Showing posts with label 2020. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2020. Show all posts
Thursday, 16 March 2023
Sunday, 24 April 2022
New!! A Few Souvenirs From Chonburi Stadium: 2022
Entry requirements for Chonburi Stadium
Advert for the online programme
Sign from the Main Stand men's toilets
Monday, 31 May 2021
Thursday, 31 December 2020
NEW!! New Year Ins and Outs: 2020
It's out with the old and in with the new. Here are a few things we'll see the back of and a few things to look forward to in the new year.
OUT
2020
IN
2021
OUT
Covid-19
IN
Sham 69
OUT
Criticising VAR
IN
Criticising referees
OUT
Jokes about Thai Port's floodlights
IN
Jokes about Thai Port playing their AFC home matches at Rajamangala
OUT
An 18 month season
IN
A 6 month season
OUT
Chonburi signing foreign players willy nilly
IN
Chonburi signing foreign player, Willy Nilly (German defender)
OUT
Sasom Pobprasert
IN
Jadet Meelarp
OUT
Plain blue shirts
IN
Stripes
OUT
Big Mick's articles and match reports
IN
Big Mick's podcast
OUT
Nostalgia
IN
Wistful reminiscing
OUT
Matches played in stadiums with 50% capacity crowds
IN
Matches played behind closed doors
OUT
Thai travel bloggers receiving awards
IN
Thai football bloggers receiving awards
OUT
The current Thailand national team kits
IN
Three new (at least!) Thailand national team kits
OUT
Jokes about Samut Prakan City
IN
Jokes about Surat Thani SP City
OUT
Lists
IN
Hard hitting investigative journalism
NEW!! Chonburi FC Foreign Players & Appearances: 2016-2020/21
A list of all the foreign players signed by Chonburi - and the number of appearances they've made - over the past five seasons. As it is often difficult to find statistics for Thai football, I've used a number of sources to collate the information below and it is as accurate as I can get it. However, if anyone can add to, or correct, what I've written, please get in touch and let me know. Thanks.
 |
| Chris Cortez (centre) Chonburi FC 2019: 0 Appearances |
2020/21
Junior Lopes (14)
Kazuto Kushida (14)
Dragan Boskovic (13)
Carli De Murga (11)
Herlison Caion (11)
Adefolarin Durosinmi (1)*
Eliandro (0)*
Junior Eldstal (0)*
Jaycee John (0)*
Renato Kelic (0)*
10 players signed
2019
Kim Gyeong-min (21)
Zaw Min Tun (20)
Junior Lopes (15)
Herlison Caion (14)
Lukian Araujo (14)
Patrick Cruz (12)
Si Thu Aung (12)
Park Hyun-beom (5)
Angel Guirado (5)
Curt Dizon (2)
Chris Cortez (0)
Mawouna Amevor (0)
12 players signed
2018
Ciro Alves (36)
Kim Gyeong-min (30)
Zulfahmi Arifin (21)
Bajram Nebihi (17)
Matheus Alves (16)
Marclei Santos (13)
6 players signed
2017
Fode Diakite Bangaly (37)
Renan Marques (36)
Prince Amponsah (34)
Ryotaro Nakano (32)
Andre Luis Leite (15)
Thiago Cunha (8)
6 players signed
2016
Leandro Assumpcao (36)
Rodrigo Vergilio (36)
Kim Jong-pil (31)
Anderson Dos Santos (29)
Kim Cheol-ho (17)
Prince Amponsah (12)
6 players signed
Key
* = Still at the club
Players in Bold = Played during more than one season
Tuesday, 29 December 2020
NEW!! Junior Eldstal by Marco Negeri: 2020
Malaysian football writer, Marco Negeri, shares his thoughts on our new signing, Junior Eldstal.
When he first appeared on the scene in 2013, fans were genuinely excited as mixed heritage players weren't that many then and even if they were being publicized or talked about, technical issues would have prevented them from featuring for the Malaysian national team. However, Junior had no issues as he held a Malaysian passport and the junior team coach Ong Kim Swee was very accommodative towards having him feature for the U23s, which was very unconventional at the time. The last time he featured for Malaysia was a friendly game versus Fiji in 2016, where he played for 79 minutes. Overall, he had an average record while playing for the Malaysian national team, although everyone will always remember his "sweet" goal against Myanmar in the 2013 edition of the Pestabola Merdeka Final, Asia's oldest international football tournament.
What would you say are his strengths?
I would say his height and physique mostly. At 1.91 m, he is definitely a rarity for Malaysian footballers. When at JDT, he was known to do extra training on his own to work on his individual skill, so that is definitely important. The fact that he is willing to return to professional football again, despite the challenges and injury issues he's had to face over the years also tells us something about his drive and motivation to succeed in the game.
And his weaknesses?
Definitely his injury issues, that would seriously count against him. As his nature is to play through the pain, fitness would be hard to come by. If he has serious considerations about making it back to Harimau Malaya, then he really needs to make "getting back into the best shape and condition" as his top priority.
How do you think he will cope at Chonburi and in the Thai league?
Throughout his time at JDT, especially his breakthrough season in 2015, 2016 and 2017, he has done well for them, despite having to switch from his traditional role of playing in the midfield to becoming one of the centrebacks, given his height and physique. In the process, bagging domestic titles and the AFC Cup in 2015. However, having not played professional football since he left in 2018, this might serve as a serious disadvantage given he will have to play for Chonburi halfway through the season. He may have fitness issues, but this remains to be seen and known. Otherwise, he would be an interesting acquisition for the club. He needs to immediately work on his match fitness and coming from a Non-League side after being there for a year, he would have to immediately prepare himself for the likes of Diogo, Heberty and Teerasil to contend with, which may prove to be difficult for him as he starts featuring for Chonburi. Unfortunately, time would not be on his side if he requires it to adjust to the competitive and challenging nature of the Thai League.
How has the move been covered in the local press?
