All pictures are credited to Rames Channaem.
A blog following Nonthaburi 'Eka' FC.
Showing posts with label nonthaburi provincial stadium. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nonthaburi provincial stadium. Show all posts
Thursday, 17 February 2011
More stadium pics
All pictures are credited to Rames Channaem.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Coming home
It's been well over a year after Rajpracha left the place, promising that they would return for the second leg of the 2010 season after "renovations" were complete. Yet the Nonthaburi Provincial "Wat Boat" Stadium remains unimpressive and barely changed, but this tiny ground is likely to stay deep in the hearts of local fans.
Importantly, the pitch is looking in good condition. Off the field, the only real change visible from the front view is the layer of dust and stone over the track that runs behind the pitch and running track. I hope this will last out the monsoon season to avoid a repeat of my first ever trip to the stadium - when I arrived in business attire and sunk knee-deep into mud before I made the stand, much to the amusement of local kids. Behind the single stand for fans, a large area has been demolished, leaving waste ground and rubble behind.
The real question now is: can Nonthaburi FC and Nonthaburi Government deliver the TPL standard structure the club has pledged to achieve? It looks to be a difficult task given the dilapidated structure of the stand, the surrounding construction and the typically cramped provincial Thai village that surrounds it.
Let me try to give you a visual image - the ground has just one stand - I'll call it the West Stand - that runs from a touchline to almost the opposite touchline. Around the pitch is a running track (that was used cheerfully by runners throughout yesterday's friendly) but it's mercifully narrow and does not affect a fan's view too much. The area behind the goal that I walk across to get to the stand could conceivably be used to throw up some bleachers and expand the total capacity to 1500-2000. Even this would be a challenge though, as it would block vehicles from entering the ground from the front way. Assuming that the area behind the stand was deolished to form a car park, there would need to be another route for vehicles to enter it. The opposite goal end is immediately in front of a school playground and has very little space. The opposite side to the west stand is narrow and covered by a run-down basketball court, but perhaps at a push the club could relocate the court and throw up another small makeshift stand that could just push capacity to 2,000 (the minimum TPL requirement).
In all, the Wat Boat Stadium is unlikely to ever be a top-ranked football ground, but then that's probably not what anyone wants. Fans of Rajpracha and now Nonthaburi FC like it because - unlike the Thunder Dome or even the Rama 9 Stadium - it's central to the province, in a typically provincial area, hard to get to (no regular buses go there) and is frequented by working class Thai people. That may just by why it worked for Raj, and may yet work for Eka.
The man standing closer to the camera is where the outside track now runs. The machine you see next to the grass pitch is where the goal now is. You can see the edge of the single stand in the background.
This is the only picture I could find online, if anyone knows of others, please tell.
Importantly, the pitch is looking in good condition. Off the field, the only real change visible from the front view is the layer of dust and stone over the track that runs behind the pitch and running track. I hope this will last out the monsoon season to avoid a repeat of my first ever trip to the stadium - when I arrived in business attire and sunk knee-deep into mud before I made the stand, much to the amusement of local kids. Behind the single stand for fans, a large area has been demolished, leaving waste ground and rubble behind.
The real question now is: can Nonthaburi FC and Nonthaburi Government deliver the TPL standard structure the club has pledged to achieve? It looks to be a difficult task given the dilapidated structure of the stand, the surrounding construction and the typically cramped provincial Thai village that surrounds it.
Let me try to give you a visual image - the ground has just one stand - I'll call it the West Stand - that runs from a touchline to almost the opposite touchline. Around the pitch is a running track (that was used cheerfully by runners throughout yesterday's friendly) but it's mercifully narrow and does not affect a fan's view too much. The area behind the goal that I walk across to get to the stand could conceivably be used to throw up some bleachers and expand the total capacity to 1500-2000. Even this would be a challenge though, as it would block vehicles from entering the ground from the front way. Assuming that the area behind the stand was deolished to form a car park, there would need to be another route for vehicles to enter it. The opposite goal end is immediately in front of a school playground and has very little space. The opposite side to the west stand is narrow and covered by a run-down basketball court, but perhaps at a push the club could relocate the court and throw up another small makeshift stand that could just push capacity to 2,000 (the minimum TPL requirement).
