Thailand Coach Quits Team

[sbk]

From the Australian:

ONE of Australia's group rivals at the Asian Cup has been rocked by the departure of its coach just five months out from the tournament.

Thailand coach Charnwit Polcheewin has quit the team after a Vietnamese club made him an offer he could not refuse.

Charnwit, who was Thailand's first internationally accredited football coach, said he would travel to Vietnam at the weekend to sign a contract with newly promoted V-League team Dong Thap.

"I have decided to quit," Charnwit, who leaves after nearly two years in the job, said.

"The offer I have been made is very, very good for me. I cannot say no."

Thailand is co-hosting the July 7 to 29 Asian Cup with Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.

It is in Group A with the Socceroos, Iraq and Oman.

Charwit said it was a difficult decision to quit so close to the tournament, but added that he was confident the team would not suffer in his absence.

"Of course, I'm very sad to leave, but everything must go on," he said.

"I think whoever takes charge can keep things going and be successful at the Asian Cup. We have a good team and good staff in Thailand. I'm confident they can take care of this."

Charnwit, who became the Kingdom's fifth coach in the space of 16 months when he took over from former German World Cup player Siegfied "Sigi" Held in March 2005, is expected to earn around $US180,000 ($229,200) a year in the V-League, more than double his current salary.

He said the move to Vietnam was not a long-term one and he hoped to return to coach the Thailand side in the future.

"I hope this is only temporary, I would like to return and continue to help football here," he said.

Charwit is hugely popular in Thailand for his firm but fair approach and for favouring an attacking style of play.

[redrus]

No choice in my view....!

Thailand coach Charnwit Polcheewin has quit the team after a Vietnamese pub made him an offer he could not refuse.

Thanks SBK.

redrus

[sbk]

Where does it say pub???

And that phrase

Thailand coach Charnwit Polcheewin has quit the team after a Vietnamese club made him an offer he could not refuse.

sounds a bit ominous!

[Spit the Dog]

It was quite a well known fact that he was going to move to Vietnam after the ASEAN Cup.

So I wonder who the Thais will get to replace him? Perhaps there could be a return for ex-coach Peter Withe as he was sacked by Indonesia after the failed to qualify from the group stages in the ASEAN Cup.

[lambous]

I heard rumours that Sunbelt coach and Thai visa member "Tytus" is currently negotiating a contract with the FAT for the vacant position.