Football In Chiang Rai: Chiangrai United FC

[Limbo]

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Important! Please notice that the game starts at 6 PM coming Sunday!

Chiangrai United FC vs RBAC Mittraphap FC

We played this year already against RBAC (away) and lost 2 - 1.

Chiangrai United is now in tenth position with 27 points and

RBAC Mittraphap FC is fourteenth with 18 points and

has played one game more.

RBAC has lost it last three games and Chiangrai United produced

two wins and one draw.

Last year the former Ratana Bundit FC ended in 8th position in

the first division.

Last Wednesday, three days ago thus, Suvarnabhumi Customs had to work

hard to keep the full three points at home against RBAC (4 - 3).

It will certainly not be an easy game!

Air Force United that is holding that fiercely desirable third position

that will open the door to the Thai Premier League is free coming weekend.

After the game (if ...) with then nine games to go the difference could

be down to 7 points. Unfortunately there are some other teams in the race

for that third position as well. Suvarnabhumi Customs is one of the rising

stars and is four points ahead of us.

Limbo

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Let's hope that the injury of Brasilian Gilson isn't as bad as it looked

when he was carried of the field. He was bleeding heavily.

Who certainly will be back on the pitch is Ghaness Adu Gyamfi, our ballmagician.

He is normally the try-your-strength machine taking the heat:

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[Limbo]

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Last Saturday Chiangrai United's and Weahradio's great fund-raising coctail party took

place at the Dusit Island. Not less than a respectable 3,800,000 was raised (see next posting).

Our Brasilian defender Gilson showed up with a plaster on his forehead. He hoped he would be

able to play yesterday against RBAC Mittraphap and fortunately he actually could.

He is a player with great insight, always being at the right spot and at the right moment as well.

Combine this with his outstanding technical faculties, his physical length and his gifted ability

to use his head, aside from for thinking, also for sending the ball exactly there where it is

wanted and you know how important he is for our defence.

On the picture we see him with his fellow countryman Filipe, the unsurpassable Adu Gyamfi

from Ghana and Keisuke Ogawa from the land of the rising sun:

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Chiangrai United FC versus RBAC Mittraphap FC : 2 - 0 !

Though ninety percent of the crowd comes in time, the rest has the habit to arrive within the first

quarter after kick-off. 'Soom nam na', but they missed the first goal as Chiang Rai striker Wasan

went under the grass already in the first attack from kick-off and on top of it this happened

in the eleven meter area. The same Wasan (shirt number 40) didn't make a mistake and the leather

went straight from the spot into the net. Thus: 1 - 0 before one of the Bangkokians even had the

chance to touch the ball.

A situation comparable to the first minutes of the final of the worldchampionship in 1974,

Germany vs Holland, when Johan Cruyff was plowed into the grass by Uli Hoeness and

Johan Neeskens had the honour to put the ball behind Sepp Maier. The first time the

ball was touched by a German player was when gaoly Sepp plucked the ball from the net

and returned it to the centre spot.

Twenty minutes later Chiangrai United gots its first corner. The two tall Brasilians, striker

Edvaldo and defender Gilson chose position and yes, Edvaldo took the leather on his head and

placed it unfailingly in the box: 2 - 0.

Chiangrai United created more chances in the rest of the game than RBAC and came several

times close to the third goal, but it wasn't written in the stars, so 2 - 0 was the final result.

RBAC harvested three times yellow, CRUTD kept controle.

Adu was brought in for the last 25 minutes. He is a magician at the ball. Every time he gets it

he not only causes danger, but brings the crowd in ecstasy with the pure beauty in his way to

handle the ball. And at the same time his opponents in despair with it...

Nine games to go, with seven points to make up for promotion to the Premier league ...

. . . . . . . Chiangrai United Susu, Susu, Susu!

Limbo

Just before the kick-off many spectators were still sitting in their cars on

the way to the stadium (others already under their umbrellas on the open stand).

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Tip: if you are late and coming from town take the super highway to the last

traffic light before the Maekok bridge, take to the right, go straight on and

you will enter the stadium, park at that side of it and walk along the fittness

building towards the field.

[thaimiller]

There are a few farangs coming up from Chaing Mai on the 11th of September for the Chiang Rai Vs Chiang Mai game on the 12th, any one up for a ruck...lol , Just a few beers before the game with a some Chiang rai supporters would be good. Plus any recommendations for the night before nightlife. Cheers. Up The Tigers!!!!

