Wednesday, 28 October 2009
MTU 1 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (Vietnam) 1 (MTU lose on penalties)
MTU lost their opening game in the Red Bull Phuket Kata Group Cup Tournament, but Procurer is treating it as a friendly tournament (which it is) and is testing out potential new signings.
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Muangthong United Fans Code
Thanks to Harrow School, we now have a professional translation of the MTU Fans Code of Conduct.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Congratulations....
to Thai Port FC who have just won the FA Cup, much to the delight of their English fan base.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Reflections on Thai football 2009 - part 3 - the challenges for Muangthong United
Parts three of three. Part one is here. Part two is here.
Next season will see more teams challenging for the title. Thai Port have already announced they will invest fifty million baht into the club. Bangkok Glass will no doubt be looking to invest in a title challenge, other newcomers such as Bangkok United will learn from their mistakes last season and - perhaps most crucially - the Chonburi fans, players and management will be looking for revenge. Indeed, I've sensed the seeds of a rivalry with the Sharks. I sincerely hope it is always settled by the quality of football.
The Thunderdome Stadium and its pitch have so far held up well to the unprecedented pressure in terms of attendances and human traffic that have arrived, but I do hope the club use the close season wisely to look for improvements. The sound system clearly needs work and the pitch looked very worrying at the final match of the season. However the most important thing for me is that the club make plans for crowd disbursement at the of the games. The East Stand is especially worrying at full time because hundreds of impatient motorcyclists compete with hundreds of equally impatient pedestrian fans for road space in a poorly lit area with unfinished construction going on nearby. If nothing is done about this, I'm worried that someone will get seriously hurt. I'd like to see all construction work finished, lights erected in the area and motorcyclists diverted to one of the many car-parks nearby. The five minute walk will be good for them.
I have faith that the club can tackle all these issues. So far, the management have identified and responded to issues as quickly and efficiently as possible. Communications with the fans seems frequent, receptive and caring. Robert Procurer seems like a focused and confident manager with a clear idea of what he wants on and off the pitch. Financial challenges from other clubs should not be a match for MTU, either. For example, I understand that ongoing negotiations for sponsorship of just one end of the Thunderdome stadium will match Thai Port's overall total of fifty million baht investment into their club.
Rajpracha also have plans. Rumours at another stadium move have been denied and the club plan to fence off the Nonthaburi ground to allow them to charge an entrance fee next season. More replica shirts will be sold and with an efficient management team in place, hopefully the club will be able to build on its well respected name to attract more fans and more success. I still want to be able to attend a TPL match between Muangthong and Rajpracha.
With so much to think about for fans and clubs alike, it's sure to be another amazing season next year. Perhaps the only thing we can be sure of is that there will be a whole lot of talking points to deal with. I'm sure the the English speaking fans will do their best to cover them.
Next season will see more teams challenging for the title. Thai Port have already announced they will invest fifty million baht into the club. Bangkok Glass will no doubt be looking to invest in a title challenge, other newcomers such as Bangkok United will learn from their mistakes last season and - perhaps most crucially - the Chonburi fans, players and management will be looking for revenge. Indeed, I've sensed the seeds of a rivalry with the Sharks. I sincerely hope it is always settled by the quality of football.
The Thunderdome Stadium and its pitch have so far held up well to the unprecedented pressure in terms of attendances and human traffic that have arrived, but I do hope the club use the close season wisely to look for improvements. The sound system clearly needs work and the pitch looked very worrying at the final match of the season. However the most important thing for me is that the club make plans for crowd disbursement at the of the games. The East Stand is especially worrying at full time because hundreds of impatient motorcyclists compete with hundreds of equally impatient pedestrian fans for road space in a poorly lit area with unfinished construction going on nearby. If nothing is done about this, I'm worried that someone will get seriously hurt. I'd like to see all construction work finished, lights erected in the area and motorcyclists diverted to one of the many car-parks nearby. The five minute walk will be good for them.
I have faith that the club can tackle all these issues. So far, the management have identified and responded to issues as quickly and efficiently as possible. Communications with the fans seems frequent, receptive and caring. Robert Procurer seems like a focused and confident manager with a clear idea of what he wants on and off the pitch. Financial challenges from other clubs should not be a match for MTU, either. For example, I understand that ongoing negotiations for sponsorship of just one end of the Thunderdome stadium will match Thai Port's overall total of fifty million baht investment into their club.
Rajpracha also have plans. Rumours at another stadium move have been denied and the club plan to fence off the Nonthaburi ground to allow them to charge an entrance fee next season. More replica shirts will be sold and with an efficient management team in place, hopefully the club will be able to build on its well respected name to attract more fans and more success. I still want to be able to attend a TPL match between Muangthong and Rajpracha.
With so much to think about for fans and clubs alike, it's sure to be another amazing season next year. Perhaps the only thing we can be sure of is that there will be a whole lot of talking points to deal with. I'm sure the the English speaking fans will do their best to cover them.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Reflections on Thai football 2009 - part 2 - the challenges ahead
Part two of three. Part one is here.
One of those challenges is safety. As I left the Thunderdome yesterday I realised that my disappointment at the season's finish was tinged with a little relief. The excitement at high crowds and high stakes of the last few weeks also had a nervous edge to it. Authorities had to deal with numbers and situations they had no experience and probably no training for, and several events made me worry.....
My shock at the MTU fans who let off fireworks aimed at the pitch while the game was still being played elicited very little reaction from security. The sight of the Samut Songkhram coaches throwing bottles at MTU fans after the former group had ran on to the pitch to intimidate officials was a highly tense showdown. This week at Rajpracha, the game finished in the dark because Samut Prakan players had - not for the first time - walked off. During an away game at TTM Sakorn, Muangthong fans had to stand in the aisles because more fans had been allowed in than the number of seats in the stand.
