Khao Plong Stadium, Chainat, 29th July, 2018.
Friday, 3 January 2020
Thursday, 2 January 2020
Interview With Stuart Kelly: 2011
Well travelled Scottish midfielder, Stuart Kelly, announced his retirement from football yesterday. Here's an interview I did with him in November, 2011, when he was playing for Khon Kaen in the TPL.
Q - Please can you tell us a bit about your background.
A - I was born in Glasgow, Scotland. I chose to sign with Glasgow Rangers and played there between the ages of ten and twenty. Rangers had the best squad and players in Britain back then so saying no to Blackburn Rovers, Manchester United and French club Strasbourg, who were all interested in me, was easy. At Rangers I won reserve and youth league cups and lots of international tournaments. I also played for Scotland U15s and all the way up to the U20s and played at the 1999 European Championships.
After failed moves to L.A Galaxy and St Mirren and with the financial ruin of football in Scotland in 2001, I moved to New Zealand. Between 2003 and 2011, I played for Canterbury United, Otago FC (coached by ex Chelsea and Ireland player Terry Phelan) and then Auckland City FC. The New Zealand league now suffers from lack of TV money but Auckland FC perform at the FIFA World Club Cup bringing money into the league.
I had a period in Melbourne, Australia in 2008 and 2009, playing for ex Rangers and Scotland player Stuart Munroe at Oakleigh Cannons and South Melbourne FC. However, a freak leg break at training sent me back to New Zealand.
Before I came to Thailand, Auckland qualified for the FIFA World Club Cup 2011 in Japan. I was meant to go back for it but the season had been extended so I missed out. I was gutted as I had played in all the games to win the Oceania Champions League.
In 2009 a move to the Israeli Premier League fell through as I was on my way there and I rejected terms at a Divsion 1 club which were offered to me as an alternative. In 2010 an Icelandic Premier league team asked me to sign but when I got there, the club fell to pieces and the contract disappeared so I’ve had a fair share of bad luck but I always keep going.
Q - Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
A - My family and my dad especially, who took me to and from all the training sessions over the years; Archie Knox who signed me at Rangers. Great guy! My coaches. Stuart Munroe, who helped me lots in Melbourne, Danny Halligan for taking me to New Zealand and Terry Phelan.The Auckland coaches because the philosiphy and the approcah to the playing style at Auckland was great. Nick Gorman for getting me to Thailand
Q - How did you come to sign for Khon Kaen?
A - I went home for a visit after the Iceland incident for a few weeks and was going round my contacts. I had arranged to go back to Auckland FC but my friend who plays for MK Dons asked if I fancied Thailand. His coach John Gorman (ex England National Team Coach) said his son (Nick Gorman) lived and worked in Khon Kaen. After 8 months of e mails, I signed the 2 year deal and came after the Oceania Champions League final.
Q - What did you know about Khon Kaen FC before you joined?
A - I followed their promotion from Divison 1. I knew they were a small club with family values and a very passionate fan base who are proud of their team.
Q - How did your friends and family react when you told them you were coming to play in Thailand?
A - I wanted a new challenge and here was a two year contract so I grabbed it. My family in Scotland are used to me being away, it’s seven years now, but my partner lives in New Zealand and it meant further time apart from her, which I am grateful for her understanding.
Q - What did you know about Thai football before you came to play in the TPL?
A - I had seen ACL games involving Thai and Australian teams.
Q - What have been your impressions of the TPL?
A - Thai football has great fans that are passionate and good TV and media coverage; all good ingredients for a good league. The Thai players are naturally blessed with good fitness and touch. However, I feel that the coaching can have more detail. Also improved youth coaching for 15-19 year old Thai players will give them better game understanding and prepare local players for overseas and national teams. A population of 65 million people with the natural talent of the Thais should produce more quality players.
Q - Which teams have impressed you the most and why?
A - The set ups of the Big Four, Muang Thong, Chonburi, Bangkok Glass and Buriram PEA are great but the fact all clubs have great fans bases impresses me more. Playing wise, I think everyone is beatable. Going back to the topic of coaching, apart from Buriram PEA, not many clubs have had a winning consistent playing style.
Q - Which players have impressed you the most and why?
A - The Muang Thong captain (ex Chonburi player Nattaporn Phanrit) is a good defensive midfielder and knows his role in the team.
Steve Robb at Thai Port. When he gets the opportunity to play, he shows the level that he has played at in the past.
Strange things seem to happen in Thailand with teams’ better players not always playing in games. Sometimes the football decisions make no sense.
Q - What has been the personal highlight of your season so far?
A - To be honest, my only full ninety minutes, which came against Muang Thong!
