A season of two halves or how dreams turned to nightmares - the Swatcat season review.

For the first year since we entered the TPL, I was optimistic about the season ahead, based on the firm foundation of the previous seasons defensive displays (they were the fourth best performing defence last year), the promise of a more attack minded approach and the significant addition of strikers Henri and Amadou, backed ably by the classy Assumpcao, this was going to be a season to remember and a top six finish almost guaranteed.

The first encounters were looking promising with the team hovering securely in the top 6 or 7. The displays were sound and perhaps a cup win could be beckoning. As the first leg ended, the Swatcats were in 7^th place. ……. THEN.

As the second leg progressed, injuries to key players and amid rumours of discontent concerning possible transfer targets, the team went into a death spiral, winning just 3 times during the second leg, plunging the team into the lower half of the table and dangerously close to the relegation zone. A 5-1 defeat to bottom placed Chang Mai was the final straw and coach Milos Joksic resigned.

With just 5 games to go to save the Swatcats from the drop, Chalermwut Sangapol took over. With his first match in charge at Port abandoned due to rain, his first real challenge was the home game against aspiring Samut Prakan. A rare and unexpected victory gave the fans hope of a miracle. A superb win at fellow strugglers Chainat boosted their hopes further and it transpired that a win or a draw in the last match of the season would ensure safety.

Played in front of a bumper crowd of over 19000 fans the Swatcats went out with a whimper, being outplayed by Sukhothai, their premier League status only preserved by Suphanburi’s defeat by Chang Rai. 

Coach Chalermwut should be applauded for the victories against Samut Prakan and Chainat, matches that proved pivotal and ultimately saved the club from relegation, but personally, I did not see enough to convince me that he is the right man for the job.

The team was able to survive in previous seasons with a mediocre squad because of the way Milos Joksic set the team up - unexciting to watch but allowing TPL mid table mediocrity. Pressure to play more exciting and attacking football led to the demise of coach Joksic and almost the loss of the team’s TPL status.

Maybe a lesson learnt, maybe not, but perhaps we should all be careful what we wish for.