BANGKOK UNITED AIM TO REGAIN PAST GLORY

BANGKOK (9 March 2009) – Former Thai Premier League champions Bangkok United FC still aspire to regain their past glory despite failing to pick up full points in their first game of the season yesterday.

The team which was known as Bangkok University until the recent revamp of the Thai Premier League, were held to a scoreless draw by Nakhonpathom FC at the Din Daeng Stadium.

The one point has allowed Bangkok United to be placed tenth in the 16-team Thai Premier League 2009.

“If a large number of Bangkok people join our fan club, I’m sure that we will become a great team in the future,” said Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the governor of Bangkok who is one of the club’s honorary advisers recently.

Added former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin, who is the club’s chairman: “we aim to finish in the top five in the coming season and win the league in three years.”

Bangkok University reached their peak when they won three university-level titles in 2006 – the U-League, Super U-League and University Games.

They then went on to win the Thailand Premier League in 2007.

Bangkok United have now linked up with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to be in line with the FA of Thailand’s (FAT) new regulations that all teams in the top flight must be registered as limited companies.

The team is being led by Somchai Supperm as the head coach where he is being assisted by Noppadon Vijarnnarong.

Among the players to look out for this season are Veera Kerdputsa, Punnarat Klinsukon, Kittisak Siriwaen, Noppon Poludom, Sarif Sainui and Jira Jaroensuk.

In the meantime in the other matches of the week, three teams got off to rousing starts in their campaign as they scored identical 3-0 wins over their respective opponents.

Muang Thong United beat Thai Port United, Rajnavy Rayong FC overcame TTM Samut Sakhon while Samud Songkram FC edged Chula United FC.

But the biggest news this week would be the defeat suffered by defending champions Provincial Electric Authority as they fell 1-0 at home to Osotsapa FC.

CURRENT THAI PREMIER LEAGUE 2009 STANDINGS

1. MUANG THONG UNITED (+3) 3pts

2. RAJNAVY RAYONG FC (+3) 3pts

3. SAMUD SONGKRAM (+3) 3pts

4. CHONBURI FC (+1) 3pts

5. OSOTSAPA FC (+1) 3pts

6. BANGKOK GLASS FC (=) 1pt

7. PATTAYA UNITED (=) 1pt

8. SRIRACHA FC (=) 1pt

9. TOT FC (=) 1pt

10. BANGKOK UNITED FC (=) 1pt

11. NAKHONPATHOM FC (=) 1pt