In countries with well respected football leagues, many of these situations would have resulted in serious consequences for the fans or clubs involved. This is because they could very easily lead to violence or a serious accident. If Thai football wants to develop further, the clubs must all work together to set and meet safety standards, study and apply methods of crown control and apply a code of conduct that involves set punishments for certain offences and an independent tribunal panel to deal with such events.
Another challenge is the amount of money flowing into the game. With the game set to attract more interest and exposure, big money sponsors are being joined in their interest by the likes of Newin Chidchob. While the extra income for the league can be a massive aid to its development, it also brings concerns, especially in Thailand. Aside form the cruelty of clubs like TOT simply 'uping and moving sticks' and depriving fans of their team, you have the worry that referees or players may be 'got at' or, even worse, all out match fixing may occur. This is a particular concern in certain countries because many people feel that even when watchdogs or "independent" bodies are set up to prevent these events, they are often the people benefiting from them.
We also have the moral concern that as clubs and sponsors naturally look to recoup their investments, the fans will be the ones to pay. Part of Thai football's magic right now is that prices are so low (50 baht for a ticket, 400-700 baht for a shirt) that working class fans can go to the games with their families. I do hope that price increases are not so huge that these people are priced out of the game. I understand that Muangthong will be charging 80 baht per game next season, that seems a good compromise.
Finally, the rules of the games themselves need to stabilise. As part of its evolution, the Thai league system has seen a large amount of chopping and changing. Teams have been bought and sold (Pattaya United simply purchased their TPL place), the number of teams per league have been changed frequently and, worse still, rules of promotion and relegation are changed at little notice. What the leagues need now is stability with regards to structure and rules. Rumours that the TPL will be extended to twenty teams are not good. The league and clubs are clearly not ready for a league that big and income for certain parties can be the only factor in favour of such an idea.
That said, a little more maturity in team names would help. With so many teams calling themselves 'United' it would be nice to see a few more names such as 'Wanderers', 'Athletic', 'Rovers', 'City', 'Town', 'Province', 'Rangers', etc. perhaps mixed in with some uniquely Thai names to add some balance. A final disbursement with anachronistic names like 'Army' and 'Police' would also improve respectability for the league and probably attract more support for the clubs in question, too.
Those are the challenges that lay in wait for all fans across the nation. From a purely Muangthong United perspective, the task ahead is clearer.
One of those challenges is safety. As I left the Thunderdome yesterday I realised that my disappointment at the season's finish was tinged with a little relief. The excitement at high crowds and high stakes of the last few weeks also had a nervous edge to it. Authorities had to deal with numbers and situations they had no experience and probably no training for, and several events made me worry.....
My shock at the MTU fans who let off fireworks aimed at the pitch while the game was still being played elicited very little reaction from security. The sight of the Samut Songkhram coaches throwing bottles at MTU fans after the former group had ran on to the pitch to intimidate officials was a highly tense showdown. This week at Rajpracha, the game finished in the dark because Samut Prakan players had - not for the first time - walked off. During an away game at TTM Sakorn, Muangthong fans had to stand in the aisles because more fans had been allowed in than the number of seats in the stand.
In countries with well respected football leagues, many of these situations would have resulted in serious consequences for the fans or clubs involved. This is because they could very easily lead to violence or a serious accident. If Thai football wants to develop further, the clubs must all work together to set and meet safety standards, study and apply methods of crown control and apply a code of conduct that involves set punishments for certain offences and an independent tribunal panel to deal with such events.
Another challenge is the amount of money flowing into the game. With the game set to attract more interest and exposure, big money sponsors are being joined in their interest by the likes of Newin Chidchob. While the extra income for the league can be a massive aid to its development, it also brings concerns, especially in Thailand. Aside form the cruelty of clubs like TOT simply 'uping and moving sticks' and depriving fans of their team, you have the worry that referees or players may be 'got at' or, even worse, all out match fixing may occur. This is a particular concern in certain countries because many people feel that even when watchdogs or "independent" bodies are set up to prevent these events, they are often the people benefiting from them.
We also have the moral concern that as clubs and sponsors naturally look to recoup their investments, the fans will be the ones to pay. Part of Thai football's magic right now is that prices are so low (50 baht for a ticket, 400-700 baht for a shirt) that working class fans can go to the games with their families. I do hope that price increases are not so huge that these people are priced out of the game. I understand that Muangthong will be charging 80 baht per game next season, that seems a good compromise.
Finally, the rules of the games themselves need to stabilise. As part of its evolution, the Thai league system has seen a large amount of chopping and changing. Teams have been bought and sold (Pattaya United simply purchased their TPL place), the number of teams per league have been changed frequently and, worse still, rules of promotion and relegation are changed at little notice. What the leagues need now is stability with regards to structure and rules. Rumours that the TPL will be extended to twenty teams are not good. The league and clubs are clearly not ready for a league that big and income for certain parties can be the only factor in favour of such an idea.
That said, a little more maturity in team names would help. With so many teams calling themselves 'United' it would be nice to see a few more names such as 'Wanderers', 'Athletic', 'Rovers', 'City', 'Town', 'Province', 'Rangers', etc. perhaps mixed in with some uniquely Thai names to add some balance. A final disbursement with anachronistic names like 'Army' and 'Police' would also improve respectability for the league and probably attract more support for the clubs in question, too.
Those are the challenges that lay in wait for all fans across the nation. From a purely Muangthong United perspective, the task ahead is clearer.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Reflections on Thai football 2009 - Part 1
It probably seems strange to call someone a football veteran after just six games, but that's how I feel right now. You see, Thai football is a bit like Thailand itself - fast changing, exciting, intriguing, infuriating and downright incredible, often all in one go. With so much going on, I've experienced almost as many memorable moments in those seven games as I have in my twenty five years of supporting Southampton FC up and down England, from Old Trafford to Lincoln, Newcastle to Bournemouth.
I discovered Thai football after seeing an advertisement for Bangkok United in the 'Bangkok Post'. To see a team with a real name and real kit made me realise something had happened to Thai footie. A little on-line research revealed Muangthong United as my local team in Nonthaburi and I decided to chat with a few fans online then attend the next game. Later I would find out that in fact Rajpracha Nonthaburi FC were even closer to my home, and I pledged to follow them, too.