When it was made known that Junior was eyeing a return to Asian/Malaysian football, the press here covered the news favourably, with speculations of who he would turn up for. When he left JDT in 2018, he made it clear that he was to leave football to pursue his other interests. Today, with a squad that is already filled with many top talents eager to feature for the team, it was certain that Junior wouldnt have a place there. He was then linked with the City Boys, Kuala Lumpur FC but over the weeks, it became clear that Thailand was his destination.
Finally, if you could give him any advice, what would it be?
Time to get back to his competitive best, regain his old form, and before he knows it, the Malaysian National Team coaches would start calling. WIth his height and physique, the Harimau Malaya could still use a player of his talents and calibre.
Saturday, 26 December 2020
NEW!! Chonburi 0-2 Buriram Utd - Match Report by Big Mick: 2020
Chonburi 0-2 Buriram Utd
Match report
by Big Mick
5555555555!!! So we done Chonburi again. 555555555!!! It was 2-0 but could have bin 10-0. Them sorry sharks never had no chance, not against the mitey BURIRAM UTD. Our new player Rozzer scored to so we are happy with him. Khun Newin noes what hes doing when he sines these players. Another grate Brazzilian same as Diogo. I dont care if he brought cofid corona19 with him when he came. he went into kwaranteen and now hes better and scoring goals against rubbish teams like chonburi. He must have had the vacseen. it has given him super powers!!!!! 5555555555!!!!! We love Brazzilians up here. Its a funy word to because it has BRA in it!!!!!
I seen your tweets on the twitter mate. You dont half moan a lot!!! 555555555 I bet you're a right laff you. Remind me not to ask you out for a drink. you miserable git - only joking........i love you mate. But It lucks like your sorry club doesnt no what they are doing. No good players and no strikers. How are you going to score goals. If you dony score goals you dont win no matches. And wear was your crowd??? That stadium lucked empty. Piss poor turn out by the so called sharks fans. i bet we filled our end again but it didn't show it on the telly. More anti Buriram biassed. You should have given us moor tickets so youd have had a bigger crowd.
We are now forth in the league and i bet we can win it now. BG Bancock Glass aint no good and that other team with no lights are poor two. All these Bancock teams think they are the best but they cant compeet with Buriram. we stil have the best fans and the bigest ground and we will win the league again I dont care if we aint in the afc champs cup. we want to be the best in Thailand again and we will be. Anyway im off to celebrate now. Khun Newin has got many things planned for new year and we aint in lockdown like everywhere else in the country. Khun Newin told us that we are the only ones who are not in lockdown. So off to the party it is - i think them japanese porn birds are coming again 5555555 I hope so. They was gorjus!!!!
Thursday, 24 December 2020
NEW!! Chonburi FC Festive XI
CHONBURI FC FESTIVE XI
SANTAweechai Hathairattanakool
Jetsadakorn BETHLEHEMdaeng
LAPLANDerson Dos Santos
MINCE PIEsan Pona
Jukkapant PunPEACE ON EARTH
SAINT NIKorn Anuwan
SLEIGHandro Assumpcao
YULEs Baga
Jeon Kwang-JINGLE BELLS
Pipob On-MO! HO! HO! HO!
CHRISTMAS TREEago Cunha
Coach: FATHER CHRISTMASahiro Wada
Wednesday, 23 December 2020
NEW!! Interview With Henry Musa: 2020
TPL
Sukhothai 1-2 Chonburi
Thalay Luang Stadium
Friday 18th December, 2020
Please can you introduce yourself
My name's Henry and I'm a long time Sukhothai fan, as well as the administrator of the Sukhothai F.C. English Fanzone facebook page. A bit about myself, I was born in Sukhothai, moved to Australia as an infant and returned to Thailand as a teen. I've been back and forth between Thailand and Australia since.
How long have you been supporting Sukhothai?
Since 2011. I was in Mathayom 3 (Grade 9) at the time and started attending matches just as something to do on the weekends. My first match was a 5-0 loss to Nakhon Sawan FC. But the fans, the food and the atmosphere kept me attending matches.
And how long have you been running the Facebook page?
Since 2013.
Why did you start your page?
Just as a hobby, mainly to share information about the club in English with the two expats I knew were living in Sukhothai at the time. My 16-year-old self took a lot of inspiration from the Chiang Mai F.C. English Fanzine facebook page. As I didn't have a fan magazine (fanzine), I decided to change the word fanzine to fanzone. It's because of that influence that fan and zone aren't two separate words in the page's name.
Nowadays, fans from all over the world visit the page. Besides from the expats who support the club and call Sukhothai home, we have a large following from fans based in the countries where our foreign players are from. Mainly Madagascar, Brazil, Myanmar and in the past El Salvador, Indonesia, Malaysia and The Philippines.
How often do you get to watch Sukhothai these days?
Not often, unfortunately. I've been based in Rayong over the past few years and it's mainly away games around the Eastern Seaboard and Bangkok that I get to attend. Though, if I'm in Sukhothai during a home match I never miss a game.
So how do you manage to stay in touch with what is happening?
I keep an active eye on the main Sukhothai FC facebook page for information to translate and share in English. But Bill Greves, who is an avid Firebat supporter currently living in Sukhothai is my eyes on the ground and helps me run the page, as well as do matchday reports. I'm also close friends with Tony, the fanclub president, who gives me intel from time-to-time.
How have your team been performing this season?
If I could explain our performance in one sentence I'd say, like a rollercoaster that has reached its peak and is now hurling out of control towards the ground. Hoping there's a second peak this Firebat roller coaster is yet to climb!
What did you make of last Friday's match?
You guys haven't been bad at all this year. A few red cards cost you a game or two earlier in the season, accompanied by a recent run of losses but looks we might've turned your luck around for you! As a Sukhothai fan, I was obviously hoping for a win. That being said, after having my expectations shattered during the recent loss against Rayong, I knew not to be overconfident, but nevertheless was not expecting us to lose. Leading up to the match, I wouldn't say there was any particular Chonburi player who I was wary of but have to hand it to Phanuphong Ponsa, fantastic goal to take the lead and all round solid team effort by Chonburi.