[jubby]

There are a few farangs coming up from Chaing Mai on the 11th of September for the Chiang Rai Vs Chiang Mai game on the 12th, any one up for a ruck...lol , Just a few beers before the game with a some Chiang rai supporters would be good. Plus any recommendations for the night before nightlife. Cheers. Up The Tigers!!!!

Plenty of time yet, we'll have to organise something if Limbo doesn't first.

Rotherham , where the Hells that ....... I've heard of Rotterdam

[thaimiller]

There are a few farangs coming up from Chaing Mai on the 11th of September for the Chiang Rai Vs Chiang Mai game on the 12th, any one up for a ruck...lol , Just a few beers before the game with a some Chiang rai supporters would be good. Plus any recommendations for the night before nightlife. Cheers. Up The Tigers!!!!

Plenty of time yet, we'll have to organise something if Limbo doesn't first.

Rotherham , where the Hells that ....... I've heard of Rotterdam

Hey Jubby weve spoken before lol Up the Millers!!!

[alfieconn]

There are a few farangs coming up from Chaing Mai on the 11th of September for the Chiang Rai Vs Chiang Mai game on the 12th, any one up for a ruck...lol , Just a few beers before the game with a some Chiang rai supporters would be good. Plus any recommendations for the night before nightlife. Cheers. Up The Tigers!!!!

Crikey Mr Miller, you didn't tell me that i would have to get me hairshaved off and dig out my bov ver boots...............perhaps at my age i will stick to me long locks and flip flops .

[Limbo]

Rotherham , where the Hells that ....... I've heard of Rotterdam

Thanks Jubby!

Yes, Rotterdam has, like Chiang Rai, two big clubs, Feyenoord and Sparta.

Last season Feyenoord ended forth in the Dutch Premier League and Sparta

relegated to the first (Jupiler) division.

Feyenoord is not only known for its football, but also for the dedication,

endurance, faithfullness and overwhelming power of its supporters legion:

Where Ajax gained worldfame with its youth-academy (about half of the

players are of its own breed), Feyenoord cultivated its fanpower.

The 'hand-in-hand-camerades' are admired far over our borders, they are

respected and feared. Nobody will be so foolish to cross their path!

The secret lays in starting early with molding the character and sleight-of-hand.

On the picture we see one of the students (anuban level).

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See his facial expression, see the brilliance in his finger move.

This is going to be a big one! Soon he will be ready to enter the

masterclasses.

To the Prajak, the Chiangmai Tigers:

The Big Nose Scorpions (BNS) are awaiting you! Let's have some pints before

the happening and then take the battle to the stands... Aussie rules! Be warned!

Limbo

[skybluestu]

I thought CR Utd got promoted last year to the premier league, what are we doing playing the likes of CM again?!

[Limbo]

I thought CR Utd got promoted last year to the premier league, what are we doing playing the likes of CM again?!

My dear Skybluestu,

Chiangrai United was founded in 2009 as a private initiative of Chiang Rai citizens and

became champion of the 2009 Northern Region Second Division: 54 points out of

20 games (and no game lost).

In the after-competition among the champions of the five geographic regions of the Second Division

Chiangrai United ended in second position and was promoted to the First Division of the TPL,

in which it is playing now. It is now the only club north of Phichit that plays at the top.

Chiangmai United, playing in the same league last year, ended in 9th position (last but two)

with 16 points out of 20 games (and 12 games lost). It therefore still plays in the 2nd Division.

Of course the people of Chiangmai were very disappointed, that they, inhabitants of the

'Pearl of the North', where everything is bigger, better and so on (hamburgers, pizza's

and mouthes), weren't able to get a football team together that could match Chiangrai United.

In 2009 Chiangmai United lost at home by 0 - 3 and here in Chiang Rai by 2 - 0.

It's clear that Chiangmai was at least one size too little for the champions team of Chiangrai.

At the same time, in Buriram, a banned politician listening to the name of Newin Chidsob and

extremely powerfull (big man behind Bumjajthai and thus behind the present government) had

found a way to get his Buriram team promoted to the Premier League without too many difficulties:

He went shopping in Ayutthaya, bought the Premier League club PEA (Provincial Electricity Authority)

and moved it to his home town. From now on it was called PEA Buriram.

It was drama: The Ayutthaya fans of PEA burned their PEA jerseys and flags.

