Focus on the academy

An article on thaileagueonline.com quotes Robert Procurer as saying that in five years time, Muangthong United will not need to sign any big name players, because they are currently developing a strong youth training system.

The obvious idea is to follow the style of Manchester United, who raised home-grown stars in the likes of Giggs, Beckham and the Neville brothers.

Robert has already begun his quest with the signing of five African youth team players.

It's great to see Muangthong giving young players a chance but I also hope to see the odd big name joining the champions, too.

score - Samut Prakan1 Muangthong United 2

Goalscorer Naruphol Arromsawa (credit: thaileagueonline.com )

Muangthong won the first leg against Samut Parakan at the Thepsadin Stadium with a goal either side of half time. Narongchai Vachiraban - the new signing from Police United - scored the first, Nawaphol Arromsawa scored the second before the"home" side pulled one back to make Thursday's second leg at the Thunderdome well worth attending.

The goals, and a note to other bloggers

As I prepared to embed the goals from last night you see below, I read an article stating many blogger.com (blogspot) users who embed a lot of youtube videos find their accounts frozen or removed by blogger.com robots which mistake them for spam blogs.

It occurred to me that it would be sad to lose all the articles I've written, even if they are hardly erudite. So I visited blogbackupr.com and made a quick backup. The service seems flawless and easy - though obviously I have not needed to make a restore yet, and I hope I never will! - and I recommend it to any bloggers who want to make a backup.

Enough, here are the goals......

Yaya becomes a Flemish hero

Yaya in action against Feyenord (u.goal.com)

The video below features a great strike by Yaya against Belgian opposition. Since then things have become almost surreal with Yaya as he became a goalscoring hero in Ghent's Europa win over Dutch heavyweights Feyenord.Fan Erwin described it as "The best night of my life, Yaya is a god.We are now top of the Belgian league, the time of humilation is over!"

I've heard it said many times that good players in Thailand look good only because they are big fish in a small pond. Yaya is proving that is not always true.

Muangthong United 4 Air Force United 0 - Report

Credit:siamsport.co.th

Muangthong cruised into the quarter finals of the FA Cup with a four-nil win over Air Force United. The visitors did enjoy periods of possession and some good chances of their own, but could not capitalise.

The TPL Champions rested several key players including Kawin, Jetsada, Datsakorn and Teerasil.

The starting line up was Phanphiphat (GK), Pakasit (RB), Nattaporn (Capt, CB) , Panupong (CB), Piyachart (LB), Siaka (MD), Ammorn (MD), Kone (MD/AM), Pitchipong (MD), Christian (RW/FW), Runsiyo (ST)
The first goal came from a clear penalty. Ammorn's footwork caused an Air Force defender to over-commit in the penalty box and bring him crashing down. Siaka converted. The second goal came from a finish on the right hand side of the penalty area from Christian. His relief at scoring after missing a great chance earlier was obvious in his 'double flip and run to the fans' celebration. Half time 2-0.

In the second half AFU enjoyed a lot of possession and with better finishing could have evened things up. Instead Kone swept home a trademark effort into the top left corner of the net and very late on Christian scored a sweet lob over the out-rushing keeper. It was especially satisfying for the young forward as just moments earlier the linesman had flagged Christian offside......in his own half.
Thanks to the Air Force fans for a great atmosphere and hope to see them next season in the TPL. At least we avoided any scenes similar to the ugly incident between Army and Buriram.

Teams already in the quarter finals: Muangthong, Chonburi, Rajpracha, Army FC.


Man of the match:
Nattaporn Panrit lead the back line well and kept out Air Force for much of the second half. Christian and Phanphiphat also had good games.

Buriram PEA 1 MTU 0 - Clip and pictures

Click to enlarge all photos.

Photos taken by Jay:

    



The following photos taken by Teung:

 

Updates

A clip of the goal by Buriram PEA shows the goal has three illegal things about it. Have a look and see if you can spot them all!





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Thong play Air Force United on Thursday 26th August in the Thai FA Cup. North Stand tickets will not be sold to home fans.

*******

Yaya created a goal in KAA Ghent's latest win (3-1) and continues to make headlines. This one reads: "Yaya brings new luck to KAA Ghent"
(Credit: Jella, a KAA Ghent fan )

Buriram PEA 1 Muangthong United 0 - Report

Action from the first half

My alarm went off at 0530. I repeat ..0530...on a Sunday. I still managed to wake up brightly and full of energy for a long distance away game. I must be mad.

Fast forward several hours and we pulled up outside the i-Mobile Stadium at around 1600. The first sight to greet us was a horde of young fans all standing in a square formation, each and every one of them with their hands by their sides and decked out in the dark blue Buriram PEA home shirt. I've never seen anything like it at a football game but all of us seem to experience something new at Buriram PEA.

Word got to me that Rene's daughter wants to see me. Luckily she doesn't want to box me but talk about my blog. I didn't get to see her this time but I hope to next time.

There were more surprises. I saw several pairs of farang Buriram fans around the stadium and not one, not two but three of the pairs recognise me and make a point of registering their upset at my recent "North Korea" comment. I can only guess it was quoted on another forum somewhere. Two of the three pairs were very friendly and reasonable and it was a pleasure to chat with them.

