Thai Fa In Talks With Former Man Utd And England Captain

[webfact]

THAI JOB FOR ROBSON?

Thai FA in talks with former Man Utd and England captain

Published on September 11, 2009

Wasting no time in its search for a new national coach, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has approached former England captain Bryan Robson for the job.

If things go smoothly, the appointment could be made as early as next week.

On Wednesday, the FAT finally parted company with veteran coach Peter Reid, whose contract was terminated after he made it known that his mind was set on joining English Premier League club Stoke City.

However, Thai fans who were sorry to see the departure of such a high-profile coach had there spirits quickly lifted when the FAT listed the ex-Manchester United and England captain as its first choice to succeed Reid, who has been officially appointed as the Potters' assistant manager. "We've already contacted him [Robson] and asked him whether he is interested in coaching the Thai team. We got a positive response. He appeared excited by the challenge," said FAT president Worawi Makudi.

"He' s exactly the kind of person we're looking for, given his experience in managing several clubs in English top-flight football. We are hoping to receive confirmation he will take the job next week."

When asked about Robson's contract, Worawi said: "We cannot reveal the details or the length of the contract. But the salary will be the same as Reid got.

"World Cup qualification remains our ultimate aim. The first task for Robson will be to prepare the team for the Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore in November. So we still have plenty of time for negotiations."

Worawi explained that the FAT had picked Robson, whose managerial career includes stints at Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion, as it believed the appointment would maintain the hype over the national team.

"Actually, there are several coaches who are interested in the job.

"But, I would prefer to appoint a high-profile personality who would help make Thai football more colourful. If he turns down the offer, we might need more time to find other alternatives."

Meanwhile, Worawi said the dates for the England team's trip to the country for a friendly will be decided once the draw for the 2010 World Cup finals is made later this year.

-- The Nation 2009/09/11

[Travel2003]

Yes I read it as well.

They want a high-profile personality.

Then he is not the man for this job.

Who has ever heard about him here?

I know most expats have, but who of the locals?

Probably just a handful.

And when they start to check him out on internet, they can see he is just another loser manager, that happened to be a very good football player 133 years ago.

They would be better of to hire one younger more recent famous that maybe had to retire early due to injuries, etc.

Even Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Thai national coach would have made a bigger impact here.

Or Kevin Keegan. But he would probably just quit as well.

[JacknDanny]

Yes I read it as well.

They want a high-profile personality.

Then he is not the man for this job.

Who has ever heard about him here?

I know most expats have, but who of the locals?

Probably just a handful.

And when they start to check him out on internet, they can see he is just another loser manager, that happened to be a very good football player 133 years ago.

They would be better of to hire one younger more recent famous that maybe had to retire early due to injuries, etc.

Even Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Thai national coach would have made a bigger impact here.

Or Kevin Keegan. But he would probably just quit as well.

Sorry, Ive got to strongly disagree.

Most football fans (local) will know who Bryan Robson is.

He was the captain of Man United upto around 15yrs ago, as well as being Englands captain. He was a magnificent player (and as a blue I hate to admit that ) so any Thai football fan will either remember him or know of him.

Pretty average as a manager unfortunately, but as far as attracting a big name, this would be a huge coup for Thailand

[technocracy]

Pretty Average!?!?!?!??!!

Robson is without doubt one the most inept managers ever to have blighted the English game! The reason Robson gave a positive response is that no English clubs would EVER consider hiring him. But at least managing Thailand he doesn't have a player budget to waste!

[Jimjim]

The Thai FA certainly seems in love with the idea of having well-known English managers who have done little managing of note in England.

[Travel2003]

Yes I read it as well.

They want a high-profile personality.

Then he is not the man for this job.

Who has ever heard about him here?

I know most expats have, but who of the locals?

Probably just a handful.

And when they start to check him out on internet, they can see he is just another loser manager, that happened to be a very good football player 133 years ago.

