Strange goings on in FA Cup clash

Rene Desaeyere is reported to be very surprised regarding some of the officials' decisions in yesterday's cup match. I myself had noticed a very, very large amount of injury time being played and the OS now reveals that Christian received a truly bizarre red card (does this rule him out of the final?). Coach Ronarit told the OS:

"The referee had a terrible match, in particularly with the red card for Christian. The 4th referee allowed him to enter the field, but when he played the ball he returned he was given a red card. We definitely have to appeal this decision."

The double is within grasp

Muangthong are in the final of the FA Cup after a one-nil win away to Navy Rayong thanks to a first half goal from Teerasil. The Qilins will be up against old rivals Chonburi after their win away at Army FC.

Muangthong - Athletico deal

Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Gil (left)was in Bangkok to sign the contract with Muang Thong United’s Deputy Chairman Wiluck Lohtong (right)

You can also click the thumbnail below for the triple whopper sized version of the photo.

Many thanks to James Goyder for this image.

United announce major deal with Spanish giants

Muangthong United called a press conference today to announce a deal with Athletico Madrid.

The deal will allow both clubs to sell merchandise in the other club's shop, coaches from Athletico will travel to Thailand and work with MTU on an annual basis and the two clubs will communicate regularly regarding selling, buying and loaning of players.

Athletico have entered into a similar deal with clubs in China, Japan and the USA.

Further details and pictures of the press conference will follow here.

In other news Yaya is still out injured at KAA Ghent but he is expected back soon and Belgian fans are keenly awaiting his return. Again, keep visiting for more updates on the most successful player to come out of the Thai league.

There are also unconfirmed reports that a former Manchester United star could be interested in playing for the Qilins. The player in question played in a champions league final and is not named Lee Sharpe!

Muangthong United Vs Rajpracha Nonthaburi - photos

Finally then, some good match photos, copyright of siamsport.co.th and posted by Thanuwat at thailandsusu.com

Former Muangthong player Wisarut Pannasi

Christian Vs Yen Emile

Raj's player of the year Saruwat could not handle Thai international Teerasil, not this time anyway.

There's a few more images here.


Image credit: siamsport.co.th (all)

MTU Vs Rajpracha-Nonthaburi - media

Credit: Siam Sport via rajprachanonthaburi.com

The MTU fan site forum has been down for a long time so it's not been easy to get any multimedia of yesterday's FA Cup game. The only circulated picture is the one above and the only video I know of is below. You can also download the whole game from here if you have enough free time thanks to a user by the name of ซุปเปอร์โด้ at thailandsusu.

All eyes are now on Rayong and this coming Saturday.

Important announcement coming soon

I understand that Muangthong United will be revealing a groundbreaking deal within the next few days.

In other news, according to Tor Chittinand, MTU have confirmed a budget of eighty five million baht for next season. That huge sum is still five million less than Buriram PEA's one hundred million baht minus ten million "for the fan club", but MTU already have the edge in quality players.

However, I also understand there will be a very large number of both comings and goings over the close season. We could well see a very different looking side come the start of the TPL 2011.

Result - Muangthong United 4 Rajpracha-Nonthaburi 0

Muangthong United defeated Rajpracha with ease in the FA Cup quarter finals with goals from Christian, Teerasil, Dagno and an own goal from Kittipong.

MTU now advance to face Navy Rayong in the semi finals at Rayong (no neutral grounds in Thailand until the final).

Yet more new dates

Credit: thaileagueonline.com

'Thong and Sisaket will meet on 1st November - well into the close season period -  at 1530 at Sisaket for their first Toyota League Cup clash. The return match is three days later at the Thunderdome, Kick off 1900. Several other TLC fixtures are also rearranged.

At this rate we won't need to arrange any pre-season friendlies for 2011, as the competition will still be running.

Interview with a Rajpracha fan

Nene (wearing glasses)

As a follower of Rajpracha myself, it was comparatively easy to get an interview with a Rajpracha fan before the match between Muangthong and Raj.
So thanks then to Nene for his time. Bear in mind this interview was conducted before the game's original scheduled date about three millennia ago, so Raj's recent struggle - and victory - against relegation is not mentioned.

1) Could you tell us your nickname, your age and what you do for work?
A: Hi, My name is Ne'. I'm 27 and my work is about Information and Communication Technology study, research and educational services.

2) How long have you supported Rajpracha and why did you choose them?
A: I supported the team since the last year (2009) when the team has competed in Regional League D2, (Bangkok and Metropolitan zone) but I heard about the rich history of the team when I was young.
The reason that I choose to support the team because I find the one team that I really want to support and the team must locate around my home (Locality Loyalty reason) and I heard Rajpracha joined Nonthaburi and selected Nonthaburi Provincial Stadium (Wat Boat Don Prom) as a home stadium.
So I think this is a good chance to choose team that i want to be with.

3) Rajpracha were promoted last season as D2 Champions. How do you think they have performed in their first season in D1?
A: For the starting season period, I think we can perform quite well as a new promoted team but the situation of team is going down after we lost Prachinburi FC for away game 2-1 and the form continued poor results, we lost many matches.
We have many problems about the team management until we changed head coach from Praphan Premsri to Somchai Supperm and the thing is turning to good way that it could be.
For this season I just expect the team will be in mid-table and doing well in FA cup tournament.

4) How do you think most Raj fans feel about Muangthong United? Do they like them or do they see them as rivals (as English fans do with other local teams)?
A: I think most Raj fans don't think seriously to be rivals with MTUTD because this is Thailand we live as peace and we just want to enjoy and see the favourite team play well.
Sometimes I saw many of MTUTD fans supported Rajpracha and they enjoyed together.