So 'sorry' to those gentlemen, in my defence I didn't say Buriram was North Korea, I only said hero worship of a politician seemed to have a "North Korean feel". Also, my comments section - or my blog if anyone requests it - is always open for anyone to tell me I'm wrong and say why.

Now this match report is going to be vague and brief for two reasons. Firstly, as soon as we took up position the heavens opened above our uncovered stand and we got utterly drenched. Match programme and tickets were destroyed. I spent the rest of the game fighting off pneumonia which was distracting. Secondly, as documented elsewhere, the away stand is far away from the pitch behind a covered-over running track, so the far end of the pitch is too far away to properly see what is happening. Home fans told me the new stadium construction is well under way and will hold about thirty thousand so hopefully we won't have this problem next year.

We started with Kawin (GK), Piyachart (LB), Jetsada (CB, capt), Panupong (CB), Kaewprom (RB), Abdoul (DM), Datsakorn (MD), Siaka (MD), Kone (AM/ST), Christian (LW/FW), Teerasil (ST). It's probably our strongest team, though I still wish Rungsiyo could get more games.

The pitch had already been reported as heavy and the pre-match downpour had exacerbated the soggy surface. The near left side of the pitch had large puddles across it and Kawin's goalmouth was basically a pond. The game started awkwardly, water flew up as the players ran or the ball moved and sliding tackles rendered players drenched and covered in mud. OK so it's football and not ballet, but in such conditions the ball moves very awkwardly and switching wings - a big part of our game - is also tricky. In short, we couldn't get into our game and I had a bad feeling from very early on. BPEA on the other hand play a more central game that adapted better to the waterlogged surface and started offensively, winning more of the possession and forcing some good saves from Asia's best goalie.

There is little else to report from this half. A few strange decisions from the ref seemed to go BPEA's way but they were the better side anyway. We went in at half time goalless.

By the second half at least some of the water had drained off and we started to play more like our usual selves. Yet still it was BPEA who scored early on. It was at the wrong end so I saw nothing, to be honest.  Muangthong responded positively and started to create more and more openings, but then our problems really began. 

The first stunning decision occurred when Christian found himself on the half way line with tons of space to run into and plenty of support. Suddenly the ref blew and pointed to the home goalie who had suddenly collapsed in his area. Sure enough, play stopped, Mister goalie recovered moments later.

More was to come. One home player was booked for a two footed challenge but otherwise, we got nothing. Every 50/50 or 60/40 our way decision went to the home side. Christian was tripped in the area...nothing. Kone beat two players then was clipped (admittedly lightly) in the box....nothing. Meanwhile, the home goalie went down for the second time and play was stopped.

We kept up the pressure with some good crosses and wide play that the home team coped with well.  Siaka went up for a long ball with his marker pulling his shirt hard enough to bring them both down....free kick to Buriram. Chistian was tackled on the right wing by the home left back....throw in Buriram. It went on and on.

Most difficult to stomach was the leisurely stroll that the ball boy took to retrieve the ball every time it went out of play. Each time he would make a point of walking slowly back to the goalie and handing him the ball, it was never thrown or kicked back. This alone must have taken over a minute off the clock, possibly a lot more. Officials said absolutely nothing, even when players complained.

The last effort of the game was a deep cross that Dagno so nearly got to but it went over and out. Away players quickly regrouped but wait.....the home goalie is dying again! Dagno punches the turf in anger and the ref stops play for at least a minute. He starts again, the goalie (fine once again) takes his kick....about ten seconds are played....final whistle. So where the hell was the one minute of injury time from the goalie's third injury that the ref is obliged to add, let alone all the other injury time? Several MTU players went over to the ref - probably to ask the same question - and a particularly vexed Christian had to be pulled away by a team mate. I don't condone these actions but if it had been me, I probably would have done the same. We're all human and we all have limits.

I know I'm inviting criticism from two fronts here so let me get my defence in first: my indignation at the ref takes nothing away from Buriram's win. They were by far the better side in the first half and defended solidly for most of the second. Buriram deserved this win and congratulations to them. My one and only criticism of the home team was the disgraceful antics of the goalkeeper.

Next, if anyone is tempted to say we got a taste of our own medicine, please don't. We may get six from ten fifty-fifty decisions at home, we may have received one lucky penalty against a team that didn't come to play football but to cheat their way to a draw, but we have never and will never get a ref as one sided as this at the Thunderdome. It was the second worst display of officiating I've ever seen. Our ball boys are neutral, too.

Now to finish with some positives: home fans were fantastic. Lots of happy kids, pretty women and friendly folk all around. The much-maligned security was not really an issue. Umbrellas and water bottles were bizarrely confiscated despite the downpour but bags were allowed in and although the amount of security seemed greatly excessive, they were friendly - they didn't even check our tickets - and often cracked smiles at our antics. Finally, our failure to defeat or even score against  Buriram gives us something to aim for either in the cups or next season. We'll certainly be out to even the score.

So out of the stadium we went at about 2000 still soaking wet, home at 0400 still soaking wet, then off to work at 0530. Oh yeh, it was my birthday today, too. Not seventeen anymore yet I feel like I'm doing OK. Muangthong are still doing fine, too.

Man of the match:
New boy Coulibaly Abdoul is, naturally, still settling in to the country and the team but his first half performance today (he didn't feature in the second) seemed to show he relishes difficult conditions. His long skinny legs not only made some crucial tackles but also distributed the ball neatly. Moussa who?