The formula seemed to inspire Chiangmai and for a while it looked as if they were going to take

a shortcut to the First Division by merging with Ratana Bundit FC (of which Chiangrai United won

2-0 last Sunday).

The new club would go under the name Chang Chiangmai RBAC FC.

When Mittraphap came in as sponsor for RBAC it was left to the Tigers again to defend the honours

of the 'Pearl of the North' once more.

The 'best and biggest' had to make a step back again. But they are doing extremely well.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Jokes aside, Chiangmai United is a great team.

It helped when coach Pon and his friend the superb goaly Pansa Meesatam (24 caps national

team of Thailand), moved September last year from Chiangrai United to Chiangmai United.

They are old friends since they played together in the National Team. Pansa is from the North,

more precisely from Lampang. Excellent duo!

. . . . . . . . . .

Please my dear Skybluestu, don't mix up between our great Chiangrai United FC and

Chiang Rai FC again. It is Chiang Rai FC that will have the honor to meet Chiangmai United.

They were founded this year, probably under the motto:

'Selfish and greedy Chiangrai politicians and civil servants against a succesfull

initiative of Chiangrai citizens'.

The sympathetic FC Thoeng was slaughtered for this discutable political move.

It was renamed Chiang Rai FC and stopped regretfully to exist. See earlier postings like:

Anyhow, it will be great to meet the Chiangmai United supporters.

Welcome gentlemen! And count on our hospitality!

Limbo

[thaimiller]

Cheers for the welcome Limbo and also the history lesson, looking forward to coming to Chaing rai for the game and meeting up for a few beers. Just one thing though, its Chiang Mai FC now not Chiang Mai Utd FC, they dropped the United bit. See ya in a few weeks.

[alfieconn]

Cheers for the welcome Limbo and also the history lesson, looking forward to coming to Chaing rai for the game and meeting up for a few beers. Just one thing though, its Chiang Mai FC now not Chiang Mai Utd FC, they dropped the United bit. See ya in a few weeks.

Very quiet on this thread and the Chiang Rai forum in general Mr Miller...................

A. .they must all be busy

B. they are all old thus are sleeping most of the day

C. they are all old thus don't know how to use the internet

I'll take options b and c

Edited August 27, 2010 by alfieconn

[skybluestu]

Thanks for explaining Limbo, now I understand.

[jubby]

Cheers for the welcome Limbo and also the history lesson, looking forward to coming to Chaing rai for the game and meeting up for a few beers. Just one thing though, its Chiang Mai FC now not Chiang Mai Utd FC, they dropped the United bit. See ya in a few weeks.

Very quiet on this thread and the Chiang Rai forum in general Mr Miller...................

A. .they must all be busy

B. they are all old thus are sleeping most of the day

C. they are all old thus don't know how to use the internet

I'll take options b and c

OPtion A. Busy, doing nothing. ....... No , seriously thats a good observation Alfie. Its just the way it is. We have about 5-10 people who post, maybe another 10 who take a look from time to time, and thats about it.

Luckily, we have Limbo who keeps us upto date with the Football and some History. And occasionally buys a quality Beer

Some even want the CR forum to be quieter, so they can get some ZZzz's I suspect

[Limbo]

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Chiangrai United in the Thai First Division League

What a great experience it was last Sunday, especially when we had a lead of 2 - 0

and thus had the luxury to play 'on the counter'.

And how we where served! By 'Vaya' Edvaldo, Adu, Wasan and incidently by Manit

who came in for the last half hour. What a spectacular and heartwarming beautiful

football!

And what a performance of Keisuke Ogawa, who starts to be so in favor of the fans

that he is offering serious competition to Adu, the man who gets the crowd on its

feet as soon as he even looks at the ball.

What a thriller! Chula United scored the connector and there were fifteen minutes

left to fear that a bypassing bird would wear the colors of Chula.

But it remained 2 - 1 untill the ceremonies of respect started.

Great game!

Back on track. Before the game Chula was one point ahead of us and now two

points behind. We have eight games left to climb from sixth position to

the third (that gives promotion to Thailands Premier League).

Chiangrai United in the Toyota Cup race

Yes, yes, yes! After beating Rachapracha last Wednesday here at home by 3 - 1, where

only a simple 1 - 1 was put on the board away four days before, Chiangrai United has

advanced to the second round of the Toyota Cup.

