Vana Nava Hua Hin City FC 2016

[Sabai Sabai]

Hua Hin 0-1 Seemok

A narrow 1-0 defeat for Hua Hin today. It was the first game I've been to this season, hadn't made any of the friendlies. Possibly just because my expectations were low but I didn't think we were that bad, certainly a few positives to take....

Firstly, the new ground: From where I was sitting, in the cheap seats opposite the Grandstand, the view was absolutely fine. I could see the whole pitch without any problems. Although my earlier guess that:

Not sure but I would imagine with the proximity to the big hill to the west of the stadium that the sun will be behind the hill by 5:30......

Was a bit out, the sun didn't disappear until around 6, maybe even just after. Can't say it was a major problem though, although I dare say in a couple of weeks as we approach hot season it will start to feel a bit hotter. Probably the rain in rainy season will be more of an issue.

Regards the pitch I was pleasantly surprised, I thought it was going to be worse. It's not exactly great but it played ok, better than what we were playing on at Thanarat last season.

On to the team itself, well if my prediction earlier that Seemok are going to be one of the stronger teams in the league this season is true, then we'll do ok this year. We certainly weren't outclassed by any stretch of the imagination. Of the 2 keepers, their keeper was by far the busier. At times we played some decent stuff, admittedly without much end product though.

I quite liked the look of the 2 African kids(first of me seeing them), the centre half had a steady game, felt the central midfielder(no.28 Roland?) was MOM up to half time although he did fade a bit 2nd half. To be fair to the opposition, I think they identified him as a threat and had somebody on him 2nd half to nullify the threat. They are clearly still young and hopefully they will continue to improve with some games.

Agree with comments from other members after some of the friendlies that we are badly missing a decent striker. Although No.9 when he came on today had a few chances and was unlucky not to score.

All in all, it was not a bad afternoon. Despite going out of the cup, I'm feeling more optimistic about the season ahead now.

Next up Nonthaburi this Sunday 14th, same place, same time 17:30 @Takiab

[Big Boy]

Toyota League Cup 1st Preliminary Round

Vana Nava Hua Hin City 0 - 1 Simork FC

So, this was our first competitive match this season, and against one of last season's better sides, I wasn't expecting too much.

Firstly, a bit about the new home - Takiab Stadium.

I was a bit concerned about the car park, and getting out after the game. However, after giving it some thought - many on bikes, and the crowd would be 200 if we were lucky (actual attendance was 209). i risked it, and getting out afterwards was a doddle, controlled by police.

I purchased my ticket. Prices are still 50 Baht for the seating directly opposite the (not so) Grandstand. Mrs BB told me the Grandstand was 4 times the cost, and you have very restricted views. I was delighted to see that I had ticket number 1 into the new stadium - that will be kept safe as a memento

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New rules this season, all bags are searched on the way in. No bottles or cans permitted. Any drink had to be purchased outside the ground, and carried in using a plastic beaker. There was only one drinks vendor, and no food vendors.

As it turned out, about 90% of those attending sat on the side of the pitch as me. The only toilet facilities were on the opposite side of the pitch - great planning. This resulted in Farang supporters using the facilities after a megga walk, and Thais used the nearest bush or wall. OK, it's the Thai way, but that is going start to smell pretty quickly. Thai planning I suppose

Of course, with ticket number 1, we were a little early, so I could choose my seat. I was back row, directly in line with the halfway line. I was surprised to see there was absolutely no restricted view - I'd be able to see the entire pitch . The only restriction on the view was a bright sun directly in front of us.

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Of course, after being spoiled by the perfect playing surface of True arena during pre-season, the pitch did resemble a patchwork quilt.

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Inside the ground, the carnival atmosphere I've grown to love at home matches had gone. There was no roof to keep the noise down, and there was hardly a peep from the band, despite their best efforts.

As I've said, most spectators sat the same side that I sat. I glanced across to the (not so) Grandstand several times, and those who had paid the extra cash had to keep standing up to see what was going on.

As the sun dipped behind the trees

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the floodlights took over, and the setting was complete.

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Onto the game, and I was half expecting a rout. However, nothing had really changed from last season when the twins weren't playing. We were OK in 2/3rds of the pitch, but when it came to the business end, we were very lacking. having said that, apart from a 3 minute spell early in the 2nd half, I didn't think Simork showed much either.

