Leaked proposals document April 1^st. 2015

The new Honda Thai Elite League 2020

The major problems with league football in Thailand are;

·         Lack of spectators.

·          Mediocre standards of play.

 Thais are just not sufficiently interested (with a few notable exceptions) to turn out to watch their local team. The majority of players in the TPL are just not good enough to excite spectators. Further the cheating, feigning injury and abuse of officials by so called professionals is not what the majority of spectators want to see.

The status quo of course can continue (and probably will, let’s be honest) but the result will be a sub standard product which will wither and eventually die. The solutions are extreme and will undoubtedly ruffle feathers but the alternative is ultimate extinction.

The Plans.

·         Thai Elite League to consist of 12 teams – based on ability to attract fans and geographic location. Teams bid for franchises in the new league. They must guarantee attendances of at least 10k and commit to construction of purpose built stadium of capacity 10k-15k or modify existing stadia within 5 years

The 12 teams would be:

Navy

Chonburi

Bangkok Glass

MT United

Ratchaburi

Suphanburi

Nahkon Ratchasima

Buriram United

Si Siket

Chang Rai United

Udon Thani or Konkaen

Chainat Hornbills

·         Top 8 to play in playoffs ie post season to make up for lack of matches due to fewer teams. Quarter finals, semifinals and final all played over 2 legs.

·         Ban live TV coverage for 1 year to assess the effect on attendances, replace with extended highlights or play midweek game to show live when no other teams are playing.

·         Encourage the building of 10k-15k purpose built stadia for the elite League teams.

·         Abolish the foreign player quota rule

·         All TPL teams to fund Youth Academies.

·         No relegation from the new EPL for 5 years.

·         Division 1 and Regional Leagues to continue. Former TPL teams not in the Elite League to compete in Division 1.

·         Some Regional League teams to be linked to appropriate Elite League teams and act as feeder teams and to develop new talent.

The biggest obstacle will be funding. Loss of TV revenue and funding of stadia construction and salaries for more foreign imports will be slightly offset by increased attendances and investment from The Thai government.

Dateline 27^th September 2015

Chainat 1 NRFC 1

In a listless and uninspiring first half, Chainat snatched a well worked goal just before half time. Honours were about even in terms of chances but the first half was marred by some disgraceful behavior from Lee Tuck who received 2 yellows and thus a red, for dissent and then apparently spitting at the referee. This behaviour is not to be condoned and possibly cost the team a victory – and certainly a loss of respect for the team from Korat.

Second half began with an unexpected equalizer, but Chainat continued to exert pressure. Some sloppy passing and inability to maintain possession put the Swatcats on the back foot for long periods. Poor finishing by Chainat in the latter stages meant that we were able to escape with a point

Another pretty average performance - the team has certainly gone off the boil. We would have been slaughtered by a better side. A far from convincing performance but a valuable away point nonetheless.

Dateline 20^th September 2015

NRFC 2 Ratchaburi 2.

In front of a huge, passionate and raucous crowd (about 18 000 I estimate), NRFC fought out a thrilling draw with visitors Ratchaburi.

 In quite literally a game of two halves, Ratchaburi handed out a footballing lesson in the first half and raced into a deserved 2-0 lead. As usual men left unmarked in the box led to goals as Ratchaburi tore our defence to pieces.

 I was asking myself “who is going to score for the home team”, who displayed absolutely no threat or penetration up front. Why, one may ask, was Adido left on the bench with the absence of Lee Tuck – a tactical error in my mind.

Second half began with Adido being introduced and the home team putting Ratchaburi’s defence under constant siege. A flurry of chances followed with the Swatcats showing real attacking prowess.

My view was that goals would inevitably come. The visitor’s defence wilted under the barrage and sure enough the home team drew level.  In truth NRFC were unlucky not to take 3 points but I guess both teams were happy with a share of the points.

In conclusion, a great match for the fans and a fair result

Dateline 12^th September 2015

Army 0 NRFC 1

A stubborn defensive display at a wet Army stadium was rewarded by a late, late goal by Adido. The men in orange without stars Chivuta and Lindemann exchanged chances with the home team in the first half with neither side able to break the deadlock. The second half saw The Swatcats gaining in confidence and looking increasingly dangerous on the break. In the 94^th minute, a precise cross from the ever industrious Lee Tuck was met far post by the dangerous Ghanaian striker for the winner.

 A fine away victory – just deserved in my opinion and the fact that it was achieved without two of our foreign stars is a real credit to the side. Another clean sheet for the defence, aided, it has to be said, by a couple of fine saves from the keeper.

Well done boys – another 3 points from our next home game will surely cement our top 10 aspirations.