Newin shines on the junior pitch too
Newin Chidchob's work at the football club he owns, Buriram United, is done for this season, with the squad finishing fourth in the Thai Premier League and carting off some fine trophies. But the former politician still has chores outstanding on the pitch
He’s been grooming the suankularb Wittayalai School team for the biennial Jaturamit tournament, which has brought together the country’s four oldest boys’ schools 26 times thus far. Bangkok Christian College, Assumption and Debsirin are the other contenders.
A Suankularb alumnus, Newin is dream-teamed up on the coaching staff with Wirat Charnpanich, former manager of the Thai national team, who’s also vice president of the alumni association.
Well, they’re not strictly coaches, but they cheer really loud and foot the bills as well. Newin even sent some of the lads to train with Leicester City in England, whose Thai owner he knows.
Newin and Wirat turn up for practice in T-shirts and shorts with the school scarf around their necks. During the first round Suankularb was a goal down at halftime and they got in there with tactical advice and encouragement. “Are you guys afraid of them?” Newin demanded. “You’re playing like you are! Don’t!” (So they didn’t – and won.)
Newin in particular talks to each player as though he’s his own son, adding to his popularity in and out of the locker room. During the match the crowd got chanting “Newin! Newin!” between renditions of the old school song.
Such dedication pays dividends: Suankularb made it to the finals – they’ll play Bangkok Christian tomorrow at the National Stadium. On hand will be many Buriram FC fans who’ve been informed that “their kids” are poised for triumph.
“Go and support our little chicks,” the team website urges.
Newin has been adamant that he never wants to return to politics, of course, but if he continues to be a hit with the younger generation like this, he could do very well at the polls a few years down the road.
