Ayutthaya United FC
Ground: Ayutthaya Province Stadium
Capacity: 6,000
Club Founded: 2007
League: Thai League 1 (current level)
Ayutthaya United represent Thailand’s ancient capital, carrying the city’s rich heritage onto the football pitch. The club has steadily progressed through the Thai league system and continues to challenge for success.
As the following paragraphs will reveal, it's the least the football fans of the province deserve after having a champion club taken away from them in dubious circumstances.
Club Theft
Provincial Electric Authority, better known as PEA FC, was purchased by Buriram businessman Newin Chidchob. The club had moved to Ayutthaya from Chonburi before becoming Thai League champions in the ancient city. Newin relocated them to Buriram, as the club was renamed Buriram PEA and then Buriram United.
Meanwhile, Sena Municipality FC played in amateur football, taking part in the Khor Royal Cup. They reached the semi-final in 2013, losing to Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality Sport School FC. Their performances ended in promotion to a similarly named competition, where they lost in the 2015 semi-final against IPE Samut Sakhon.
It was enough to be admitted to the third-tier Regional League Division 2 Central, as Senabodee Stadium was used for home games. Sena Municipality changed their name to Ayutthaya United FC to join Ayutthaya FC, who were also in the same division, creating a local derby and adding further interest.
Ayutthaya United
Tomohiro Onodera top-scored for United, nicknamed the 'Ayothaya Warriors'. To add to the confusion, a third club in the province, Ayutthaya Warrior, spent the 2016 season in the same division after relocating and renaming Phichit FC. Thankfully, to avoid further mix-ups, Phichit reclaimed the club after one season.
Ayutthaya United grabbed the opportunity to move to the Province Stadium in Thai League 3 Upper after the league system was restructured. Kendall Jagdeosingh had a good season playing up front for the team before Osvaldo Neto's goals took them to the Thai League 2 after Nara United were defeated in a playoff game.
Ayutthaya United grabbed the opportunity to move to the Province Stadium in Thai League 3 Upper after the league system was restructured. Kendall Jagdeosingh had a good season playing up front for the team before Osvaldo Neto's goals took them to the Thai League 2 after Nara United were defeated in a playoff game.
Promotion
Arnon Buspha scored the decisive goal in front of 2,850 happy fans. Jeong Woo-geun topped the scoring chart in 2019 as Ayutthaya consolidated its second-tier status under the supervision of head coach Chalermvud Sangapol, later replaced by Anuruck Srikerd and then Panatapong Sripramote.
In 2020, Ayutthaya FC changed its name to Bang Pa-in Ayutthaya FC. The following season, after earlier relocating to Bang Pa-in District Stadium, the team was relegated from Thai League 3 and quickly disappeared off the radar.
Fans Rewarded
Santi Chayaphuak and Jetsada Jitsawad were the next head coaches at the club, with Yoo Byung-soo top-scoring. Coach Santi arrived for a second spell before being replaced by Bruno Pereira. The goals of Brazilian star Nilson excited the crowds before those of André Luís took the side to the 2023-24 playoffs.
The side led by former Australian international, Danny Invincible, went out to Rayong after extra time in their semi-final tie. Jugkrit Siriwattanasart became the new head coach. With the help of several loan players, Ayutthaya United won promotion to Thai League 1, after Caíque led the scoring charts.
Arun Tulwattanangkul was in charge of the team that consolidated its league status and also reached the FA Cup semi-final, where they lost to Buriram United.
My visit
Stadium Visit - Thursday 22nd November 2018
Once done, I flagged down a tuk-tuk next to some friendly locals who shouted, smiled and waved me off. I think they were shocked and mildly amused that I fit inside. My driver dropped me off at the station, where I snacked at the excellent but pricey Station bar and restaurant.
I headed back to the capital to grab some last-minute gifts before taking the Sky Train and a taxi to Minburi to meet my friends to celebrate a local Loi Krathong and then have a last supper before my flight back to the cold weather and atmosphere of Blighty.