Q - And the low point?
A - Consistently not playing. I am not used to that at all.
Q - Can Khon Kaen avoid the drop this season?
A – It’s going to be tight but the last 6-8 games we have been more consistent and organized and have played well at home. We are obviously favourites being at the bottom for so long but until it is mathematically not possible, we will be positive and fight to survive!
Q - Who do you think will go down?
A - I think it can be any of five to seven teams at this stage. The next five, six weeks there are lots of games for all the clubs so anything can happen with a few bad or good results. After the next five games the league table will tell a clearer story of who is safe. It’s exciting for the fans because the top of the table is more or less decided.
Q - What are your opinions on Chonburi FC?
A - They are a very experienced team with a big support.
In our first meeting this season they exploited us very well and could have won by more than 6-1. We are more organised now so hopefully we can get the 3 points!
Q - Who are your best friends in football?
A - I have moved around so much that they are spread everywhere, so Facebook is great for me. There are guys I grew up with in Scotland and played with at Rangers plus all my New Zealand friends and, of course, my new Thai friends. I have football related friends in most parts of the world and that’s the great thing about travelling and playing. Not to mention free holiday accommodation!!
Q - What are your personal ambitions for the future?
A – To play every game like at my past clubs and be part of a successful team. I want to show the Thai League and Thai fans that I can play. If I don’t get the chance, then maybe a move back to Europe. I have agreed with Dr Kasom the Khon Kaen FC president, that I can go on loan or move club and I have agents speaking to clubs now. If nothing comes of it, I will honour my contract to April 2013 at Khon Kaen.
Q - Is there any country you'd particularly like to play in?
A - Japan in 2 weeks time at the FIFA World Club cup! Other than that, Africa then I will have played on all the continents. I like Thiailand for now but would like to play in the USA and Middle East or the Mediterranean countries in Europe towards the end of my career. Also I want to experience the cultures and meet new people in these parts of the world.
Q - Who's the most famous person you've ever swapped shirts with after a match?
A- I have played with Paul Gascoigne, van Bronkhurst, Laudrup and lots of other famous players like Cassius and Joe Cole so I have lots of jerseys.
Q - What are your hobbies away from football?
A - I am a UEFA qualified coach and have coached for big clubs and the Scottish FA. Three years ago I created my own coaching company so I am kept busy designing the website and marketing franchises around the world to football friends. Getting totally away from football, I enjoy a game of golf and generally switching off from the game. I enjoy travelling to new countries and learning about the cultures. This has developed into a hobby for me now.
Q - What is your favourite movie, book and band?
A – I have seen so many movies so I can’t possibly choose.
I enjoy football autobiographies, like George Best’s and Paul Gascoigne’s. Having played with Gazza the book was interesting and a true reflection on the great man!
As for bands, I’m sorry but there aren’t any Thai bands. I can’t understand the words yet! I’m into Oasis and Hip Hop and generally any good Dance music. I did see U2 and Bon Jovi in concert, they were great! I would like to see The Killers and Bruce Springsteen live.
Q - What do you miss most about Scotland?
A - I have 3 brothers and a sister who all have families so being the uncle the kids never see is not good. I miss seeing them grow up. Same with old friends. Apart from that I don’t miss much. A footballer has to travel and I enjoy hot weather and playing in new places while I can. Having been apart from my partner, who lives in New Zealand, for over a year is also hard on both of us.
Q - What has been the funniest thing that has happened to you during your time in Thailand?
A – There have been a few crazy football ones but you can’t print them here! Apart from that, when I arrived Nick Gorman told me to get to near BEC Tero’s home ground as I would meet the team in two days and get a hotel there. I got a taxi and had this 32kg suit case. As I wasn’t aware that the Bangkok streets are no good for suitcase wheels, I was struggling. To make things worse, there was a torrential downpour and I went into the nearest hotel, I think it was Sabay Sabay. There I got conned into the top presidential room, costing me a fortune!
Q - Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A - Thanks to everyone who has made me welcome in Thailand and to the Khon Kaen FC fans who despite my lack of playing time, have always been great to me in the stadium and around town. Also, thanks for the interview, Dale, and allowing me to give your readers an insight into my playing career.
Coke Stadium Bang Phra - Photos: 2020
Photos of the former Coke Stadium in Bang Phra, taken on 1st January, 2020.
How Can We Get Better? by Steve Darby: 2009
In October, 2009, Steve Darby - who was then the Thailand national team assistant coach - shared his thoughts on how to improve the local league. Here's what he had to say:
HOW CAN WE GET BETTER?
by Steve Darby
The Thai Premier League has been a magnificent success this year with booming crowds and increased media coverage. People all over Asia are talking about the league. Facts that possibly only Vietnam football can equal. However, the sign of quality management of any organisation is that they are always looking to improve the product. How can this be done?