What the games against first division team Chula and against second division Rachapracha

told us, is that Chiangrai United plays better against stronger teams.

We saw it in the game against Thai Premier League top club and last year's finalist

Bec Tero Sasana, that needed extra time to defeat us in the national TFA cup here at home.

Most beautiful game I saw Chiangrai United play in more than a year!

Ten days ago we saw Chiangrai United safely, by 3 - 1 to be more precise, take the points

from (former Ratana Bundit FC) RBAC Mitraphab.

It was not without any problem that Pattaya United qualified itself for the next round

that brought Chiangrai United along. A solid 1 - 3 away in Utthai Tani, but last weekend

a simple 1 - 1 at home. For your information: Uthai Tani Forest holds the last position in the

2nd Division North where newcomer Chiangrai FC now holds the 11nd one.

And, not to forget, Pattaya United is at the moment the fifth best club of Thailand, as it holds

that position in the Thai premier League.

Though the Toyota Cup might not be at the top of the list of wishes (though the winner gets

5 million, a nice amount) you can be sure that both teams want to go to the third round.

This is going to be Thai top football, live in Chiang Rai.

If you arrive too late to buy a ticket (last Sunday that moment arrived quite a while before

kick-off) you can still see the game for free from behind the fences.

Last Sunday at least a thousand spectators were 'holding the corners'.

Great to see that a growing number of foreigners finds it's way to the stadium as well.

Limbo

Chiangrai United, susu, susu, susu!

Wednesday September 8, at Chiangrai Stadium, be there preferably not too long

after half past five.

Edited September 7, 2010 by Limbo

[Limbo]

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.

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Chiangrai United in the Thai First Division League

What a great experience it was last Sunday, especially when we had a lead of 2 - 0

and thus had the luxury to play 'on the counter'.

And how we where served! By 'Vaya' Edvaldo, Adu, Wasan and incidently by Manit

who came in for the last half hour. What a spectacular and heartwarming beautiful

football!

And what a performance of Keisuke Ogawa, who starts to be so in favor of the fans

that he is offering serious competition to Adu, the man who gets the crowd on its

feet as soon as he even looks at the ball.

What a thriller! Chula United scored the connector and there were fifteen minutes

left to fear that a bypassing bird would wear the colors of Chula.

But it remained 2 - 1 untill the ceremonies of respect started.

Great game!

Back on track. Before the game Chula was one point ahead of us and now two

points behind. We have eight games left to climb from sixth position to

the third (that gives promotion to Thailands Premier League).

Chiangrai United in the Toyota Cup race

Yes, yes, yes! After beating Rachapracha last Wednesday here at home by 3 - 1, where

only a simple 1 - 1 was put on the board away four days before, Chiangrai United has

advanced to the second round of the Toyota Cup.

What the games against first division team Chula and against second division Rachapracha

told us, is that Chiangrai United plays better against stronger teams.

We saw it in the game against Thai Premier League top club and last year's finalist

Bec Tero Sasana, that needed extra time to defeat us in the national TFA cup here at home.

Most beautiful game I saw Chiangrai United play in more than a year!

Ten days ago we saw Chiangrai United safely, by 3 - 1 to be more precise, take the points

from (former Ratana Bundit FC) RBAC Mitraphab.

It was not without any problem that Pattaya United qualified itself for the next round

that brought Chiangrai United along. A solid 1 - 3 away in Utthai Tani, but last weekend

a simple 1 - 1 at home. For your information: Uthai Tani Forest holds the last position in the

2nd Division North where newcomer Chiangrai FC now holds the 11nd one.

And, not to forget, Pattaya United is at the moment the fifth best club of Thailand, as it holds

that position in the Thai premier League.

Though the Toyota Cup might not be at the top of the list of wishes (though the winner gets

5 million, a nice amount) you can be sure that both teams want to go to the third round.

This is going to be Thai top football, live in Chiang Rai.

If you arrive too late to buy a ticket (last Sunday that moment arrived quite a while before

kick-off) you can still see the game for free from behind the fences.

Last Sunday at least a thousand spectators were 'holding the corners'.

Great to see that a growing number of foreigners finds it's way to the stadium as well.

Limbo

Chiangrai United, susu, susu, susu!

Wednesday September 8, at Chiangrai Stadium, be there preferably not too long

after half past five.

Chiangrai United vs Pattaya United

[Limbo]

What .... showed us, is that Chiangrai United plays better against

stronger teams.