They would be better of to hire one younger more recent famous that maybe had to retire early due to injuries, etc.

Even Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Thai national coach would have made a bigger impact here.

Or Kevin Keegan. But he would probably just quit as well.

Sorry, Ive got to strongly disagree.

Most football fans (local) will know who Bryan Robson is.

He was the captain of Man United upto around 15yrs ago, as well as being Englands captain. He was a magnificent player (and as a blue I hate to admit that ) so any Thai football fan will either remember him or know of him.

Pretty average as a manager unfortunately, but as far as attracting a big name, this would be a huge coup for Thailand

Hi

Have followed Man Utd, since mid 70s.

Believe me, no need to lecture me about what a fantastic player he was.

My turn to strongly disagree.

How popular was English football, and how many Thais watched it on tv 15-20 years ago?

I have still not found a Thai (Im sure there are a few around) that supported an English team only 10 years ago.

I say, go for someone that has been famous for just a few years, nomatter his age.

That will make more impact in Thailand.

[bkkjames]

I think they should hire Shearer. Perhaps souness as waterboy.

[mrtoad]

If the FA are funding it, surely they can send Howard Wilkinson on over.

[MiG16]

How popular was English football, and how many Thais watched it on tv 15-20 years ago?

I have still not found a Thai (Im sure there are a few around) that supported an English team only 10 years ago.

I say, go for someone that has been famous for just a few years, nomatter his age.

That will make more impact in Thailand.

without wanting to divulge my age

there may not have been many live games on thai TV 20 years ago...but 15 years ago...well 1996 is not that far off the 15 year mark, all world cup games were aired live (still had commercials at the time...as in commercials during the game rather than the uninterrupted version of recent years. speaking of which...a bit of a sidetrack...cant remember what year it was, but when Chaang first sponsored the live broadcast in thailand, it was allegedly the first that was aired on free channels with no commercial breaks....first in the world according to Chaang! so thailand is pretty progressive when it comes to bringing the best football games to the audience)

there were also programmes on weekly basis that summarised the results, and showed selected goals.

plus, even without the live games of the country leagues, there have always been soccer newspapers for as long as I can remember!! when we were kids my brother would use up all his pocket money to buy football newspapers and magazines, and Id end up having to use mine to buy him food at school

Ive gone off on a tangent here....but my question is - what does how well known the manager is to the thai fans have anything to do with anything? shouldnt it be how well they can motivate the team, whether they can gain respect from the team (and yes their past record as either play and/or manager would contribute to this. but it is knowledge of this capability amongst the players, rather than knowledge of it amongst the general population that I think matters)

did I miss some crucial point mentioned in the thread as to why we are discussing popularity amongst thai people?

[mrtoad]

did I miss some crucial point mentioned in the thread as to why we are discussing popularity amongst thai people?

Mayeb, it is because there has been a suggestion that Worwai has been more interested in getting a "name", rather than a proven manager. In the end Robson, in my opinion get's some unfair criticism. His track record of managing has been fairly erratic, but he has had some degree of success at times. Not entirely sure that he is the man for this job though.

[bkkjames]

did I miss some crucial point mentioned in the thread as to why we are discussing popularity amongst thai people?

Mayeb, it is because there has been a suggestion that Worwai has been more interested in getting a "name", rather than a proven manager. In the end Robson, in my opinion get's some unfair criticism. His track record of managing has been fairly erratic, but he has had some degree of success at times. Not entirely sure that he is the man for this job though.

Not so sure I agree Toady, I seen him on Red Devil's kitchen whip up a wicked chicken cordon bleu, seems perfectly qualified to me.

[soihok]

Sorry, Ive got to strongly disagree.

Most football fans (local) will know who Bryan Robson is.

He was the captain of Man United upto around 15yrs ago, as well as being Englands captain. He was a magnificent player (and as a blue I hate to admit that ) so any Thai football fan will either remember him or know of him.