I am often asked these questions and as I have not got the phone numbers of Roman Abramovich or a few Saudi billionaires I can suggest purely on a personal basis things that would make the game better for both players and fans.
The pitch is the most underrated factor in Thai football development. If you ever get a chance to go to an EPL game try to get as close to the pitch as possible (You won't get on it) and that is my argument. The pitches are sacred and are only used once every two weeks. No training on them and not even reserve or youth games. Hence the pitches are like snooker tables. When the pitch is like this, then players can play one touch football which is the aim of all great teams.
On a practical level preparation for our Jordan game in Amman, Thailand trained on the Aspire Academy pitches in Doha. The training sessions were some of the best football the Thais had played. Due to an excellent flat surface. The surfaces of TPL clubs are not good enough. It's often only caring about the pitch or actually having a grounds man who knows his job then the pitch could be far better. It can be done, and everybody in the game will benfit.
Liverpol were not happy with the national stadium, so that puts it in perspective. At a lower level the better the pitches the better the technique of young players will be. The technique of Thai footballers is world class; they just can't always show it on hard bumpy pitches.
The behavior of players and coaches is also a key point. There is an epidemic of time wasting by players with fake injuries and the pressure on the opposition to kick a ball out of play for "Fair Play". The reality is that this is not going to happen in international football. Indra Shadan of Singapore and Le Cong Vinh of Vietnam will not stop scoring because a Thai defender has cramp! I would encourage all players to play on and only stop if the Referee decides the injury is genuine. Some of the acting is pathetic and as a fan I would be sick of seeing the stretcher bearers on every few minutes.
On the subject of referees I cannot believe the public abuse that is allowed to be given to the referees by coaches and officials, I would have been bankrupt and suspended if I had said these things when I was coaching in Singapore or Malaysia. Also it should be set in concrete, players and officials should never be allowed to touch a referee. Any physical contact should be a red card.
And in conclusion the "walk off" is a phenomenon that I have only seen in Thailand. The answer is simple, if a team walks off, the game stops and the opposition is awarded the game 3-0. It would soon stop. Referees will mistakes, but so do Coaches and players. Accept that this is part of the game. use official channels to complain if something is justified. If a Thai team does this in an AFC game then there will be a massive punishment. I have watched genuine sincere players not wanting to come off but being forced to by Officials. There is no place for the walk off.
Finally I believe that clubs must look at their foreign player recruitment policy. If a clubs foreigners are better than Thais, bringing in crowds, are good professional role models, then you have recruited well and got "value for money". But if your foreigners are on the bench then what is the point of having them? Also as a national coach it is frustrating to see a young Thai, usually a striker, on the bench when a bigger foreigner is chosen who may not have the skill of the Thai. How can we develop Thai strikers if they don't play?
Maybe a 3+1 rule with the +1 being an Asian player would be a start to the problem. But if your club is having a high turnover of foreigners inside the season then you have to look at the selection process.
There are so many great things happening in Thai Football and it must be a great time to be a young player and also an exciting time if you are a fan. The atmosphere at 99% of TPL games is wonderful with a great family atmosphere. These are only my opinions I could be wrong! But that is the beauty of the game. We never get it all right and we never will all agree on everything. But as long as we strive to improve and develop the game then healthy informed discussion is vital to the game. The game is like a jigsaw, players, fans, media and officials. We all need each other to make a great product.
by Steve Darby
The Thai Premier League has been a magnificent success this year with booming crowds and increased media coverage. People all over Asia are talking about the league. Facts that possibly only Vietnam football can equal. However, the sign of quality management of any organisation is that they are always looking to improve the product. How can this be done?
I am often asked these questions and as I have not got the phone numbers of Roman Abramovich or a few Saudi billionaires I can suggest purely on a personal basis things that would make the game better for both players and fans.
The pitch is the most underrated factor in Thai football development. If you ever get a chance to go to an EPL game try to get as close to the pitch as possible (You won't get on it) and that is my argument. The pitches are sacred and are only used once every two weeks. No training on them and not even reserve or youth games. Hence the pitches are like snooker tables. When the pitch is like this, then players can play one touch football which is the aim of all great teams.
On a practical level preparation for our Jordan game in Amman, Thailand trained on the Aspire Academy pitches in Doha. The training sessions were some of the best football the Thais had played. Due to an excellent flat surface. The surfaces of TPL clubs are not good enough. It's often only caring about the pitch or actually having a grounds man who knows his job then the pitch could be far better. It can be done, and everybody in the game will benfit.