We noticed it in the game against Thai Premier League top club and last

year's cup finalist BEC Tero Sasana, that needed extra time to defeat us

in the national TFA cup here at home.

And, not to forget, Pattaya United is at the moment the fifth best club

of Thailand, as it holds that position in the Thai premier League.

.

.

. . . . . . .

Chiangrai United vs Pattaya United 1 - 1

This was the second match against a Premier League club this

year and again the points were shared after ninety minutes.

It reflects Chiangrai United's legitimacy to fight for a place in

Thailands top league. The team is ready for it.

This was the fourth game in two weeks (two draws and two wins) and coming

Sunday our men will be standing on the pitch again, this time in Chantaburi,

a respectable bus trip of 1100 kilometer away from home.

Chiangrai United is in 6th position now in the First Division and Chantaburi,

holding the 13th, is a candidate for relegation.

Interesting to see what Thai Honda will be able to do at home against

Suvarnabhumi Customs. A draw would be enough to launch Chiangrai United into

fifth position. And if Chula United teaches Nakon Pathom a lesson we are forth

(and if my mother would have had a moustache, she might have been my father).

Anyhow:

Chiangrai United, susu, susu, susu!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

. . . . . . . .

This week we look forward to a game of 2nd Division Northern Region

newcomer Chiang Rai FC, a club run by local politicians and civil servants,

originally the team of Thoeng's Rajabhat students.

They will host Chiang Mai FC, the leader of the northern regional league.

Sunday 12 September at 16.00 pm :

Chiang Rai FC versus Chiangmai FC

With only two games to go Chiangmai FC has earned 73 points in 28 games, has

a goaldifference of + 47 and is a safe six points ahead of Chainat FC,

the runner up.

Chiang Rai FC collected only 26 points in the same number of games and has a negative

goal difference of not less than - 18, enough for a 12th position so far.

As I mentioned before: Chiangmai FC is coached by Pon, a former succes coach of

Chiangrai United, and Pansa (former goaly of CRUTD and 24 caps) defends its box.

It might turn into a show game, as the difference between the teams could only

be bridged by any other means than football ...

Chiangmai fans: Welcome to Chiang Rai!

Concerning guesthouses or hotels: you just could go the Yedyod Road in the

centre of town, inbetween the famous clocktower that everybody knows and the Yedyod

temple, and ask any of the gentlemen that seek refuge there the way to Ban Bua, Lotus,

Janson, Boonbundan, Suknirand or any other lodge on walking distance. They will be

all inbetween 250 and 350 Baht I guess.

If on a luxury trip the WangCome and WiangInn, same area (1400 Baht?).

In this very same area you will find good company to share a beer with and there are

bars and little restaurants to shelter in case of rain. If tired, enter one of the

excellent massages that are around there and you will see the world different again.

Limbo

[thaimiller]

What .... showed us, is that Chiangrai United plays better against

stronger teams.

We noticed it in the game against Thai Premier League top club and last

year's cup finalist BEC Tero Sasana, that needed extra time to defeat us

in the national TFA cup here at home.

And, not to forget, Pattaya United is at the moment the fifth best club

of Thailand, as it holds that position in the Thai premier League.

.

.

. . . . . . .

Chiangrai United vs Pattaya United 1 - 1

This was the second match against a Premier League club this

year and again the points were shared after ninety minutes.

It reflects Chiangrai United's legitimacy to fight for a place in

Thailands top league. The team is ready for it.

This was the fourth game in two weeks (two draws and two wins) and coming

Sunday our men will be standing on the pitch again, this time in Chantaburi,

a respectable bus trip of 1100 kilometer away from home.

Chiangrai United is in 6th position now in the First Division and Chantaburi,

holding the 13th, is a candidate for relegation.

Interesting to see what Thai Honda will be able to do at home against

Suvarnabhumi Customs. A draw would be enough to launch Chiangrai United into

fifth position. And if Chula United teaches Nakon Pathom a lesson we are forth

(and if my mother would have had a moustache, she might have been my father).

Anyhow:

Chiangrai United, susu, susu, susu!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

. . . . . . . .

This week we look forward to a game of 2nd Division Northern Region

newcomer Chiang Rai FC, a club run by local politicians and civil servants,

originally the team of Thoeng's Rajabhat students.

They will host Chiang Mai FC, the leader of the northern regional league.