In all, the Wat Boat Stadium is unlikely to ever be a top-ranked football ground, but then that's probably not what anyone wants. Fans of Rajpracha and now Nonthaburi FC like it because - unlike the Thunder Dome or even the Rama 9 Stadium - it's central to the province, in a typically provincial area, hard to get to (no regular buses go there) and is frequented by working class Thai people. That may just by why it worked for Raj, and may yet work for Eka.
This is the only picture I could find online, if anyone knows of others, please tell.
Sunday, 16 January 2011
More good news for Raj
If today's Siam Sport article is all correct, then things are really looking up for Raj. The "Crowns" have appointed a Serbian coach named (I think) Joseph Amos, though I need to get that checked. He may look like he enjoys the odd pie or three, but he comes highly rated.
The club have also announced a budget of 30 million baht, which is well over expectations. This is partly down to a sizable donation of equipment from one source.
Moreover, few players have left the club and core players such as goalie Yen Emile, defender Dawudah Walumpah and my vote for Thai player of the year, Sulaiman are all still in the squad.
The "go ahead" for the move back to Nonthaburi Stadium is still pending.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Rajpracha - the future
 |
| 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.
Monday, 9 August 2010
The home ground
|
| Picture credit: โจ้@ชฎาเกรท at rajprachanonthaburi.com |
It seems that amazingly, work is actually being done on Rajpracha's true home ground at Wat Boat Don Prom. In Thailand these things can be procrastinated forever and a day so it's encouraging to see real progress, albeit slightly.
The Thunderdome is simply too big for Raj and it makes it hard for fans to generate atmosphere. The sooner we get home, the better.
More pictures here
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Where is home for The Raj?
An update on the stadium situation once again from the webmaster at football.rajpracha.com
***********************************************************************************************
Nonthaburi Stadium belongs to the province of Nonthaburi. Part of agreement between Rajpracha FC and the province last year was
1. The club will change its name to Rajprachanonthaburi
2. Rajpracha will be in charge of finding sponsors to support the team with exception of...
3. Stadium maintenance which will be done by Nonthaburi
4.Nonthaburi will be in charge of fan-related administrations
Last year, Nonthaburi had its own internal problems. They were not able to get adequate funding to renovate the stadium.
I'm not sure if the renovation has begun or not. But Rajpracha-Nonthaburi will be playing at Thunderdome in the first leg of division 1 this upcoming season.
***********************************************************************************************
Nonthaburi Stadium belongs to the province of Nonthaburi. Part of agreement between Rajpracha FC and the province last year was
1. The club will change its name to Rajprachanonthaburi
2. Rajpracha will be in charge of finding sponsors to support the team with exception of...
3. Stadium maintenance which will be done by Nonthaburi
4.Nonthaburi will be in charge of fan-related administrations
Last year, Nonthaburi had its own internal problems. They were not able to get adequate funding to renovate the stadium.
I'm not sure if the renovation has begun or not. But Rajpracha-Nonthaburi will be playing at Thunderdome in the first leg of division 1 this upcoming season.
Sunday, 13 December 2009
News from the Raj
Raj will take part in the division Two champions tournament next month. It appears to be the D2 equivalent of the Premier League Supercup and equally pointless.
In better news, I've been told by somebody who asked the Rajpracha FC president first hand about plans for next season, and he was told Raj would stay at Nonthaburi Stadium and develop the ground.
In better news, I've been told by somebody who asked the Rajpracha FC president first hand about plans for next season, and he was told Raj would stay at Nonthaburi Stadium and develop the ground.
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Updates
Yen and Dawuda have agreed to play for Rajpracha again next season.
According to thaileaguefootball.com , Raj lost 0 - 4 to Nakhon Phatom in a friendly, but I don't believe this was a proper match, as there was no mention of it from Rajpracha fans and several key players are still on holiday.
Finally, there seems to be talk of a relocation again for Rajpracha. Various rumours seem to suggest the club will either redevelop the current ground or find a new one. The big, big fear for fans of course is that the club will move away from Nonthaburi. Hopefully this won't happen as Raj are not a commercially owned team unlike the others who have moved or threatened to move such as PEA, TTM, BEC and TOT (Just having read that list, it seems not having a three letter set of initials is also a safeguard!) and have a local affiliation in their history and in the full name of the team; Rajpracha-Nonthaburi FC.
