Season 2018 - a preview. What can we expect from The Swatcats in the coming season?

Well unfortunately, I expect more of the same and a repeat of last year’s limited accomplishments.

In terms of personnel, Victor Igbonefo has been a high profile departure but due to his lack of pace and marking ability I personally was glad to see the back of him. Port picked up a couple of players from us, Chakrit Rawanprakone and Athibordee Arirat who will make decent squad players for Port.

 The team has bolstered the squad with the signings of goalkeepers Samuel Cunningham and Todsaporn Srireung, stopper Lee Won-Jae, winger Yaya Kunath and Thai National Team player Sarawut Masuk, but these signings apart, I have real doubts about the team’s ambitions to “kick on” and the team’s ability to attract fans is a continuing worry.

Thai international Masuk’s signing offers a glimpse of hope and his presence will undoubtedly enhance the squad. If he can link with Pina and provide service for Adiyiah and Rangel we may well defy the odds and avoid the drop.

Our signings seem paltry when compared to other TPL teams who are investing heavily in new and better players. Even promoted clubs Prachuap, Chainat and Air Force have bought in real quality players - with a week to go until the new season, the Swatcats have not even filled their ASEAN quota spot.

Last season’s 12^th place was disappointing but it could have been worse - a late run seeing 7 points from the last 3 home games saw the team pull themselves clear of relegation woes.

This season the Premier League is shrinking to 16 teams at the season’s end leading to the relegation of 5 teams this season. My only aspiration for the coming season is for the Swatcats to avoid those 5 relegation places.

The fans expressed their disappointment with last season’s performances by voting with their feet but the management, seemingly content with the status quo, has made little attempt to improve the quality of the squad. I have heard views that the club would prefer to be a successful Tier 2 club pulling in decent crowds than a struggling Premier League minnow. I sincerely hope that this does not represent the future of this potentially massive club.

A top ten finish would be excellent but I just cannot see it happening. The squad is not strong enough and I do have doubts that Milos Joksic’s coaching abilities are enough to take the team to a higher level.

As ever “I hope that I am wrong” but I do continue to have serious misgivings about the future of the club. Go on lads…prove me wrong !!