Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Bangkok Glass
TOR CHITTINAND
They have 16 points from six games, three points clear of Osotspa M-150 and Chonburi FC in the 16-team league.
For many fans, this is a surprise. In fact, it is not as Bangkok Glass are "old wine in a new bottle".
Bangkok Glass were formerly known as Krung Thai Bank, who were disbanded after last season to avoid legal problems.
Bangkok Glass Co took over the club during the close season because this term all teams in the top flight must be registered as a limited company and the law does not allow a bank to do so.
Bangkok Glass, nicknamed the "Glass Rabbit" after the company's logo, inherited players from Krung Thai Bank.
Bangkok Glass have been very impressive. Of their five wins, two were away against title contenders Chonburi (3-1) and defending champions Provincial Electricity Authority (2-1).
Their teamwork is second to none as most players have played together since the days when Krung Thai Bank won the league twice in recent years.
The likes of Anon Bunsukho, Amnaj Kaewkew and Ruangroj Sawangsri have been the core players for a long time.
They also have a couple of rising stars, notably striker Nantawat Tansopha who was the top scorer in the AFC Champions League with Krung Thai Bank two years ago.
Their foreign players such as forwards Kone Kasim of Ivory Coast and 19-year-old Samuel Arjayi from Nigeria have been brilliant.
Arjayi has caused trouble for opponents with his speed and skill.
He tormented defenders of top sides such as Chonburi and the PEA.
Bangkok Glass are one of the best organised clubs. Aside from their first team in the top flight, they also have a good reserve side and a junior team whose players are aged 11-18.
Bangkok Glass have sent four young players to train with former German champions Kaiserslautern who are now in the second division.
They are Surachate Ngarm-thip, Praweewat Boonyong, Jirayu Pinthong and Chareewat Teerawatsirikul who could become the club's future stars.
Bangkok Glass manager Supasin Leelarit said the club are in talks with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen to create a partnership.
If a deal is struck Leverkusen may open a football academy here and send their young players to play in the Thai Premier League.
Leverkusen, backed by Germany's largest drug manufacturer Bayer, may be able to market themselves in Thailand.
Money is not a problem for Bangkok Glass who enjoy considerable funds from the company which is one of the country's biggest glass manufacturers.
It is good for the domestic league that several teams are now better managed and look more professional. They are Bangkok Glass, Muang Thong-Nong Chok United and BEC Tero Sasana.
As for Bangkok Glass Co, it also supports futsal (five-a-side) and has a team in the Thailand Futsal League.
Bangkok Glass have people with disabilities on their futsal team as they want to give them a chance to mingle with able-bodied players.
Their good deeds may result in them winning the Thai Premier League. However, it is still early in the season and it will certainly not be an easy job.
Teams like Chonburi, Muang Thong, Osotspa, BEC Tero and defending champions PEA all are capable of winning the title.
Hopefully, Bangkok Glass do not become "the rabbit and the turtle" and can maintain their form against the pre-season favourites. This will make the league a multi-horse race and more exciting.
They have 16 points from six games, three points clear of Osotspa M-150 and Chonburi FC in the 16-team league.
For many fans, this is a surprise. In fact, it is not as Bangkok Glass are "old wine in a new bottle".
Bangkok Glass were formerly known as Krung Thai Bank, who were disbanded after last season to avoid legal problems.
Bangkok Glass Co took over the club during the close season because this term all teams in the top flight must be registered as a limited company and the law does not allow a bank to do so.
Bangkok Glass, nicknamed the "Glass Rabbit" after the company's logo, inherited players from Krung Thai Bank.
Bangkok Glass have been very impressive. Of their five wins, two were away against title contenders Chonburi (3-1) and defending champions Provincial Electricity Authority (2-1).
Their teamwork is second to none as most players have played together since the days when Krung Thai Bank won the league twice in recent years.
The likes of Anon Bunsukho, Amnaj Kaewkew and Ruangroj Sawangsri have been the core players for a long time.
They also have a couple of rising stars, notably striker Nantawat Tansopha who was the top scorer in the AFC Champions League with Krung Thai Bank two years ago.
Their foreign players such as forwards Kone Kasim of Ivory Coast and 19-year-old Samuel Arjayi from Nigeria have been brilliant.
Arjayi has caused trouble for opponents with his speed and skill.
He tormented defenders of top sides such as Chonburi and the PEA.
Bangkok Glass are one of the best organised clubs. Aside from their first team in the top flight, they also have a good reserve side and a junior team whose players are aged 11-18.
Bangkok Glass have sent four young players to train with former German champions Kaiserslautern who are now in the second division.
They are Surachate Ngarm-thip, Praweewat Boonyong, Jirayu Pinthong and Chareewat Teerawatsirikul who could become the club's future stars.
Bangkok Glass manager Supasin Leelarit said the club are in talks with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen to create a partnership.
If a deal is struck Leverkusen may open a football academy here and send their young players to play in the Thai Premier League.
Leverkusen, backed by Germany's largest drug manufacturer Bayer, may be able to market themselves in Thailand.
Money is not a problem for Bangkok Glass who enjoy considerable funds from the company which is one of the country's biggest glass manufacturers.
It is good for the domestic league that several teams are now better managed and look more professional. They are Bangkok Glass, Muang Thong-Nong Chok United and BEC Tero Sasana.
As for Bangkok Glass Co, it also supports futsal (five-a-side) and has a team in the Thailand Futsal League.
Bangkok Glass have people with disabilities on their futsal team as they want to give them a chance to mingle with able-bodied players.
Their good deeds may result in them winning the Thai Premier League. However, it is still early in the season and it will certainly not be an easy job.
Teams like Chonburi, Muang Thong, Osotspa, BEC Tero and defending champions PEA all are capable of winning the title.
Hopefully, Bangkok Glass do not become "the rabbit and the turtle" and can maintain their form against the pre-season favourites. This will make the league a multi-horse race and more exciting.
# posted by Me @ 4:50 AM 