Liverpol were not happy with the national stadium, so that puts it in perspective. At a lower level the better the pitches the better the technique of young players will be. The technique of Thai footballers is world class; they just can't always show it on hard bumpy pitches.
The behavior of players and coaches is also a key point. There is an epidemic of time wasting by players with fake injuries and the pressure on the opposition to kick a ball out of play for "Fair Play". The reality is that this is not going to happen in international football. Indra Shadan of Singapore and Le Cong Vinh of Vietnam will not stop scoring because a Thai defender has cramp! I would encourage all players to play on and only stop if the Referee decides the injury is genuine. Some of the acting is pathetic and as a fan I would be sick of seeing the stretcher bearers on every few minutes.
On the subject of referees I cannot believe the public abuse that is allowed to be given to the referees by coaches and officials, I would have been bankrupt and suspended if I had said these things when I was coaching in Singapore or Malaysia. Also it should be set in concrete, players and officials should never be allowed to touch a referee. Any physical contact should be a red card.
And in conclusion the "walk off" is a phenomenon that I have only seen in Thailand. The answer is simple, if a team walks off, the game stops and the opposition is awarded the game 3-0. It would soon stop. Referees will mistakes, but so do Coaches and players. Accept that this is part of the game. use official channels to complain if something is justified. If a Thai team does this in an AFC game then there will be a massive punishment. I have watched genuine sincere players not wanting to come off but being forced to by Officials. There is no place for the walk off.
Finally I believe that clubs must look at their foreign player recruitment policy. If a clubs foreigners are better than Thais, bringing in crowds, are good professional role models, then you have recruited well and got "value for money". But if your foreigners are on the bench then what is the point of having them? Also as a national coach it is frustrating to see a young Thai, usually a striker, on the bench when a bigger foreigner is chosen who may not have the skill of the Thai. How can we develop Thai strikers if they don't play?
Maybe a 3+1 rule with the +1 being an Asian player would be a start to the problem. But if your club is having a high turnover of foreigners inside the season then you have to look at the selection process.
There are so many great things happening in Thai Football and it must be a great time to be a young player and also an exciting time if you are a fan. The atmosphere at 99% of TPL games is wonderful with a great family atmosphere. These are only my opinions I could be wrong! But that is the beauty of the game. We never get it all right and we never will all agree on everything. But as long as we strive to improve and develop the game then healthy informed discussion is vital to the game. The game is like a jigsaw, players, fans, media and officials. We all need each other to make a great product.
Wednesday, 1 January 2020
Interview With Alan Gibson: 2012
In early 2012, Chonburi announced a link up with Japanese club, Vissel Kobe. Shortly afterwards, I interviewed JLeague Soccer magazine editor, Alan Gibson to get his thoughts on the deal...and much more.
Q - Please can you introduce yourself.
A - My name is Alan Gibson. I was born in Birmingham, England, 50 years ago! I now live in Japan and have been here for close to 23 years.
Q - Why did you originally move to Japan?
A - I came to Japan in November 1988, after spending about six years traveling as a DJ, working for major hotels around the world. I did, in fact, spend seven months in 1983 at the Oriental Hotel, Bangkok and have also worked at other hotels in Bangkok, as well as Koh Samui, Phuket and Hua Hin! I still go to Thailand at least once a year, often more.
Q - Which teams do you support?
A - Long story... I believe in hometown support, and grew up watching both Aston Villa and Birmingham City! On finally settling in Kobe, the closest team (before the J.League began) was Matsushita Denki - who became Gamba Osaka in 1991. Vissel Kobe were formed in 1995, and that's when I added another hometown team to my list. But, having been in the business of Japanese football journalism for many years, one really should try to not support a team! It's hard sometimes, but I try to remain neutral these days!
Q - How long have you been involved with JSoccer magazine?
A - I started the magazine in Spring 2011, and our first issue came out in Simmer last year. Issue 4 is out June 15th, this week as I write. Our 1st Anniversary.
Q - Why did you start the magazine and website?
A - I started the web site in the mid-90s as a way to spread the word of Japanese football overseas, in English, but also as a way to show my non-Japanese friends living in Japan that the J.League was worth watching. It's always been a non-profit (in fact, loss-making) venture, of course, and the magazine even more so. So far! I am hoping that, with sponsors, advertisers and increasing sales that I can get to breaking even in another year or so... but it's definitely a labour of love right now!
Q - How long does it take to put an edition of the magazine together?
A - Thankfully it's not weekly because it really does seem to take weeks to get it all sorted once the articles are in and, of course, that takes weeks also, so the quarterly issues right now are just right for me!