My experience was probably not unique as I entered the football fray during an explosion in popularity of Thai football. Before then, I thought of the Thai leagues as Sunday league standard affairs with no supporters, no merchandise, no team badges, no local affiliations and no marketing. With team names like 'Stock Exchange of Thailand FC' and 'Bangkok Bank FC' how could this country - with so many passionate football fanatics living here - expect to attract fans?
It seems someone finally realised that and set about changing things.The man with the vision set about encouraging clubs to become real clubs with proper strips, replica shirts, nicknames, websites, mascots. badges and, most importantly, local names. All the things that draw people to feel an affection and identify with a club came into existence. No doubt the Thai FA spent a long time and a lot of money on consultants for that project. I - and any other English football fan outside Portsmouth - could have given them all the advice they needed for the price of a meat pie.
The results were immediate and attendances rocketed. Fans of Muangthong United, Bangkok Glass, Navy Rayong and all the rest flocked to their home stadiums in replica shirts, transforming the venues into seas of colour and waves of noise. My own experience began with a Muangthong home game against Bangkok Glass. What I remember most about this event is the passion and noise of the fans and just how damn friendly they were. I quickly learned that supporters of opposing teams often cheer each other and the players, and mix freely outside the ground without trouble. On the pitch the football is fast and flowing, though tempered with frequent stoppages, theatrical dives, regular 'walk offs' or mass scuffles and a mass of squandered chances. It gets scrappy on a regular basis but there are few goalless draws and the errors often add to the excitement.
It was fantastic to mix in with a Thai crowd that truly didn't care who or what you were as long as you came to cheer. So many fans seemed to be young people only now learning that no matter how great the likes of Beckham, Owen and Ronaldo look on TV, nothing compares to the buzz of going to a live football game. By now I had seen enough to know that I would attend more games. For the next two months I followed Muangthong United to the TPL Championship whilst making many new friends on the way.
So now, as the season closes, I can finally take stock. As I look back to the first article I wrote about Thai football, I think my first assessment of pros and cons was pretty accurate. Thai football is set to witness some further massive growth in the future and there will doubtless be a whole lot more classic moments and excitement to come, but there will also be a large number of challenges to overcome.
I discovered Thai football after seeing an advertisement for Bangkok United in the 'Bangkok Post'. To see a team with a real name and real kit made me realise something had happened to Thai footie. A little on-line research revealed Muangthong United as my local team in Nonthaburi and I decided to chat with a few fans online then attend the next game. Later I would find out that in fact Rajpracha Nonthaburi FC were even closer to my home, and I pledged to follow them, too.
My experience was probably not unique as I entered the football fray during an explosion in popularity of Thai football. Before then, I thought of the Thai leagues as Sunday league standard affairs with no supporters, no merchandise, no team badges, no local affiliations and no marketing. With team names like 'Stock Exchange of Thailand FC' and 'Bangkok Bank FC' how could this country - with so many passionate football fanatics living here - expect to attract fans?
It seems someone finally realised that and set about changing things.The man with the vision set about encouraging clubs to become real clubs with proper strips, replica shirts, nicknames, websites, mascots. badges and, most importantly, local names. All the things that draw people to feel an affection and identify with a club came into existence. No doubt the Thai FA spent a long time and a lot of money on consultants for that project. I - and any other English football fan outside Portsmouth - could have given them all the advice they needed for the price of a meat pie.
The results were immediate and attendances rocketed. Fans of Muangthong United, Bangkok Glass, Navy Rayong and all the rest flocked to their home stadiums in replica shirts, transforming the venues into seas of colour and waves of noise. My own experience began with a Muangthong home game against Bangkok Glass. What I remember most about this event is the passion and noise of the fans and just how damn friendly they were. I quickly learned that supporters of opposing teams often cheer each other and the players, and mix freely outside the ground without trouble. On the pitch the football is fast and flowing, though tempered with frequent stoppages, theatrical dives, regular 'walk offs' or mass scuffles and a mass of squandered chances. It gets scrappy on a regular basis but there are few goalless draws and the errors often add to the excitement.
It was fantastic to mix in with a Thai crowd that truly didn't care who or what you were as long as you came to cheer. So many fans seemed to be young people only now learning that no matter how great the likes of Beckham, Owen and Ronaldo look on TV, nothing compares to the buzz of going to a live football game. By now I had seen enough to know that I would attend more games. For the next two months I followed Muangthong United to the TPL Championship whilst making many new friends on the way.
So now, as the season closes, I can finally take stock. As I look back to the first article I wrote about Thai football, I think my first assessment of pros and cons was pretty accurate. Thai football is set to witness some further massive growth in the future and there will doubtless be a whole lot more classic moments and excitement to come, but there will also be a large number of challenges to overcome.
Monday, 19 October 2009
MTU 2 BEC Tero 0 - Report
With a team that's already won the league and a team that has a cup final next week, perhaps it was too easy to guess the winner. Still, this was a tight game in more ways than one.
As usual, I arrive way too early (I have to go to each home game straight from work) and wasted time walking around the stadium. I usually bump into more than one person I know but not today. There's a strange mixture of people around the area. It seems the Thunderdome itself has some kind of modelling show going on and the Queen Sirikit Exhibition Centre has some display that involves a lot of middle aged farangs and their families, many of whom are gawking in surprise at the football crowds.