My message is this: please guys, do what you have to do with Nonthaburi Stadium and stay around, you're building up a good, loyal fan base. Having Muangthong on your doorstep is not a problem, it's an advantage Rivalries in Thailand are not the same as the UK. Fans of MTU like to come and support Raj because the two teams play on different days.
I know one four year old boy who will be heartbroken if Raj do leave.
According to thaileaguefootball.com , Raj lost 0 - 4 to Nakhon Phatom in a friendly, but I don't believe this was a proper match, as there was no mention of it from Rajpracha fans and several key players are still on holiday.
Finally, there seems to be talk of a relocation again for Rajpracha. Various rumours seem to suggest the club will either redevelop the current ground or find a new one. The big, big fear for fans of course is that the club will move away from Nonthaburi. Hopefully this won't happen as Raj are not a commercially owned team unlike the others who have moved or threatened to move such as PEA, TTM, BEC and TOT (Just having read that list, it seems not having a three letter set of initials is also a safeguard!) and have a local affiliation in their history and in the full name of the team; Rajpracha-Nonthaburi FC.
My message is this: please guys, do what you have to do with Nonthaburi Stadium and stay around, you're building up a good, loyal fan base. Having Muangthong on your doorstep is not a problem, it's an advantage Rivalries in Thailand are not the same as the UK. Fans of MTU like to come and support Raj because the two teams play on different days.
I know one four year old boy who will be heartbroken if Raj do leave.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Getting to the ground
Nonthaburi FC's current home ground is in Nonthaburi Provincial Stadium Nonthaburi, just outside Bangkok. It's near a well known temple (well known to locals at least) called "Wat Boat Don Prom".
A map in Thai to show to a taxi driver is available here.
A Google maps link is here.
The easy and quick way from anywhere:
To get very close to the stadium, you can simply ask any taxi to take you to "Central Rattanathibet". This is a well known shopping mall close to the stadium, from where you can ask any local taxi to take you to the ground.
From downtown Bangkok, you would be looking at 200 - 400 baht taxi fare. When getting a taxi in Bangkok always be sure the driver uses the meter and if not, get another cab. Be sure the car has a yellow ID plate on the side doors and make sure he is aware of where he is going. It's not uncommon for drivers to drive for thirty minutes then tell you they don't know where your destination is.
The slightly more complicated but very cheap way from downtown Bangkok:
If you want to save money and don't mind a bit of adventure, you can take air-con bus 522 from Victory Mounument. This will take you over a very long highway bridge and then come straight down onto Ngamwongwan Road. However as soon as you come off the bridge and onto this road you should alight, as you will then be heading away from the ground. You should cross Ngamwongwan Road by footbridge and take a bus to Central Department store (bus 337, 134 or 177 all around 10 bt) or take a taxi from where you are at a cost of about 150 bt.
A map in Thai to show to a taxi driver is available here.
A Google maps link is here.
The easy and quick way from anywhere:
To get very close to the stadium, you can simply ask any taxi to take you to "Central Rattanathibet". This is a well known shopping mall close to the stadium, from where you can ask any local taxi to take you to the ground.
From downtown Bangkok, you would be looking at 200 - 400 baht taxi fare. When getting a taxi in Bangkok always be sure the driver uses the meter and if not, get another cab. Be sure the car has a yellow ID plate on the side doors and make sure he is aware of where he is going. It's not uncommon for drivers to drive for thirty minutes then tell you they don't know where your destination is.
The slightly more complicated but very cheap way from downtown Bangkok:
If you want to save money and don't mind a bit of adventure, you can take air-con bus 522 from Victory Mounument. This will take you over a very long highway bridge and then come straight down onto Ngamwongwan Road. However as soon as you come off the bridge and onto this road you should alight, as you will then be heading away from the ground. You should cross Ngamwongwan Road by footbridge and take a bus to Central Department store (bus 337, 134 or 177 all around 10 bt) or take a taxi from where you are at a cost of about 150 bt.
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