Q - How do you recruit contributors?
A - I have been inundated with offers of people wanting to share my passion, spread the word on their various web sites, or just enthuse about a particular player or team and I sift through the offers and make some decisions on what to put in the magazine. Twitter is the medium that matters when it comes to finding someone to do that particular something!
Q - Which has been your favourite article?
A - That's a tough one. I did enjoy interviewing Takashi Usami for Issue 1, and getting out of him the fact that it was pretty much accepted that he was going to Bayern Munich, even though nothing had been confirmed even weeks after my interview. The magazine came out, with the interview just as it was widely announced so I was happy to get a "scoop" even though it was just timing, really. How can a quarterly magazine get a scoop!! Otherwise, it's the chance to publish some pictures that I have taken over 20 years that I am enjoying. Issue 3 had some exclusive pictures of Japan in Malaysia in 1997 the day before they won through the the 1998 World Cup. Nakata, Nanami, Lopes, Jo and more - never before seen photos, unless you'd been to my home and seen them on the walls!
Q - Which of your articles has called the most controversy and why?
A - I wouldn't say there's been any controversy yet, although I have some ideas in mind that might put the cat among the pigeons eventually. I really would like to see Japanese TV improve their coverage and analyse, even replay, some controversial calls in the games - instead of glossing them over - and it is an actual request from the J.League to TV directors to not highlight wrong decisions by referees, which I feel needs changing! not to upset referees, but for all to learn from mistakes. Please, let7s not go as far as UK newspapers who persecute the officials, but let's look at the mistakes, and the good decisions, highlight them, discuss them, learn from them.
Q - Please can you tell us what you know about Vissel Kobe?
A - I have followed Vissel Kobe since their formation and the English pages of their web site are mine - basic, but better than nothing! I hope we can add more features eventually, if I have the time, that is! They have been a perennial almost team, rarely challenging for an honour but often showing promise that is snuffed out for various reasons. This season the squad shows great potential and the appointment of the vastly experienced Akira Nishino as manager shows the ambition of owner Hiroshi Mikitani. I believe that Nishino can put together a new, young team around some of this squad and challenge for honours in 2013 2014....
Q - How is the club perceived by the press?
A - I don't believe that the foreign press have Vissel even on their radar, while the Japanese press often gloss them over - mentioning their results as a single line after others have taken the glory. Having said that, Vissel have done nothing, yet, to warrant any big press, but they do tend to get stuck between the Osaka clubs and Sanfrecce Hiroshima whenever the TV or press deign to have a "west Japan Round-Up".
Q - How has the link up with Chonburi been received and reported by the press?
A - There was little in the local press or magazines except for us Kobe-based journalists who have tried to out the story out. Of course, Vissel have sent out press releases, too, but they tend to get overlooked if an Urawa Reds player gets a broken finger, or a Marinos player is seen on the town with a member of AKB48! OK, I exaggerate, but Vissel Kobe are definitely not front page news unless there is absolutely nothing else to report!
Q - What do you know about Thai football?
A - I played a lot in the 80s and watched a few games. I was also there, if I remember correctly when both Newcastle and Liverpool visited way back when. Pictures of Kevin Keegan on the sides of buildings is something you don't forget! I saw Piyapong play and I also got to play in local leagues myself in the 80s.
Q - Have you ever watched football in Thailand?
A - Whenever I get the chance to spend some time in Bangkok I always go along to the National Stadium and watch whoever is playing. It is university teams, but any football is good for me!
Q - What are your experiences of football in Thailand?
A - My best footballing memory is a personal one. I used to play almost every night in Lumphini Park around 5.30 pm until darkness and there were always about 40 players hanging around and rotating. I had no idea who was on which team whenever I got on the field as there were no fixed colours or anything like that. I managed to convince them to go shirts v. skins (no shirts) whenever I was there, so I knew who was on my team. I left after my initial contract was up at Oriental Hotel. The next year I returned to work at another hotel and I went to the park as soon as I could. I was overwhelmed to see them playing shirts v. skins a year after I had left! That made me feel like I had influenced the Thai game in my own small way!!
Q - How is Thai football - league & national team - perceived by the average Japanese fans and journalists?
A - I don't think the average Japanese fan OR journalist knows anything about Thai football and hope that this agreement with Vissel Kobe changes that. I'd like to see a Thai player given a chance in J.League, so perhaps a loan period at Vissel is the way to start. I know that there are plenty of Japanese players in Thailand and I am hoping, also, that some younger Vissel players, who are not yet getting regular football can play at Chonburi and benefit both teams, and the players!
Q - Do you think more Japanese fans will show an interest in Thai football as a result of this link up?