Our defence looked solid, and it was nice to see a couple of full backs who actually know how to defend.

Hua Hin gradually built up a number of good chances, especially when Theerawat (our top goal scorer during pre-season) came on for the last 15 minutes - we at last had somebody on the pitch who could make the Simork keeper earn his bread.

All in all, after the antics of last season, it was nice to be able to enjoy a game of football. It was an honest performance out there today. We mustn't forget that we have a team that want to play football - these guys are on minimum wage at best, and could probably earn more working in a 7-11. I'm not too bothered about winning, as long as the team tries - I think I'm going to enjoy this season.

Next game is this coming Sunday - same time, same place, same opposition, different competition. Sunday marks the start of the league.

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[Big Boy]

Sabai Sabai you obviously posted while I was writing my account. Unusually, we seem to have been at the same match for a change

The only thing we disagree on is the next match. It was Nonthaburi FC Away on the original fixtures, but I think we now play Simork again on Sunday (re-arranged from last week). I've not seen the re-arranged fixture list yet - have you?

[Sabai Sabai]

Sabai Sabai you obviously posted while I was writing my account. Unusually, we seem to have been at the same match for a change

Haha, yeah..... I'm struggling to disagree with anything you've posted there, must be a first!

Regards the fixtures though, it was always going to be the case that the postponed match from last week will have to be fitted in mid-week somewhere. The clubs involved agreed to that, remember those postponements were not sanctioned by the league. I don't know why the club posted on Facebook that it would be played this weekend!

Certainly at the game today the tannoy clearly stated that we're at home to Nonthaburi this Sunday 5:30 kick-off. To further back this up, I've just watched an interview with one of our coaches from after today's match. At the end of the interview he makes a plea for fans to turn out in force for this Sunday's match at home to Nonthaburi.

[Big Boy]

Photos from today's match

Looking at the photos, it has reminded me of another crazy design flaw. With less than 10% of spectators on the (not so) Grandstand side, advertising hoardings are playing to the minority only. The real supporters aren't bothered by the advertisements at all. I wonder what our sponsors think of that.

[Big Boy]

I'm fast coming to the conclusion that anything you might read on the clubs own Internet site isn't worth a thing.

A few weeks ago they advertised season tickets. We tried to order 5. Many phones calls later, plus online discussion and a face to face meet with the secretary - nothing. The league season starts in 3 days time, so that isn't going to happen.

Yesterday they advertised this season's home shirt, with details how to order. Mrs BB tried to order 7 shirts this morning and was told where to get off - orders are not being taken, WTF.

If they've got nothing to say, then don't say it. Or is the club still encased in last season's BS culture?

They keep telling us that they're a club in crisis, but you try to put money their way and get laughed at. They should be treating supporters with respect - not feeding us BS. They haven't even issued this season's fixtures yet - if you look back the the posts by sabai sabai and I, you'll see that confusion has already set in after just one game.

[Sabai Sabai]

Take a big deep breath Big Boy!

A few weeks ago they advertised season tickets. We tried to order 5. Many phones calls later, plus online discussion and a face to face meet with the secretary - nothing. The league season starts in 3 days time, so that isn't going to happen.

Don't worry, although I expect/hope there will be more attending weekend league matches than were there last night; getting in to the stadium will not be a problem even without a season ticket.

Yesterday they advertised this season's home shirt, with details how to order. Mrs BB tried to order 7 shirts this morning and was told where to get off - orders are not being taken, WTF.

All the club done was provide a link to our kit supplier Warrix. Who by your own admission are responsible for selling the shirts, surely you have to take up your gripe with Warrix over this?

They haven't even issued this season's fixtures yet - if you look back the the posts by sabai sabai and I, you'll see that confusion has already set in after just one game.

TIT. I'd have thought all the years you've been here you'd be used to the excellent organisational skills by now!

[Big Boy]

Basically, if they are posting something, the club should take some responsibility for the content. The post was by HuaHin City FC 0fficial Page, not Warrix. In Blue below:

Take a big deep breath Big Boy!

A few weeks ago they advertised season tickets. We tried to order 5. Many phones calls later, plus online discussion and a face to face meet with the secretary - nothing. The league season starts in 3 days time, so that isn't going to happen.

