PHUKET: Phuket's favorite football team, Phuket FC, has a new coach after the Islanders suffered a 5-1 rout at the weekend.
With the Phuket team sitting just above the relegation trapdoor in Division One, coach Rong ''Noi'' Ajanyoot decided to jump through the trapdoor himself.
In his place comes a proven performer, Anurak Srikerd, 37, who must now show his stuff in six testing matches to conclude the season.
Many of the games are against teams near the top of the ladder, and Khun Anurak could rightly ask whether he is being given a fair opportunity to prove his skills.
Undoubtedly he's a professional, having played for the Thailand national team between 1998 and 2002 and coached Bangkok Glass, Buriram FC and Pattalung FC.
Khun Noi was appointed as the old FC Phuket club reformed as Phuket FC under the support and control of Phuket resort owner and businessman Pamuke Achariyachai.
While the last match at home in Phuket City attracted a record crowd of more than 4000 and the new management briefly enjoyed a few wins and draws, coach Anurak has a difficult task for the rest of this season.
The Islanders sit in thirteenth spot, with teams fifteen to eighteen set to drop.
The hope is that coach Anurak will inspire Phuket FC to stay above the trapdoor. The reality could be that a Division Two premiership is achievable next season.
Next up at home in Phuket City from 6.30pm on Sunday, it's a nail-biting first-up thriller for coach Anurak against fourth-placed Sriracha.
With the Phuket team sitting just above the relegation trapdoor in Division One, coach Rong ''Noi'' Ajanyoot decided to jump through the trapdoor himself.
In his place comes a proven performer, Anurak Srikerd, 37, who must now show his stuff in six testing matches to conclude the season.
Many of the games are against teams near the top of the ladder, and Khun Anurak could rightly ask whether he is being given a fair opportunity to prove his skills.
Undoubtedly he's a professional, having played for the Thailand national team between 1998 and 2002 and coached Bangkok Glass, Buriram FC and Pattalung FC.
Khun Noi was appointed as the old FC Phuket club reformed as Phuket FC under the support and control of Phuket resort owner and businessman Pamuke Achariyachai.
While the last match at home in Phuket City attracted a record crowd of more than 4000 and the new management briefly enjoyed a few wins and draws, coach Anurak has a difficult task for the rest of this season.
The Islanders sit in thirteenth spot, with teams fifteen to eighteen set to drop.
The hope is that coach Anurak will inspire Phuket FC to stay above the trapdoor. The reality could be that a Division Two premiership is achievable next season.
Next up at home in Phuket City from 6.30pm on Sunday, it's a nail-biting first-up thriller for coach Anurak against fourth-placed Sriracha.
If they go down, Anurak may need to get his coat...looks like he's already well prepared!
Posted by Anonymous on September 27, 2012 01:57