A -I believe so, especially if a player that is known makes the move the Thailand, or a Thai player can get some time in Japan. I was pleasantly surprised when a friend of mine from Gamba Osaka went to play in Thailand. Now Masao Kiba has returned to Japan, but I see him often and he talks fondly of his time there, and now has his own company that plans to find the next players to play in J.League from the likes of Thailand and Vietnam.
Q - What do you know about Chonburi FC?
A - Since I found out about the agreement I have tried to keep in touch and have made them my Thai team to follow.... it's good to see them challenging for honours and I hope (more) success will come.
Q - How do you think the link up will benefit both clubs?
A - Exchange of ideas, Vissel players getting the chance to play in Thailand - helping the club and the players - coaching exchanges, and, hopefully a Chonburi player making it to Vissel Kobe soon. I look forward to a game between the two teams - maybe I'll be asked to referee it!
Q - Do you think more clubs will forge similar relationships if this link up is successful?
A - I think clubs are looking for this kind of thing all the time. Albirex Niigata have their Singapore offshoot, for example and, even in Europe, the bigger clubs forge partnerships with smaller clubs and it benefits all in the end.
Q - Do you have any plans to cover the Vissel Kobe/Chonburi story in your magazine?
A - Of course, a full page was dedicated to the story in issue 4, with some nice pictures. I resisted the urge to put my own picture in there, even though I had a nice chat with the president and other staff of Chonburi and got photos holding the shirts, greeting the president, etc. Issue 4 also has welcome pictures of new Vissel coach Akira Nishino for the fans.
Q - How much cooperation did you get from the clubs over the article?
A - Vissel invited me to the press conference of course, and allowed me to meet the president and other staff of Chonburi. They were amazed at my Thai language ability (as was I!)... and I was accomodated with pictures from the Bangkok press conference by the club and look forward to dong another article on them soon.
Q - What would be your "fantasy" link up between a Japanese club and a foreign club?
A - Interesting question...
Q - Do you have any current plans to travel to Thailand to watch any matches?
A - I hope to be in Bangkok in July or August for a short time and would make the trip to Chonburi then, I have also already bought the tickets for a December trip to Bangkok and Koh Samui, and will be checking in advance to see what games I might be able to see!
Q - Whenever there's a refereeing controversy in Thailand, the TPL threaten to bring in Japanese officials to oversee matches. Just how good are Japanese refs and do you think they'd relish the challenge of officiating TPL matches?
A - I actually feel that Japanese referees are better overseas, where they do not have the pressure of "Japanese" expectation on their shoulders. The culture of Japan, in all walks of life, does not allow flexibility, or encourage personal decision-making (but more a group/company decision, for example) so split second decision making in front of 1000s is a big change for an average Japanese. I have seen Japanese referee in World Cups and they seem much more relaxed, so i think Thailand would be a walk in the sunshine for them!
Q - What do you think the average Japanese fan would think to know that their refs are highly coveted by the Thai authorities?
A - To be totally honest, I do not think - party because of the fact I hinted at earlier, that refereeing decisions are never talked about - good or bad - that the average Japanese fan has any real opinion on the referees here, believe it or not, but they would be proud of their "own" to know that they are coveted by others.
A - My name is Alan Gibson. I was born in Birmingham, England, 50 years ago! I now live in Japan and have been here for close to 23 years.
Q - Why did you originally move to Japan?
A - I came to Japan in November 1988, after spending about six years traveling as a DJ, working for major hotels around the world. I did, in fact, spend seven months in 1983 at the Oriental Hotel, Bangkok and have also worked at other hotels in Bangkok, as well as Koh Samui, Phuket and Hua Hin! I still go to Thailand at least once a year, often more.
Q - Which teams do you support?
A - Long story... I believe in hometown support, and grew up watching both Aston Villa and Birmingham City! On finally settling in Kobe, the closest team (before the J.League began) was Matsushita Denki - who became Gamba Osaka in 1991. Vissel Kobe were formed in 1995, and that's when I added another hometown team to my list. But, having been in the business of Japanese football journalism for many years, one really should try to not support a team! It's hard sometimes, but I try to remain neutral these days!
Q - How long have you been involved with JSoccer magazine?
A - I started the magazine in Spring 2011, and our first issue came out in Simmer last year. Issue 4 is out June 15th, this week as I write. Our 1st Anniversary.
Q - Why did you start the magazine and website?
A - I started the web site in the mid-90s as a way to spread the word of Japanese football overseas, in English, but also as a way to show my non-Japanese friends living in Japan that the J.League was worth watching. It's always been a non-profit (in fact, loss-making) venture, of course, and the magazine even more so. So far! I am hoping that, with sponsors, advertisers and increasing sales that I can get to breaking even in another year or so... but it's definitely a labour of love right now!
