PHUKET: The island's football team, Phuket FC, has changed its management, players and branding in an effort to burst from Division One to the Premier League this season.
Taking over at the top is Priyawit Acariyachai, US-educated son of resort owner Pamuke, who gave the team so much support last season.
As well as a new team of managers there are 15 new players, including one from Phuket FC's development partners, Brazil club Cruzeiro Esporte Clube.
The new captain is among the new players, Wasan ''Boy'' Natasan.
Whether a change in branding can bring success will be demonstrated as soon as the season begins. The new team, new management, new kit and new logos were put on display for the media at the home ground, Surakul Stadium in Phuket City, yesterday.
A number of warmup games include one against Russian team Vladivostok, which is bound to attract international fans clubs. The warmups start from tomorrow.
Here's the preseason schedule:
January 12, against Ratchaburi Mithbol - 6pm, Surakul Stadium
January 18, against Vladivostok - 6pm, Surakul Stadium
January 25-27, Saksee Cup (three-team round-robin tournament) against Nakornsri Heritage, Brunei DDPM - Location and times TBA
February 1, against Chonburi FC, with details yet to be announced.
THE NEW logo carries a scroll saying ''De Holy Land'' beneath it and references the instant mythology of a football club determined to succeed, drawing on Japanese and Chinese mythology and Phuket's own culture and traditions.
The team is to be known as ''the Ronins'' but other commonly used fan favorite names are likely to remain popular. ''The Losers'' is likely to be quickly forgotten.
Taking over at the top is Priyawit Acariyachai, US-educated son of resort owner Pamuke, who gave the team so much support last season.
As well as a new team of managers there are 15 new players, including one from Phuket FC's development partners, Brazil club Cruzeiro Esporte Clube.
The new captain is among the new players, Wasan ''Boy'' Natasan.
Whether a change in branding can bring success will be demonstrated as soon as the season begins. The new team, new management, new kit and new logos were put on display for the media at the home ground, Surakul Stadium in Phuket City, yesterday.
A number of warmup games include one against Russian team Vladivostok, which is bound to attract international fans clubs. The warmups start from tomorrow.
Here's the preseason schedule:
January 12, against Ratchaburi Mithbol - 6pm, Surakul Stadium
January 18, against Vladivostok - 6pm, Surakul Stadium
January 25-27, Saksee Cup (three-team round-robin tournament) against Nakornsri Heritage, Brunei DDPM - Location and times TBA
February 1, against Chonburi FC, with details yet to be announced.
THE NEW logo carries a scroll saying ''De Holy Land'' beneath it and references the instant mythology of a football club determined to succeed, drawing on Japanese and Chinese mythology and Phuket's own culture and traditions.
The team is to be known as ''the Ronins'' but other commonly used fan favorite names are likely to remain popular. ''The Losers'' is likely to be quickly forgotten.
The motto looks like dictated by a German.
Mayebe some Marvell mythology would be nice also. Go hulks! Go!
Posted by Lena on January 11, 2014 21:23