What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
I just hope that we can stay comfortably out of the relegation zone. Don't think my heart can take another relegation battle.
NEW!! Interview With Jamie Pinder: 2020
TPL
Chonburi v Buriram Utd
Chonburi Stadium
Saturday 26th December, 2020
Here's my pre match interview with Buriram Utd fan, Jamie Pinder.
Hi Jamie. How are you and what have you been up to lately?
I’ve been good, thank you. Even with the virus it’s been nice to spend some time at home. It’s probably more than 10 years since I spent this long at home, at home meaning in Thailand. Lots of lovely time spent riding a bicycle and keeping fit in the swimming pool, with a little bit of football to keep us busy.
How would you sum up Buriram Utd's season so far?
Well you’re talking to an Arsenal fan so I’d say our season has been a great success so far. But in any regular year it’s been almost a disaster. That said, in the last few weeks it seems to be coming together slowly. Simply not good enough for a great team as ours.
Why do you think they had asuch a slow start?
Sometimes the players just don’t gel together and the team doesn’t play as a team. Maybe there was pressure from other teams with the players they bought. Don’t forget this is a team that was one point away from winning the title last year so the start was very unexpected.
What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
I’ve always said I expect us to improve further and with the players coming in maybe we can push for second place. However, I think first is way beyond us and anybody else. We just need someone to turn BG over so that they’re not unbeaten.
Your signing policy seems to have been responsible for a few duds lately. Why do you think this is?
There have always been a few duds along the way but there have been a couple of great successes, such as Diogo and Tunez, plus a couple of others who are now plying their trade in other League 1 Teams. Watch out for our new Brazilians in Leg 2!
What kind of players would you like to see come to the club?
As has been often said we don’t normal recruit foreigners who are already here which is surprising. One thing we need is a leader of the team who will bollock the lazy players.
What do you enjoy most about your trips down to our place?
Of course it’s the prawn sandwiches you bought for us last time and your wonderful banter and humor... and maybe, just maybe, because it involves staying a night or two nearby, as it’s so far from home.
Is there anything you don't enjoy?
Losing to you.
Is the Chonburi v Buriram Utd still as intense as it was?
There’s still intensity, as it brings a good crowd into the stadium every year. We’ll see how that pans out this year but there’s good fan rivalry.
What are your thoughts on Chonburi this season?
Saturday will be my first look at them so I can’t say, but they seem to be doing their best to retain their '7th Place Again' trophy.
What are your expectations for Saturday's match?
Just hoping it goes ahead. Expect the usual tight affair with the odd goal winning it. Not saying to which team, as last time I made a prediction with Phil, I predicted we’d thwack Samut Praka City 5-0! We lost 3-1.
Which of our players are you most wary of?
Everyone of them, as we’re not very good and prone to gifting goals.
Who do we need to look out for on Saturday?
It's a secret, my friend. But if our new Brazilian striker is playing...
With tickets being limited, how has the club organised sales and how easy was it for you to get one?
As a season ticket holder it’s dead easy but tickets have also been on sale at 7/11 so it’s not been a problem.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
It’ll be strange not meeting up with you, as I’ve always enjoyed your hospitality. Best wishes to you over there and come back soon. We all miss seeing you.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the foreign and local fans. Stay safe.
And thanks, Dale, for everything you do on Twitter, keeping the chatter going.
Monday, 21 December 2020
NEW!! Interview With Gafar Adefolarin Durosinmi: 2020
My exclusive interview with Chonburi's new signing, Gafar Adefolarin Durosinmi
I can be called Fola that’s easy or Prince
How did your move to Chonburi come about and what are your thoughts on joining the club?
I was told by my management that they got contacted by the team and the coach spoke to me personally about his plans and how he think I can be of help to the team. I turned down more lucrative and even long term offers to join Chonburi, so my intentions are clear and I chose this team because I know it is a great club. I feel great coming here and I had to tell my management that Chonburi is my first choice of all the offers on ground. At this moment I have considered every option on the table, and I must confess I love how the coach made me see reasons and the project he has even though the duration is just till the end of the season. He is a great coach with track records and I know he can help make the team better by improving we the players.
It must be a relief after all your recent problems at Trat? How frustrating was for you to be in that situation?
It has not been easy because I love to play football more than anything but the situation left no option for me than to be courageous and fight for what I deserve.
You have played against us many times in the past, what were your impressions of the club then?
Chonburi is a professional club that I have admired for long and love the way they produce young talent and play beautiful football.
What have been your initial impressions of the club as a Chonburi player?
As expected everything has been tremendous and the people are friendly and ready to help.
Which of our players are you most looking forward to playing alongside?
I must confess I admire all the young lads like Worachit, Kritsada, sittichok and the veterans like Sintaweechai, Kroekrit, Noppanon.
What do you think we can achieve this season?
For me I think this team is big and the ambition also shouldn’t be less. A top 5-7 finish can be achieved and also competing to win the cup.
What are your personal ambitions for the rest of this season?
My ambition for now is to help the team as much as I can to achieve it goals by fighting, creating and scoring goals.
And your long term ambitions?
To achieve great things this 2nd round and continue playing at the top, also helping the young lads to fulfill their potential
What are your thoughts on your likely debut - at home to Buriram Utd on Saturday?
It is a big one and every player wants to fight in such games and have the bragging right for their team.
Finally, do you have a message for the Chonburi fans?
We have a young team, they should support us and we will never give up and fight 100%
Thursday, 10 December 2020
NEW!! Suree Sukha by Steve Darby: 2020
Suree Sukha
by Steve Darby
The former Thailand national team coach shares his thoughts on the ex-Chonburi full back - and Assumption College, SriRacha graduate - who announced his retirement this week.
