Next up is Bangkok Utd fan, Matt Jenkins, with his views on the 2022/23 season.
What are your overall impressions of your club’s season?
Being a Chelsea fan back home, BUFC has been a welcome distraction this season. I think if you had said at the beginning of the season second place and an FA Cup final, I’d have taken it. But the season petered out for me in March. I’m not sure why I’m so deflated, but the FA Cup final last night felt like we were just happy to be there. That was a very winnable game for us, having beaten them earlier in the season, but it felt like our season had already ended. It was really good to see a semi full Thammasat last night, I would be going a lot more if it was like that every home game. I went to more away games than home this season.
Taking the positives though, Totchawan seems to have got us well drilled. Discipline seems to be improving (which gives the Sandpit less to talk about), and he has not been afraid to drop the superstars. I’m excited for next season, but we will need to make some impactful signings. We're screaming out for a new creative midfielder.
What did your club get right on and off the field?
Not having our mid season wobble to the same level as other seasons
And what did they get wrong?
Losing to Port at home, and not battering them when we played them away.
What advice would you give them ahead of next season?
The steps we made forward this year were good. We need to tinker but not rebuild.
Who have been your best players this season?
For me, when he's played, Mahmoud Eid has looked superb. He puts a proper shift in. Tossawat and Thitpan have bonded well in midfield, and I hope we can get Wisarut back fully fit after his big injury.
Willen Mota has looked like he can also supply some goals, but we're desperate for a big solid number 9.
And who hasn't performed?
I hate calling players out here, as everyone has put in a shift, but if I was asking for an extra 10% from players this season it would have been Vander Luis. I feel both he and Heberty may be going.
Which players, or type of players, would you like to sign for next season?
An out and out striker , (might be able to get Bolongi on the cheap now – but fear he won't enjoy the physio sessions after that punch) and a pacy winger. I really liked Wokiang at Kho Kaen Utd. I thought he was a lively before going off. His stats weren’t great, but he was one of the better players I’ve seen this season. Pipe dream would be Dolah paired with Everton, after leaving Port, but his future looks set abroad.
Which was your team’s best performance this season?
4-3 vs Buriram Utd.
And your worst?
Battering Prachuap and losing 2-1
Which was your favourite away trip?
Nongbua Pichaya and Khon Kaen Utd. Neither ground was spectacular, but the trips are always fun.
Port is always a good atmosphere, and being home in 10 mins is a bonus. Always a delight seeing that woman come out of the dug out and start dishing out instructions.
And your least favourite?
None. What I will add is Lamphun, Ratchaburi, Chiangrai, and Chonburi are all on the list for next season's away days.
What was the best thing that happened to you personally whilst supporting your club this season?
BUFC Hardcore are always kind with the pre game beers at away games. Simple stuff. I admire that group so much. They're at every ground, 7,8,10 hour journies, always a smile and a chat.
Which T1 team most impressed you?
Very difficult to look past the strength of Buriram. Winning everything is what they do, and wrapping up the title in March was impressive. Lamphun's resurgence towards the end of season was also very decent. They looked doomed for a while, but strung some excellent results together, I’m looking forward to that as an away trip next season. If they can get back to their ground.
What has really annoyed you about Thai football this season?
Same old stuff as every season; lack of info, moving games at will, VAR, discipline. Aside from VAR, which everyone seems to be struggling with, the rest isn’t difficult to fix.
Finally, what message would you like to give to your fellow Bangkok Utd fans and fans of Thai football?
Things will never change… it's frustrating, but it's never more than 200bht wasted. And sometimes it delivers above expectation.
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