AuthorJeffEyesRimmer
We have a new ongoing series for you that will all be about players you may not have necessarily heard of but have done pretty fantastic, interesting and/or odd things.
First up we thought we would focus on one of Asian footballs finest ever footballers - Therdsak Chaiman. Not a name that many of you may have heard of we reckon. So why Therdsak and why be the first on our player profile list?
Well Therdsak was awarded the first ever ‘Most Valuable Player’ award in the inaugural Asian Champions League back in 2003. We think that’s a pretty good reason!
A five-time Singapore League winner with Warriors FC, the now 43-year-old's break came back in 2002 when he was on loan at SAFFC, where he established himself as a regular and fan favourite. He promptly went and won the S. League’s player of the year and helped them to the title that season. It was back at his parent club, BEC Tero Sasana F.C, in 2003 where Therdsak made a name for himself though. He led BEC Tero Sasana, the Thai Champions, to the final of the inaugural Asian Champions League Final. He scored against now competition regulars Shanghai Shenhua on route to that final and was an inspiration during the tournament. Unfortunately for BEC and Therdsak they couldn’t overcome the might of Al Ain and lost the two legged final 2–1 on aggregate. Not a bad showing though for a side that wasn’t considered to be among the contenders for the title. The performances in that competition earnt him the MVP award and a nomination for Asian Footballs Player of the Year award. Check out some of his skills in the 2nd leg of that final, some great stuff (although I do think he should have scored).
The Thai international finished playing international football back in 2010 at the tender age of 36, making 75 appearances for Thailand, scoring 22 goals during that time. He had time out during his international days due to fatigue and some injuries but he otherwise would have won more caps.
Therdsak’s playing time is limited now as he is the player coach at Chonburi F.C. (check out their badge, it’s a freaking Shark!) in Thailand’s League 1, Thailand’s top division. He became there full time manager in 2016 and he is not doing too badly at all, he has a 50% win ratio. That’s a percentage win ratio even the best managers would be happy with. And if you are not sure, check out this lovely strike against Shanghai back in the 2003 Asian Champions League.
Do you have any players you think we should feature? Let us know on the comments below, on Facebook or Twitter.
Image: https://userimages.clubwebsite.co.uk/tplfootballertherdsakchaimanphuketemagazine_4f9e06d3b035b.jpg |
AuthorsJust Some Fans Writing About Football. Archives
June 2018
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