In recent times we have read or heard on TV about the modern full back. Usually after watching Trent Alexander Arnold who has had a great game. Great overlapping, pace, crosses well etc. The reality is Thailand had such a modern full back in 2010 with Suree Sukha (some may argue even before that with Dusit as a left back).
As they say in football, Stevie Wonder could see that Suree was a great footballing athlete. His numerous overlapping runs he made for both Chonburi and the Thailand national team. However, I was lucky enough to work with him for three years and I can tell you he was an intelligent footballer. He could not only make those lung busting runs, but he knew when to make them. That is the key to an intelligent footballer. He only used those runs when he had to.
The “cue” to him making runs was Suchao or “Kop” who played right mid field. When Suree passed the ball to Suchao, Suchao would run infield with the ball. Obviously if he could pass the ball forward he would, but at the same time Suree would take off and overlap which allowed Suchao the option to play a reverse pass into Suree who was free as a full back. And he produced more often than not a great cross, usually aimed at the space in front of Teerasil.
He had a few other positives as well, he could defend, usually staying on his feet and if needed he could kick someone! A vital function of a defender through any age!
Add to that he was a “good lad” always enthusiastic in training, a popular team mate and to be honest I have no doubt (and supported by Peter Reid and Bryan Robson) he could have played Championship or lower Premier league.
I wish he could have spoken English, as I also have no doubt he was a funny lad, as he was always smiling!
Monday, 7 December 2020
NEW!! Interview With Phil Williams: 2020
T1
Samut Prakarn City v Chonburi
Saturday 12th December, 2020
Here's my pre match interview with Samut Prakarn City fan, Phil Williams.
We had a very shaky start, taking just one point from our opening four matches and looking like relegation candidates. However, since the season restart, we've steadied the ship somewhat and look like we're very capable of climbing up the league. We had a terrific win at Buriram recently, we came away from both BG Pathum and Muangthong with credible draws and we've beaten Sukhothai and Prachuap. We're still far too near the drop zone for comfort but in the words of Yazz - the only way is up!
And how satisfied are you with the team's performances this year?
Very satisfied. We have far too good a squad of players to be flirting with relegation and I think we've been unlucky in a number of games. If I go back to those four matches at the start of the campaign (where we picked up just one point) the home game against Bangkok United (a 1-2 defeat) could've gone either way and we lost 0-1 at Police Tero when the lucky buggers scored with their only shot of the match.
We've now got four or five players regularly making the Thai national squad. Jaroensak's stock rises with every match, Pathiwat is becoming one of the best goalkeepers in T1, Teerapol Yoyei is getting back to the form he showed last season, Jakkapan has shown a remarkable improvement and Peeradol is Peeradol, the heartbeat of the team. What a player! But generally I think there is quality all over the park.
What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
I would be more than happy with a top half finish and to lift the FA Cup in April. Then again, we are only four points behind the team in 5th place. Why shouldn't we finish in the top five if we can put a decent run together starting with a win against your lot?
How happy are you with the club's progress during its short existence?
On the field, we've assembled a good squad of players and what's more, they really look like they enjoy playing for Samut Prakan. Off the field, I'd like to see more money spent on the stadium. Although the SAT Stadium is our home and we love it, the match day experience needs improving (club shop, toilet facilities, fan zone with a wider variety of food vendors, etc) My wife was sitting near me as I answered these questions so I asked for her input. She agreed with me about the SAT - "when you go away to other stadiums like Ratchaburi and BG Pathum, you realise how far behind we are. The SAT feels like some poor, rural stadium in comparison, however it's a lot cleaner than other grounds. I don't have to clean my seat with a tissue before I sit down"
Realistically, what do you think the club can achieve?
I think we've got the potential to become a top four side but it might take several seasons and we need to focus on bringing in quality players and not just 'anybody'. I didn't warm to manager Ishii-san at first (I thought he was far too defensive-minded) but in his post match interviews, he talks a good game. I can now see the direction he wants to take the team in and that he recognises what improvements need to be made (scoring more goals for a start)
Long term, I guess much depends on how much cash the owner is willing to throw at the club. There's been talk for a while about moving to a newly built, modern stadium and while that sounds great in theory, would it take away the essence of this great little working class club? I worry about that because it's part of the appeal of being a Samut Prakan supporter. Improvements need to be made, like I said earlier, but we still like things a little bit rough around the edges.
You've really thrown yourself into supporting the team and promoting the club. Why is this and what do you enjoy most about it?
Dale, I could type pages and pages to answer this one but here are the main reasons. Firstly, I've always loved going to watch football matches. Back in my Birmingham days, I would travel to Aston Villa, Wolves, Coventry, Walsall, etc to watch games. I see following Samut Prakan as a continuation of what I always loved to do but of course, this time it's MY club as well.
Secondly, I've always been a guy who throws himself into something 100% or not at all. If I'm going to support the club, then I'm going to do a proper job. No half measures. If I have to fly down to Songkhla for an FA Cup game, then so be it.
Finally, I've always been something of a 'loner' and going to football matches or enjoying football weekends away can be a wonderful solitary pastime. Recently, I've had a couple of great weekends away in Khorat and Buriram. Yes, I've met up with some great people along the way and I've thoroughly enjoyed their company, but most of the time has been spent on my own. And I've loved every minute of it!
Having resisted the lure of Thai football for so long, do you have any regrets about not getting into it sooner?
Probably, but I can't change the past. I've been fortunate to have supported Samut Prakan right from their very first game and I'm grateful for the opportunity. When Pattaya United relocated, I think it was written in the stars. The time was right and I've no regrets because I think in many ways, I've made up for lost time.
Speaking of Pattaya Utd, there was initially a lot of stick dished out to you and your club, in light of the relocation and renaming. What were your feelings about this and how did you deal with it?
I love football banter. Show me a big mouth and I'll show you a bigger one. It didn't bother me at all.
It seems to have almost disappeared now. Why do you think this is?
I've no idea, Dale. I think it's totally disappeared actually. I haven't had an offensive or argumentative response to a tweet for ages. I think once people realised I was serious about supporting the club (and I truly am) the fun went out of it for them. Muppets!