Sunday 12 September at 16.00 pm :

Chiang Rai FC versus Chiangmai FC

With only two games to go Chiangmai FC has earned 73 points in 28 games, has

a goaldifference of + 47 and is a safe six points ahead of Chainat FC,

the runner up.

Chiang Rai FC collected only 26 points in the same number of games and has a negative

goal difference of not less than - 18, enough for a 12th position so far.

As I mentioned before: Chiangmai FC is coached by Pon, a former succes coach of

Chiangrai United, and Pansa (former goaly of CRUTD and 24 caps) defends its box.

It might turn into a show game, as the difference between the teams could only

be bridged by any other means than football ...

Chiangmai fans: Welcome to Chiang Rai!

Concerning guesthouses or hotels: you just could go the Yedyod Road in the

centre of town, inbetween the famous clocktower that everybody knows and the Yedyod

temple, and ask any of the gentlemen that seek refuge there the way to Ban Bua, Lotus,

Janson, Boonbundan, Suknirand or any other lodge on walking distance. They will be

all inbetween 250 and 350 Baht I guess.

If on a luxury trip the WangCome and WiangInn, same area (1400 Baht?).

In this very same area you will find good company to share a beer with and there are

bars and little restaurants to shelter in case of rain. If tired, enter one of the

excellent massages that are around there and you will see the world different again.

Limbo

Cheers for the info LImbo and Jubby via PM. We will be arriving in Chiang Rai mid-afternoon tomorrow after a quick pop over the Burmese border for a booze run. Weve been told of a few bars to go to watch the football Saturday Night, Ricco's being one of them. So I Think that is where we will be heading first.

Chiang Mai only need a point on Sunday to be Champions so hopefully from our point of view we wil get it in Chiang Rai.

Here's hoping to see Chiang Rai Utd next year in Division 1 if the play-offs go as planned.

[jubby]

How did the local derby go Guys ?

Limbo ? ThaiMiller ?

[skybluestu]

How did the local derby go Guys ?

Limbo ? ThaiMiller ?

CM won 4-1, they said there were 600 CM fans and only about 50 CR fans!

[jubby]

How did the local derby go Guys ?

Limbo ? ThaiMiller ?

CM won 4-1, they said there were 600 CM fans and only about 50 CR fans!

Wow, Honestly !? ...... Come on Limbo use your writing skills to make this defeat sound not so bad

[thaimiller]

How did the local derby go Guys ?

Limbo ? ThaiMiller ?

A good win for Chiang Mai 4-1, but the game was spoilt alot by the big downpour at 3.30pm until just after kick off, there were puddles all over the pitch and at times in was like water polo. But a good weekend out and hope to go next season to watch Chiang Rai Utd Vs Chiang Mai Fc, thats if we have a successful play off adventure.

[Nigbon]

_{With 3 matches remaining in the season Chiang Rai Utd are not far from promotion to top flight Thai foootball, the Thai Premier League. Today is a big one at home to 15th placed Suphanburi, anyone gonig?}

_{The Division 1 is in the most interesting league I've seen with just a couple of matches to go - promotion and relegation http://www.soccerway.com/national/thailand/thai-division-1/2010/regular-season/tables/}

[Limbo]

How did the local derby go Guys ?

Limbo ? ThaiMiller ?

A good win for Chiang Mai 4-1, but the game was spoilt alot by the big downpour at 3.30pm until just after kick off, there were puddles all over the pitch and at times in was like water polo. But a good weekend out and hope to go next season to watch Chiang Rai Utd Vs Chiang Mai Fc, thats if we have a successful play off adventure.

Yes my dear Thaimiller, that would have been a nice local derby, as you deserve a better opponent

than Chiang Rai FC. Let's hope we will have a friendly during the break.

First of all I want to congratulate you on winning the championship of the Regional League region North.

You have a great team and a great coach and you had a great season.

I not only hope, but also expect, that you are going to make it into the first division in the qualification

rounds. It became a little bit more complicated this year as not only the winners of the five regional leagues

are involved, but from the bottom of my heart: Chiang Mai Tigers, susu, susu, susu!

Aside of Pichit, Khon Kaen and Songkla (Narathiwat will be relegated to the second division again) all clubs

of the TPL, premier league and first division, are 'under the smoke' of Bangkok. Together we can put the north

on the map!

