The victory punctuates a season of near-constant turmoil and raises questions about the club’s long-term future.
The club’s journey to this pivotal moment has been fraught with challenges. Phuket Andaman FC travelled south for this decisive encounter against Yala under the guidance of interim coach Henry Leask, a figure who has become a recurring presence amidst the club’s instability. Leask’s return to the dugout was forced by the abrupt resignation of the most recent manager, M, just days before the game, further illustrating the chaotic backdrop to Phuket’s season.
This campaign has been defined by an unprecedented level of managerial upheaval that, incredibly, has seen four different individuals in the managerial hot seat. Earlier in the season, Leask had stepped in as an interim coach, holding the reins for a period of five games (three league matches and two cup ties) while the club desperately sought a replacement for the dismissed Coach Go.
Even during that initial caretaker spell, Leask faced the significant challenge of managing a fractured dressing room, contending with a rebellious faction of players who maintained a loyalty to the departed Go. This deep-seated dissent has been a persistent and corrosive force throughout the season, undermining the authority of subsequent coaches and contributing to the team’s inconsistent performances.
JUBILATION
Phuket Andaman FC’s management made a bold, some might say desperate, decision for this crucial final game against Yala. In a move that demonstrated both courage and a degree of calculated risk, they excluded several key players from the squad. This was a high-stakes gamble, given that the excluded players included top scorer Bank, club captain Kla, his brother Keng, central defender Bass, influential midfielder Wa and fellow midfielder Not.
Despite fielding a severely depleted team, with reports indicating they travelled south with a mere 14 players, Phuket Andaman FC displayed a remarkable level of discipline and resilience. Under Leask’s pragmatic guidance, they executed a game plan built on defensive solidity and tactical organisation, effectively frustrating their promotion-chasing opponents.
As the tension mounted in the final stages of the game, news filtered through from other matches, confirming that Yala City, Phuket’s relegation rivals, were being held to a draw by Phatthalung. Sensing a golden opportunity to seize their own survival, Phuket Andaman FC pushed forward with renewed purpose and their persistence and determination were rewarded in dramatic fashion.
In the dying moments of the game, they were awarded a crucial penalty. Puttipong Chanchaemsri kept his composure and coolly converted the spot-kick, sparking scenes of jubilation and relief amongst the Phuket Andaman FC players, staff and travelling supporters.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory for Phuket Andaman FC, securing their survival in Thai League 3. This result represents a remarkable turnaround given the club’s chaotic season and the tumultuous week leading up to the match.
TURNING POINT
The survival of Phuket Andaman FC is of paramount importance for the island, ensuring that it will continue to have a professional football team. The club’s turbulent period under Higher Sports ownership, marked by financial instability, managerial chaos and internal strife, has hopefully reached a turning point. Club president Russ Horsley has stated that the club now has solid financial backing and is poised to move forward with ambitious plans for the future.
With the current squad’s contracts now expired, the club faces a significant rebuilding process during the off-season. It is hoped that they will prioritise retaining the services of key players who have demonstrated both quality and commitment, such as Dutch-Indonesian centre-back Kai Boham and American wide player Luke Pavone. The club also needs to secure the best of the available local talent, building a strong foundation for future success.
Crucially, Phuket Andaman FC would be wise to build any future plans around the calm and assured coaching Leask. The young Scottish coach has demonstrated a practical and pragmatic approach to the game, a style that is often essential for success at this level. Providing him with the resources and support to build a squad in his image could yield significant dividends for the club in the years to come.
The island of Phuket can now look forward to another season of professional football, a welcome prospect after a season marked by uncertainty and despair. Furthermore, there is the exciting prospect of a return to the newly redeveloped Surakul Stadium next season, which promises to enhance the matchday experience for both players and fans.
After a season of turmoil, this offers a renewed sense of optimism and the hope that Phuket Andaman FC can finally realise its potential.
Simon Causton is the host of ‘A Thai Football Podcast’ and writer of the ’Football Siam’ blog which covers all things Thai football.