If Samut Prakarn City folded or relocated at the end of the season, what would you do?
Probably bury myself under the duvet and sob hysterically. The club has become such a huge part of my life. They've provided what was missing. I just didn't realise it.
What has been the reaction to your match reports/preview etc on your Ajarn blog and Twitter page?
I'm obviously writing for an extremely niche audience and while I hope a few readers enjoy them, I write the blogs mainly for myself to re-visit and look back on. And that's why I call the blog 'diary of a football season' because it's always fun to look back through an old diary, right? I have a good friend in England (a Ratchaburi fan) who said to me the other week 'you're going to have so much fun in your old age reading through all those match report / blogs'. Never a truer word was spoken.
I try to write about what goes on around the match (the journey, the hotel, the weather, the stadium, etc) rather than just about the match itself. Even though it's a football blog, I think people would much rather read about the difficulties in getting to Suphanburi by bus or the gem of a hotel I found than Peeradol nodding in an 85th minute winner from a left wing cross. The actual football match itself is always so difficult to write about and tough to make interesting for readers I find. It's best left to The Guardian football writers.
What have been your impressions of Chonburi this season?
Why is it that every time I look at the league table, Chonburi are always in 7th place? No, seriously, you are always in 7th. They could cut the premier down to six teams and you'd still be in 7th.
Chonburi are a bit like Samut Prakan aren't they? They consider themselves very much a top half of the table side but not quite good enough to be top five. Chonburi always give me the impression of a club that just 'treads water' - a surprise win here, an unexpected defeat there, but generally satisfied with their lot even if it feels like they lack a bit of ambition at times. You are almost like the 'West Ham' of the Thai Premier League.
What are you expecting from Saturday's match?
A much closer game than last season because last year, although it was only 1-0, we absolutely battered you. I've just looked back at the blog and I described Chonburi as 'the worst team we'd seen at Bang Plee this season'
I'll go for 2-1 to Samut Prakan, which would mean we go above you in the table. You'd still be in 7th though!
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Totally unrelated but something I would love to do for the blog is interviews with players. I don't mean containing questions such as 'how do you feel the team are performing at the moment?' Do you remember those interviews we used to read as teenagers in Shoot! and Goal and Match Weekly magazines, that were full of questions like most memorable match, best goal, favourite away ground, pre-match meal, dressing room ritual, what do you do in your free time? player you most admire, boyhood hero, what kind of people do you dislike? toughest opponent, etc - short questions with even shorter answers. Let's bring them back!
Friday, 4 December 2020
NEW!! Lamphun Central Stadium by Robert Scott: 2020
The Lamphun Central Stadium and sports complex sits in a bend in the Guang River about 1 kilometre from the city’s heart – Wat Phrathat Haripunchai - and the moat that surrounds the old city.
It is four kilometres from Lamphun’s glorious railway station.
The covered main stand is on the west side. It has a beautiful faded symmetry. A VIP area in the middle has an unobstructed view. The seats to the north and south of the main stand have narrow pillars supporting the roof. This area is the only area with plastic seating. There are also electric fans in the main stand to cool the VIPs. Less important now but they helped when games were played mid-summer.
There is also added uncovered capacity at both ends of the main stand. Away fans are located in a, best described as, makeshift stand on the south side of the main stand. It is not covered. Your view is basically in line with the six-yard box at the southern end of the stadium.
The east side has an uncovered stand; also with added capacity at either end. The East stand is the home of the Lamphun Ultras. There is no seating as such – just the concrete stands. Behind the East stand are tennis and other sports areas. This stand has been repainted for 2020.
There are no viewing areas at the North and South ends of the stadium. Just a fence which will be draped with advertising banners. The North end has the scoreboard.
As with the city that it represents the stadium is elegantly faded. It is a municipal stadium at the centre of a popular, rather dated, well-used sports complex. A coat or two of paint would be very welcome. Like the author it is showing its age! But it is kept clean; the fans do a great job disposing of their garbage at the end of every game. There is a genuine pride in all of Lamphun and it is reflected at the football club.
There is a jogging track around the outside of the stadium which appears to require an anti-clockwise flow – remember your green cross code as you enter the stands. There is also a running track around the football pitch.
Outside the main stand are a collection of exercise machines and a large car parking area. This is where you can buy tickets, snacks, beer and your collectors’ item Lamphun shirt – I like this season’s red shirt.
Admission is cheap; home supporters pay Baht60. I suspect it is the same for away fans. There appears to be no price increase for the Cup game. There is probably not a better value Baht60 to be found anywhere in Thailand!
The stadium holds 3,000 fans officially. Lamphun will usually get between 700 and 1,300. The atmosphere can at times be quite somnolent – like a garden party interjected with occasional implorations to do better. But the fans know their football and when Lamphun press forward they come to life. If it gets too quite there is always the song!
Be prepared for a lot of this played very loudly:
You will be singing it in your sleep for at least a week afterwards.
This aside, you will receive a glorious reception from the locals. Lamphun is a lovely, friendly town. Though be prepared; nothing happens very quickly. The Mum and Dad stand that pours the beers neither mult-task nor multi-serve!
For Chonburi fans there will be a special thank you for releasing Adul Lahsoh, who is at the heart of everything that Lamphun do and appears to be thoroughly enjoying his football.
After the game you can scroll around the night market and eat the best deep fried pork near the Phra Nang Chamathewi Monument.
Early arrivals can take a romantic stroll by the river, explore Wat Haripunchai, shop in the craft and clothing stores on the covered bridge (think Florence but without the prices!) There is excellent golf nearby….Gassan Khuntan is located by the White Bridge that carries the train into the Khuntan tunnel and back to Bangkok.
Endless coffee shops and cafes – Temple House Lamphun is a modern coffee shop and art gallery near Wat Haripunchai. Foodies (not footballers) also eat large quantities of chicken rice and Lamphun sausage.