Don't worry, although I expect/hope there will be more attending weekend league matches than were there last night; getting in to the stadium will not be a problem even without a season ticket.

No, there won't be a problem, but there never would be. My impression when they made the announcement was they were looking for advance revenue, which i was happy to help out with, Admission via the season ticket would have actually been slightly more than paying at the gate, but I simply wanted to help out.

Yesterday they advertised this season's home shirt, with details how to order. Mrs BB tried to order 7 shirts this morning and was told where to get off - orders are not being taken, WTF.

All the club done was provide a link to our kit supplier Warrix. Who by your own admission are responsible for selling the shirts, surely you have to take up your gripe with Warrix over this?

So what was the purpose of the announcement? It read like an advert to me. It gave the price, opening times, sizes (not) available, contact name and phone number? Maybe they should have added a line, saying something like here's how to purchase this season's shirt, but don't bother because there aren't actually any shirts to buy. I've seen some crap on Facebook....................................... Or is Kim so bored because she's got nothing to sell, she wanted somebody to chat to?

They haven't even issued this season's fixtures yet - if you look back the the posts by sabai sabai and I, you'll see that confusion has already set in after just one game.

TIT. I'd have thought all the years you've been here you'd be used to the excellent organisational skills by now!

(Aimed at the club's admin, not you)

[Sabai Sabai]

The post was by HuaHin City FC 0fficial Page, not Warrix.

Actually, no. The post was from the Warrix Facebook page at 19:30 last night. All the club done was share that post.

I don't accept that the club are at fault over this issue.

The other 2 issues with the season tickets and fixtures, granted it's very unprofessional and unorganised but ultimately it's not going to be a big problem. (at least it shouldn't be IMO)

[Big Boy]

Actually, no. The post was from the Warrix Facebook page at 19:30 last night. All the club done was share that post.

Something strange going on here. Yes it does say shared now, but after your previous response there was definitely no mention of share on my page at that time. I'll blame it on Facebook, not the club in that case.

fixtures, granted it's very unprofessional and unorganised but ultimately it's not going to be a big problem. (at least it shouldn't be IMO)

Yet you were expecting to be facing the original 14 Feb at the wrong location. That shows confusion amongst the clubs supporters ..... or have I got it wrong

The couple with the mess over the friendlies, where only 1 went as planned, I am losing all faith in the club's admin. What about tomorrow's match? I'm assuming it has been cancelled, but I've not seen any announcement.

[Big Boy]

And just to confirm the confusion .................................. the fan club have just issued this:

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While the club have issued:

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I do find these mixed messages confusing.

[Sabai Sabai]

And just to confirm the confusion .................................. the fan club have just issued this:

Nonthaburi.jpg

While the club have issued:

simork.jpg

I do find these mixed messages confusing.

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, the matches postponed last week were not sanctioned by the league, the clubs took it upon themselves, hence it was never going to just be a case of putting things back a week. The match postponed last week (vs Seemok) will have to be rearranged for another time, most likely a mid-week match. All the clubs involved agreed upon that. I have no idea why someone from the club posted that original banner advertising the game for this Sunday. Because that was never on the cards!

I have still not seen a list of the fixtures yet, but certainly what the fan club has just posted ties in with what was being repeatedly advertised last night.

Why we are playing at home when it would seem we were originally supposed to be away.... I've no idea!

Maybe the club will come out with an explanation......



But then again, I'm not holding my breath!

[Big Boy]

And tomorrow's game??????

The club's admin could be doing better

As the original fixtures had us playing Nonthaburi away on Sunday, I guess the whole thing is being re-vamped. Fixtures are obviously out, but they are a secret - I guess knowledge is power I could e-mail you a copy of the original fixtures, but as they are now wrong, there's not a lot of point.

[Big Boy]

Confusion reigns throughout. I've just looked at http://uk.soccerway.com/national/thaila ... st/r34595/ and it shows:

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My head is starting to hurt

[Big Boy]

OMG, and another site has us playing at Nonthaburi

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Meanwhile, back at the ranch, not a peep from the club to clarify things. Fortunately, there's a 66% chance Hua Hin are playing somebody at Khao Takiab on Sunday, so I guess it's a case of turn up, and hope there's a match on.