Q - How long does it take to put an edition of the magazine together?
A - Thankfully it's not weekly because it really does seem to take weeks to get it all sorted once the articles are in and, of course, that takes weeks also, so the quarterly issues right now are just right for me!
Q - How do you recruit contributors?
A - I have been inundated with offers of people wanting to share my passion, spread the word on their various web sites, or just enthuse about a particular player or team and I sift through the offers and make some decisions on what to put in the magazine. Twitter is the medium that matters when it comes to finding someone to do that particular something!
Q - Which has been your favourite article?
A - That's a tough one. I did enjoy interviewing Takashi Usami for Issue 1, and getting out of him the fact that it was pretty much accepted that he was going to Bayern Munich, even though nothing had been confirmed even weeks after my interview. The magazine came out, with the interview just as it was widely announced so I was happy to get a "scoop" even though it was just timing, really. How can a quarterly magazine get a scoop!! Otherwise, it's the chance to publish some pictures that I have taken over 20 years that I am enjoying. Issue 3 had some exclusive pictures of Japan in Malaysia in 1997 the day before they won through the the 1998 World Cup. Nakata, Nanami, Lopes, Jo and more - never before seen photos, unless you'd been to my home and seen them on the walls!
Q - Which of your articles has called the most controversy and why?
A - I wouldn't say there's been any controversy yet, although I have some ideas in mind that might put the cat among the pigeons eventually. I really would like to see Japanese TV improve their coverage and analyse, even replay, some controversial calls in the games - instead of glossing them over - and it is an actual request from the J.League to TV directors to not highlight wrong decisions by referees, which I feel needs changing! not to upset referees, but for all to learn from mistakes. Please, let7s not go as far as UK newspapers who persecute the officials, but let's look at the mistakes, and the good decisions, highlight them, discuss them, learn from them.
Q - Please can you tell us what you know about Vissel Kobe?
A - I have followed Vissel Kobe since their formation and the English pages of their web site are mine - basic, but better than nothing! I hope we can add more features eventually, if I have the time, that is! They have been a perennial almost team, rarely challenging for an honour but often showing promise that is snuffed out for various reasons. This season the squad shows great potential and the appointment of the vastly experienced Akira Nishino as manager shows the ambition of owner Hiroshi Mikitani. I believe that Nishino can put together a new, young team around some of this squad and challenge for honours in 2013 2014....
Q - How is the club perceived by the press?
A - I don't believe that the foreign press have Vissel even on their radar, while the Japanese press often gloss them over - mentioning their results as a single line after others have taken the glory. Having said that, Vissel have done nothing, yet, to warrant any big press, but they do tend to get stuck between the Osaka clubs and Sanfrecce Hiroshima whenever the TV or press deign to have a "west Japan Round-Up".
Q - How has the link up with Chonburi been received and reported by the press?
A - There was little in the local press or magazines except for us Kobe-based journalists who have tried to out the story out. Of course, Vissel have sent out press releases, too, but they tend to get overlooked if an Urawa Reds player gets a broken finger, or a Marinos player is seen on the town with a member of AKB48! OK, I exaggerate, but Vissel Kobe are definitely not front page news unless there is absolutely nothing else to report!
Q - What do you know about Thai football?
A - I played a lot in the 80s and watched a few games. I was also there, if I remember correctly when both Newcastle and Liverpool visited way back when. Pictures of Kevin Keegan on the sides of buildings is something you don't forget! I saw Piyapong play and I also got to play in local leagues myself in the 80s.
Q - Have you ever watched football in Thailand?
A - Whenever I get the chance to spend some time in Bangkok I always go along to the National Stadium and watch whoever is playing. It is university teams, but any football is good for me!
Q - What are your experiences of football in Thailand?
A - My best footballing memory is a personal one. I used to play almost every night in Lumphini Park around 5.30 pm until darkness and there were always about 40 players hanging around and rotating. I had no idea who was on which team whenever I got on the field as there were no fixed colours or anything like that. I managed to convince them to go shirts v. skins (no shirts) whenever I was there, so I knew who was on my team. I left after my initial contract was up at Oriental Hotel. The next year I returned to work at another hotel and I went to the park as soon as I could. I was overwhelmed to see them playing shirts v. skins a year after I had left! That made me feel like I had influenced the Thai game in my own small way!!
Q - How is Thai football - league & national team - perceived by the average Japanese fans and journalists?
