Muang Thong United on Thursday announced Scott Cooper as their new head coach, the Englishman signing a two-year contract as the Kirins set their sights on winning back the TPL title from Buriram United.
From left: Muang Thong United’s new arrivals Milan Bubalo, Sarawut Kallayanabundit, new coach Scott Cooper, Wuthichai Tathon and Anuwat Inyin.
Cooper coached Buriram United briefly last season but was yesterday glowing in his praise for their major rivals.
"I would like to say thank you very much to the Muang Thong United for showing interest in me," he said.
"Muang Thong are very well known in the region. When English people ask me about Thai Football, they first think of Muang Thong United.
"Many players are still young and I am very pleased to work with these young players. The short-term goal is to help Muang Thong win the TPL this season while the long-term goal is to develop the young players."
Cooper was reluctant to talk about his time at Buriram United.
"We cannot look back at all," he said. "This is a new challenge for me as coach. I think it is normal in the world of football for a professional coach to move to another team.
"I am confident of helping Muang Thong succeed. They have many good players besides the main players in the team, with some young players that want to show they can perform."
Ronnarit Suewaja, director of the Muang Thong United, said his club had spent several months before deciding to hire Cooper.
"We worked very hard to find the new coach for the new season and Cooper was one of the candidates," Ronnarit said. "He is a young coach with many new tactics but also with experience."
The Kirins also announced four new players: Anuwat Inyin from Pattaya United, Wutthichai Tathong from Suphanburi, Sarawut Kallayanabundit from TTM FC and Milan Bubalo from Gyeongnam.