But my focus is on the football and since I couldn't get into the West Stand with the noisy 'Ultras' (the cub would only sell 500 tickets for that stand on each day) I'm back in the East Stand with the quiet people, the families and good old 'Monkey Boy', which is my nickname for the tall man with glasses who tries to be a clown, but his only joke is to dress like a moron and stand up and yell nonsense. There's nothing wrong with this crowd (apart from Monkey Boy) but they seem a little insipid for my liking. Next season I'll be busting my backside to get a season ticket with the Ultras or failing that, at the new South Stand. It reminds me of the old Archers Road End at The Dell (of Southampton Football Club)
The first thing to jump out and smack me between the eyes is the state of the pitch. At the last game I saw (against Samut Songkhram) the pitch seemed fine. When I picked up my tickets last Thursday, the pitch seemed fine. Today, it looks like a herd of buffalo have been chased across it by a pride of Lions whilst a herd of pigs staged a banquet in the centre circle. Everywhere I look I see holes, divots and lumps.
The new South and North stands seem about sixty percent full while BEC Tero have, disappointingly, probably the lowest away support I have seen. While they've bought some impressive banners, they don't make a lot of noise.
As kick-off draws closer, we get to witness the ups and downs of Thai football. Brian Robson and Steve Derby arrive, walk past us and shake hands with fans. A brass band seem to be playing lightweight tunes that would seem more suited to a dingy jazz bar than a football game and later the regular singer comes on to perform his usual tune at the exact time the speakers decide to pack in.....then work again....then pack in....then work again...etc.
Kick off comes and both teams work hard to play quality football despite the conditions. MTU seem to be playing a flexible 4-4-2 with Piyachat and Pakasit pushing up as often as defending, Hattaporn playing unusually far up, Diako pushing up from the centre as often as he can and Leesaw playing loose on the right wing. It could actually described as 2 - 5 - 3 at times and though it's exciting to watch, I fear a good team in the ACL could hammer us for doing it.
As usual, golden chances come and go begging until midway in the first half when Teerasil takes a simple but effective 'turn and shoot' opportunity. By now the Ultras are in full swing and notably, the new South Stand are trying to keep up with them. If the demand for tickets with the Ultras is a high as I expect next year, the South Stand might be worth a bash.
The second half descends into a comedy of errors as both sides create chances that seem easier to score than miss. BEC hit the woodwork twice and "beat the offside trap" (i.e. the two centre back get caught ball watching again) several times but Kawin and the back line recover well enough to make amends. Mika, Wisarut, and Anusorn replace Leesaw, Sylla and Teerasil (I think) in three separate substitutions. Mika is steady, Anusorn looks lightweight but probably just needs more time but Wisarut looks class again. Indeed, he proves it in the eighty second minute with a nicely taken finish.
Credit to BEC as they continue their efforts but by now it is obvious the ref could announce seven hours stoppage time and they just wouldn't score. The whistle goes and the celebrations start. Robert and the two Guineans are gifted giant flags of their respective nations, Robert lifts the trophy and indicates to the fans that it is their trophy. The TFA 'phu yais' make an appearance and some others join the squad on the pitch, including some of my fellow farang fans who look like they've enjoyed a few beverages and are relishing the moment.
And so the roller coaster ride is over, bar a couple more games for Rajpracha. Such is the nature of Thai football and MTU that I've already got a lot to think about during the close season, and there's sure to be plenty to blog about.
Thank you Muangthong United for making me so welcome, playing good football and already gifting us some great memories.
Man of the match - Kawin was excellent, Wisarut looked class when he came on but didn't play long enough, I have to give it to Dango, who looked dangerous going forward, and covered back whenever he could, For a man his size, he can shimmy and turn his opponents very well.
The award:
Pictures from Siam Sport:
As usual, I arrive way too early (I have to go to each home game straight from work) and wasted time walking around the stadium. I usually bump into more than one person I know but not today. There's a strange mixture of people around the area. It seems the Thunderdome itself has some kind of modelling show going on and the Queen Sirikit Exhibition Centre has some display that involves a lot of middle aged farangs and their families, many of whom are gawking in surprise at the football crowds.
But my focus is on the football and since I couldn't get into the West Stand with the noisy 'Ultras' (the cub would only sell 500 tickets for that stand on each day) I'm back in the East Stand with the quiet people, the families and good old 'Monkey Boy', which is my nickname for the tall man with glasses who tries to be a clown, but his only joke is to dress like a moron and stand up and yell nonsense. There's nothing wrong with this crowd (apart from Monkey Boy) but they seem a little insipid for my liking. Next season I'll be busting my backside to get a season ticket with the Ultras or failing that, at the new South Stand. It reminds me of the old Archers Road End at The Dell (of Southampton Football Club)
The first thing to jump out and smack me between the eyes is the state of the pitch. At the last game I saw (against Samut Songkhram) the pitch seemed fine. When I picked up my tickets last Thursday, the pitch seemed fine. Today, it looks like a herd of buffalo have been chased across it by a pride of Lions whilst a herd of pigs staged a banquet in the centre circle. Everywhere I look I see holes, divots and lumps.
The new South and North stands seem about sixty percent full while BEC Tero have, disappointingly, probably the lowest away support I have seen. While they've bought some impressive banners, they don't make a lot of noise.
As kick-off draws closer, we get to witness the ups and downs of Thai football. Brian Robson and Steve Derby arrive, walk past us and shake hands with fans. A brass band seem to be playing lightweight tunes that would seem more suited to a dingy jazz bar than a football game and later the regular singer comes on to perform his usual tune at the exact time the speakers decide to pack in.....then work again....then pack in....then work again...etc.
Kick off comes and both teams work hard to play quality football despite the conditions. MTU seem to be playing a flexible 4-4-2 with Piyachat and Pakasit pushing up as often as defending, Hattaporn playing unusually far up, Diako pushing up from the centre as often as he can and Leesaw playing loose on the right wing. It could actually described as 2 - 5 - 3 at times and though it's exciting to watch, I fear a good team in the ACL could hammer us for doing it.
As usual, golden chances come and go begging until midway in the first half when Teerasil takes a simple but effective 'turn and shoot' opportunity. By now the Ultras are in full swing and notably, the new South Stand are trying to keep up with them. If the demand for tickets with the Ultras is a high as I expect next year, the South Stand might be worth a bash.
