In 2023-24 Simon and I started this podcast to cover Chiang Mai FC's season in T2 under new local ownership. As seasons go the year was undiluted soap opera. Coaches were fired, staff not paid, players not paid, suppliers not paid. At the end of the year, with the club in massive debt and the owner in hiding, the club was relegated to T3 for failing to meet licensing requirements.
The club's very existence was in doubt. A deal orchestrated by the Sports Authority of Thailand tried to bring together Brazilian investors with an amateur team and sports academy - Christ FC - based in Mae Rim in the North of Chiang Mai. This partnership would adopt the name of Chiang Mai FC. Half way through the T3 season the Brazilian investors and sponsors have been removed.
In the meantime our podcast has evolved to a broader coverage of Thai Leagues 2 and 3. Phil Williams has joined us and is a very welcome co-presenter. One of the lessons from last year was not to take our Thai football too seriously - a great way to avoid disappointment.
Thank you for listening. If you have any comments or suggestions please let us know.
All the best,
Phil, Simon and Rob
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 2023-24 Simon and I started this podcast to cover Chiang Mai FC's season in T2 under new local ownership. As seasons go the year was undiluted soap opera. Coaches were fired, staff not paid, players not paid, suppliers not paid. At the end of the year, with the club in massive debt and the owner in hiding, the club was relegated to T3 for failing to meet licensing requirements.
The club's very existence was in doubt. A deal orchestrated by the Sports Authority of Thailand tried to bring together Brazilian investors with an amateur team and sports academy - Christ FC - based in Mae Rim in the North of Chiang Mai. This partnership would adopt the name of Chiang Mai FC. Half way through the T3 season the Brazilian investors and sponsors have been removed.
In the meantime our podcast has evolved to a broader coverage of Thai Leagues 2 and 3. Phil Williams has joined us and is a very welcome co-presenter. One of the lessons from last year was not to take our Thai football too seriously - a great way to avoid disappointment.
Thank you for listening. If you have any comments or suggestions please let us know.
All the best,
Phil, Simon and Rob
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In a wonderful day for the club, its owners, players and supporters, Pattani FC beat North Bangkok University, 2-1, to claim the final place in T2 for next season.
Captain Marlon Silva scored all three goals (!!) - including an 80th minute penalty in front of 10,000 fans at the Rainbow Stadium.
Marlon was able to join Phil, Simon and Rob to discuss the club's success and its fabulous support - as well as his own six year career in Thailand. He also gives a thoughtful, wide-ranging and honest assessment of the state of Thai lower league football.
We also have Phil's fabulous social media round up.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.