| Feb 10, 2011
Formed: 2004
Stadium: Central Sports Stadium, Samut Songkhram
Nickname: Crazy Mackerels
Best Player: Phanuwat Yimsanga
Website: www.scgsamutsongkhramfc.com
Main Sponsor: SCG
The little club from the smallest province in Thailand have continually punched above their weight since promotion in 2007. Investment from cement giant SCG at the start of 2010 was certainly a huge boost. The controversial sacking of coach Somchai Chuayboonchum in December didn’t go down well with players – ten of whom went on strike, and then followed him to Chantaburi F.C. – or fans. Shrewd signings have been made since, though, and we reckon that the Mackerels will still be swimming with the big fish by season’s end.
Formed: 1999
Stadium: Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, Sisaket
Nickname: Dangerous Koupreys
Best Player: Piyawat Thongman
Website: www.sisaketfc.com
Main Sponsor: Muang Thai Insurance
Lucky, lucky, lucky! Or was it something other than luck? Either way, Sisaket find themselves still in the TPL in 2011 after coming through the impromptu relegation play-offs. However, those handy play-offs have left the Isaan club behind in their preparations and they can’t expect any more favours in 2011. Hard to see them not struggling again but their year’s experience in the top flight, and their ten new signings, should help.
Formed: 2005
Stadium: Sri Maharat Stadium, Sriracha, Chonburi
Nickname: The Blue Marlins
Best Player: Sujarit Jantapon
Website: www.srirachafc.com
Main Sponsor: Chang
Sriracha are fast becoming Thai football’s yo-yo club. Relegated from the TPL in 2009, they came straight back up in 2010 as Division 1 champions. The signing of Chula United hitman Aron Da Silva could be crucial to their chances. In 2011, Sriracha find themselves in an expanded division with several teams which appear considerably weaker than themselves. We reckon their yo-yoing days are over, for a season at least.
