Some good news?

Ahead of our final game away to Chamchuree this weekend, there’s still absolutely no word on the future of Nonthaburi FC. There is however, some cause for cautious hope.

Thanks to Vinnie (Korat blog) Wolfman (TLF) and the Eka fan club, news has filtered through that Ratchapruek College have reached the finals of the Kor Royal Cup, meaning - at least, according to the most recent TFA statement - that they are already promoted to Division 2 for next season.

Ratchapruek is actually the main road that Eka home stadium is joined to. Yes, they’re that close, though the road is long and the college is actually further down.  It’s notable that all photographic evidence shows the College have no spectators stand at their ground, meaning they’ll either need to erect some or find a new home ground.

Several scenarios present themselves here. I’d be willing to bet that some kind of merger will take place, though it could be voluntary or not and official or not on behalf of either club or fan base. Quite possible, Nontahburi will offer their professional players to be drafted in to RC’s side (I understand that professionals are not allowed below league level,so RC will not have any at present), Ratchapruk could use the Nontahburi Stadium and absorb the Eka fan base. Basically, you have Nonthaburi V2.

It’s equally probable that Nonthaburi will be the ‘big boy’ of the merger, and the College simply becomes their ticket to a second chance at life, as unfair as that may seem.

There’s a whole range of possible permutations. It’s also possible that the rules are followed, Nonthaburi are banished and RC get a shot at making the grade in D2. THat’s how it should work, but this is Thailand. Decisions are changed and changed again, then reversed. Mergers, takeovers and partnerships are formed both officially, unofficially, ethically and otherwise. Sometimes they’re voluntary, sometimes enforced for no apparent reason. All we can do right now is congratulate Ratchapruek College for their successes well as Hua Hin, the other finalists (a city that deserves a football team) and hope that the TFA keep their word and allow both teams to play in D2 next season, allowing Nonthaburi locals a provincial team to support.

Perhaps next season this blog will make its third transformation and become an orange "Ratchaphreuk College FC" blog?

More to come as I hear of it.


Here's a clip - with thanks again to Vinnie who linked to it - of Ratchaphreuk (in grey) College playing in 2010.