Is Sirod right signing for Muang Thong?
SCG Muang Thong United have signed forward Sirod Chatthong from Ubon UMT United to strengthen their strike force in the second leg of the Thai League 1 season.
The defending champions got off to a fast start to the 2017 campaign and threatened to runaway with the title with six straight wins.
But they have now suffered three consecutive l osses against three newcomers — Thai Honda, Port and Ubon.
In all, they have lost five successive matches as they were also defeated by Kashima Antlers in their last group game of the AFC Champions League and Kawasaki Frontale in the last-16 round of the continental club championship.
The Kirins, who enjoyed a sevenpoint lead before the slump, and Buriram United each had 34 points after 16 games in the 18-team Thai League 1.
But one may wonder if Sirod, who is affectionately called Pipo by the media and fans, is the right choice to help revive Muang Thong’s fortunes.
The 24-year-old star was Thailand’s hero in their 2016 Suzuki Cup-winning campaign but has since become a flop for his club and country.
Having been probably the most formidable striker in Thai League 2 last season, Sirod has found that life is much tougher in the top flight.
He has not yet opened his account in his first ever season in Thai League 1, and started on the bench in several matches for Ubon this term.
The height and physical strength of the 1.84m tall forward may give Muang Thong an edge up front.
However, he was often used as a winger at Ubon.
Muang Thong already have Thailand forwards Teerasil Dangda and Adisak Kraisorn.
Although Spanish forward Xisco Jimenez is ruled out for months due to injury, Muang Thong have signed Brazilian striker Heberty Fernandes who will be eligible to play for the Kirins in the second half of the season which begins next month.
Heberty is a proven striker in Thai League 1, having topped the scoring charts while playing for Ratchaburi in 2014.
The Kirins are not likely to buy a forward like Pipo, whose salary is reportedly 300,000 baht a month, to warm the bench and it will be interesting to see how Muang Thong coach Totchtawan Sripan employs him.
In fact, Muang Thong’s biggest problem is not their attack but defence. In their three defeats against Thai Honda, Port and Ubon, the Kirins scored four goals but conceded seven.
Left-back Theerathon Bunmathan has become a weak link in their defence as the Thailand international has also been cricitised for his behaviour on the pitch.
Brazilian defender Celio has been inconsistent and could be sold ahead of the second half of the season.
Muang Thong may be missing the services of Tanaboon Kesart who moved to Chiang Rai United for a record 50 million baht in the close season.
Tanaboon is arguably Thailand’s best defensive player at the moment as he can play as both a defensive midfielder and a central defender.
It is reported that Muang Thong may make a shock move to bring back Tanaboon, who has had a less-thanimpressive campaign at Chiang Rai.
Muang Thong could find their defence of the Thai League 1 title even more difficult when playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin joins Japanese side Consadole Sapporo next month in a 10-month loan deal.
Knowing that t hey could be severely affected by the absence of Messi J, Muang Thong are reportedly chasing Suphanburi midfielder Charyl Chappuis.
However, Chappuis has never been the same after returning from a longterm injury.
He has been unconvincing with Suphanburi this season probably his mind is already at SCG Stadium.
If he joins Muang Thong, it would also be interesting to see if the popular midfielder could prove to be the right man for his new club.