Result - Buriram 1 Muangthong 0

Report to follow when I get some sleep. I got up at 0540 yesterday, I'm now off to  work at 0600 the next day with one hour of sleep.

Yaya updates

The man on the right is Erwin, a KAA Ghent fan of some twenty years or more. Irwin keeps a personal photo blog of his team and has kindly offered to share it, so we'll be getting regular updates on Yaya.

The first piece of news is amazing. Yaya has already been proven a huge hit with the fans and he put in another great performance yesterday against Dutch side Feyenord.

Irwin told me: "I'm sure that psychologist coach Franck Dury will set finally everybody on the right track .By this Yaya is a "Gift from the Gods".Yaya will furter develop in a very ballanced and versatile team"

Keep visiting for more updates on Yaya.

Next up - Buriram PEA (away)

Credit:http://douglas-atacante.blogspot.com/

This Sunday, Muangthong travel to Buriram in a bid to become the first team to defeat Buriram PEA at the Thundercastle. Buriram's success this season has been due to a strong defence. Now they will, once again, come up against the best and highest-scoring team in the league. Which side will crack?

A little more about Buriram PEA in general was discussed before the home game.

As usual, both sets of fans will be friendly and well behaved but I must confess I'll be tempted to speak my mind a few times and that's not just because 'Thundercastle' sounds more like a ride at Dream World.

For one thing, it seems remarkably bad taste for a politician (Newin Chidchob) to acquire not one but two teams (Buriram PEA and Buriram FC) and then proceed to offer cash bonuses to other teams in the league and loan not one, not two but.....seven players from one club to the other.

It also goes against the natural instinct of a western football fan to accept fans given "incentives" to support a team, because we instinctively feel that fans should support a team through loyalty and nothing else. Also hard for us to understand is the idea of hero worshiping a politician. It has a very 'North Korean' feel to it.

Credit: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/chonburifc

Moreover, various reports have stated that while the home fans are perfectly friendly, security staff at the Thundercastle are, allegedly, both unfriendly and unhelpful. Any fans going to this game should be aware that on all previous occasions, items such as umbrellas, food boxes and any other items too big to fit in a pocket have been confiscated. The management at Muangthong are aware of this but of course as an away team, there is only so much that can be done about it.

But all this is just my opinion and I realise that Buriram fans are good people who will see things very differently. I'm sure most people will quite rightly focus on the football and it looks set to be an exciting game. Chonburi's win over Tero means they are still hot on our heels and Thundercastle is where Chonburi, Bangkok Glass and Pattaya all slipped up. Thai Port managed a draw. For us to falter too would fill Chonburi with hope.

Muangthong United 2 Bangkok Glass 0

We got you THIS time BG Man! Muwahahahahaha!!

This match was switched to 1900 to allow more people to attend. Interestingly, we fans who normally sit in the North Stand were moved into the East Stand, ostensibly to allow room for the BG masses. I was surprised the Upper West Stand wasn't opened to accommodate the BG fans so home fans could take their usual spot.

The line up for this crucial game was: Kawin(GK), Piyachart (LB), Jetsada (CB), Nattaporn (CB), Kaewprom (RB), Datsakorn (MD), Abdoul (DM), Christian (RW), Siaka (MD), Kone (AM/ST), Teerasil (ST). Interestingly BG only used one of their three new signings. Peter Lang spent the game jogging up and down the touchline next to us, Sylla sat out the game - perhaps an injury, perhaps a pre-contractual agreement that he could not play this game but Michael Byrne started, though he was subbed in the second half. New signing from Police United, Narongchai Wachiraban appeared in the second half for the home team.

The game started brightly with a few end-to-end plays but we got slightly the better of it. It wasn't long - about twelve minutes I think - before a quick set of direct passes found Kone in the box who used his right foot to sweep a shot into the top right corner of the net. The rest of the half continued in a balanced and attacking vein. BG forced two excellent saves from Kawin and it seemed obvious a one goal lead would not be enough to relax on for Muangthong.  Christian looked to be back to his best now his first touch - the quality a player loses most quickly when injured or unfit - is back. His long legs allow him to take giant strides towards the penalty box and leave defenders stranded.

Shortly before half time Teerasil made it 2-0. No other striker in Thailand seems so dangerous with his back to goal as this man. This time he took a half turn before hitting a low finish to to his near side. Half time 2-0. During the break Moussa Sylla came over to greet home fans.

For the second half Bangkok Glass took out a large kitchen sink and chucked it at us. Wave after wave of attacks from the green side ensued. Some from the wing, some down the middle, some direct. Number nine in particular was causing problems.The slight sized player's footwork was dazzling and gave Nattaporn some real headaches. Glass were kept out by a mixture of good goalkeeping, last ditch tackling, poor finishing and a little luck on our part. As it became obvious that it wouldn't be BG's day, the home fans began the usual chants and this week's novelty was to take off our shirts and wave them as we sang. I apologise to the people behind me who were blinded by the whiteness of my back.

So no more goals in the second half and we won 2-0. BG are a very good side and the only team to put us under extended pressure on our own turf. The difference between us today was clinical finishing on our part. No doubt BG's new signings will be looking to address that issue soon and also no doubt they'll be closer to us next season.

Man of the Match:
For his command of the back line under pressure and more than a few crucial interventions of his own, it goes to Jetsada Jitsawad. Kawin and Christian also had excellent games.