A - I don't think the average Japanese fan OR journalist knows anything about Thai football and hope that this agreement with Vissel Kobe changes that. I'd like to see a Thai player given a chance in J.League, so perhaps a loan period at Vissel is the way to start. I know that there are plenty of Japanese players in Thailand and I am hoping, also, that some younger Vissel players, who are not yet getting regular football can play at Chonburi and benefit both teams, and the players!
Q - Do you think more Japanese fans will show an interest in Thai football as a result of this link up?
A -I believe so, especially if a player that is known makes the move the Thailand, or a Thai player can get some time in Japan. I was pleasantly surprised when a friend of mine from Gamba Osaka went to play in Thailand. Now Masao Kiba has returned to Japan, but I see him often and he talks fondly of his time there, and now has his own company that plans to find the next players to play in J.League from the likes of Thailand and Vietnam.
Q - What do you know about Chonburi FC?
A - Since I found out about the agreement I have tried to keep in touch and have made them my Thai team to follow.... it's good to see them challenging for honours and I hope (more) success will come.
Q - How do you think the link up will benefit both clubs?
A - Exchange of ideas, Vissel players getting the chance to play in Thailand - helping the club and the players - coaching exchanges, and, hopefully a Chonburi player making it to Vissel Kobe soon. I look forward to a game between the two teams - maybe I'll be asked to referee it!
Q - Do you think more clubs will forge similar relationships if this link up is successful?
A - I think clubs are looking for this kind of thing all the time. Albirex Niigata have their Singapore offshoot, for example and, even in Europe, the bigger clubs forge partnerships with smaller clubs and it benefits all in the end.
Q - Do you have any plans to cover the Vissel Kobe/Chonburi story in your magazine?
A - Of course, a full page was dedicated to the story in issue 4, with some nice pictures. I resisted the urge to put my own picture in there, even though I had a nice chat with the president and other staff of Chonburi and got photos holding the shirts, greeting the president, etc. Issue 4 also has welcome pictures of new Vissel coach Akira Nishino for the fans.
Q - How much cooperation did you get from the clubs over the article?
A - Vissel invited me to the press conference of course, and allowed me to meet the president and other staff of Chonburi. They were amazed at my Thai language ability (as was I!)... and I was accomodated with pictures from the Bangkok press conference by the club and look forward to dong another article on them soon.
Q - What would be your "fantasy" link up between a Japanese club and a foreign club?
A - Interesting question...
Q - Do you have any current plans to travel to Thailand to watch any matches?
A - I hope to be in Bangkok in July or August for a short time and would make the trip to Chonburi then, I have also already bought the tickets for a December trip to Bangkok and Koh Samui, and will be checking in advance to see what games I might be able to see!
Q - Whenever there's a refereeing controversy in Thailand, the TPL threaten to bring in Japanese officials to oversee matches. Just how good are Japanese refs and do you think they'd relish the challenge of officiating TPL matches?
A - I actually feel that Japanese referees are better overseas, where they do not have the pressure of "Japanese" expectation on their shoulders. The culture of Japan, in all walks of life, does not allow flexibility, or encourage personal decision-making (but more a group/company decision, for example) so split second decision making in front of 1000s is a big change for an average Japanese. I have seen Japanese referee in World Cups and they seem much more relaxed, so i think Thailand would be a walk in the sunshine for them!
Q - What do you think the average Japanese fan would think to know that their refs are highly coveted by the Thai authorities?
A - To be totally honest, I do not think - party because of the fact I hinted at earlier, that refereeing decisions are never talked about - good or bad - that the average Japanese fan has any real opinion on the referees here, believe it or not, but they would be proud of their "own" to know that they are coveted by others.
Chonburi FC At The Movies: 2013
Fifteen films with a Chonburi connection, from August, 2013.
1. The Wild Juan
2. Sarawut’s Up Doc?
3. Fever Pichitham
4. Chaiman on a Ledge
5. Kick Assumpcao
6. Chonlatitty Chitty Bang Bang
7. Surawiches of Eastwick
8. Top Hathairattanakool
9. The Diakite Runner
10. Suttinun’s on the Run
11. Querodrophenia
12. Irfan Can Wait
13. Empire of the Sunthornphit
14. Jason and the Thiagonauts
15. Carry On-Mo
1. The Wild Juan
2. Sarawut’s Up Doc?
3. Fever Pichitham
4. Chaiman on a Ledge
5. Kick Assumpcao
6. Chonlatitty Chitty Bang Bang
7. Surawiches of Eastwick
8. Top Hathairattanakool
9. The Diakite Runner
10. Suttinun’s on the Run
11. Querodrophenia
12. Irfan Can Wait
13. Empire of the Sunthornphit
14. Jason and the Thiagonauts
15. Carry On-Mo
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