As for the match itself, much depends on whether both clubs are taking the FA Cup seriously rather than as an opportunity to pay fringe players. I suspect Lamphun will be at full strength.
Lamphun are already half way through their season in the eleven-team northern division. They have won 9 of the 10 games played this season. They have conceded just four times. Six players have started all ten games so the club has found a consistency of selection and performance that should take them into the League 3 playoffs.
The goals come from Natan Oliveira, once of Khon Kaen United. The playmaking from Adul Lahsoh. The defence is led by the experience of Adisak in goal.
There is a significant gap between League 1 and the regional League 3. But a win would be a great boost for Lamphun; home advantage and a bumpy surface will be important. A two touch pitch for the best players. One touch for Adul Lahsoh.
I predict a 2-1 win for Lamphun. Sorry!
Sadly I will not be there – am in Bangkok for another potential giant-killing (though giant is a bit flattering) as Dome FC take on Chiang Mai FC.
Enjoy the game.
Tuesday, 1 December 2020
NEW!! Advent Calendar: 2020
For this year's Advent Calendar I will be listing the 24 things I love most about Thai football.
Window #24
24th December
Chonburi Football Club
How could I compile a list of the 24 things I love most about Thai football and not include my own club? Admittedly, we've had a rocky relationship recently and they can infuriate the life out of me, both on and off the field, but I love them dearly. They have given me so much pleasure over the past 20 years - including the occasional glorious triumph - and the good far outweighs the bad. I have enjoyed every minute of the rollercoaster ride we have been on together and, as I write this, I am missing them like mad. I would give anything to be able to walk down that familiar approach road again and see the Chonburi Stadium floodlights come into view. Hear those comforting match day sounds and see those friendly, smiling faces filled with anticipation - or looking world weary, depending on how long they've been a fan! Meeting with mates, drinking Chang and waiting for kick off. It gives me a warm glow just thinking about it. Going to watch your team play is one of the most wonderful experiences anyone can have. There is nothing quite like it and there is no club quite like Chonburi Football Club. For they are My Club.
Window #23
23rd December
The bloggers etc
When I first moved to Thailand in 1997, it was virtually impossible to find any information on the local leagues - even in Thai. A situation that is hard to imagine nowadays, when when every scrap of news can be found at our fingertips. So, for our penultimate entry in this year's advent calendar, I'd like to salute the bloggers, webmasters, Tweeters and podcasters, who keep us all up to date - in English - with the events on and off the field. All of these people do a fantastic job to make sure we don't miss out on any juicy tidbits, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential - "Somchai Supersombat has a blister on his toe!" "Newin Chidchob has bought some new shoes" etc. It is always pleasing to read and hear all the different opinions about the game we love from such spirited amateurs, with a passion for promoting the TPL and beyond. It's certainly come a long way from those humble beginnings, when a few of us obsessives discussed similar minutiae on the Thai Football Webboard, back in 2008. Thank you, everyone. Long may it continue!
Window #22
22nd December
The Thailand national team
Before I started supporting Chonburi in 2002, the only real live football fix I got was watching the Thailand national team. I had some wonderful times following those sides during my early days in the country. Indeed, a couple of my favourite memories include the World Cup qualifying run and the 1998 Asian Games quarter final against South Korea - when Peter Withe's magnificent group of players won 2-1 with nine men. What a night that was! I have continued to go to games over the years (until the ridiculous ticketing policy was introduced!) and still love the way the 'War Elephants' unite the fans and engender a real sense of belonging and togetherness. I can only imagine the hysteria it would create should they ever win a major trophy or reach the World Cup finals. Let's hope I live to see the day!
Window #21
21st December
Thai football grounds
Football grounds in Thailand vary widely. There are those that are modern and purpose built, those that are ramshackle and showing their age, those owned by local authorities that were constructed from a standard design and those that are glorified farm fields. But every single one has a unique charm. Whether you prefer sitting undercover on plush seats with plenty of leg room and a good view of the pitch or standing exposed to the elements on crumbling concrete steps with the action so far away you might as well have stayed at home watching on TV, there is something for you. If you hate grounds with running tracks and like to be right on top of the action or don't particularly mind being separated from the match by eight lanes of synthetic rubber, you'll find what you're looking for. However you look at it, Thai stadiums offer something for everyone and I love every single one of them.
Window #20
20th December
Being able to eat and drink (including beer) inside the stadiums
At the start of this season, the club management made the decision to lift the food and drink ban at Chonburi Stadium. Put in simple terms, this is the best thing to happen at our football club in a very long time. The fact we can now eat and drink in our seats, whilst watching the action on the pitch, has made our home a happy place again, and brought us in line with pretty much every other ground in the league. For too long we were denied this pleasure, by a stubborn top brass, who were still "punishing" us for a couple of incidents that happened a decade ago. Ridiculous. However, all is now right with the world and, once again, we can enjoy a bite to eat and a few scoops at the match, and I can add it to my list of the things I love most about Thai football. Thank you!
Window #19
19th December
The welcome you receive as an away fan
Going to English league grounds as an away fan has always been a hairy experience, especially in the 70s and 80s, and something I didn't particularly relish. Therefore, I enjoy visiting opposition stadiums in Thailand for the warm welcome you receive. It's nice to be greeted by smiles and helpful locals, who are pleased that you've made the effort to visit their town and their club, rather than hostility and the feeling you're not wanted there. I know there are some that argue the lack of edge detracts somewhat from a trip to the match, but I'd much rather be asked to have my photograph taken by friendly supporters, than chased down a dark alley and given a kicking. And, if that means I've gone soft in my pld age, then so be it!