League Cup Draw

Samut Prakan Vs Muangthong United
Roi Et Vs Rajpracha
Nonthaburi Vs Bangkok Glass

Note

Anything you say on the internet can be read by anyone. I try to remember that and so should others, especially those in the public eye!

Result - MTU 2 BG 0

But it was tough. Report to follow.

Updates

The players have been in a very focused mood during training this week. Panupong is doubtful for tomorrow but hopeful for Buriram at the weekend. Christian is returning to full fitness and is ready to terrorise the BG defence.

Your blogger has begun an alliance with a blogger at KAA Ghent, so stay tuned for photos, videos and reports on Yaya's progress. He's already got the fans excited.

Complain!

After another week of two 'walk offs' by lower league teams, I decided to try my luck with Dr Vichit again. I left a message on this forum which is a question forum for the TFA boss.

Dear Dr Vichit,

As an English person living in Thailand I am so pleased to see the development of Thai Football and the enjoyment it brings to the people of Thailand.

I know the Thai FA are always looking to improve the game and enable Thailand to compete at ever  higher levels. I would like to suggest that the issue of 'walk offs' is dealt with. This week, I have seen two teams (Keasestsrt FC and Chaiyapoom FC) walk off the pitch. In the past I have seen teams in the TPL including Samut Saongkhram do the same.

This worries me for two reasons. First, such actions could incite violence or other problems amongst the crowd. Secondly, it could give a negative impression of the Thai league to outsiders.

It is my belief that teams and their staff stage these 'walk offs' because they believe there will be little or no punishment. In my opinion, a heavy fine or even a points deduction or similar strong penalty would prevent repeat incidents and bring great benefit to the Thai League and its fans.

Kind regards,
Greg

I suggest you take five minutes to join the forum and do the same. You never know, Thais often do listen to foreign views of football.

If anyone has any other ways to contact the TFA, please share them.

Mangthong United Vs Bangkok Glass - preview, special interview

This Wednesday at 1800, Muangthong meet Bangkok Glass. Forget the fact that the 'Glass Rabbits' have struggled this season. They may have failed to mount the title challenge they expected, but the boys in green would gladly throw a spanner in our own title charge. After all, this is the side that knocked us out of the FA Cup last season, proceeded to beat us in the (not so) Super Cup in pre-season and still had the gall to strike a last minute winner against us at the LEO Stadium to inflict our first league defeat of the season.

Still not satisfied, the big spending and well supported club that would take our title as the "biggest club" in a nanosecond should we ever falter, snapped up Chonburi's attacking midfielder Michael Byrne from under our noses. Ready to even the score? So am I.

Standing in the way of Muangthong's quest for football revenge lies a set of high profile personalities signed during the transfer window. Michael Byrne has already scored for his new side, Peter Lang has already won the club about three thousand new female fans and the familiar face of Moussa Sylla has settled in very quickly.

But the big names don't stop there. Bangkok Glass have also found fame through the face of their own resident super-hero, BG Man. I'm now pleased to present an interview that was conducted with BG Man at a top secret location earlier this week.

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Sorry to spring this on you so quickly but it is the question the world needs to know: how many Weetabix can BGMan eat in one sitting?
That’s a toughie… I haven’t really counted, but I think I’d estimate, probably, about, in the region of 748….. give or take 1 or 2.
I need my fair share to keep my super powers (supersonic awesomeness and bionic ego ability) at optimum levels.

BG Man performing his duties.

We know that with great power comes great responsibility, but what are BGMan's responsibilities?
There are many, many responsibities in the life of a superhero, too many to list, but here are the main ones : Protecting the Rabbit Girls, protecting children, saving endangered species, saving the world from impending doom and posing for photos.

Is Buriram Man your nemesis? Could this be the conflict that wipes out humanity?
No, not really. He isn’t really fit to tie my cape, neither is his little sidekick down at Buriram FC. You remember all those copycat Batman’s in The Dark Knight? Well, he is a bit like that. I’ve told him many times, I don’t need help saving the world, but he doesn’t listen. The difference between me and him is ‘I’m not wearing hockey pads’.
And for the record… I don’t rate Spiderman highly either… You can tell him I said that if you like..

Switching to more mortal matters: Bangkok Glass have signed some big names in the transfer window, which one was the most exciting? Which one is your favourite?
There has been some big name signings, but lets remember that they were more excited about working along side BG Man.
Quote - Peter Lang : ‘Yes, BG Man is my hero’.
Quote - Michael Byrne : ‘It’s those sexy lycras, they really do something for me.’
But the player who I have long admired and who I think will make the biggest difference to our team is your old buddy Moussa Sylla. He is very under-rated. I was chuffed to bits when we landed him.

Last time we met, BG won the match but went on to lose several games. You've changed coach since then, how have things changed?
It’s still hard to say. On the pitch, we are still inconsistent, although possibly not as much as under Surachai. Under Surachai it never looked like it could be addressed, whereas under Carlos, it looks like we are get things in order sooner rather than later. Off the pitch there is a more confident air around the club these days. Nearly all of the ex Krung Thai players are now gone and there is a freshness about things. Our future plans are very ambitious and exciting. As sad as I am to see many of them go, I think it needed to happen if we are to move forward.