The second half descends into a comedy of errors as both sides create chances that seem easier to score than miss. BEC hit the woodwork twice and "beat the offside trap" (i.e. the two centre back get caught ball watching again) several times but Kawin and the back line recover well enough to make amends. Mika, Wisarut, and Anusorn replace Leesaw, Sylla and Teerasil (I think) in three separate substitutions. Mika is steady, Anusorn looks lightweight but probably just needs more time but Wisarut looks class again. Indeed, he proves it in the eighty second minute with a nicely taken finish.
Credit to BEC as they continue their efforts but by now it is obvious the ref could announce seven hours stoppage time and they just wouldn't score. The whistle goes and the celebrations start. Robert and the two Guineans are gifted giant flags of their respective nations, Robert lifts the trophy and indicates to the fans that it is their trophy. The TFA 'phu yais' make an appearance and some others join the squad on the pitch, including some of my fellow farang fans who look like they've enjoyed a few beverages and are relishing the moment.
And so the roller coaster ride is over, bar a couple more games for Rajpracha. Such is the nature of Thai football and MTU that I've already got a lot to think about during the close season, and there's sure to be plenty to blog about.
Thank you Muangthong United for making me so welcome, playing good football and already gifting us some great memories.
Man of the match - Kawin was excellent, Wisarut looked class when he came on but didn't play long enough, I have to give it to Dango, who looked dangerous going forward, and covered back whenever he could, For a man his size, he can shimmy and turn his opponents very well.
The award:
Pictures from Siam Sport:
The fireworks
Dango (my man of the match) gets stuck in
Sunday, 18 October 2009
MTU 2 BEC Tero 0
In a game in which at least six players missed when it looked easier to score.
Details to follow.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Muangthong United Vs BEC Tero
Back from holiday (and I can heartily recommend Baan Laksasubha to anyone who wants a fantastic holiday in Hua Hin - great beach, great food, great service) and now focused on our next opponents....
The final game of the season pits TPL champions Muangthong United against FA cup finalists BEC Tero, the 'Arsenal of Thailand'.
BEC have an agreement with the north London giants that allows them to use an identical kit and other benefits. Strangely, or perhaps as a negative side effect of this deal, BEC do not have their own replica shirts for sale, which must hurt their fanbase and marketing potential. BEC have always been a major player on the Thai football scene and this season has, by their standards, been somewhat disappointing. The FA Cup final is their last chance to snatch some glory and fans must wonder if either team will be going all out for this match.
The final game of the season pits TPL champions Muangthong United against FA cup finalists BEC Tero, the 'Arsenal of Thailand'.
BEC have an agreement with the north London giants that allows them to use an identical kit and other benefits. Strangely, or perhaps as a negative side effect of this deal, BEC do not have their own replica shirts for sale, which must hurt their fanbase and marketing potential. BEC have always been a major player on the Thai football scene and this season has, by their standards, been somewhat disappointing. The FA Cup final is their last chance to snatch some glory and fans must wonder if either team will be going all out for this match.
The Thai Port Fan Blog recently ran a feature on the fake Arsenal.
What to watch: MTU have already won the league title, BEC have a cup final to look forward to. Will there be complacency from the home side or distraction for the away side?
Who to watch: Anon Sangsanoi is the top scorer in the whole league, possibly because his surname is similar to the mighty Marek Sagonowski who plays for Southampton. Yaya Touree will be looking to match him in the goalscoring stakes, but it's likely Nattaporn will be charged with keeping Anon quiet.
I call: Muangthong seem unable to lose at home this season. I say 1 - 0.
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Saturday, 10 October 2009
My letter
BP didn't publish my letter so I shall post it anywhere and everywhere I can:
****************
Sir,
Tor Chittinan's article in yesterday's 'Post concerning the security at Muangthong United's Thunderdome Stadium was grossly unfair.
Firstly the writer stated: "Many free tickets were reportedly given out". Where did he get this information? Tickets were given away for games earlier in the season when crowds were far, far lower but not for the Chonburi game, to which he was referring. He also stated: 'tickets should have numbers'. In fact, tickets were strictly regulated and specific allocations were given for sales of each stand.
The 'large number of fans that invaded the pitch' as your writer puts it, were in fact a very, very small number and the police were not 'powerless' at all, they surrounded the small group and sent them back to the stand. As for the new stand, the structure was built hastily but I think perhaps Khun Tor should consult someone qualified to asses the risk, rather than make such sensationalist suggestions as "it could collapse" without merit.
Muangthong United worked very hard to ensure all fans at the match were welcome, happy and safe. Please can your writer conduct more thorough and observant research before producing such unfair criticism next time?
****************
Sir,
Tor Chittinan's article in yesterday's 'Post concerning the security at Muangthong United's Thunderdome Stadium was grossly unfair.
Firstly the writer stated: "Many free tickets were reportedly given out". Where did he get this information? Tickets were given away for games earlier in the season when crowds were far, far lower but not for the Chonburi game, to which he was referring. He also stated: 'tickets should have numbers'. In fact, tickets were strictly regulated and specific allocations were given for sales of each stand.
The 'large number of fans that invaded the pitch' as your writer puts it, were in fact a very, very small number and the police were not 'powerless' at all, they surrounded the small group and sent them back to the stand. As for the new stand, the structure was built hastily but I think perhaps Khun Tor should consult someone qualified to asses the risk, rather than make such sensationalist suggestions as "it could collapse" without merit.
Muangthong United worked very hard to ensure all fans at the match were welcome, happy and safe. Please can your writer conduct more thorough and observant research before producing such unfair criticism next time?
Friday, 9 October 2009
Lazy days
Too much free time today.
I'm still waiting to see if BP publish my rebuttal to the sloppy article by Tor Chittinan, and I wrote this at mtufc.net:
I'm still waiting to see if BP publish my rebuttal to the sloppy article by Tor Chittinan, and I wrote this at mtufc.net:
Either Kohn Kaen or Sisaket will be promoted to TPL.