Window #18
18th December
Owners, chairmen and chairwoman
Today's advent calendar window has a slightly controversial choice behind it...it's the owners. Those esteemed ladies and gentlemen who run - and rule - our clubs, and occasionally dictate official policy. Where would we be without them? Well, in all honesty, we'd probably still have a situation where the TPL is dominated by forces and company teams based in Bangkok. OK, they're not all perfect, have their quirks and some are downright unlikebale, but without the Pangs, the Newins, the Flukes etc, Thai league football would most likely still be in the dark ages. They have managed to raise the bar and do add a splash of colour to proceedings. Plus, they give us hours of enjoyment with their crazy, self centred antics...and that is surely something to be grateful for!
Window #17
17th December
The madness
Oh, Thai football can be frustrating. Very frustrating. It can make you tear out your hair, question your sanity and wonder why on earth you bother with all the madness. But perversely, all the things that annoy you about the local game also draw you to it. The sheer craziness is what makes it so appealing. Forget what happens on the pitch - VAR, the foul throws, the decisions clearly favouring one team etc - and off it - late fixture changes, nutty TV scheduling and players allowed to miss matches to take part in celebrity boxing bouts etc etc - because everything surrounding our league, in all its gory glory, is well worth you investing time and effort. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. And, honestly, would you really want it any other way?
Window #16
16th December
Feeling a part of the local community
Many foreigners who move to Thailand to work or retire seem to prefer a lifestyle that keeps them in their own little bubble. They'll socialise with their colleagues and often live in the same villages, where they're never far away from shops that sell Marmite and Walkers crisps or restaurants that serve a Sunday Roast. There's nothing wrong with this of course, but it does feel as if they are missing out. Supporting your local football team is a good way of connecting with your immediate community and forming a bond with people you wouldn't usually meet. The growing number of ex-pats seen at matches these days is very encouraging and shows that more and more of them are making an effort to connect to their adopted home, on at least one day a week. And surely this is to the benefit of everyone.
Window #15
15th December
Travelling on the fan club bus
Admittedly I haven't done this for a few years, but in the early days of following Chonburi, riding on the fan club bus to away matches was my only option. And what a joy it was. More often than not the trips would begin at a ridiculously early hour, regardless of the distance we were about to travel, and many of my fellow fans were already three sheets to the wind before we set off. Needless to say, this always made for a lively excursion! Other than the drinkers, the passengers would include families, older people, couples and groups of young ladies. It was a nice, friendly mix and there was rarely a dull moment as the drinking continued. There were also illicit card games, violent kung fu movies and Thai comedies playing on the video machine, sing songs and numerous stops for food. Oh, how I miss it!
Window #14
14th December
Meeting with mates who support opposition teams
Following on from yesterday's entry here's another of Thai football's great pleasures. Over the years I have met many fans of other clubs - mainly on social media - and it has been an absolute joy to become friends in the "real world" too. There's always a flurry of online activity when we know our two teams will clash so we can arrange how and where to liaise for a pre match beer or two. The chat is always good natured and - as before - the game is rarely mentioned as we often prefer to discuss obscure cricketers from the 60s and 70s and classic sitcoms. The post match drinks usually involve an effort to cheer up the loser by buying them drinks for as long as they care to/are able to stick around.
Window #13
13th December
Meeting with mates
If I was putting these in any sort of order, then this would almost certainly be at number 1. There's nothing like going along to a match and meeting up with your mates, especially if you haven't seen them for a couple of weeks. And how long does the close season feel without them?! Those pre match gatherings over a few cold drinks, when you put the world to rights and discuss every topic under the sun - ususally without even mentioning the game you've come to see - are precious. As are the half time chats and full time post mortems - when you do occasionally talk about what you've just watched. I've made so many good friends over the years, thanks to Chonburi FC and, for me, the social aspect of going to the ground to see your friends is one of the biggest parts of being a football fan. Altogether now, "I'll be there for you...".
Window #12
12th December
Knowing that most of the players are keen, honest lads who enjoy playing football
Sure, there are some Big Time Charlie wannabes and a few of the foreign players I've seen over the years have pretty high opinions of themselves (My mate Ian always used to say "If they were as good as they think they are, they wouldn't be playing here."), but the vast majority of those who ply their trade in the local leagues are good honest lads who clearly enjoy the game. There have been plenty of examples at Chonburi - I won't name names - of footballers who weren't necessarily gifted, but had a passion for the sport and always tried their best. As a fan, I don't think you could ask any more than that. A large percentage were (are) decent human beings off the field too. And, as long as these guys outnumber the other kind, I'm happy to keep following Thai football.
Window #11
11th December
Knowing you'll be warm and dry (mostly!) in the stands
OK, there are times when - usually as an away fan - you're exposed to the elements as a tropical storm rages and you wish you were anywhere else. However, for the most part, you know that a trip to watch football in Thailand will be a pleasant experience because you will be warm and dry. T-shirts, shorts and flip flops are most certainly all you'll need to wear as you bask in the heat, enjoy a few cold drinks and watch the action. Believe me, this is a wonderful feeling, especially as I grew up on the terraces at Boundary Park, which is universally considered to be the coldest ground in the UK. Additionally, it is comforting to know that after visiting a TPL (other leagues are available) stadium you won't come away fearing that your fingers, toes, ears, nose or any other body part will drop off due to frostbite. I never want to hear anyone complaining that it's "too hot"!
Window #10
10th December
Being able to take a non football fan to a match knowing they'll enjoy it
Over the years it's been my pleasure to introduce many people to the joys of Thai football. And a fair number of these weren't fans of the game. However, every single one of them has enjoyed it. Most went along with very little idea of what to expect - and some were even apprehensive - but after a couple of hours at the ground, they came away feeling elated. It is fair to say that the action on the pitch often came quite low down in what contributed to their enjoyment, with the atmosphere and friendliness of the fans being the main attraction. Still, it's always satisfying when you can give people memories that they will cherish for a lifetime, even if they can't remember the result or who was playing.
