After a break of ten years, one time regular Muang Thong Utd blogger, Greg Hill made a welcome return to social media this week. I caught up with him earlier today and shot a few questions his way, ahead of Sunday's match. It was just like old times.
A few things have changed but nothing that would be of much interest to your readers. I have still attended a few games but not enough to keep the blog up to speed.
Are you intending to become more active again?
What I’m thinking right now is to do one or two match reports and see how I feel. The main drawback for me is that even though MTUTD and Nonthaburi United are my local teams, the former is really difficult to get to. Once the MRT station opens (scheduled for next year), it should be far easier to get there and perhaps then I’ll get back into regular blogging.
What have you missed most during your sabbatical?
Probably the same thing most footie fans would miss: the social occasion, the atmosphere, the chance to watch some attacking football.
And is there anything you haven't missed?
Traffic jams! Oh, and getting annoyed by time-wasting fake injuries.
What are the biggest changes you have noticed to Thai football and its social media output during your absence?
At MTUTD the biggest change is that the smaller teams no longer draw a big home crowd. The atmosphere is noticeably more muted when the smaller teams visit. I mean that as a knock on my own club, not the visitors. However the bigger teams still draw good crowds and the standard of football is similar to how it was even if we aren’t so high up the league. The standard of officiating is still as weak as it was a decade ago. Mario was spot on about that.
As for the media, I’ve actually been really impressed by how consistent you and many of the other social media sources have remained while I’ve been slacking for a decade. One change I’ve noticed is that blogs and forums are a bit passe now, especially forums, and everything is even more focused on Twitter and other social media.
I've also noticed that the ratio of western fans watching Thai football has increased. Back in 2010, western fans were few enough that I knew most of them by name. These days the rate has increased from about 1 in 20 to 1 in 15 or more.
How does the league now compare to that of ten years ago?
It’s about the same which is a shame. I remember when I started my blog I predicted that the growth of Thai football would drive prices up and encourage overpricing in many ways. That has not happened, but instead the growth has stopped for a variety of reasons which is sad but not surprising.
How does the current Muang Thong Utd squad compare to that of ten years ago?
The squad is still good as they showed against Buriram. I think the only decline is in the standard of the defence. Kawin, Nattaporn and Jetsada were fantastic back in the day. After them came Zesh Rehmen and some other quality defenders. No disrespect to the current crop but they are not quite at that level yet.
Who are your current favourite players?
After that hat trick, it has to be our Kenyan forward Johana, he instantly reminded me of Christian, our talented but temperamental attacker in the good ol’ days.
Why do you think that Muang Thong Utd are no longer the force they once were?
It’s all about the money, the club don’t spend as much on new signings as they used to. As most of us have seen, in Thailand and some other parts of Asia, the rich will throw money into new ideas or businesses but sometimes they quickly get bored or disappointed, too. I think that may be the case with MTUTD. I wish we could get some of the big money back in and have another title challenge.
What are your thoughts on the events of the past week at Muang Thong Utd? And, after all the confusion, what would be the perfect outcome for you?
My thoughts on the 4-4 are on my blog. It was a cracking game with some very bad officiating but we threw the lead away ourselves. The Mario/Milos saga is a typical example of a lack of organization and communication in Thai football, but I’m glad Mario is still with us. If Mario and Milos can work together, it might be great. Milos has a good record and Mario has the spirit. He is MTUTD.
What are your favourite memories from Muang Thong Utd v Chonburi matches of the past?
At I remember one away game where our head coach Rene got red carded for arguing with officials which still makes me smile when I think of it. I also recall a home game where we beat you 4-1 or 5-1 if I recall correctly, I was delighted with our attacking that day, it was one of Yaya’s last games for us. And meeting you was a pleasure, of course.
And your least favourite memories?
I don’t have any particularly bad memories.
Can Chonburi v Muang Thong Utd still be considered a big match?
Two big teams with a history of winning trophies, it’s a big game.
What are your expectations for Sunday?
Our away form has been our weakness. I think it might be a score draw though.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
When I banter or bicker with fans of other teams, I’m just playing my side. We’re all fans of Thai football and I wish everyone the best.
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