How many fans do you expect to bring to the Thunderdome? Will they be as noisy as Chonburi and Thai Port?
A bit disappointed it’s on a Wednesday. A number of fans have already said they can’t make it due to work etc, but I still think we will bring our fair share, 1000+
We will be noisy no doubt, but we don’t have the same dislike for MTU that a lot of Chonburi & Thai Port fans have. I’m sure we will be noisy but in a different way.

What will be the game plan for this match for BG?
To win. That’s exclusive inside knowledge. I hope I haven’t given too much away ;)

What is the aim for: a) the rest of this season? 
Well, we have made a real pig’s ear out of this season, so in terms of the league, I think we’d be happy to settle with top 4 as long as we win a cup. We are putting a lot on and off the pitch into the Singapore Cup quarters against South Melbourne, but it won’t be easy.

and.... next season?
We HAVE to be in the title race until the death, hopefully winning it and if we do fall short, the F.A Cup is a must. BG are trying to promote the club outside of Thailand, so we will expect to qualify for Asian competition. Simply put, we cannot have another season like this one.

Any message for the Thong fans or the Quilins?
Bangkok Glass and Muang Thong have a close relationship as clubs and as fans as seen on many occasions, such as the fan club match at the LEO stadium between the 2 sets of fans earlier this season as well as the get together at the Singha Football 7 a-side finals at central Lad Prao. I also remember a huge number of MTU fans celebrating with us for over an hour after BG beat MTU with a last minute goal at the LEO. Personally, I really respect your team and especially your fans. I hope our relationship continues. I’ve got to admit a big admiration for Kawin too.
Good luck for the rest of the season after this game, and especially in the AFC Cup.
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Needless to say, many thanks to BG Man for taking time out of a superhero's schedule to speak with a mortal such as myself. Good luck to BG in his battle against Buriram Man and his minions.

Picture credits: bangkokglassfc.com , BG Man 

Credit: กิเลน M@X CSNV. ณ เมืองทอง at mtufc.net

Yaya makes his debut

A new player named Yaya made his debut for AA Ghent this weekend. His team was 0-1 down when he came on but they went on to win 2-1. Reports suggest the new boy is already popular.

Pictures here

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And here is a replay of Datsakorn's torpedo goal from yesterday.

Bangkok United 0 Muangthong United 3 - Report

Goalkeeper safety warning: this man is considered highly dangerous when backed off.

After a one hundred metre dash, two bus rides and a ten minute game of Russian Roulette on a motorcycle taxi, I arrived at the Thai-Japanese stadium with the realisation that it's almost as close to my home as the Thunderdome, and it was not even going to be close to a sell out.

Outside the away end, the leaders of the 'Ultras' fan club were selling musical CD versions of the club songs. Well, how could anyone say 'no' to the mother of the best goalkeeper in Thailand who gave me the sales pitch? Every CD had an entry form for a chance to win a paid trip to Damascus for the big AFC game, so it may be the best 250 baht I ever spent.

Along with our farang entourage today was none other than Robert "J'adore Thai Port" Procurer. Sitting next to the co-general was a novelty as I got a few insights into his view of everything. I learned Pakasit was fit but they felt Kaewprom was playing better, Christian was suspended, Ammorn was in the side because they felt his pace would cause problems and Pizza Hut do much better pizzas than Pizza Company. Not sure I agreed with his last point.

The line up today was: Kawin, Piyachart, Nattaporn, Jetsada, Kaewprom, Datsakorn, Ammorn, Pitchipong, Siaka, Teerasil, Kone.

The game very quickly settled into its first half pattern and it wasn't good. It was a scrappy affair that saw neither side settle into their stride. Bangkok United, to their credit, did what they said they would and defended deeply and in numbers but pushed forward for every counter-attack. Their plan was to use their big number 35 as a target man to hold the ball when they broke forward, but a goal never looked likely to happen. For Muangthong however, every attack was simply broken down by poor passing, tight marking or overhit crosses. The pitch was part of the problem as it was very wet and heavy and the ball seemed to bobble a lot.

Rob explained that the side was lacking balance. He wanted Ammorn to get forward and cross but because Kaewprom was staying so deep, BKU simply used three men to hustle Ammorn off the ball. On the other wing Piyachart was the only player getting forward. So at half time it was 0-0. Some of the players started to put in ear plugs as they walked towards Rene.

The second half started brighter. Zaizen replaced Pitchipong and once again showed his smart reading of the game. Taking place on the left wing (Ammorn switched to central)  he overlapped neatly and started a far better supply line of crosses. Still nothing was working and until now, we had hit the bar once (Siaka) and BKU had forced two good saves. Then out of nowhere he did it again....

 Datsakorn Thonglao- who up until now had done little - pulled the trigger from well outside the box and sent an absolute screamer past the diving BKU 'keeper. An amazing goal that must make the shortlist for goal of the season. He has his critics, but the number of times this guy has hit the target this season will surely pay his wages by itself.

From then on the outcome never looked in doubt. With about five minutes left, a late free kick was floated in to find Siaka who knocked it home to make it two-nil. I guess Tor Chittinand either left the ground at this point or more likely was watching his beloved Chonburi play Sisaket because he seems unaware that a few moments later, Kaewprom broke through to make it 3-0 and give me yet more headaches deciding if he is good, OK or hopeless.