I think it's good for Thai football to have every region in the TPL. I hope next year a team from the south, like Surat Thani, will be promoted. Then we can go south for the weekend and go to the beach
So, Isaan next year. How will we get there and who will go?
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Report and other business
EDIT: I've now actually linked to the rubbish article in question (see below)
TTM's Sports College Stadium is a small ground inside an actual college. Home fans quickly filled their own tiny allocation and many actually walked to the upper floors of the college itself, packing the place out and getting a free view. The numbers brought along by MTU were too many, and our stand actually had lots of people standing in the aisles, which would have incurred a huge fine if it had happened in Europe.
But this is Thailand, as evidenced by the fact that not one single joke was made towards the six foot transvestite standing in the front row, the smiles and welcomes between the two sets of fans and the round of applause - rather than a round of thrown beer cans - given to the home team's mascot. All far, far more friendly than back home.
We take a look around the team dressing rooms and the merchandise. With great respect to TTM and their friendly and loyal fans, the difference between them - and indeed most clubs - and MTU is incredible. TTM are a team renting a college, using a stadium with a capacity of about one thousand, and selling merchandise from a living room table. It's clear that a massive financial gulf is opening up.
I resisted the urge to buy a TTM shirt (I'm developing a bizarre fixation with Thai football shirts)and instead walked with fellow farang fan Matt as we went to chat with MTU manager Robert Procurer. Apparently the pitch at the Thunderdome actually shakes at certain times of day. Both Matt and Robert had noticed this and both had said nothing previously for fear of being sent to a mental institution.
The game gets underway and Matt and I both declare TTM's number fourteen to be the worst player in the league. Much to our delight he appears to be replacing their top scorer, who was nowhere to be seen. We go in at half time 1 - 0 up thanks to Pitchipong but TTM are still in the fight. Towards the end of the first and start of the second half, they create several very near misses. As happy as I am with MTU, they do scare me when defending touchline crosses and they also get caught ball watching when the defensive line are back-pedaling. If TTM had their top scorer on the pitch, we probably would have been punished.
Midway through the second half we get a penalty. I would like to see it again, but the decision looked harsh. The penalty is scored by Diaka and it's game over. TTM are forced to push up, and we in turn exploit the extra space. We really should have scored more but as the game ends and news comes in that Chonburi are having a tough time against Chula, the mood is good.
Outside the ground I panic as Matt has gone his own way and I can't find the supporters coach. Many thanks to Rong - an MTU fan who lives outside Nonthaburi and comes to every game by motorbike - who went out of his way to help me and in return only wanted to know if British fans are as friendly as Thai fans. Sadly, the answer is 'no' .
Match and fan photos can be seen here.
***************
Other business,
I've written a letter to the Bangkok Post pointing out what garbage this article is. If they don't print my letter (they don't seem to like me at the BP, either because of my Nation affiliation or because I once wrote a very controversial letter to them) then I'll copy it in here tomorrow.
TTM's Sports College Stadium is a small ground inside an actual college. Home fans quickly filled their own tiny allocation and many actually walked to the upper floors of the college itself, packing the place out and getting a free view. The numbers brought along by MTU were too many, and our stand actually had lots of people standing in the aisles, which would have incurred a huge fine if it had happened in Europe.
But this is Thailand, as evidenced by the fact that not one single joke was made towards the six foot transvestite standing in the front row, the smiles and welcomes between the two sets of fans and the round of applause - rather than a round of thrown beer cans - given to the home team's mascot. All far, far more friendly than back home.
We take a look around the team dressing rooms and the merchandise. With great respect to TTM and their friendly and loyal fans, the difference between them - and indeed most clubs - and MTU is incredible. TTM are a team renting a college, using a stadium with a capacity of about one thousand, and selling merchandise from a living room table. It's clear that a massive financial gulf is opening up.
I resisted the urge to buy a TTM shirt (I'm developing a bizarre fixation with Thai football shirts)and instead walked with fellow farang fan Matt as we went to chat with MTU manager Robert Procurer. Apparently the pitch at the Thunderdome actually shakes at certain times of day. Both Matt and Robert had noticed this and both had said nothing previously for fear of being sent to a mental institution.
The game gets underway and Matt and I both declare TTM's number fourteen to be the worst player in the league. Much to our delight he appears to be replacing their top scorer, who was nowhere to be seen. We go in at half time 1 - 0 up thanks to Pitchipong but TTM are still in the fight. Towards the end of the first and start of the second half, they create several very near misses. As happy as I am with MTU, they do scare me when defending touchline crosses and they also get caught ball watching when the defensive line are back-pedaling. If TTM had their top scorer on the pitch, we probably would have been punished.
Midway through the second half we get a penalty. I would like to see it again, but the decision looked harsh. The penalty is scored by Diaka and it's game over. TTM are forced to push up, and we in turn exploit the extra space. We really should have scored more but as the game ends and news comes in that Chonburi are having a tough time against Chula, the mood is good.
Outside the ground I panic as Matt has gone his own way and I can't find the supporters coach. Many thanks to Rong - an MTU fan who lives outside Nonthaburi and comes to every game by motorbike - who went out of his way to help me and in return only wanted to know if British fans are as friendly as Thai fans. Sadly, the answer is 'no' .
Match and fan photos can be seen here.
***************
Other business,
I've written a letter to the Bangkok Post pointing out what garbage this article is. If they don't print my letter (they don't seem to like me at the BP, either because of my Nation affiliation or because I once wrote a very controversial letter to them) then I'll copy it in here tomorrow.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
TTM Samut Sakhon Vs Muangthong United
TTM SS (Thai Tobacco Monopoly Samut Sakhon) must surely be Satan's favourite team. After all, they are supported by a business that produces vile poison and actually boasts of being a monopoly!
That such names can exist in football teams is a reminder that the Thai League is still very much a work in progress, but that also adds to the excitement. In any case, the fans of TTM are in fact a friendly bunch who do not live in hell, carry red pitchforks or slaughter small animals in sacrifice.
