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| thaileagueonline.com |
That's the good news. The "bad" news is that the article is in Thai and very hard to understand, even with Google translate. What follows is my best effort to understand what has been said. If anyone an improve on it for me please do so.
However, as mentioned before. Khun Supridee has kindly agreed to let me interview him when his busy schedule allows, so any unclear areas - such as the first team coach picture - will be cleared up then.
Dissent in the management
Club president Supridee has been away on business. On his return he met with the owner (I think) of the club who is a police colonel. He confirmed he still supports the team in every sense despite the acrimonious departure of coach Somchai.
Promoting the club/working with the local authorities
The club acknowledge that despite the great history of Rajpracha, lack of support is a problem as it is with many clubs. The club also acknowledge that ground sharing with Muangthong United does not help that problem and a move back to more central Nonthaburi is better. Management are planning to work with several local authorities to promote and build support for the side.
"The one week plan"
The issue of returning to Nonthaburi Provincial Stadium is perhaps the most important one for fans. The council have asked Rajpracha to detail their plans for security, maintainance, etc. The club will take one week to produce this plan.
My note: In Thailand, a request to draw up a plan is often a face-saving measure. A way for the higher rank to say: "I can't lose face by saying "yes" straight away, I need to make you do some work first." So I'm optimistic that this request from the council is good news for Raj.
The board
The club board agree they have been a little slow in attracting board members. They now hope to invite high-ranking officials to sit on the board in an advisory role.
Players
This part of the article is difficult to follow. It seems to say there is no full time coach yet. There is a large squad in training that will be weeded-down.
Loss of players
Some players have left and the club acknowledge the fears of supporters. However many top players will stay because they have a long service time with the club, are on long contracts and feel loyal. The club may sign local talent from the Division 2 Bangkok league.
The budget
The budget will be revealed in due course but is not expected to be less than 15-20 million.
Its a relief to finally understand what is happening with Raj and Supridee and all the management deserve credit for sticking to the task at hand rather than giving up. Next season is bound to be difficult but experience from last season combined with a little luck and smart management may yet see Raj pushing for a play off spot.
2nd to last paragraph: They 've lost a few good players, but he thinks the bulk of the squad will stay as they've been with the club for 4-5 years already. They've phoned around and feel most players are returning. They may look at players from Mahidol Uni, and Bangkok Thonburi Uni to boost the squad. Things won't be sorted for another week or two when he should know who is staying/going. They've signed an additional foreigner from Ghana - Davuda Wulamba(?)
ReplyDeleteThanks Wolfster,
ReplyDeleteI think it must be Dawudah Walumpah, he was playing for us last season but I don't know what his contract status was. Excellent defender at this level though.