So it ended. The scoreline flattered us and this was a relatively poor game, in poor conditions in a slightly subdued atmosphere. But championships are won in this type of match by players who can produce a moment of skill in a dull game as Datsakorn did. Bangkok United have a nice stadium with good facilities, a good kit and a good sponsor. Today they had a decent turnout, too. Their team look low on skill or creativity but well organised ( probably thanks to their new coach) and ready to fight. Let's hope that's enough to keep them up because this is one club that is trying to do things the right way.

Chonburi's win means little else has changed. Next up are Bangkok Glass on Wednesday.

Bangkok Post error

My old friend Tor Chittinand has reported yesterday's game as 2-0. It wasn't, it was 3-0.
Tor's reports clearly show he is a Chonburi fan, so perhaps he is starting to suffer from denial.

Result - Bangkok United 0 Muangthong United 3

Other results mean nothing has really changed. Report to follow.

The early run in

 
Muangthong United begin a crucial run of three games tomorrow as they travel to the Thai-Japanese Stadium to face Bangkok United. The 'Angels' have suffered a very difficult season since their 5-1 drubbing at the Thunderdome but pulled off a real shock by beating Newin Chidchob's Buriram PEA 2-0 last week. We have been allocated 1800 tickets for this match.

After this, we will face Bangkok's other green team, Bangkok Glass at the Thunderdome next Wednesday. Through extensive negotiations and high security clearance, I have managed to persuade Glass' resident superhero, BG Man, to answer a few questions on this blog next week.

The final game of the crucial run is away to third placed and very tough to beat Buriram PEA next weekend.

Meanwhile Chonburi face three games that on paper at least, look considerably easier. Sisaket away, BEC Tero at home and Samut Songkhram away. However if the 'Sharks' can slip up and we can overcome all three opponents, it would surely put the title race beyond doubt.

Photos and video

Your humble blogger was this close to the fans divide.....

Credit: Max ณ เมืองทอง at mtufc.net

Later the Port side was swelling up and we were ushered further into a corner...

Credit: Max ณ เมืองทอง at mtufc.net

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More great photos are here. An interview with a straight talking Robert Procurer is here.

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And for your viewing pleasure...

Muangthong United 1 Thai Port FC 0 - Report

 "Now stick THAT in your blog you little *#@!"

Another quiet build up outside the stadium for this game could have lead fans to be surprised by the electric atmosphere within it. Any nerves I had about standing next to a large group of Thai Port fans were allayed by the sight of them mixing freely with us outside the ground. Those concerns were even further allayed on entering the stadium as I could see security had put a slightly larger space between the two fan groups than usual. By coincidence, a group of Muslim schoolgirls had been given free entry to the game and were lined up against the very edge of the Muangthong fan area.

However, in the build up to kick off there was more than one moment when trouble could easily have sparked but thankfully did not. I won't dwell on these incidents, I will simply say I was relieved when security inbetween the fan groups was tripled to thirty staff and a large police dog.

Thai Port fans made a tremendous amount of noise. Person for person, I'd say they were the loudest fans I've heard in Thailand.

The four new signings were presented to the crowd and then Muangthong took the field as: Kawin (GK), Keawprom (RB), Jetsada (Capt, CB), Panupong (CB), Datsakorn (MD), Pitchipong (MD), Siaka (MD), Kone (AM), Christian (FW), Teerasil (ST). However Panupoung was injured very early on and replaced by Nattaporn.

That early injury may have been part of the reason why the first half was so balanced and slightly sloppy. Unlike so many other visitors to the Thunderdome, Thai Port showed neither fear nor a wish to take just one point as they matched us pass for pass and shot for shot in the thunderous atmosphere. Kawin was forced to pull off at least three diving saves in the first half, while Muangthong looked to take control through the usual build up play of triangle passing, touchline crosses or cutting into the penalty area from the corners. It just wasn't working though and I struggled to see why. The squad just looked tired and not quite as fast as usual. Thai Port's solid defending also had something to do with it. At half time we went in goalless.

In the second half Muangthong took more of the possession. Christian had not yet recaptured his pre-injury form since his return but as this game went on, that old spark showed signs of returning as he started to find more and more space on each attack. The visitors were reduced to ten men when a Thai Port defender came in with a reckless challenge, Christian went down hard and the offender was shown his second yellow. Around the same time, Thummanam came on to replace Pitchipong.

Yet still Port did not drop the pace or their self-belief, though their players seemed to get hurt a lot more easily now. Nonetheless Kawin pulled off at least three excellent saves in this half that caused Siam Sport to give him man of the match. We ourselves were still looking for the break that was not coming.

I know readers may find this hard to swallow given my recent criticism of him but I can honestly say I wanted Rene to bring on Leesaw before he did, he has pace that seemed lacking in our strikers' tired legs. When he did come on (for Datsakorn), he got a tremendous ovation.

And the Tero-bound forward looked fresh, like the player of old. The Port back line suddenly missed their extra man as Leesaw - playing as a right forward rather than a winger, which also helped - threatened to break free at any time. Twice he got to the byline and played a short cross that was desperately hacked away or grabbed by the goalie.

It seemed like it just wouldn't happen, the clock was ticking away and I had that "Buriram" feeling again, we'd come agonisingly close but be denied. As one more attack failed, I sat down in disappointment, expecting to hear the final whistle go as Port's keeper took a long goal kick. I started to work out the new league table in my head. Chonburi had closed the gap to three points, just one win away.

