewards, certainly the biggest ars*****s in the whole of Thai football. Trained in ruining a matchday experience.

Are you happy with the Buriram Utd players that have come into your squad?

I really like Kelic. I don't recall seeing Go Seul-ki, so let's see. Bardanca flatters to deceive. But ultimately how can we compete with Buriram, when our players are your cast offs.

Do you think teams should supply free transport for away games to help generate support?

I guess this is like "kids for a quid". So in the short term, yes. It generates attention and potentially brings in new fans. Free away travel, would increase gates, but when clubs pay for this it takes away from the team budget. Unless of course your club is owned by an (alleged) corr*** megla****** . 

Are Chonburi seriously overachieving this year? 

It's hard to say about Chonburi this season. We have a nice way of playing, and the players are certainly enjoying their games. As a fan, there have been some great entertaining games. Over achieving? I guess we are in the top half, which is historically the case. However, we are having a half hearted flirt with second, which usually happens to some extent. At present we are the best of the also rans, but no more. We underachieved in the cups for sure. We can beat any team on our day here in Thailand. Just not consistently.

Do you fancy taking all three points on Sunday? 

Ha ha! We will hopefully take the game to Buriram, so you never know. But your team is much stronger than ours, so I'm not expecting much, especially with the 13th man in the middle for you! All of the very worst refereeing decisions I have witnessed have been in favour of Buriram, so I'm not holding out much hope on that score. However, I still want to wish all your supporters all the best for the rest of the season. I'm just a little bit jealous that we don't have the same level of financial support that you have. 

Jamie answers Tim's questions

How happy are you are with the owners of you club? Are their policies sustainable?

Very happy. We’re lucky to have owners who really care about the club and the fans.

Who do you see as your main threat in this season's title race?

Um, I guess Chonburi if they win on Sunday. I’d like to see a tighter competition but it needs the other teams to step up.

What is your usual food experience before a game?

For home matches it's Jimmy’s for a Sunday roast if possible. Amazon for coffee and 7/11 for a toasted cheese and ham sandwich when traveling away.

How long have you supported Buriram, and do you have a soft spot for any other Thai team?

I discovered we had a team when it was still Buriram PEA and a Thai friend took me to watch. Hooked since 2010. I have a soft spot for the Isaan teams. 

Which visiting fans make the most noise when they come to Buriram?

Muang Thong, Port and Korat based on how many fans they bring. Final game this year is home to Korat. We could pick up the trophy and they could get relegated (but I hope they don’t). Could be a cracking atmosphere.