Taking to Facebook, Coach Go clarified the reasons behind his recent absence from the dugout, addressing speculation and rumours surrounding his commitment to the team. He stated that a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s foreign owner, whom he described as lacking in integrity and professionalism, led to his decision to step down.
“I have a problem with the owner of the team, a foreigner who has no integrity and a very bad personality,” Go explained in his post. “I’m not saying all foreigners are bad, but this person is the worst I’ve ever met. His attitude, his knowledge, it’s all bad, and he even looks down on Thai people. This made it impossible for me to work with him.”
Go, who previously led Customs United to relegation from T2 last year, rejoined PAFC this season for his second spell at the club. He expressed his disappointment at the situation, particularly for the players he recruited, but remained firm in his decision, stating he could not work in an environment that compromised his values.
“I’m not a rich person,” he added. “I want my money, but I’m a straightforward person. I don’t beg. If I have to work in a way that’s not true to myself, I won’t do it.”
PAFC responded to Coach Go’s departure with a statement wishing him well in his future endeavours. The club acknowledged the differences in “professionalism and temperament” as contributing factors to the separation. They expressed their hope that freeing up the A-license coaching spot will allow them to appoint a full-time successor who can effectively implement their vision for the club.
Adding fuel to the fire, another source close to the situation revealed that a foreign player who has played in Thailand for over 10 years and had previously played under Coach Go at another club, described him as “the worst coach he has had.”
This parting of ways, while unexpected, may ultimately benefit both parties. PAFC can now move swiftly to appoint a new head coach who aligns with the club’s vision and can guide the team out of its current predicament; they sit bottom of their league table following a sobering 4-1 defeat at Phatthalung on Sunday.
They will be hoping for a fresh start when they host Pattani FC in their next game at Surakul Stadium on Wednesday, Oct 16 at 3:30pm. As for Coach Go, this may be an opportunity for him to find a club where his coaching philosophy and temperament are a better fit.
This dramatic turn of events has certainly injected a dose of drama into the Thai League 3 season. Iets hope it sparks a turnaround for PAFC.
For more information please visit the PAFC website: https://linktr.ee/phuketandamanfc or Simon Causton’s blog at: https://phuketandamanfc.substack.com/.