Nuanphan becomes Port CEO in joint venture deal

Nuanphan becomes Port CEO in joint venture deal

Muang Thai Insurance chief Nuanphan Lamsam has become CEO of Thai Premier League  side Port after striking a joint venture agreement with the club.

Nuanphan Lamsam at yesterday's press conference.

The club will now be officially called Port Muang Thai Insurance Football Club or Port MTI FC although Nuanphan said yesterday she used her own money, and not that of the firm, in the deal.

The club still belongs to the Port Authority of Thailand, and Nuanphan, who is also manager of the women's national football team, will co-manage the team for five years.

"I am not owner of the team. I used my own money but I don't want to disclose the sum," Nuanphan told a press conference.

Reports said her investment in the team was in the region of 100 million baht.

Nuanphan has changed the team logo from a lion to a horse after talks with journalists.

The logo could be changed next season as she may ask fans to help choose one, she said.

"We use a horse because it moves forward fast," Nuanphan said.

"It is like we are a war horse which is ready for any battles."

With the new logo, the club's nickname has become the Port Horses from the Port Lions.

Nuanphan said her aim was to push the team to finish in the top five of the TPL.

Port supporters are among the most aggressive and Nuanphan said she would try to change their behaviour.

Once a powerhouse, Port, or Singhtarua, have struggled over the past few years.

They returned to the top flight last season after a year in League One, and finished just above the relegation zone after being deducted nine points following a mass brawl between their fans and rivals from Muang Thong United.

The 2015 TPL season kicks off this weekend with Port travelling to champions Buriram United tomorrow.

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