Robbo will love Thailand

Thursday, October 01, 2009

Robbo will love Thailand

Former England captain Bryan Robson will begin his reign as coach of Thailand's national team later this month. He will succeed former England colleague Peter Reid who left Thailand last month after one year, to be assistant manager at Premier League side Stoke City.

Many Middle East sides and Italian and Spanish clubs are ridiculed for their short fuses as they are often quick to change coaches after just a few poor results. In a sense, Thailand are also in the same league as Robson will be the Kingdom's sixth coach since 2003.

Many critics say ``yuck'' when they learned that Robson and the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) had struck a deal. They believe Robson, 52, is not the right man for the Thai national team because he has not achieved much in his coaching career. He has managed Middlesbrough, Bradford City, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United. He quit the Blades in February last year and is now a global ambassador for Manchester United.

If not Robson, which coach dothe critics want?

Frankly, I don't think that even the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger or Jose Mourinho would be able to turn Thailand into a formidable force in a short time. While Robson's management skills may be questionable, he is famous as a former England and Manchester United skipper. This could help promote the Thai Premier League and ignite passion for the national team.

Because of Robson, more people around the world know something about the Thai national side. When he agreed to coach Thailand last week, the news was published on popular websites including BBC and ESPN. This would not have happened had the new coach of Thailand been a Kiatisak or a Surachai. Robson will remain as a global ambassador for Manchester United. So everywhere he goes to promote Man U, people will also know that he is Thailand's nationalteam coach.

Robson may not know much about Asian football but he will be assisted by compatriot Steve Darby who has vast knowledge about the game in the region. One good thing about Robson is he knows a thing or two about Thai politics. He was scheduled to come to Bangkok to promote Manchester United Bar and Restaurant late last year but the trip was cancelled because Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports were seized by the yellow shirts. He did arrive here in April and returned home just before the red shirts staged fierce rallies in Bangkok and other provinces. During his visit, he was asked which colour -- red or yellow -- he preferred. He said jokingly that he could not pick one or the other as he could be in trouble.

Some critics fear that Robson's reported drinking habits could be a problem. In fact, this could help him get along well with the Thai players many of whom reportedly like drinking. After he agreed to take the Thailand job, he said he hoped the players would enjoy working with him. I am sure that the players will after a few nights out with him. Try Sangsom, Mekong, Singha or Chang, Robbo.

Meanwhile, FAT president Worawi Makudi has appointed former Chai Nat MP Anucha Nakasai as the national team manager. This could be a huge boost for the national team. Anucha is known for his generosity and is husband of Commerce Minister Porntiva whose father's business includes the popular Poseidon massage parlour. The venue is just a few steps from the Radisson hotel, the national team's base when they are in a training camp. Thailand's players and staff may be able to relax at the massage parlour at a discount or for free!

Read comment

Comment 1

Daniel Nguyen date : 01/10/2009 time : 06:43

To be honest with the Thai people,FAT just wasting their time and money employ a coach like Robson.I wish i can play for Thai football team , so Robbo and i can relax together at a massage parlour and drink beer for free. I hope Thai men can get the same offer in England or they be under arrest or kill by the Brittish men

Comment 2

Neutral

date : 01/10/2009 time : 08:43

Why the obsession with English coach. Are their management style of crosses suitable for our national team which has strickers that are not physically strong and tall. Do you need a well known coach to be known? Rather we should be known because our football is good. This can be a double edge sword. If the national team fails, we will be known for all the negativities because we have a high profile coach.

Is the FAT rushing to made a decision because of the coming international commitments or because we made a mistake chosing Reid? Robson has 2 commitments, never has been successful with any clubs, sacked from Sunderland and absolutely no experience coaching a foreign team and at a national level. Can he cope with the alien culture & language barrier? Sure he got Steve but he too is a first timer and not been in Thailand for a long time.

If I was asked what would be a bette choice; I will say that an European coach and their playing style would be much suited for Thailand. Besides, the are cheaper and stay committed longer.

Comment 3

Delia date : 02/10/2009 time : 09:13

What does it matter than Robson's appointment was reported in foreign media? What does it matter if wherever Robson goes people might mention Thailand's national football team? It matters not one iota. What matters is, can or will the Thai team improve their performance (either with or without Robson) ?

Comment 4

albertoborriero

date : 03/10/2009 time : 07:27

Much better to decide for an italian manager:
Finally: Italy is champion of the world with an avarage team - thanks to Lippi's work. England is winning as never in the past 40 years with Capello, Ancelotti rules with Chelsea and Trapattoni is driving Ireland to South Africa.

Comment 5

w britain

date : 04/10/2009 time : 01:11

Last timer I looked the British Isles was part of Europe, admittedly not on the mainland but we are Europeans too!!.
As for Europeans being cheaper, certainly not in the Premier league, check out Benetez's salary at Liverpool.

Comment 6

cor

date : 04/10/2009 time : 23:56

Is Robbo a drinky? He will have the time of his life then, with all the inexpensive heady brews to choose from!

Comment 7

dann

date : 05/10/2009 time : 07:31

I'm sure he will do a good job for Thai.

Thailand has many skill players, but we lack of strength, principle, and the right tactic to play.

Hope Robson will correct it for us.

All the best for you Robbo. Cheers!

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