Window #9
9th December
The rare opportunity to rant and rave in public
It is the perceived wisdom that losing your cool in Thailand, or showing any emotion in public, is bad form. No matter how frustrated you are or how badly you feel you have been treated, it is advisable to remain calm and keep smiling - jai yen, yen. And, as a foreigner, you are under even more pressure to maintain decorum and not upset your hosts. Thank heaven then for football. Those of us who regularly attend know we have a release valve, at least once a week. For ninety minutes we are allowed (within reason!) to shout and scream and question authority. It is very liberating and I'd heartily recommend it. Even if you're not a football fan, the opportunity to get rid of all that pent up anger should be grabbed by both hands. You'll feel so much better for it.
Window #8
8th December
The banter on social media
Social media can be a cruel and heartless place. Somewhere anynonymous bullies can make people's lives a misery. I've never really understood what pleasure someone can get from being mean to others in this way. It takes a "special" kind of person to be like that. Thankfully, those of us who post about Thai football - certainly on Twitter - are above such nonsense. Sure, there have been one or two notable exceptions over the years, but I don't want to dwell on them. Instead, I'd like to focus on the grown up way we have all been able to disagree and even trade friendly insults without it ever overstepping the mark or becoming personal. I've made lots of really good friends through internet discussions and, although we don't see eye to eye on everything - Buriram Utd's owner, for example - these are the kind of folks I enjoy sharing time with in the "real world" too - I've even bought some of them a beer or two! Long may it continue.
Window #7
7th December
The accessability of players, coaches and club staff
During the course of my time running independent websites and blogs, I've been lucky enough to interview hundreds of people connected to Thai football. Players, coaches, fans, backroom staff, Thailand national team bosses, TV presenters, journalists and even club chairmen have all happily given their time to answer my questions - and, in some cases, entertain me in their homes or places of work. I've always felt extremely lucky to have these opportunities and it never fails to impress me just how amenable and cooperative everyone has been. It's hard to imagine that I'd have the same access to Pep Guardiola, Gareth Southgate or Daniel Levy, and for that, I am eternally grateful. So, I'd like to take a moment to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has made themselves available to be put on the spot by me. It is much appreciated.
Window #6
6th December
The atmosphere inside the ground
Even though the atmosphere inside Chonburi Stadium is largely sedate these days, there have been times when the place was rocking - most notably for the AFC Cup ties and League Cup matches against our friends from the north east. However, it has never come close to the mania we used to see at the old Municipal Stadium, or on away days when the travelling Sharks support made up 90% of the total crowd. Those occasions rank as some of my favourite experiences watching football. It was always a riot of colour - without ever threatening to break into an actual riot - and the firecrackers and flares, which were going off throughout the 90 minutes, certainly kept you on your toes. Even Peter Reid commented on the fervour of our fans when I spoke with him before a game against Bangkok University, in 2008. Oh, how I miss it!
Window #5
5th December
The atmosphere outside the ground
Most top flight clubs will have some kind of entertainment outside their grounds on match days. From simple stalls and children's games to dancing girls and live bands. The traditionalist in me is naturally against this type of thing - and I do know some grumpy old men who don't like it! - but in a Thai context, it really works and adds something to the occasion. It's always nice to get there a couple of hours before kick and just chill in the sunshine whilst watching all the activity going on around you, especially if you're also enjoying a few cold drinks! Sadly, it seems to have dropped off at Chonburi in recent years, and I do miss it. hopefully, we'll see it return soon, along with an upturn in fortune for the team.
Window #4
4th December
The food and drink
As someone who grew up on a match day menu of Bovril, pies and Wagon Wheels, the variety of food available outside Thai grounds is an absolute joy. There's usually a vast choice of things on sticks, things in bags, things in polystyrene boxes and things in packets. Most of it spicy and flavoursome, and always cheap. My own personal favourites include pad ga prao (with a fried egg), and squid, but I will occasionally branch out to something more adventurous (like those twirly potatoes you get at Navy). Of course, no pre match meal is complete without a few nice cold cans or bottles of Chang. These can often be bought from the same vendors or from the pop up off licences set up by enterprising away fans. Thai food - and beer - there's nothing quite like it!
Window #3
3rd December
The opportunity to go to places you wouldn't normally visit
Nakorn Pathom? Where's that?
Samut Songkhram? Why on earth would you want to go there?
Ratchaburi? Never heard of it...
I love Thailand and I've really enjoyed travelling around this great country over the past 25 years. However, there are quite a few places I probably wouldn't have visited if it hadn't been for football. Following Chonburi has given me plenty of excuses to go to some far flung, out of the way destinations which rarely feature in the guide books. And it's always been more enjoyable when I've been able to extend my trips by including an overnight stay - or even longer, in some cases. In addition, my knowledge of the kingdom's geography is now second to none. Where's Nakorn Pathom? If you really want to know, just ask. I can even point you in the direction of a couple of football grounds too. It's not just temples and beaches, you know.
Window #2
2nd December
 |
| 28th January, 2006: Chonburi v Port Authority of Thailand |
Cheap Ticket Prices
When I first started going to Chonburi it was free to get in. The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), who ran the Pro League, weren't allowed to charge admission. Therefore, when we made the big time, in 2006, I was appalled at being asked to hand over THB30 to watch our first TPL fixture. Greedy League rip off! And even though the prices have crept up over the years (especially for away fans) the average cost of watching a top flight match is still around THB200, which is an absolute bargain, and less than half of what I've been paying to watch Kendal Town (English 8th tier) recently. The last season ticket I bought - for 2019 - cost THB1,500, which is about GBP37!
Window #1
1st December
 |
| 24th June, 2012: Buriram Utd 3-4 Chonburi |
The quality of football
It's not always great - in fact there are times when it's downright awful - and there are lots of irritating aspects - huddles, fannying about, injury feigning etc etc - but there's nothing like being in the ground to witness a thrilling game between two sides who are fully committed. I can honestly say that some of the Chonburi matches I've attended over the past 19 seasons have been as entertaining and enjoyable as any I've ever seen in more than 50 years watching football. The passion, drama and skill level is equal to anything you'd get in the English leagues, and you can't ask for much more than that. Oh, and it's even better when you win.
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