My visit
Stadium Visit - Thursday 22nd November 2018
First Impressions Matter
I’d been packed off to Ayutthaya by my host Steve on an early visit to Thailand, while he was teaching. He told me it had a lively nightlife. Being only used to the bright lights of Bangkok and Phuket, I was underwhelmed. Maybe he was joking? However, an incident while there cemented my affinity with the wonderful people of the country.
I’d enjoyed my full quota of beers for the evening and headed to my digs in good form, singing along, but totally unaware of my surroundings. I smacked my forehead against the edge of a metal lean-to. Cue plenty of bleeding. I’d never cut my forehead before, and I was terrified.
Some locals in an open-fronted garage opposite saw my predicament and came rushing to my assistance. I was cleansed and bandaged before being sent home. I’ll never forget that kind act until the day I die.
I’d been packed off to Ayutthaya by my host Steve on an early visit to Thailand, while he was teaching. He told me it had a lively nightlife. Being only used to the bright lights of Bangkok and Phuket, I was underwhelmed. Maybe he was joking? However, an incident while there cemented my affinity with the wonderful people of the country.
I’d enjoyed my full quota of beers for the evening and headed to my digs in good form, singing along, but totally unaware of my surroundings. I smacked my forehead against the edge of a metal lean-to. Cue plenty of bleeding. I’d never cut my forehead before, and I was terrified.
Some locals in an open-fronted garage opposite saw my predicament and came rushing to my assistance. I was cleansed and bandaged before being sent home. I’ll never forget that kind act until the day I die.
A Return Visit
Anyway, fast forwarding over a decade, I’d returned by train the previous day and had a long hot walk taking in the majestic temples before a lovely local evening of chat, massage, beers, food and watching live music. I’d stayed at the Ayutthaya Grand Hotel, which was far from grand, but it did the job in a fine location.
Anyway, fast forwarding over a decade, I’d returned by train the previous day and had a long hot walk taking in the majestic temples before a lovely local evening of chat, massage, beers, food and watching live music. I’d stayed at the Ayutthaya Grand Hotel, which was far from grand, but it did the job in a fine location.
Ideally, it meant that the Provincial, or Krungsri Stadium as it is also known, was between there and the railway station and ideal for a whistle-stop visit. Again, the heat was searing, so a stop for water and Gatorade was a must at a 7/11 as I walked along the dual carriageway as far as Tambon Phai Ling, where I followed the signs and turned left.
The entrance to the stadium complex was a couple of hundred metres along the road. An old temple and statue stood in the park at one end of the multi-purpose arena that had a running track around the football pitch. Other facilities accommodated other sports. A school party were behind the stand awaiting to take part in their sports day.
Easy Access
Access was easy to take my photos. The stadium consisted of a raised area on either side. The main side had a long section of proper seating, with a roof over most of it, while the area on the other side looked more makeshift as it stood open on frames.
The city end where I entered had banners over the fencing, giving it a bit of identity and an association with the anchor tenants, something not always found at similar arrangements around the county. The goals were still in for the schools despite it being the close season in the Thai leagues.
Access was easy to take my photos. The stadium consisted of a raised area on either side. The main side had a long section of proper seating, with a roof over most of it, while the area on the other side looked more makeshift as it stood open on frames.
The city end where I entered had banners over the fencing, giving it a bit of identity and an association with the anchor tenants, something not always found at similar arrangements around the county. The goals were still in for the schools despite it being the close season in the Thai leagues.
Fond Memories
Once done, I flagged down a tuk-tuk next to some friendly locals who shouted, smiled and waved me off. I think they were shocked and mildly amused that I fit inside. My driver dropped me off at the station, where I snacked at the excellent but pricey Station bar and restaurant.
I headed back to the capital to grab some last-minute gifts before taking the Sky Train and a taxi to Minburi to meet my friends to celebrate a local Loi Krathong and then have a last supper before my flight back to the cold weather and atmosphere of Blighty.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Many thanks for your comments. They are greatly appreciated.