Dragons hope newcomers will breathe new fire into promotion campaign
Former Thailand champions Police Tero FC yesterday introduced their squad for the upcoming season and declared their aim to clinch an immediate return to the top flight this year.
Police Tero, two-time national champions in the 2000 and 2001, finished 15th in Thai League 1 last season and suffer relegation for the first time in their history. The bottom five teams in Thai League 1 were relegated to either League 2 or the M-150 Championship, which is where Police will compete.
However, the Silver Shields Dragons believe they have given their promotion chances a boost by signing two former Thailand internationals, striker Kirati Kaewsombat and right back Noppol Pitafai, accompanied by a mission for 2019 that reads: “We are coming back.”
Police Tero FC President Pol Gen. Chakthip Chaijinda said: “This year we are determined to play well and to get back to playing in the highest league within one year.
“We believe that the potential of our players and staff will help us achieve this goal. Supporters and fans, please cheer on our players and Police Tero FC in 2019.”
Head coach Rangsan Viwatchaichok said of the team’s management: “This year, we have prepared early and everything is going well.
“We have added players, both Thai and foreign, to the right positions. We have also signed experienced players, including Kirati and Noppol. The players and I will put in all that we have to make sure we can get back and play in the Thai League within one year.”
The team have also signed four new foreign players: two Brazilians – Josimar Rodrigues Souza Roberto and Antonio Pina – plus Ghana’s Issac Honey and Kwon Dae-hee of South Korea.
Police Tero FC will play against Rayong FC in their first match of the M-150 Championship season on February 9 at 8pm at Rayong Provincial Sports Stadium (8pm).
