Sunday 13 December 2015

Progress Post 2015

For me the important aspect of a team’s future potential is progress. NRFC are now in a difficult position. Two recent promotions have thrust the team into the top tier and now an impressive 8th place finish in their inaugural season has put massive pressure on the owners of the club and the team’s coach Kambe to improve
To Improve and thus demonstrate progress next season will be a big ask. Progress to me would be pressing the top 5 teams and ultimately a top 5 finish. Achievable? Maybe, but for me it’s all about aspiration and expectation. The club is in a good place – fantastic support and the nucleus of a good squad.

The million dollar question is “What has to be done to achieve progress?”

My opinions are:

·         Change of coach – has Kambe taken the team as far as he can. I for one think Kambe should be kept on as long as the club progresses. He has been under scrutiny in certain circles who question his coaching credentials.

·         Sort out the striking strategy. There was a worrying trend towards the end of the season – a distinct lack of goals. I personally we need a tall rangy striker to take full advantage of crosses into the box – Tuck, Chivuta, Malek and Lindemann are all capable of putting in quality crosses – at the moment who is going to score from these crosses. In our current formation, Lee Tuck either plays deep (too deep at times) or finds himself wide on the flanks, Lindemann is a quality player but he is not a striker. His best role is to play in the hole behind the strikers. Adido is rarely given a long run. So who exactly is our traditional striker who will deliver 20 plus goals per season?

·         Get in a specialist coach to organize the defence.

·         Play Adido or get rid of him. He is currently taking up one of our farang spots. I think he has great potential but if he is not a regular starter…

·         Be ambitious in approaching quality Thai players – give players the chance to play in front of 20 000 fans in a nice facility for an ambitious club. I think Chanathip should be a target.

One can only hope that the support holds up – I personally think it will. The home fans and great atmosphere at the stadium are surely worth a handful of points each season. I am optimistic for the club’s future and my opinion is that we have a fairly decent squad. This year’s experience in the Premier League must surely have benefitted the players and now we have had a decent season, confidence should be sky high. Top 5 may be beyond us with the current squad but with a couple of astute acquisitions, who knows?
Dateline 13th December 2015

Muang Thong United 2 NRFC 2

The SCG Stadium welcomed NRFC hoping that the home team could complete the double over the Premier League newcomers The Twin Qilins outplayed the Swatcats in the season opener at the 80th Anniversary Stadium so a home win was certainly on the cards.
Amazingly for an end of season “not much to play for” match there appeared to be about 1000 Swatcat fans present

The first half began with 2 early chances for the home team in the first 6 minutes with the away team’s defence looking very square.  A 30 yard snorter put the Swatcats ahead inside 10 minutes but minutes later very slack defensive work led to a Muang Thong equalizer.
Adido continued to look sharp as he rasped a low shot inches wide but this aside, the away team was not offering much up front.
The homes team’s attack looked dangerous and at times were afforded too much space in the final third, with the assistant referee’s flag saving the men in white on several occasions.
In the 33rd minute, the home team sliced effortlessly through the Swatcats defence to make it 2- 1 – Muang Thong showing real class when moving forward helped it has to be said by some very naive defending.

Adido missed a sitter from 5 yards on the stroke of half time sending his header inches wide of the upright as an incident packed first half drew to a close with the home team 2-1 up.

The second half opened with a Chivuta snap shot going wide. A couple of impressive moves forward resulted in a further couple of long range shots from the men from Korat. Muang Thong continued to look dangerous but Adido equalized with a 12 yard drive in the 58th minute – he certainly has impressed on one of his rare stars for the team. The Swatcats definitely were beginning to dominate and had the better of the second half and in truth apart from a Cleiton chance Muang Thong offered little as the Swatcats pressed

Nagano was sent off for his second seemingly tame blocking tackle but the 10 men fought on as
Lindemann fought off 3 challenges and hit a dipping shot inches over.


In conclusion, a very creditable draw against a classy Muang Thong outfit and a great way to draw the season to a close.

Wednesday 9 December 2015

Dateline 9th December 2015

NRFC 1 Si Saket 0.

A sparse crowd (maybe 11-12 000 fans present, including pretty strong support from Si Saket) witnessed the latest Isaan derby.
The Koupreys arrived to graze on the lush 80th Anniversary turf and in a rather lacklustre first half had arguably slightly the better of the first half, breaking dangerously at times. The home team was rather limp in attack and one was again forced to ask “Where are the goals coming from?”

