Crystal Balls 2019: Chonburi FC

Time for our final 2019 Crystal Ball, and this time we look at Chonburi FC. After a couple of mediocre seasons, things seem to be stirring down by the sea and after an impressive transfer window, The Sharks look like they could be top 6 contenders once again. Here’s longtime Chonburi fan and editor of the Screaming from Beneath the Waves blog Dale Farrington with his thoughts…

How did your team perform in 2018? Where do they need to improve?

We finished 9th, which was about right. We need to be better organised and have some semblance of tactics.

Transfer window – which new signings are you most excited about? Which departing players are you sorry to see go/happy to see the back of?

The two forwards, Lukian and Patrick Cruz look like decent buys and midfielder, Park Hyun- Beom has impressed during pre season.

Happy with your club’s coach?

No. We need someone with more experience and the right qualifications.

What are your realistic ambitions for the 2019 season?

If we can improve on last season’s league place and have a decent cup run, I’ll be happy.

Which teams will be in contention for the title? Which teams will struggle to survive?

Title – Buriram Utd and Bangkok Utd. Relegated – Chiang Mai, Trat and Chainat.

Tell us your very favourite, and your absolute least favourite, things about following your club

Favourite – The friendships I’ve made over the past 17 years. Least favourite – Not being able to take food and drink inside the ground.

Tim Russell

The founder and editor of The Sandpit, Tim has been in SE Asia since 2003 and in Bangkok since 2012, where he runs a travel tech business. Tim has followed Port FC since 2014, and is also a fan of his hometown club Coventry City, and French club AS St-Etienne. He has written for the likes of Football365, ITV.com, NME and The Quietus, and is a regular contributor to God Is In the TV. He's a keen photographer and his work can be seen on his website.