Then the ball fell to Leesaw again who paced down the wing and played a diagonal ball to Kone. The whole home section had their hearts in their mouths as Kone clipped a first time shot in the six yard box (i.e. point blank range) but somehow the keeper blocked it. It seemed like a lost cause yet again, but then, surging in came Leesaw for the rebound goal that sent home fans delirious. The celebrations of the players matched that emotion, the prostrate Port defender and the silence of the otherwise noisy visiting fans did the same job for the away side.

There was time for one more agonising moment as Leesaw and Kone nearly repeated their feat, but the full time whistle finished the game at one-nil. Harsh on Thai Port, but that's football.

At the end of the game the Muanthong fans cheered for Thai Port. Port fans did not return the favour but did give a round of applause to the home team players. All seemed well as I left the stadium but various sketchy reports indicate that there was an incident involving a rush of people and a large number of police later on. There were also other controversial incidents but today nearly everyone came to see and enjoy a good and exciting game of football, and that's what they got.

Man of the match:
No less than four contenders here. Kaewprom, for looking assured and safe at right back after my recent criticisms. Amorn Thummanam for one single moment of skill where he beat four players, one by one, Kawin for another string of great saves and Leesaw for reasons already stated. And yes, as a token of apology, I'll give it to Theerathep Winothai for reminding us what he can do. I've been harsh when he's been poor, so I must give him (and Kawin)  credit for saving us three points today. Good luck at BEC Tero and if you repeat this form, I'm sure we'll be keeping you on next season.

Score - MTU 1 Thai Port 0

Lots of incidents, some of them even happened on the pitch.
Report to follow once we know everyone got home safely.

Two MORE new signings!

 Narongchai Vachiraban (centre)

Photo credit: siamsport.co.th

After weeks of wondering if we'd sign anyone, we are hit with four new arrivals in one day. The Quilins have now taken midfielder Narongchai Vachiraban on loan from Police United for the rest of this season and attacking midfielder Kittipol Paphunga from BEC Tero. The latter is currently awaiting knee surgery but we are apparently prepared to take that gamble. I've been told we paid 1.5 million baht for Kittipol though I can't confirm this.

Two new signings

Photo credit: mtutd.tv

Muangthong have signed twenty three year old Coulibaly Abdoul and an eighteen year old midfielder named Kanoute Ibrahim both from the Ivory Coast. The latter was also a target of Dynamo Kiev but Muangthong reached an agreement with him first.

Robert believes Abdoul is a good replacement for Moussa Sylla.

Welcome to both players!

Coulibaly Abdoul

A quick look at Robert Procurer's latest target is here

Muangthong United Vs Thai Port - preview and fan interview

The meeting between Mangthong United and Port Authority of Thailand this Sunday is likely to be very different from the reverse fixture.

Last time the two sides clashed, Port were still serving their three game home ground suspension. The match took place at the Supalachasalai Stadium less than twenty four hours after horrific clashes between red shirt protesters and the military. Muangthong won the game with relative ease.

Things have changed. Thailand is in a state of relative, if superficial, calm, Muangthong have taken a strong hold on the title race, Thai Port have witnessed a remarkable turnaround in fortunes that has seen them move up to fifth place in the table. Both sides have also defied the nay-sayers to progress to the last eight of the AFC Cup.

Your blogger will be taking up his position right next to the visiting fans on Sunday, but as usual I wanted to speak to some of them before the game to pick their brains. I conversed with Marco of the Thai Port blog and his fellow fan Jaranuwat. This is what they had to say.....

1) What's been the secret to the turnaround in form?
J - In the past, we had lots of new players and our manager Sasom Pobprasert tried to find the correct plan for the team. In all games our players have worked hard, but we have now tuned up the team to make superb form. We are unbeaten in last 7 TPL games.

There are two things that have helped our form improve. 1. We can play at home PAT Stadium after 3 match ban. It is welcome back home for us. 2. We have great supporters. They are ready to encourage our team home and away whether we win or lose.

M - I think there are few reasons really. There is no doubt that the AFC Cup was a big distraction earlier in the season, so maybe we took our eye off the TPL as a result. Once we got the AFC Cup group stage games out of the way, Sasom was able to be a lot more consistent with his team selections, which has given the side a lot more solidity. Since we last played Muangthong, we have kept 9 clean sheets in 14 TPL games, which shows how strong we have been defensively.


2) There seems to be some serious problems with funding going on at the club. What's the latest on that? How can the corporate owner of a club suddenly stop funding them? Wouldn't that entitle the club to change their name if they wish?

J - Now we get funding of around 50 million baht from sponsors Adidas and FB Battery. That has helped very much. If corporate owners of the club suddenly stop the funding, I think Mr Pichet Mankong CEO of Thai Port FC will try and find new sponsors or try to find corporate take over of Thai Port. I think the club will never change name. Thai Port FC forevermore...

M - I'm not entirely certain what is going on at the moment. The club was given some extra funds by the sponsors to avert the cash flow problems, but what will happen in the long term is unclear at the moment. Funding from Port Authority seems to have stopped, so that leaves us in a difficult situation if we want to remain a competitive TPL team in the future. Private investment could be the only solution to the problem. Would that mean them changing the name of the team? I hope not!


3) How can Thai Port grow and improve as a club?

