Bangkok Glass chief plot Asian campaign
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Bangkok Glass president Pawin Bhirombhakdi is ready to deliver a blank cheque to bolster the squad after their FA Cup triumph earned them an AFC Champions League play-off spot.
On Sunday, Thai Premier League outfit clinched their first major title since changing their name from Krungthai Bank five years ago, downing league rivals Chonburi FC 1-0 thanks to Lazarus Kaimbi’s second-half strike at Supachalasai Stadium.
The Cup win earned Bangkok Glass Bt3 million plus a play-off for a place in the group stage of the continent’s elite club competition next season. Chonburi, meanwhile, were left licking their wounds after settling for runners-up spot in the league, which ended a week earlier.
Pawin was clearly still struggling to come to terms with the club’s historic success when he met reporters at the end of the game.
“I’m so happy, I have no words. I’m grateful to our fans, who have always been behind the team. We were very close to success in the Cup last season but this time we fought our hearts out. Our opponents looked a bit jaded, which helped us.”
While admitting the AFC Champions League would be a big step-up for his players, Pawin said he would throw his weight behind the effort to strengthen the team in the close season.
“We’re novices at the top level. We still have a lot to learn so we just need to take it step by step. I won’t speak about the group stage because we have to first get through the two-leg play-off. However, I will spend heavily, much more than ever before,” said Pawin.
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