Pretty average as a manager unfortunately, but as far as attracting a big name, this would be a huge coup for Thailand

OK, I no have question about the football sucess of Bryan Robson.

But as a manager !!!!Blood and Sand.

Sheff United endured his services for just over half a season , after the relagation from the Premiership.

They were in the relegation zone in the Championship at this time thanks to him.

It ended up in demonstrations in the car park at Bramall Lane, he had to go, McCabe kind of made a deal for him so he and Robson would,nt have lost too much face as sacking him.......but he turned it down thankfully.

Kevin Blackwell stepped in and The Blades almost made a play off match back into the Premiership.

Before he left, the cheeky tw#t said he would expect West Brom ( surprise ,surprise) to go up...which they did.

Thanks Bryan.....what a t#sser !!!

I wonder if the Thai team have done their homework as well as Man City did theirs on Thaksin?

[Travel2003]

How popular was English football, and how many Thais watched it on tv 15-20 years ago?

I have still not found a Thai (Im sure there are a few around) that supported an English team only 10 years ago.

I say, go for someone that has been famous for just a few years, nomatter his age.

That will make more impact in Thailand.

without wanting to divulge my age

there may not have been many live games on thai TV 20 years ago...but 15 years ago...well 1996 is not that far off the 15 year mark, all world cup games were aired live (still had commercials at the time...as in commercials during the game rather than the uninterrupted version of recent years. speaking of which...a bit of a sidetrack...cant remember what year it was, but when Chaang first sponsored the live broadcast in thailand, it was allegedly the first that was aired on free channels with no commercial breaks....first in the world according to Chaang! so thailand is pretty progressive when it comes to bringing the best football games to the audience)

there were also programmes on weekly basis that summarised the results, and showed selected goals.

plus, even without the live games of the country leagues, there have always been soccer newspapers for as long as I can remember!! when we were kids my brother would use up all his pocket money to buy football newspapers and magazines, and Id end up having to use mine to buy him food at school

Ive gone off on a tangent here....but my question is - what does how well known the manager is to the thai fans have anything to do with anything? shouldnt it be how well they can motivate the team, whether they can gain respect from the team (and yes their past record as either play and/or manager would contribute to this. but it is knowledge of this capability amongst the players, rather than knowledge of it amongst the general population that I think matters)

did I miss some crucial point mentioned in the thread as to why we are discussing popularity amongst thai people?

A good post.

But to quote the Thai FA person:

"high-profile personality who would help make Thai football more colourful".

If they are to hire him, they better start putting together a bragging video edited for Thai television, so the population that do not know who he is, learn to know him.

[Nigbon]

actually we have a perfectly competent manager running Thailand now in Steve Darby, he's just not a big name in England. this is his latest report back form the UK - http://www.thaileaguefootball.com/index.ph...653&Ntype=1

[soihok]

Well done Thai FA.

Looks as if they looked at his track record for management, and decided not to shoot themselves in the foot.

When I was working in Singapore and Sheff Utd were suffereing in the Championship with Bryan Robson as manager, I had a site office next to a busy street ,double decker buses were up and down it all day displaying huge pictures of the guy as he was also advertising "profitable plots", a land intvestment company.

The words "we did" or something like, were printed next to his face..........good g*d I used to cringe when I saw those buses come past my window, with the g*t smiling as we were looking towards relegation agian.

[bkkjames]

Well done Thai FA.

Looks as if they looked at his track record for management, and decided not to shoot themselves in the foot.

When I was working in Singapore and Sheff Utd were suffereing in the Championship with Bryan Robson as manager, I had a site office next to a busy street ,double decker buses were up and down it all day displaying huge pictures of the guy as he was also advertising "profitable plots", a land intvestment company.

The words "we did" or something like, were printed next to his face..........good g*d I used to cringe when I saw those buses come past my window, with the g*t smiling as we were looking towards relegation agian.