J - Similar to the previous question, it is difficult for development if State Enterprises control Thai Port FC. We will find new sponsor or corporate company to help disconnect us from Port Authority of Thailand. They did not approve budget for improvement to Stadium which made the debt for Thai Port FC.

M - I think the key is to sort out the way the club is funded, be it through Port Authority or private sector investment. On the field, things are going very well at the moment. We have a good manager, good backroom staff and a very decent squad, so I think we have a solid foundation to build on if everything else gets sorted out.


4) Any transfer targets you would like the club to go for?

J - It's enough for this season when team signed Christian Ayew Egba from Osotspa M-150 Saraburi. He will be a big addition in our attack. In future, the team want a backup right back for Rangsan Iam-Virot because he has played a full season so far. We will also want some midfielder and striker.

M - Not really. We have 2 decent players in every position, so I'm quite happy with all our current players. If you were to twist my arm, I'd say we perhaps need a little bit more bite in midfield, so if we signed Issawa Singthong from Dong Thap FC (Vietnam) I wouldn't complain.


5) Both MTU and TP have done remarkably well in the AFC Cup, isn't that fantastic? What chance an all-Thai final? How would TP fans feel about that?

J - It is fantastic and very unexpected for for both teams to be in Quarter Finals, when both team have first time in AFC Cup. That would be a great match If both team face each other in the Final!

M - Yes, both teams have done very well to get this far. We were both underdogs in the Round of 16, but we produced great performances away from home to get in the Quarter Finals. I have no doubt that Port & MTU's future opponents will be very way of us. Having said all that, I don't like it when teams from the same country meet in continental competitions, so I don't want us to meet in the Final. I don't think my viewpoint would be shared by the majority of Port fans though!


6) What is the general opinion of Muangthong fans and Muangthong United FC amongst TP fans? Don't be shy, this is a free speech zone!

J - In Muangthong eyes, Thai Port fans look like dangerous ruffians and gangsters. Yes, we are hardcore supporters, but we are like you. We have daily life the same as Muangthong fan. We Study or we work, we provide for our families just like you do. In the Football match, we are only different in the color of our kit...I just do not like to see people talk down to us, like we are low down people.

M - I don't want to put words into people's mouths, but it's pretty clear that most Port fans do not like Muangthong United. I don't think that they dislike the MTU fans though. We obviously had problems at the Kor Royal Cup, but I'd like to think that lessons have been learnt since then. Hopefully Sunday's game can pass off without any unsavoury incidents, and both sets of fans can get along in a friendly manner.


7) How has the away support been this season? Can you guess how many fans will go to the Thunderdome?

J - I don't count  lol. We have lots of supporter go with team all away and especially when we come to Thunderdome. More 2000 people and ticket not enough for us. Its possible that Thai Port fans around 1000 people will be locked outside Stadium in match day because don't have ticket!

M - I think our away support been quite good on the whole. I'm not sure how many tickets Thai Port have been given for Sunday's game? There seems to be conflicting reports of either 1,000 or 2,000. Whatever that figure is, the fans seem keen to snap the tickets up, so there should be quite a big contingent of Port fans in attendance. 


 8) Will Port have a special game plan coming into this match? Do you think there is a danger they will play dubiously as Pattaya did?
J - I think the team don't have special game plan. All player will show best play for entertain us (Thai Port Supporter) They don't get hurt easily and don't lay down on pitch for long amount of time. Whatever the result shows at final whistle, we will respect it.

M - I'm not sure about a special game plan, but I think Port will adopt a sensible approach. I imagine the players will be told to close down MTU players at every opportunity, deny them space and look to attack quickly when we have the ball. We've got nothing to lose, so I hope we try and win and not just settle for a draw.


9) Finally can you predict the score for us?

J - 11-0 Thai Port FC win...Just joking lol. It's difficult to predict, so I think draw game is enough for both teams : )

M - My predictions are the kiss of death, so I'll give you a quote instead: "You can't predict the result of a football match. If football was predictable, we wouldn't love it so much." (Frank Skinner 2010)


Many thanks to Marco and Jaranuwat for their insightful answers. We hope they both enjoy the game on Sunday, from wherever they are watching.

More updates

Some updates concerning Leesaw, potential new players and security for Sunday are here.

FA Cup 4th round draw

Navy Rayong (TPL) v BKK Utd (TPL)
Chonburi (TPL) v Samut Songkhram(TPL)
Army (TPL) v  PEA (TPL)
Sisaket (TPL) v TTM (TPL)
BEC Tero (TPL) v Nakhon Pathom (D1)
Rajpracha (D1) v SriRacha (D1)
Pattaya United (TPL) v Osotspa (TPL)
Muang Thong (TPL) v Air Force Utd (D1)

Updates

Thailand internationals against Sinagpore and India respectively will be played at the Thunderdome.

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Yaya is expected to fly to Belgium this weekend.

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The draw for the next round of the FA Cup - some six weeks after the last round draw - is tomorrow.

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The transfer deadline is in six days. MTU have made no official signings however perhaps someone can identify these guys from our 3 - 4 defeat in our friendly on Monday? (h/t thai-fussball.de)

Friendly announced

MTU will play against Burmese champions Yadanarbon on Monday at the Thunderdome. 50 baht for adults, 20 baht for kids. Presumably we will play a reserve side.