5) Raj have played away from their real home ground this season and played at the Thunderdome instead. Why is this and how do fans feel about it?
A: Nonthaburi Provincial Stadium is under construction and improving for ready for football league competition. Most Raj fans is waiting to return back to real own stadium that they think they are.
Our team play at Thunderdome that really effect for local fans around our home ground.

6) What tactics do you think Rajpracha will play in this game? Who will be the key players for them?
A: I think we have to play carefully with the defensive approach and use counter attack style. MTUTD has many good skill players to threat us.
Did you know, few players of MTUTD is former players of Rajpracha when they were youngster.
My opinion, Raj key players for this match will be our foreign players (GK-Yen, DF-Dawuda, FW-Sylla).
They have strength and good techniques to resist the attacking game from MTUTD and we hope our striker will create a chance to turning this game.

7) Finally, do you have a prediction for the match?
A: Any result, I'm welcome. I just deeply hope Raj will pass to the final !!!

************

Thanks again to Nene for his time.

Muangthong United Vs Rajpracha Nonthaburi - key players

This week's Nonthaburi/Thunderdome derby promises to be a very interesting affair, and one which is bound to be ambivalent for me, regardless of the outcome.

A fan interview will appear here in due course, but for those who prefer to focus on the technical side of things, I thought I'd take advantage of my familiarity with both sets of players and take a look at some of the possible tactical battles that will take place and discuss how they could affect the game.

Dawudah Walumpah (CB) Vs Kone Muhammed (AM/FW)



Forward Kone Muhammad often enjoys an advantage over opposing defenders because of his imposing height, pace and muscle. However, Raj's Dawudah will match him in almost all of those departments. Though he is slightly shorter, the centre back will certainly not be intimidated by Kone's power and pace. Naturally, Kone is a more technical all round player but if Dawudah sticks to what he does best which is using his own pace and strength to get to the ball first and clear it anywhere, he could make Kone and his teammates work hard for the victory.

Awakajit Sulaiman (AM/FW) Vs Piyachart Thamaphan (pictured) (LB) or Weerawut Kavem (LB)



The young right-winger Sulaiman has played a large part in Rajpracha's recent rich run of form. His neat first touch combined with his pace, good crossing and willingness to run at defenders has created a whole lot of openings for his side. Take a look at his part (he's number seventeen) in this goal for example. However, it's likely he'll get far less space than he's used to against the TPL champions and if he's up against Piyachart, he'll also have to do some tracking back to stop Muangthong's number eleven from getting in some crosses of his own. Will this encounter make or break Raj's talented winger?
Note: Sulaiman's recent injury may rule him out of this clash.

Teerasil Dangda (ST) Vs Yen Emile (GK)


You don't need an introduction for Teerasil. You don't even need me to talk about him. The lean striker does his talking on the pitch with quality finishing from either foot, heading from set pieces, build up play with his back to goal and quality team work with his intelligent reading of the game.

You might not be so familiar with Yen Emile, but he is equally deserving of praise. Raj's keeper - signed from Saraburi M150 or whatever they are called - has been worth at least ten points to his team this season in my opinion, pulling off some saves that are as astonishing as his Thunderdome counterpart Kawin. If Raj are to give Muangthong any kind of contest in their encounter, it's likely that Yen will need to pull off a few more point-blank stops against, arguably, Thailand's best out-and-out striker.


Noppadon Ponudom (ST) or Tameezee Hayeeyusoh (ST) Vs Kawin Thamsatchanan (GK)




When Raj were going through their mid-season slump, they looked to their highly rated striker Tamasee (pictured) for goals. The player had allegedly attracted TPL interest in the close season and fans were delighted to keep him, but as the goals dried up and rumours of missed training sessions spread (his looks may have created distractions off the pitch?) management called in Noppadom from Bangkok United as a mid-season purchase. The goals followed, not just from the new boy but from a re-energised Tamasee, too. What is sure is that whichever of the strikers plays in this one, they'll not get many openings and when they do, they'll have to do what very few players have done before them and score past Kawin on his own turf.


***************
Photo credits:


rajprachanonthaburi.com (all Raj players)
the-afc.com (Kawin)
www.thaipremierleague.co.th (Kone)
ongsana.com (Piyachart)
sport.mthai.com (Teerasil)

TOT 1 Muangthong United 2 - Highlights

Hey at least the win was real!

The game itself was secondary in this event, so I will simply tell you that Rene rested half of the team and we started with Kawin, Pakasit, Piyachart, Jetsada, Panupong, Zaizen, Bhuntao, Nontadee, Pitchipong, Christian, Rungsiyo.

The game was mostly played like a friendly. TOT took the lead in the first half but Christian struck back in the second and Siaka (who replaced Rungsiyo) got a clear penalty (at least it looked clear from the other end) and converted it.

The TPL trophy was delivered by helicopter before the game and after full time there were some great fireworks and a lap of honour. Enjoy it here:

Thanks to Jirawat Srikong for his professional quality photos that he shares as "mooinblack" at mtufc.com.

Result - TOT 1 MTU 2

Highlights of the celebrations to come.

We are the champions

Credit: bangkokpost.com

A goaless draw with also-rans - and notoriously petulant -  Samut Songkhram  was no doubt a somewhat anti-climatic end to a noble championship campaign. But the maxim I've been repeating a lot lately - that results matter more than performances at this stage - is undoubtedly true.

For Muangthong United have paid their footballing dues tenfold throughout this season, and ran out worthy winners because of it. We didn't do it by splashing the cash, either. In fact I'd wager that - with the exception of Gotken, who never kicked a ball - we had a positive turnover in player transfers. We also didn't do it by trying to "influence" other teams or officials which is certainly more than can be said for certain teams that finished close to us. Indeed, I understand there may have been what economists would call "external incentives" on offer to the opposition tonight.  We didn't do it by whining, lobbying, looking for penalties, wasting time, or any other type of hook or crook. We did it by playing damn good football.

At the start of the season Robert Procurer guaranteed we would win the league. After the first match of the season I said that if we played that way throughout the campaign, nobody would stop us. We were both right.

Team after team tried to solve the riddle of the Thunderdome, team after team got demolished. There was no side good enough to handle the likes of Teerasil, Yaya, Christian, Kone and Siaka at the same time. There is too much skill, pace, teamwork and commitment in that bunch. In the midfield, Datsakorn Thonglao popped up with "Le-Tissier" style goals with frequency, backed up by the likes of Zaizen's passing, Pitchipong's work rate and Sylla or Abdoul cleaning up at the back. In the trenches, Jetsada, Panupong and Nattaporn stood firm and strong all season, as Piyachart, Pakasit and Kaewprom all proved their worth on the flanks. As for the man between the posts, you don't really need me to talk about Kawin, do you?

Hot pre-season favourites amongst Thais and Farangs, Bangkok Glass may have had equal levels of talent, but they clearly lacked the team spirit and mental resolve that has been bred into the Quilins squad by the coaching staff. BG tried to catwalk and bankroll their way to the TPL, Muangthong worked hard for it, not just on the pitch but every day. Robert and Rene may rub some people up the wrong way and sometimes understandably so, but their management and coaching skills have taken Thai football to new heights.

Amongst the rest of the opposition, Thai Port and Pattaya United punched above their weight, but didn't have the strength or depth in quality to finish in the top group. Chonburi pushed us the longest and hardest and as far as I'm concerned, they are the true runners up, whatever happens in their final game. In the end, we were just that tiny bit better. Buriram PEA found that they couldn't buy the title, at least not this year, but with the obvious skill in their ranks, cash in the bank and"influences" their owner has, they will almost certainly be our main challenger next season.  All those who whined and complained about Muangthong may get their wish next season. As the old saying goes: "Be careful what you wish for".

Ultimately, the biggest threat to our championship campaign turned out to be....ourselves. With so much success in so many tournaments, the players have been visibly exhausted in these last few weeks. Now that we've crossed the line, I do hope we rest a few players this Sunday for the final league game - we can still beat TOT with our reserve side - and then allow the players some time to rest before resuming the two cup campaigns. The fixtures will at least level out now, allowing clear recuperative time the lads so desperately need. Moreover, with the rainy season finally, finally starting to ease off, the Thunderdome pitch is notably past its worst stage. Still not exactly pristine but how could it be, with no less than four teams using it?

Even to a mere fan like myself, this season has felt like a marathon and it's still not done, but it will soon come to a close and unlike last year when I had my Xbox360 to distract me (I've brought three of the buggers and they've all broken on me) I'll have little better to do than write a few articles reflecting on the season.  Indeed, we may yet claim a treble that would mean I have to write this article again, pushing our achievements even more strongly.

For now though, I hope that all fans of Thai football will join me in congratulating Muangthong United for tremendous football, superb achievements in the AFC Cup and for being the best team in Thailand over the course of a long, long season. Like I said, we could yet take that incredible accomplishment to a new height.

And the news is.....

Holidays

I will be on holiday for a few days and will miss the Samut Songkhram game on Friday where MTU could secure the TPL with a point.
Back before the "away" game with TOT on Sunday.

The dream is over.....for now

Muangthong United can hold their heads high after they advanced far, far further than anyone believed they could, before losing out by the narrowest of margins.

We've done Thai football proud. And we'll be back.

from www.the-afc.com

Aleppo: Assistant coach Alexandru Racolta feels Al Ittihad are fully deserving of their place in the final of the AFC Cup after they overturned a first-leg deficit against Muangthong United to set up a clash with Al Qadsia.

Having lost the first-leg of the semi-final 1-0 in Bangkok two weeks ago, Al Ittihad drew level after 27 minutes at the Aleppo International Stadium when Mohamad Al Hasan found himself in the right place at the right time.

Al Hasan then netted the crucial second goal four minutes before the break and Al Ittihad went on to complete a deserved 2-1 aggregate victory, according to Racolta.

"The game in Bangkok had certain circumstances whether in the stadium or with the weather and it proved really critical for us," he said.

"However, tonight we played a great game and we showed our real performance as our team deserved to win and qualify for the final.

"We were the better side whether tactically or on the skills level and we controlled proceedings even after having taken a 2-0 lead.

"Our players gave their best and it was the least that we could do for the great crowd who attended the game."

Muangthong coach Rene Desaeyere, meanwhile, was left to lament the fact that his side were not able to travel to Syria with a bigger advantage under their belts following the narrow triumph in the first-leg.

However, the Belgian still felt his side are a little unfortunate to be exiting the competition.

"In such knockout stage matches, the winners advance through aggregate and I believe that we lost the encounter because we didn't score more than one goal in Bangkok," he said.

"I can't say anything about the referee but we deserved a penalty which could have changed everything in the second-half.

"We played a good game in the first-half and we deserved to score from the chances that we had. The big home fans didn't affect us but Al Ittihad managed to score two goals and won the game.

"We needed to score only one game to qualify and I believe that we should regret not scoring in the first leg but this is football."

The TOT away game

I was wondering what the arrangements would be at the Thunderdome for MTU's "away" game against TOT.

TOT are using the stadium as their ground this season despite the fact they have a perfectly fine - and more suitable - stadium literally down the road at Cheang Watthana. Ostensibly, that stadium is being renovated. But I believe in reality - even if renovations are going on - it's cover for the club to lobby their way to a purchase by a rich entity and move somewhere else.

TOT home games usually involve boards, posters and flags, etc. being erected at the ground. Tickets are blue coloured and there is pre-match and half time entertainment in the form of a chat show.

Will all this take place for the MTU game? It would be slightly odd and perhaps embarrassing, since ninety percent of the fans would be "away" but really not away, if you get me. It's like pretending the tenant of the home is the host.

In any case, the club (ours) have announced the ticket arrangements and they are slightly different to usual. The rest of the arrangements are yet to be revealed.

Al-Ittihad Vs MTU preview

From the-afc.com

Aleppo: Boss Rene Desaeyere is confident an early goal is all that it will take to send Muangthong United through to the AFC Cup final when they take on Al Ittihad at Aleppo International Stadium on Tuesday.
Siaka Dagno’s strike separates the teams following the first-leg of the semi-final in Bangkok and the Thais will be without the influential Datsakorn Thonglao due to suspension for the return encounter in Aleppo.
Rather than adopt a more cautious approach, however, Desaeyere is looking to draw first blood against the Syrians in order to kill the tie off.
"We are planning to score a quick goal in order to surprise Al Ittihad," said the Belgian (pictured).
"We are going into the game with a big chance to advance and hopefully we can go through to the final with a good result.
"We recently had good results in the league but our focus is on the AFC Cup, where we produced some big surprises by beating Al Rayyan and Al Karamah and hopefully we can repeat our good results on Tuesday.
"I don't know much about Al Ittihad apart from the game that we played in the first-leg," he added.
"However, I expect that the game will see a lot of goals and it will be exciting."
Al Ittihad coach Tita Valeriu, on the other hand, feels it will be difficult for his side to overturn the deficit but promised to take the game to Muangthong.
"We need to score two goals and this is not easy," said the Romanian, who will be forced to watch from the stands due to a touchline ban.
"We will try to make an attacking start to the game and hopefully we can get the necessary result to advance.
"The game against Muangthong will be really hard as it will be against an organised team who proved that they deserved to reach the semi-finals by beating Al Rayyan and Al Karamah.
"I hope that my team will find their best form for tomorrow throughout the match and we will pick the best players that we have."
However, Valeriu will be unable to select Cameroonian Jude Vernyuy Kongnyuy or Omar Hemidi with both defenders ruled out through suspension.
"Hemidi is an international player and he has big experience in such games," he added.
"However, I hope we can find a good replacement and our fans must support us in big numbers in order to get a good result."

Chonburi 2 Buriram PEA 2

The above score means Chonburi are out of the title race. Muangthong need just one point to secure the title.

Kawin chance at Man U

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/201782/kawin-chance-at-man-u

National coach Bryan Robson has recommended Thailand goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan to Manchester United as a potential replacement of 40-year-old Edwin van der Sar.

Thai keeper Kawin Thamsatchanan.

The 20-year-old shot-stopper plays for Thai Premier League champions Muang Thong United and is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Asia.

Former United captain Robson is still a global ambassador for the club and believes that Kawin has what it takes to replace van der Sar.

''If I feel Thai players have got a chance of playing in Europe, there is no reason for me not to tell a few of my old mates at Manchester United. I've spoken to goalkeeping coach Eric Steele about Kawin,'' said Robson.

''He is young but he definitely has the potential to develop into a top goalkeeper.''

Kawin could soon arrive at Old Trafford for a trial which could lead to a permanent deal. He is excited about the possibility of playing for the Red Devils.

''I am looking forward to going to Manchester United. Van der Sar is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he is one of my heroes,'' said Kawin.

''To one day replace him as Manchester United goalkeeper is my dream.''

Injury worries at the back?

Muangthong may face a minor defensive crisis over the next few games as a recent spate of injuries and other problems take their toll.

Nattaporn "oat" Panrit (pictured right) was taken into an ambulance after the match against Pichit last Thursday, adding to the growing list of unavailable players.

Club captain Jetsada Jitsawad has been notably absent from the first team since the game against Army although I understand injury is not the problem in his case.                                                                              
 

With two regular centre backs unavailable, the next logical choice to partner Panupong would seem to be new boy Coulibly Abdoul (pictured right). Coulibly is actually a deep midfielder but he showed his versatility by playing as centre back against Air Force United and scoring a hat-trick into the bargain. Too bad he is also out, recovering from an operation.

                                                          

Nawapol Tantranseni (pictured left) remains the final option but he seems to have settled into a slightly more attacking role this season.

But even allowing for Nawapol's selection, who would provide emergency cover should another injury or suspension occur? An emergency loan may be an option but at this  stage of the season which clubs would be willing to lend? Dawudah Walumpah of Rajpracha would appear to be an ideal form of cover but it is unlikely Raj would want to risk lending him as they fight for their own survival. Then again, perhaps MTU could find ways of persuasion?

The only other viable choice in my opinion could be Nonthaburi FC, whose season is already over. Former international Janewit Boonsawan (pictured right) would make great cover in my view, but would Rene be willing to gamble on a Division 2 player, albeit an accomplished, respected and experienced one?

Whatever the solution, I have faith in the squad and management of the club to get it sorted. The blip is behind us. Fortress Yamaha remains impregnable. 

                      

Picture credits: Mtutd.tv except Janewit (nonthaburifc.com)

Muangthong United 2 TTM Pichit 2 - Photos and video

These superb pictures are from 'mooinblack' (Jirawat) on the mtufc.com forum and his Facebook profile.

Muangthong United 2 TTM Pichit 2 - Report

So I persuaded the family to run us back to Bangkok for this game after a great holiday (I highly recommend this place to anyone with kids, or any adult kids) and then some fat brat decided to push my son down some steps and lacerate the back of his head.

So what should have been a smooth journey back home required a hospital detour and I arrived ten minutes after kick off with nothing but sunburn and my match ticket. This was, technically, our final home league game of the season. But in reality, the 'away' game against TOT will take the spot because TOT shared our ground this season and have very small support, so there was no special feeling about this game.

MTU were playing in their third choice white kit for some reason. The team was Kawin (GK), Piyachart (LB), Kaewprom (RB), Nattaporn (Capt, CB), Panupong (CB), Datsakorn (MD), Ammorn (MD), Siaka (DM), Teerasil (LW), Christian (FW/RW), Kone (ST). Again, the mystery of Teerasil playing wide.

It seemed to be a typical home affair against a lower placed team as MTU dominated the opening exchanges. Before long someone lifted the ball to Christian who slotted home. There appeared to be a slight hint of offside about the goal but it wasn't flagged. Pichit responded by creating a tremendous goalmouth scramble that required our back line to hack the ball away at least three times.

In the following exchanges something strange happened. MTU players twice played excellent through balls to Christian and both times the linesman flagged him offside. I was baffled as Chris had timed his runs well and was not even close to offside. After it happened yet again - the third time -  I realised what was happening: the linesman was judging offside by the time the player received the ball rather than when it was played. I'm not exaggerating or kidding. Pichit suffered the same fate, including one disallowed goal in the second half. I won't mention this again, I think it speaks for itself.

Towards the end of the first half Christian - who had a very good game - played square to Siaka who in turn played square to Kone inside the box. Kone did the business and it was 2-0. Time to go home for Pichit, surely?

Except that Pichit have the same fighting spirit as Army and came flying at us in the second half. That's when the mental and physical fatigue really appeared to set in on our players. I know fans get cynical when talking about tired footballers but consider the schedule we have played: a full league, two domestic cups, the AFC cup and internationals. Now that campaign is being fought on a waterlogged and hole-covered pitch. Wet pitches absorb more energy from your legs and return less.

MTU appeared to sit back and allow Pichit to attack in the hope of frustrating them and perhaps hitting them on the break. After all, it's worked so many times this season. But just like the Army game, the players appeared to be a little unsure of themselves. One player I would usually expect to run at defenders gave the ball away with a lazy little flick, others appeared to walk the pitch and failed to close down their opponents when they should have done. Kawin was getting more vocal than usual with his back line and with Teerasil being out on the wing, we lacked our usual holding player in attack.

Pichit scored their first from a rebound. I thought this might spur us on but by now the tiredness was tangible and the players continued the defensive play. It seemed we would scrape the win with a little help from a linesman who didn't understand the offside rule but a late equaliser from Pichit was immediately followed by one of their players suddenly collapsing and getting stretchered off. The ref did not play any extra time for this so a late series of corners was the only chance we had to restore the lead and we couldn't make it happen.

As the full time whistle went, the ground fell silent, apart from the small away contingent. Stunned home players sat in the centre circle and home fans exchanged bewildered and pained looks at each other. It was a something I'd never seen with Muangthong fans before.

The silver lining here is that the obvious shock the players received in this game may give them the lift that they need over the next few weeks of this long season that must feel like a mental and physical marathon to the squad. Moreover, the look on Rene's face as he walked towards the tunnel at full time suggested the lads may get another kind of "wake up" call before the night was done.

Like every fan I have an opinion on what needs to be done. I'd like to see Teerasil restored to his role as out and out striker and target man in the centre where he holds the ball up so well and brings his teammates into play. On the wing he looks lost and ineffective. I'd also like to see Jetsada restored to the side in his role as captain.

What we need now is to lift the squad for just two more crucial league games and one or two more AFC games. After this we'll be in the home straight and we can return to squad rotation for the two domestic cups.

At least we have a professional and forward thinking set of coaching staff guiding the squad through such a grueling schedule. Fans of other teams would probably be worrying the lads would be punished with extra uphill jogging sessions and more som-tam-bplaaa at half time.

Light is at the end of the tunnel lads, just pull through.

Man of the match: 
Kawin Thamasatchanan, for getting vocal when needed, and, yet again, some excellent saves in the second half. Boy will we miss him when he goes.

Picture credit:  cartoonstock.com

Result - MUangthong United 2 TTM Pichit 2

After we were 2-0 up. Report to follow.

BEC Tero 0 Muangthong United 1 - Report

Ummm....is this the right colour?

A close game was fought at the Thepsadin Stadium, but Tero's poor finishing let them down. The game could have been very different but for a missed penalty from Dagno in the opening ten minutes.

Muangthong's lineup was: Kawin (GK), Piyachart (LB), Panupong (CB), Nattaporn (Capt, CB), Kaewprom (RB), Pitchipong (DM), Datsakorn( MD), Siaka (AM), Teerasil (LW, yes, LW) Christian (FW), Kone (FW)

We began the game in attacking style, with Christian immediately causing problems for his marker. Early on, he beat his man who seemed to pull at him a bit, Chris went down and the ref gave the penalty. Sadly, Dagno's penalty seemed predictable and under-hit. Yes, you read that right. It was criticism - albeit affectionate criticism - of the league's top scorer from the bloke who couldn't even score one of those 'beat the keeper' games outside the stadium before kick off. To the joy of the home fans.the goalie caught it with relative ease

The rest of the half was probably 60-40 to Muangthong in possession terms. It looked like Christian could break through at any moment but while this was an immense improvement on last Friday, we still weren't quite firing on all cylinders. Teerasil was way off form due to being pushed out wide. The ref was also part of the reason for the lack of flow in the game. He was a typical Thai referee - indecisive, seemingly random and clearly short on confidence. So at half time it was 0-0.

In the second half we came out attacking but the pattern of the game was the same. We'd get a bit more of the ball but not finish it, Tero would attack but their efforts seemed to be aiming for the skytrains moving across the skyline behind the stadium. But then about midway through the second half, Pitchipong curled in a free kick that Siaka popped up to slot home. 1-0. Relief.

Tero upped their game and "put us under pressure" as Jack Charlton would say, but they were remarkably wasteful in front of goal. In the very dying moments of injury time, the ref bizarrely gave Pitchipong his second yellow and, ergo, marching orders. I didn't see him put in a single bad challenge all game but this just about summed up the official. At least he was so random with his decisions that it probably balanced out for both sides.

As Tero lined up to take the free kick, the writing seemed to be on the wall.  You could feel the tension in the away end and the hope in the home stand. Tero took their time....the big Brazilian lined up a powerblaster.......up he runs........over it goes, flying towards the skytrain again. Full time. Sorry old boy, Datsakorn Thonglao you ain't!

Not our best result or performance but the sheer number of games seems to be telling on our lads and they are soldiering through like the professionals they are. As for Tero, they still have a decent sized fan base, a good sponsor and a bit of cash. If they can sign some strikers to support Leesaw (who didn't play today of course), perhaps they can become a top five team again.

I'm now off to Pattaya this week, returning for the weekend and then off to Hua Hin. I'm not sure which games I'll see and which I'll miss but in any case, updates will appear here.

Man of the match:  Pitchipong Choeichiu put in some great passes, strong tackles and a nice free kick for Dagno to score. The referee was a plonker to send him off.

Image credit: http://www.ancastersoccer.com 

BEC Tero Vs MTU tonight

Credt: newkits.blogspot.com

Muangthong's rescheduled match with BEC Tero takes place this evening. It will be interesting to see how many first-team players are restored to the squad. Kawin, Teerasil and Datsakorn all featured against Leicester but none were forced to play eh entire game. Therathep 'Leesaw' Winothai is on loan to the 'Fire Dragons' - though many media sources seem to forget it's just a loan - will almost certainly be contractually forbidden to play in this match.

Muangthong United 3 Royal Thai Army FC 3 - Report

Credit: thaileagueonline.com

 Just when I thought the flame had faded out in my affair with the ticket office, the passion came roaring back. For this game, they told us the North Stand (capacity 1,000+), was only for Army FC (who brought less than fifty fans). Naturally then I got my kid a ticket for the East Stand and my accomplice did the same. Imagine my joy when I presented my North Stand season ticket to the steward who told me: "North Stand closed today" and nothing more. On further prompting, he told me - with a deadly straight face - I should go and sit with the Army Fans. On yet more prompting, he suggested I: "try South Stand".

A few raised voices, scrambling and helpful translation from my 'n-zone' friends later, they allowed us in the East Stand, only to tell my accomplice he couldn't "sit" with me because they have now stuck numbers on the terracing and allocate people to "sit" in specific spots. We smiled and "sat" together anyway.

The team today was as makeshift as expected: Phanphiphat (GK), Pakasit (RB), Kavem (LB), Nattaporn (CB), Jetsada (Capt,  CB), Narongchai (MD), Bhuntao (MD), Nontadee (LM), Siaka (AM), Christian (FW), Kone (FW). I had no worries. All the reserves in the lineup are hungry to make the first team and many of them have played well in TLC matches. But today it went wrong, the game matched the atmosphere which was wet, damp and smelly from the water-logging around the stadium.

I can't pinpoint the cause. We simply looked tired and disjointed. Passes went astray, crosses and free kicks were over-hit, Kone and Siaka spent lot of time running sideways instead of forward, good chances went begging, the ref and the linesman appeared extremely harsh on us, and Army FC played very well.

So although you may have read about the six goals in this game, it was far from a thriller. Army scored first and it was 0-1 at half time. Nattaporn equalised from a Narongchai free kick to make 1-1, Army scored again (1-2), Substitute Ammorn scored for us (2-2), Christian scored for us (3-2) Army equalised late on to make it 3-3.

Again, our reserves are a capable and hungry bunch that have proven themselves already. Apart from my usual complaint of not using Rungsiyo in a game that was crying out for a natural striker, I can offer no reasons for allowing Army to score the same number of goals against us in a home league game as every other team combined this season. Perhaps it was a mixture of tiredness, plain bad luck, poor officiating, lack of fitness, not being mentally prepared - we had hoped not to lose our players to the ridiculous Leicester friendly match -  and of course missing key players. Perhaps it was my fault for stating that Phanphiphat would: "deny access if you [Army FC] get close enough".

In any case, it is behind us and we will push on. In closing, I want to give credit to Army FC. They pegged us back in both fixtures this season. This plucky bunch that put Buriram PEA out of the FA Cup just don't know when they are supposed to lay down and die. Their small following are a great bunch and I admired the way their striker ran to them, celebrated with them and then waid them after their third goal. You could see how much it meant to everyone involved, Good luck lads, hope you stay up.

Makeshift squad for Army game

MTU will be forced to make several changes to the squad for tonight's game with Army FC. Kawin Thamasatchanan is suspended after his red card against Osotspa, some players will be rested and others will be rested today for their game with the national team tomorrow. It seems the powers that be won that battle of wills.

We can expect to see the likes of Phanphipat(GK) Narongchai (AM), Nawapol (DF/MD), Bhuntao (MD) and Rungsiyo (ST) given a chance. All of them are hungry and capable players. Wonder boy Coulibly Abdoul (DM) and Ibrahim (FW) also return to contention after being ineligible for AFC competition.

I also should mention that Datsakorn's yellow card against Al-Itthiad means he will be suspended for the next leg. This is a real blow because with the slender lead we have, Datsakorn's thunderbolt free kicks would be one of our best chances of extending that lead when our backs are against the wall in the big Syrian stadium.

Toyota League Cup draw

Unofficial reports state the draw is now seeded, so the winner of match one below will play the winner of match two, etc.

Therefore, a quick glance should throw up a very interesting possible fixture for the next round.....

TOT vs. Burirum
Srisaket vs. Muang Thong
PTT Rayong vs. Osotspa M150
Thai Honda vs. Pattaya/Chiang Rai
Sriracha vs. Navi Rayong
Nong Khai vs. Chonburi/BG
RBAC vs. Bangkok United
Samut Songkram vs. Thai Port

The pitch

Credit: คุณชายนิว ณ เมืองทอง at mtufc.net

I seem to recall that around this time last season, I commented that the Thunderdome pitch looked like it had been taken over by buffalo. Well this year, it looks like the buffalo clan have been invaded by a herd of wilderbeast and the pitch has been used for the battle. In short: it's terrible.

This is not the club's fault of course. It's politics that have allowed other teams to use the surface and I doubt anyone who knows anything about sport thought that using the pitch for a lacrosse game was sensible. And nobody can do much about the incredible amounts of rain we've had this year.

Hopefully TOT will get lost and Rajpracha will return home next season. But if not - or even if they do - this problem may keep repeating itself unless we...

a) Get a new stadium with facilities to maintain the pitch or.....


b) .....cue the Darth Vader music ......we install astroturf!

I know astroturf is unpopular and hardly an ideal option but surely it's cost effective and better than forcing ourselves to play on what is essentially a potato field towards the end of each season.

Let's remember, MTU are the best footballing side in the league. The worse the pitch, the more we deprive ourselves of our advantage in skill.

Muangthong United 1 -Al-Itthiad 0 - report

They lost the game, but they won the moonwalking contest.

So I started this article with a rant about the pitch that was so long, I've cut it into a separate article to post later.

To the game. the North  and South stands were packed, the East and West stands - at double the ticket price - were not. Nonetheless the 'n-zone' group were bigger than ever and actually fed off the Ultras opposite them, creating an excellent atmosphere. I'm sure it gave the players a boost.

Only one surprise in the starting line up; Kawin (GK), Piyachart (LB), Panupong (CB), Nattaporn (Capt, CB), Kaewprom (RB), Datsakorn  (MD), Pitchipong (MD), Ammorn (MD), Siaka (AM), Christian (FW), Teerasil (ST).

Ammorn being the surprise inclusion. You may notice I've stopped discussing Kaewprom so much. That's because the verdict is in: he's a fine right back. When I was critical of him, he was still adjusting to his new role. Now he is well-positioned, knows when to distribute the ball and is well-timed in his challenges. Good job, Kaewprom.

Muangthong started quickly and it became obvious that while Al-Itthiad may be a good side, they were looking distinctly vulnerable. Their keeper seemed to have a real problem with crosses and I was amazed how may times he seemed to panic and appear indecisive about coming off his line. That rubbed off on his defenders and MTU created plenty of chances from it.

Within ten minutes we were ahead when a short cross from someone (Datsakorn?) baffled the goalie again and Dagno slotted home. It really was hard to believe; here we were in the semi-finals of a tournament few people thought we'd even get past the first round in and we were making light work of the opposition.

It was all uphill from there, though. I had hoped we would fly at these guys because we have to budget for conceding goals in the away leg but, in hindsight, perhaps the early goal worked against us. The attacks continued but we wasted several good chances.

The second half was a similar story. Ammorn lost a particularly good opportunity by taking several touches and trying to beat two men when a simple tap would surely have put us two goals to the good. Some over-hit free kicks and a spot of bad luck also contributed to the scoreline. Al-Itthiad worked hard and put in some powerful long range efforts but as ever, Kawin was equal to it.

The celebrations at full time were moderate. There is no doubting we played well today and I'm sure every MTU fan is proud of the boys and their effort. In fact, both teams deserve credit for playing good football on a very dodgy turf.

However, the underlying fear is that those missed chances may come back to haunt us. Al-Itthiad were there for the taking in this game, that won't be the case in front of a large 30,000+ crowd of noisy Syrian fans in a desert climate. I was hoping we could build a strong lead then play a very firm defensive game for the second leg. Instead, I think we'll now have to come out attacking. We've proven our skill, now we need to prove our nerve once more.

Man of the match - Kawin Thamastchanan, for ensuring the task ahead was not even stiffer.

Photo credit: unknown (please inform)

MTU players in Thailand squad

A report of yesterday's game will appear soon. Meanwhile, courtesy of the Thai Port blog - which is always good for news of the national team - here is the squad for the totally pointless friendly between Thailand and Leicester that is taking place purely as part of King Power's takeover of the Foxes. I can't imagine anyone is too thrilled about this match taking place. Leicester are less than a quarter of the way into their season and will most likely send a reserve side over to play, MTU play Army just twenty four hours beforehand and even the Leicester City ex-pats I know are not too fussed about seeing this match.

Presumably the idea is to promote Leicester amongst Thai fans, but the problem is that while Leicester are a reasonably big club with a long history, they have been out of the Premier League - and therefore Thai TV stations - for a while. One friendly match is not going to boost their fanbase by very much at all.

Hopefully someone will see sense and rest the MTU players.

THAILAND SQUAD FOR LEICESTER CITY MATCH

GOALKEEPERS

Kawin Thamsatchanon - Muangthong United

Sintaweechai Hathairattanakool - Chonburi


DEFENDERS

Panupong Wongsa - Muangthong United

Nattapon Phanrit - Muangthong United

Suree Sukha - Chonburi

Nattapong Samana - Chonburi

Suttinan Phukhom - Chonburi

Chonlatit Jantakam - Chonburi

Ponlawat Wangkahadt - TOT

Teeratorn Boonmatan - Buriram PEA


MIDFIELDERS

Pichitpong Choichieu - Muangthong United

Datsakorn Thonglao - Muangthong United

Narongchai Vachiraban - Muangthong United

Puritat Jarikanon - Chonburi

Wichaya Dechmitr - Bangkok Glass

Peter Laeng - Bangkok Glass

Suchao Nuchnum - Buriram PEA

Rangsan Vivatchaichok - Buriram PEA


STRIKERS

Teerasil Dangda - Muangthong United

Sarayoot Chaikamdee - Thai Port

Keerati Kaewsombat - Buriram PEA

Teeratep Winothai - BEC Tero

Army game confirmed for Friday

photo credit: thaiarmyfc.com

The rescheduled game against Army FC is confirmed for this Friday. Kick off time TBA. I did make a late effort for a fan interview but Army's website requires a username and password.....without the opportunity to register. I also got a message that: ' A warning has been sent to the webmaster. You are denied access".

Never mind lads, Kawin or Phanphipat will be doing some "access denial" of their own on Friday night.  If you get close enough :-)

Updates

In keeping with the times, I have - as you can see - set up a Twitter account with a feed here for smaller and quicker updates.

You can sign up to updates by clicking the box in the right side column or simply visiting http://twitter.com/MTUTD_blog

I've also installed a share widget so at the bottom of each post so articles can be emailed, blogged or shared on Facebook etc. with one click.

Now there really is no excuse not to keep up with the latest news and for Thai fans to practise their English!

Muangthong United Vs Al-Ittihad Aleppo -preview

The bratwurst boys at thai-fussball.de have a very good preview of tomorrow's big game. All readers are ordered to take a look right now. Resistance is futile.

Meet the 'n-zone' army

MTU face the first leg of their AFC Cup semi-final clash tomorrow against Syrian side Al-Ittihad. Rest assured a full report will appear here. However, I am finally enjoying a well-deserved holiday that will include two getaways so I may miss some games. News-flashes will still appear here, though.

Muangthong are best known for their 'Ultras' fan group. That's the large, colourful and friendly crowd that fill the South Stand at home games and produce a tremendous noise. But with the growth of the club and the stadium, a smaller but equally passionate and slightly more inebriated bunch known as the 'n-zone' group have also made themselves known for noise, passion and friendliness.

I like the 'n-zone' crowd because their behaviour and nature is slightly closer to that of European fans, but without the thuggish side of such culture. Meet them here......

Scarf waving

I do smile sometimes,  especially when Portsmouth lose.

When the shirts are off, it usually means we are winning.

At half time

Not a fairweather fan.

Rough but friendly 1

Rough but friendly2

The twelfth man

Photo credits
First photo: ♥ JoEisM ณ เมืองทองat mtufc.com
Second photo: unknown (please inform)
All other photos: คุณชายนิว ณ เมืองทอง at mtufc.com

MTU Vs Army rained off

 

Photo credit: jokerman at mtufc.net 

MTU's game with Army was called off after a few moments due to a heavy downpour.

The only surprise is that this doesn't happen more often, however a large number of games this season have been hindered and punishing to more talented sides due to waterlogged surfaces.

I wonder why the Thai FA schedules a season to cover rainy season but not cool season (November, December).

MTU hope to re-schedule the game ASAP. At least this mean your blogger will be able to attend the match and report next time. Yesterday I was a few miles away at Chula United and luckily the storm had dwindled to a shower by the time it passed.

Happy birthday to the blog

Actually it was three weeks ago, but I only just noticed! I can't believe how quickly the time has flown but I've now been churning out reports and daft ideas on this blog for one year.

It's been a very enjoyable hobby and because it is only a hobby I don't worry too much about readership or standardisation but it seems I am now getting over one hundred unique hits per day, which is good.

With both Muangthong and my own life playing such a hectic schedule right now I don't want to stop and reflect just yet, but when the season ends I will make some plans to improve the blog for the following season.

For now let me just say "thanks" to anyone who has read my nonsense here and extra special "thanks" to my inside man.

I hope this blog has helped create at least one new Thai football fan. One thing's for sure - it's certainly more fun blogging for Muangthong United than it is for UKIP.