By winning the last game of the season in the stadium of Suvarnabhumi Customs today (two goals of our miraculous

Wasan en one of our own 'Vava', Edvaldo Pereira from Brasil) we qualified for promotion to the Thai Premier League.

So next year we will not have the chance to play against you if it isn't for a cup.

We wrote history indeed: when we started in the second division the chairman of Chiangrai United told me that

he estimated his team to be of Premier league level. The superb English footbal specialist who started this thread,

Mr. Nigbon, predicted, to my astonishment, this promotion already more than a year ago. And now the team made it true.

I think I speak on behalf of many Chiang Rai citizens if I say thank you Khun Miti, thank you Khun Gerry, thank you

Khun 'Teco' Stefano, and thank you to all this fantastic players, Thai, Brasilian and African who made it happen.

And a special thanks to one of the great players that got injured but now are on their way back, Khun Watcharaporn.

The last month it has been a thriller for us. From the nineth position we climbed to the third that enabled us to

be promoted. Two weeks ago the Weah stands were blue white of all the supporters of Sriracha that wanted to be wittness

of their team winning the championship in Chiang Rai. In vain: we won.

This afternoon about one in four of the spectators at Lad Krabang Stadium were wearing orange. Seven busses brought

our supporters to the home of the lion. The Kwang Krung, our supporters base in the Bangkok area, sealed their

alliance with us by showing up in great numbers.

With pride!

And greetings to all sportsfriends!

Limbo

[lannaman]

Suvarnaphum Customs Nil - Chiang Rai United 3 - Last game of season

CRai United PROMOTED to Thai Premier League

Congratulations boys

[Limbo]

Suvarnaphum Customs Nil - Chiang Rai United 3 - Last game of season

CRai United PROMOTED to Thai Premier League

Congratulations boys

It will be great to see Chiangrai United fan Andrew back in Chiang Rai.

Yesterday he was at the stadium at Lad Krabang to wittness CRUTD play against

the Customs. It was not sure untill yesterday if we were going to be promoted.

Both Songkla and Nakhon Pathom were breathing in our neck, two points behind

but with a better goal difference. So we had to win, ... and we did!

Promoted to the 2011 Thai Premier League are:

Sriracha . . . . . . .30 19 5 6 62 33 +29 62

Khonkaen . . . . . 30 15 9 6 51 35 +16 54

Chiangrai United .30 15 8 7 44 32 +12 53

Great results, also for Khonkaen FC that dramatically ended in fourth

position in two out of the last three seasons.

They really deserved their promotion this time.

Sriracha, that was relegated to the First Division last year, is back

on stage again.

Andy adopted a hill-tribe child here in the north, that's what brought him

here in the first place.

On the pictures we see him together with the players of the all-hilltribe

team Chiangrai Hills FC who also went to the game yesterday and we see

him 'in function' at the Bangkok Glass FC stadium.

Welcome here Andrew for Chiangrai United versus Bangkok Glass next year!

Andrew's second (...) club is in fifth position now in te Thai premier League

with only one game to go.

Limbo

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. . . . . . Chiangrai United Susu Susu Susu!

[thaimiller]

Congratulations to Chiang Rai Utd Fc on the Promotion to the Premier League. Hope to see you there soon.

Edited October 29, 2010 by thaimiller

[gerry1011]

A few more pictures...

[Limbo]

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. . . At three o'clock this afternoon (written Saturday November 6)

. . . join the Chiangrai United Motorcade

It will start from the open field at the superhighway near Ban Do.

Coming from Chiang Rai you make a U-turn at the Rajabhat and after

about five hundred meters you will see a lot of orange at your left.

The motorized 'triumphal march' is expected to arrive at the old airport

at about four o'clock, where the religious ceremonies will take place

and players, staff and management will be blessed.

At five o'clock the show will start!

It is the group of Channel 3, famous as Khon Bai Kai Kread (sp?) that

will provide the entertainment and, of course, there will be plenty of

food and drinks. Be sure that there will be a great atmosphere!

Limbo

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[Limbo]

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The new season is here!

Please enjoy a pictorial impression of the festive presentation of the team Chiangrai Hills

and evenso of the new players of Chiangrai United and the greatest firework ever

in Chiangrai (though I hope there has been a better photographer than undersigned; I was so

impressed that I forgot that I had a camera in my hands, so my pictures certainly don't 'cover

the load').