The team has had some success in the past and this year they have reached the semi-finals of the FA cup. They seem to switch grounds at an amazing rate and have tried three different grounds in the last twelve months. Perhaps this explains why their website features a map of the airport rather than the stadium.
Their joint top scorers are Paul Ekollo and Chatprapob Usaprom.
Who to watch: The aforementioned high-scorers for the home side. For MTU, it will be interesting to see how the players who had quiet games last Sunday such as Yaya and Hattaporn bounce back.
What to watch: A lot of psychology is going on. TTM must have the pressure of an FA cup semi final spot balanced with a home game against the top side, whilst MTU now must cope with the fact that they can no longer influence Chonburi, and must secure the league title themselves. The squad also looked tired in the second half on Sunday. Their fitness will be crucial for the run-in.
I call: Hmmmm...TTM are a good side and will be up for this one. My heart says 1 -2 to Muangthong. My head says 1 - 1.
Muangthong Vs Chonburi reflections
A few links to match reactions:
Jakarta Casual
Choburi Website
Thaileaguefootball Website (with reaction from Quilins manager Procurer)
l
Jakarta Casual
Choburi Website
Thaileaguefootball Website (with reaction from Quilins manager Procurer)
l
Monday, 5 October 2009
Muangthong United 1 Chonburi 1
Perhaps it was inevitable that a match so hyped didn't quite live up to its promise.
Build up outside the ground was little different to usual. One anomaly was the obvious presence of fans who didn't support either team but just wanted to come to the big game. The strong police and security presence and the massive Chonburi support also stood out but all those groups were friendly.
After the Royal anthem (also a first at the Thunderdome) was played, the game got off to a quick start as Chonburi scored inside five minutes. Jetsakorn scored for the sharks courtesy of some poor defending by Muangthong.
A game of end to end football slowly transformed into more pressure from Muangthong, who were rewarded when Teerasil scored a minute from half time.
At half time a bizarre incident occurred. A sudden roar went up from the Chonburi end and I'm sure I saw a bottle being thrown onto the pitch. Journalists, police, guards and others scrambled to that end, which incited both sets of supporters. The incident died down quickly yet, inexplicably, the second half kick off was delayed by twenty minutes.
The game fizzled out into a scrappy and slow affair as both sides seemed happy to accept the draw. I found this very disappointing.
With honors even, the Thai Premier League championship will be decided by the final three games of each side. I will be at the away game against TTM Samut Sakhorn to track Muangthong United in the run-in.
Pictures courtesy of and with with great thanks to เอ้~อู๊ดด่ะ ณ เมืองทอง at the mtufc.net forum
Build up outside the ground was little different to usual. One anomaly was the obvious presence of fans who didn't support either team but just wanted to come to the big game. The strong police and security presence and the massive Chonburi support also stood out but all those groups were friendly.
After the Royal anthem (also a first at the Thunderdome) was played, the game got off to a quick start as Chonburi scored inside five minutes. Jetsakorn scored for the sharks courtesy of some poor defending by Muangthong.
A game of end to end football slowly transformed into more pressure from Muangthong, who were rewarded when Teerasil scored a minute from half time.
At half time a bizarre incident occurred. A sudden roar went up from the Chonburi end and I'm sure I saw a bottle being thrown onto the pitch. Journalists, police, guards and others scrambled to that end, which incited both sets of supporters. The incident died down quickly yet, inexplicably, the second half kick off was delayed by twenty minutes.
The game fizzled out into a scrappy and slow affair as both sides seemed happy to accept the draw. I found this very disappointing.
With honors even, the Thai Premier League championship will be decided by the final three games of each side. I will be at the away game against TTM Samut Sakhorn to track Muangthong United in the run-in.
Pictures courtesy of and with with great thanks to เอ้~อู๊ดด่ะ ณ เมืองทอง at the mtufc.net forum
The sharks swarm in.........
And the qilins are equally excited....
The stadium was packed full of 16,000 people
Players warm up
Muangthong take a corner
At full time, players thank fans for their support.
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Result
Muangthong United 1 Chonburi 1
All went smoothly, minor incident delayed the start of the second half.
Full report when I have time.
All went smoothly, minor incident delayed the start of the second half.
Full report when I have time.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Rajpracha FC Vs Chang Rai United
I'm sad to report that Rajpracha Nonthaburi went down 1 -2 in their play off game against Chang Rai United.
The first half was dominated by Chang Rai, with the away side showing greater pace and frequently wrong-footing the Rajpracha back line. It was a surprisingly one sided game for at least the first half hour, and the blues seemed strangely lacking in confidence. One overhit cross by a Chang Rai winger had the home goalkeeper screaming at his defenders to collect it, yet they froze and the keeper had to come out of his box to cover it.
On twenty four minutes the inevitable happened as number twenty six scored for Chang Rai with a header from point blank range. That lead was nearly doubled on two occasions within the next ten minutes. One excellent stop from the home goalie and a miss by centimeters kept the score down.
Two minutes before half time however the lead was indeed doubled as one player I couldn't identify scored from a penalty box scramble.
The second half saw a lot more pressure from Rajpracha with greater use of width, more ground passing and more pressure from the wing backs, yet still the hosts showed little penetration. A disputed penalty, taken by number seven (I think) allowed them back into the game. but the goal only served to wake up Chang Rai. An innocuous scuffle between two players bought police, security and a surprisingly aggressive poodle onto the pitch for the obligatory Thai football ruckus. This was the final highlight though, as Chang Rai played down the clock to seal a vital away win, much to the delight of the 150 or so traveling fans, who made good noise throughout.
Personal reflections of my first lower league game:
I enjoyed the game and was impressed with the attendance, which I'd guess was around 300 - 400 with good colour and noise from both sets of fans. The standard of football was not far behind the TPL. What did shock me was the seemingly blasé attitude from Rajpracha players. At half time they were smiling, play-fighting and making remarkably little effort at their warm up exercises. (The one exception to this being the African striker who came on at half time). Now when my team is losing two-nil in a play off game, I expect them to be seriously ticked off, not laughing,joking and chatting. The Brazilian coach was nowhere in sight and I saw absolutely no interaction between players and coaching staff other than someone handing the players water bottles. I understand many Rajpracha players are university students who get scholarships from the club. I expect them to be motivated and hungry to play in division one, just one step away from the Premiership.
EDIT: Some real pictures now thanks to the credited people.
A rather pointless clip:
The first half was dominated by Chang Rai, with the away side showing greater pace and frequently wrong-footing the Rajpracha back line. It was a surprisingly one sided game for at least the first half hour, and the blues seemed strangely lacking in confidence. One overhit cross by a Chang Rai winger had the home goalkeeper screaming at his defenders to collect it, yet they froze and the keeper had to come out of his box to cover it.
On twenty four minutes the inevitable happened as number twenty six scored for Chang Rai with a header from point blank range. That lead was nearly doubled on two occasions within the next ten minutes. One excellent stop from the home goalie and a miss by centimeters kept the score down.
Two minutes before half time however the lead was indeed doubled as one player I couldn't identify scored from a penalty box scramble.
The second half saw a lot more pressure from Rajpracha with greater use of width, more ground passing and more pressure from the wing backs, yet still the hosts showed little penetration. A disputed penalty, taken by number seven (I think) allowed them back into the game. but the goal only served to wake up Chang Rai. An innocuous scuffle between two players bought police, security and a surprisingly aggressive poodle onto the pitch for the obligatory Thai football ruckus. This was the final highlight though, as Chang Rai played down the clock to seal a vital away win, much to the delight of the 150 or so traveling fans, who made good noise throughout.
Personal reflections of my first lower league game:
I enjoyed the game and was impressed with the attendance, which I'd guess was around 300 - 400 with good colour and noise from both sets of fans. The standard of football was not far behind the TPL. What did shock me was the seemingly blasé attitude from Rajpracha players. At half time they were smiling, play-fighting and making remarkably little effort at their warm up exercises. (The one exception to this being the African striker who came on at half time). Now when my team is losing two-nil in a play off game, I expect them to be seriously ticked off, not laughing,joking and chatting. The Brazilian coach was nowhere in sight and I saw absolutely no interaction between players and coaching staff other than someone handing the players water bottles. I understand many Rajpracha players are university students who get scholarships from the club. I expect them to be motivated and hungry to play in division one, just one step away from the Premiership.
EDIT: Some real pictures now thanks to the credited people.
Original photo credit:Thanks: ฝากรูปลง hi5 ฟรีเว็บไซต์ ขายเครื่องสำอาง
My credit: Job at football.rajpracha.com
My credit: Job at football.rajpracha.com
Original photo credit:Thanks: ฝากรูปลง hi5 ฟรีเว็บไซต์ ขายเครื่องสำอาง
My credit: Job at football.rajpracha.com
My credit: Job at football.rajpracha.com
Original photo credit:Thanks: ฝากรูปลง hi5 ฟรีเว็บไซต์ ขายเครื่องสำอาง
My credit: Job at football.rajpracha.com
My credit: Job at football.rajpracha.com
Original photo credit:Thanks: ฝากรูปลง hi5 ฟรีเว็บไซต์ ขายเครื่องสำอาง
My credit: Job at football.rajpracha.com
My credit: Job at football.rajpracha.com
A rather pointless clip:
Friday, 2 October 2009
Thursday, 1 October 2009
The big one
The quilins take on the sharks this Sunday in a crucial game.
At the Thunderdome, there is tension in the air. This could be the six pointer that decides who walks away with the Premier League title this season. With MT undefeated at home, and Chonburi trailing by just one point, the visitors will know that they must take the game to the home team to stand a real chance of getting the result they need. To do that, Chonburi will be looking for more of the fantastic and voluminous support they have received all season. But with demand for tickets sky-rocketing at the Thunderdome, the club are rushing to complete a new stand in time to accommodate the number of fans who wish to attend the match.
Football history has shown us that it's wrong to pinpoint such six pointers as the deciding factor in the title race, but with just three games remaining after this, the scope for further slip ups is quite narrow. Chonburi have no choice but to come out playing offensively, the Qilins' boss Robert Procter has already pledged that United will do the same. Neither side is likely to be happy with a draw.
Keep your eyes on this one.
Who to watch: Piyachat and Leesaw must be brimming for more action after their respective goals last week. Chonburi's Kone Mohamed and English/Welshman Michael Byrne feature on the league top scorers list.
What to watch: Muangthong's back four have given very little away at home all season and the two centre backs have looked solid on every occasion, but this could be their toughest test for some time.
I call: A one goal victory for Muangthong. Probably 2 - 1
At the Thunderdome, there is tension in the air. This could be the six pointer that decides who walks away with the Premier League title this season. With MT undefeated at home, and Chonburi trailing by just one point, the visitors will know that they must take the game to the home team to stand a real chance of getting the result they need. To do that, Chonburi will be looking for more of the fantastic and voluminous support they have received all season. But with demand for tickets sky-rocketing at the Thunderdome, the club are rushing to complete a new stand in time to accommodate the number of fans who wish to attend the match.
Football history has shown us that it's wrong to pinpoint such six pointers as the deciding factor in the title race, but with just three games remaining after this, the scope for further slip ups is quite narrow. Chonburi have no choice but to come out playing offensively, the Qilins' boss Robert Procter has already pledged that United will do the same. Neither side is likely to be happy with a draw.
Keep your eyes on this one.
Who to watch: Piyachat and Leesaw must be brimming for more action after their respective goals last week. Chonburi's Kone Mohamed and English/Welshman Michael Byrne feature on the league top scorers list.
What to watch: Muangthong's back four have given very little away at home all season and the two centre backs have looked solid on every occasion, but this could be their toughest test for some time.
I call: A one goal victory for Muangthong. Probably 2 - 1
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