Is it just a coincidence that Mr. Robson is gonna be in Bangkok tomorrow? http://www.mufbthai.com/events.php?event_d...mp;date=09-2009

[rixalex]

Great footballer, but more personality in a wet bathroom flannel. Management and TV work just not his calling.

[soihok]

Well done Thai FA.

Looks as if they looked at his track record for management, and decided not to shoot themselves in the foot.

When I was working in Singapore and Sheff Utd were suffereing in the Championship with Bryan Robson as manager, I had a site office next to a busy street ,double decker buses were up and down it all day displaying huge pictures of the guy as he was also advertising "profitable plots", a land intvestment company.

The words "we did" or something like, were printed next to his face..........good g*d I used to cringe when I saw those buses come past my window, with the g*t smiling as we were looking towards relegation agian.

Is it just a coincidence that Mr. Robson is gonna be in Bangkok tomorrow? http://www.mufbthai.com/events.php?event_d...mp;date=09-2009

A night out listening to Bryan Robson drone on and on.......I,ld be up for it if someone paid me to go,,,but then again,maybe not.

I would end up being thrown out.

He could be coming to try and sell more profitable plops eh?

[rijit]

A couple of years ago I met on holiday a couple that lived ibn the same village as robbo

and what they described was a man with a SERIOUS alcohol problem. I really hope hes put it behind him, but a few tv comments in the uk suggest otherwise.

[LeungKen]

I've lost track of the number of managers Thailand has had over the past decade or so...

This appointment will end in "tears before bedtime" . . (IMHO)

[StevieH]

A couple of years ago I met on holiday a couple that lived ibn the same village as robbo

and what they described was a man with a SERIOUS alcohol problem. I really hope hes put it behind him, but a few tv comments in the uk suggest otherwise.

yeah, he's a massive dipso is robson. got a real problem.

[bkkjames]

A couple of years ago I met on holiday a couple that lived ibn the same village as robbo

and what they described was a man with a SERIOUS alcohol problem. I really hope hes put it behind him, but a few tv comments in the uk suggest otherwise.

yeah, he's a massive dipso is robson. got a real problem.

They should have went for Svenn. He likes it here, I hear.

[StevieH]

A couple of years ago I met on holiday a couple that lived ibn the same village as robbo

and what they described was a man with a SERIOUS alcohol problem. I really hope hes put it behind him, but a few tv comments in the uk suggest otherwise.

yeah, he's a massive dipso is robson. got a real problem.

They should have went for Svenn. He likes it here, I hear.

sven's a thaksin crony, he probably wouldn't be allowed in the country.

[bkkjames]

A couple of years ago I met on holiday a couple that lived ibn the same village as robbo

and what they described was a man with a SERIOUS alcohol problem. I really hope hes put it behind him, but a few tv comments in the uk suggest otherwise.

yeah, he's a massive dipso is robson. got a real problem.

They should have went for Svenn. He likes it here, I hear.

sven's a thaksin crony, he probably wouldn't be allowed in the country.

Well he does have a million dollar home on Samui I understand.

[StevieH]

ah you're right, he does doesn't he? don't know what the hel_l he's doing at notts county. not like he needs the money.

[toasted]

Robson isn't going to last long in the job.

Sky Sports showed him turning up for a meeting with the Thai FA in a jacket but no tie.

[soihok]

A really bad move for the Thai team/people to have to endure.

tut, tut

And it will end in tears.

[Nigbon]

an article written by Thailand staff coach Steve Darby about Brian Robson

http://www.thaileaguefootball.com/index.ph...041&Ntype=1

[bkkjames]

an article written by Thailand staff coach Steve Darby about Brian Robson

http://www.thaileaguefootball.com/index.ph...041&Ntype=1

very little about BR and a lot about the past season in the Thai league but ok.

[tso310]

This apointment is great news for the Thai Brewing Industry. Going back a few years they should have tried to keep Peter Withe.