 A sharp header in the 10th minute drew a fine save from the Si Saket keeper but this chance and a rasping shot from Lindemann apart, the Swatcats created few clear cut chances.
 The first session drew to a close in this typical end of season “nothing to play for” encounter with neither side able to break the deadlock.

The second half saw the introduction of Adido. He added some vitality to the Swatcats attack and at risk of repeating myself, we must give Adido a prolonged run next season – he is undoubtedly talented and has pace but with him being in and out of the team he has failed to make a marked impression. Memo to Coach Kambe!! “Adido must be the first name on the team sheet next season!!”

With Noah Chivuta marshalling the middle of the park with strong support from Lindemann, the home team created a couple of half chances and began to exert some pressure. This pressure culminated in a well taken Adido header, celebrated in fine style by the Ghanaian.

In conclusion, not a pulsating match but 3 points gained that have cemented the Swatcat’s fine 8th place in the Premiership. Again, as in previous matches, the team found goals hard to come by, but full marks to the defence who seem to have upped their game somewhat – they have certainly plugged some of the early season gaps.


Sunday 6 December 2015

Dateline 6th December 2015

 Bangkok United 3 NRFC 0

Bangkok United, chasing an improbable AFC Champions League spot took on 8th place NRFC in the capital. Bangkok United were, in my judgment the best side to visit the 80th Anniversary Stadium this year, gaining an emphatic victory in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season.
There was a strong contingent of fans from Korat, who probably outnumbered the home fans – what a pity such a talented team should play before such paltry numbers of fans – average attendance under 3000 fans!

A cautious start from both teams with Korat making some useful sorties forward but relying too often on speculative long balls aimed at Lee Tuck. Bangkok did not show much early doors but I suspect there is a lot more to come later.
A bad miss by the home team from a 6 yard header following a corner kept the scores level but after some pressure, Jojo scored a smart goal in the 32nd minute to give the home side the lead. A minute later a reckless challenge by T May T led to a red card being brandished and the men in white reduced to 10 men.
Swatcats continued to probe and probably had slightly the edge during the first half and were a little unlucky to end the half one down.

The second half began with a lot of midfield sparring with neither side able to stamp real authority on the game. A great save from the Bangkok keeper – indeed a “superrrsave” in the 54th minute prevented an equalizer from the men from Isaan. Minutes later a snap shot from Noah Chivuta stung the palms of the home teams keeper as NRFC continued to test the Bangkok defence. Moments later, a Lee Tuck angled shot shaved the upright and in terms of clear chances the Swatcats should have been ahead in this encounter.
The home side countered when Jojo launched a great low volley which flew inches wide.

A 77th minute penalty, with a further penalty 2 minutes later being placed wide and an 85th minute strike sealed the points for the home side.

Bangkok undoubtedly has some classy individuals in the side but seemed to stutter tonight – hardly a heavenly performance from the Bangkok Angels but a vital 3 points gained - a slightly flattering score line I think.

Saturday 28 November 2015

Dateline 28th November 2015

NRFC 0 Port 0

The 80th Anniversary stadium welcomed the relegation threatened Port. The attendance seemed to be around 13-14 thousand, including a fair sized and vocal following for Port.

The boys from Khlong Toei desperately needing something from this game opened brightly but the game developed into a sterile midfield stalemate with neither side able to create chances. Port being restricted to a couple of speculative long range shots and NRFC continuing to pump long balls forward searching for an off colour Adido.
The first half ended goalless with neither side able to get the breakthough.

The second half started slowly but the 60th minute saw a guilt edged chance to seal the win for the home side – in truth one of few chances in the game. The Swatcats were certainly not firing on all cylinders tonight and the lack of chances made should be a worry for coach Kambe.

Neither team created much with only a couple of half chances from both sides. A dead rubber for NRFC, cemented as they are in 8th place but a vital game for the visitors. Port fought hard for their point and on balance were good value for the point.

The main highlight, in fact, one of few highlights was watching Madame Pang flouncing around like a dizzy teen at the prom in front of the main stand pre match – playing to her adoring fans – not!!


Wednesday 25 November 2015

Dateline 25th November 2015

Buriram United 4 NRFC 0

In a great stadium, with a great atmosphere – just as football everywhere should be, the two best supported teams in Thailand entered the arena to a slightly disappointing turnout – the stadium seemed about two thirds full - maybe 18-20 thousand – lowered perhaps due to  the midweek kick off and the fact that it was Loy Krathong day.

A large, colourful and vocal following urged on the team from Korat, amassed in one corner, a sliver of orange in a sea of deep blue at the aptly named Thunder Castle.

With both teams vying for bragging rights in the rural Issaan derby, the high flying and highly talented Buriram outfit went immediately on the offensive with NRFC failing to make any great headway. The early Buriram surge continued with NRFC not showing much ambition early on and content to soak up the pressure
Almost constant pressure led to a 12th minute strike to give the home side the lead. NRFC eventually settled and started putting some pressure on the home team’s defence.
In a first half dominated by Buriram the men from Korat were fortunate to be only one down.

The second half was still young when Buriram raced into a 2-0 lead with a smart header. The home side continued to press and created a couple of good chances culminating in a solo effort from Diogo to make it three. NRFC continued to labour but a snap shot that hit the post raised the spirits a little.
A fourth from Diogo sealed a fine win, with the last 10 minutes resulting in shooting practice for the future Champs!!

In conclusion the Swatcats were simply outclassed. Buriram looked the better side – they were simply tactically and technically superior. They are the team by whom to judge yourself by if you have any ambition. NRFC certainly were no match for them tonight
I was impressed with Buriram. They looked a complete, confident and well coached outfit with good shape that they were able to maintain. NRFC in contrast seemed unable to match the home side in any way.


 I see little chance of current TPL teams being able to challenge the men in blue in the seasons to come.

Sunday 22 November 2015

All Good Things Come to an End!!

Swatcats take their 10 match unbeaten run to Thunder Castle on Wednesday taking on the high flying Buriram United. I fear that this superb run is about to be terminated – oh, well, all good things come to an end…however……… as the saying goes, ……it is, after all, eleven vs eleven!!!!

Monday 16 November 2015

“Sing when yer winnin’”

Oh how easy it is to tweet, blog and shout when your team is winning. After a win by your heroes you check the table 20 times the day after the match – not that it will change – after a loss the depression is such that we dare not look. After a win, tweets fly, bragging rights established, after a loss a cursory comment least we are labeled poor losers.
I really feel for TOT fans, loss after loss no real future for the team. I have massive respect for the few diehards who turn out, week after week. How I envy the Thunder Castle army who reign in their impregnable fortress in the East.
My team, The Swatcats from Korat, has achieved two promotions in my five year addiction to the club and currently sit in a remarkable eighth place in the Premier League. I have no complaints, the club is progressing and has a massive future but…….

……..yes, I am a hypocrite, I am guilty of all the above. Hard as it is, I try to give credit to the opponents after a loss, I try not to inflate the performance of the winners. I try to inform, report what I see…..
…….but….If out team wins 1-0 it’s a great game, what a performance, if we lose 1-0 it’s “What a load of crap, sack the coach!!”.
Do we forget that, that shot off the post, that refereeing decision, that slip on wet turf could determine the outcome of the match?


Hands up all those not guilty of any or all of the above.

Sunday 15 November 2015

Dateline 15th November 2015

NRFC 1 Chonburi Sharks 0

The evening began with a respectful moment of silence pre match as a tribute to the dead and injured of the Paris massacre.

 In front of a decent and enthusiastic crowd (around 18-20 000 I would guess) – including a splendid following for the men in white, the game commenced.

The hosts had the majority of possession and passed the ball well in the early stages with plenty of movement. The Sharks spurned a couple of early chances with a dramatic goal line clearance in the 17th minute keeping the score goalless.
Both teams traded chances in an entertaining opening half with Adido, being preferred as starter to Lee Tuck, looking dangerous for the home team and Thiago Cunha representing a major threat for the visitors.
An entertaining but goalless first half with both teams trying to play attractive football. In my opinion one of the best halves of football played by the Swatcats this season.

In the second half the visitors defended effectively and looked dangerous on the break. Both sides continued to play good football although the game clearly needed a goal or two to liven it up. The second half yielded few chances with both defences able to neutralize their opponents.

Swatcats ended with a flourish and were rewarded with a winner from Lindemann in the 92nd minute.
I think on reflection a fair result between two decent footballing teams with the Swatcats reeling in their big fish opponents and poor fin-ishing thwarting the Chonburi outfit


As a side note, Did anyone else think that the opposing players were very friendly towards each other tonight – lots of smiles , backslapping and exchanges of shirts – maybe both sides fancied a draw!!!

Thursday 5 November 2015

Swatcat Goal Facts

 Regarding our much lamented defence – and I admit, I have been one of the biggest critics, it is interesting to note that at the time of writing (1st November) of the teams above us in the league Suphanburi, Bangkok United, Ratchaburi and Chonburi have all conceded the same or more goals as NRFC.

In contrast, The Swatcats have have scored less than any other top ten team.

 It appears that in the first half of the season we were able to score fairly freely but at the same time we were conceding lots of goals. Recently we have been able to keep a few clean sheets (god knows how in my opinion!!) but our goal scoring has been lacking. This perhaps suggests a tactical move by the coach to help fix the early defensive flaws. I am not sufficiently tactically savvy to have noticed the change but the team does seem to be playing deeper. If this has been a decision by Kambe, it may have contributed to our 9 game unbeaten run.

We certainly do not play with out and out strikers who consistently play up front. Lindemann and Tuck often seem to me to be extra midfield players who tend to bolster the midfield. This in turn allows the midfielders to provide more cover for the defence.


Whatever the tactical” ins and outs”, they seem to have served the team well and the manager/coaching team should be applauded for their work.
NRFC v Chonburi Sunday 15th Nov. 7.00 pm Preview.

The upcoming encounter pits top 5 team Chonburi Sharks against league newcomers NRFC and offers an intriguing matchup which I think could go either way.
Chonburi are a more technically gifted outfit but their season has been blighted by a plethora of draws which has dented their Championship ambitions – only diehard Sharks fans and the coaching staff will have opinions on why this is the case.  NRFC sit in a pretty creditable 8th place and their recent form has led to a 9 match unbeaten run although of late they have found goals hard to come by.
The final result may ultimately depend on the relative performances of the team’s main characters and “rogues in chief” Thiago Cunha and Lee Tuck - the fans will be lucky to see this match end with 22 players on the pitch!!

The previous match between the two sides early in the season led to a 2-2 – a fair result in my eyes and a score that I feel might be replicated next week.

Saturday 31 October 2015

Dateline 31st October 2015

 NRFC 1 SARABURI 1

In front of what I estimate to be a lowly 15 000 attendance at the 80th Anniversary Stadium, the Swatcats extended their unbeaten run to nine games. The Red Knights were cheered on by a pretty high turnout of away fans – well done to them!!
 The first half saw the home side pressing effectively but unable to convert the final pass. Saraburi raided forward sporadically and looked dangerous on the break. As the first half ended the home team created a couple of chances but the half ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

In the second half, a speculative Lee Tuck shot looped over the keeper to give the home team a deserved first lead. The men in orange continued to press and chances came but again the threat of the Red Knights on the break was plain to see.
The inevitable eventually happened and a well worked goal gave the Saraburi team probably a deserved and valuable away point.


In conclusion a decent performance from the home team, matched in spirit and adventure by their struggling neigbours. On this performance The Red Knights have a decent chance of jousting with the big boys next season – best of luck to them, I hope they stay up.

Thursday 29 October 2015

TPL attendance statistics 2015

TPL Attendances 2015
Pos
Team
Total
High
Low
Average
Change
1
267,957
33,269
12,240
19,139
+0.0%
2
237,510
34,659
8,142
18,270
+14.3%
3
143,777
25,709
2,800
10,269
+6.0%
4
123,656
14,980
6,053
9,512
−0.1%
5
96,187
10,614
4,527
6,870
+5.6%
6
88,510
8,463
3,489
6,322
+4.8%
7
82,120
10,146
2,400
5,865
−15.1%
8
79,999
9,816
2,573
5,714
+30.0%
9
68,488
8,382
2,204
5,268
+39.2%
10
57,594
9,651
2,680
4,113
−16.0%
11
50,848
6,287
2,678
3,911
+11.2%
12
49,088
5,631
2,470
3,776
+2.0%
13
48,265
5,717
2,649
3,712
+51.9%
14
39,866
4,936
2,194
3,066
+115.7%
15
39,684
6,337
1,561
3,052
+18.0%
16
38,033
5,957
1,224
2,925
+18.2%
17
23,790
4,084
924
1,830
+16.0%
18
19,946
3,358
537
1,662
−12.7%
League total
1,567,616
34,659
537
6,477
+28.7%