The new Thai players are midfielders Teerasak Po-on, Pichai Prechachao, both coming

from Chanthaburi FC and Kumpee Pintakul formerly Chula United.

Furthermore Yai Nilwong, formerly the great central force of Thai Port FC, Arthit Dowsawang

of TOT-Cat FC, striker Rangsan Rupmoh, former 'number one' goal-getter of Rattana Bundit

and goalkeeper Mantehwa Lahmsombat, who played for Osotspa FC last season.

The new foreigners are Romanian midfielder Leontin Chiţescu, who played on Malta

for the Vittoriosa Stars, Liberian defender Murphy Nagbe, playing for LISCR FC and

Medan before and last but certainly not least Brasilian 'libero' William de Souza,

who for several years has been considered to be one of the best foreign players in

Indonesian football.

Brasilian coach Stefano 'Teko' Cugurra, three times Indonesian Premier League Champion

with Persebaya, the club famous for its excellent football, but even more (and on top of that

feared) for its legendary Surabayan 'tifoso', will also this season be in charge, secunded by

fellow country man Mr. Suarez.

We all remember the former team mate of Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor, Albert Kodjo,

who was CRUTD's physical coach since the team was founded two years ago.

His nickname was 'Coach Neverlost'

The last year he was engaged at the Thai Government Sport School of Lampang and helped his

atlethes to be the most succesfull team at the inter-Thai tournament in Sukhotai, but he will

be back this season and use his skills serving both Chiangrai United and our all-hilltribe

team Chiangrai Hills FC.

Stefano 'Teko' Cugurra came in time for the second leg last year. Chiangrai United was holding

the eleventh position and climbed under his professional and inspiring leadership to the third

that entitled us to play in the Thai Premier League this season.

And also he didn't loose one game in the league anymore!

Okay, against Pattaya United in the Toyota cup (in Pattaya a draw) we held the nills for ninety

minutes and got one goal against in the thirthy minutes extension of the match.

With two coaches of the calibre 'neverlost' we may look forward to an exciting season!

If aside of the team itself somebody's hand and foot will be served, then it will without any

doubt be our German fellow Chiang Rai expat and football expert, formerly Hannover 1896 and for

many years coach in the German upper amateur league, mister W.

Everytime I had the pleasure to enjoy a match together with him he pointed out that the place for

improvement was the midfield.

Japanese Keisuke Ogawa (Kobe FC) and Brasilian Edvaldo Pereira (former player of Swiss St. Gallen

in the year it became Swiss champion and thus probably the only European Cup player ever in Asia)

are the leading strikers and they will, now Ghanese Adu Gyamfi is on loan to Ratchaburi FC find

coming season Rangsan Rupmoh at their side.

Brasilian Wilson gets inforcement from Liberian Murphy Nagbe, a man of the same posture and skills.

But the greatest changes we see on the midfield with Teerasak Po-on, Pichai Prechachao and

Kumpee Pintakul, with Brasilian William da Souza and Yai Nilwong as creative liberos serving

our striking force. Zufrieden, Herr W.?

Limbo

[Limbo]

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. . . . . Leontin Chiţescu has arrived!

Leontin grew up in the beautiful historical town Timisoara in western Romania, generally

known for its great monuments and for a few even for being the first town in Europe with

electric streetlights.

Logically his professional debut was in Poli Timisoara, one of Romania's top-league clubs.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The craddle of Leontin's professional football life, the stadium of Timisoara

After Poli he went to its biggest rival UTA Arad, but soon CFR Cluj added him to its ranks

and enabled him to play European Cup football, more precise in the UEFA Intertoto Cup 2005,

where this team ended as runner-up.

After Edvaldo (with Swiss St. Gallen) Leontin is the second player of Chiangrai United

who played European Champions Cup football.

His Asian adventures started in 2007 when he enlisted at PSM Makassar, soon followed by

Persib Bandung and Arema Malang.

After his Indonesian period he had the privilege to play for Vittoriosa Stars on the beautiful

Mediterranean island Malta, before he finally came back to Asia again to play for the Thai Premier

League team of our little northern town, Chiangrai United FC.

. . . . . . . . . . Welcome to Chiang Rai, Leontin!

Limbo

Leontin in the shirt of Indonesian Super League Club Arema Malang,

Leontin on Malta last year and finally wearing the shirt of Chiangrai United.

PS: a nice goal of Leontin 'Per Pan' Chitescu: