Police Tero FC
Under their former guise, BEC Tero were the cradle of Thailand’s ‘golden generation’, producing the likes of Chanathip Songkrasin, Tanaboon Kesarat, Adisorn Promsak and more during a promising spell for the club. The side were forced to sell most of their valuable assets when they flirted with bankruptcy in 2016, but a merger with Police United, who were also in dire straits financially, managed to save the club. Now based at the Boonyachinda Stadium with their new name, they are back in T1 for 2020 after their first relegation in their history, and eager to establish themselves.
Head coach – Rangsan Vivatchaichok
Former Thailand national team star Rangsan is a legend at Tero, having played over 150 games for the club. He joined the club’s coaching staff in 2015, and is currently starting his third campaign as head coach. Tero were relegated after he was shuffled to the backroom midway through the 2018 season, but he returned to the hotseat to steward an excellent promotion campaign last season. Now with time and results on his side, Rangsan’s project with the Fire Dragons may finally begin to bear fruit in the top flight.
Key Players
Greg Houla (Winger) – One of Tero’s foreign contingent, Houla first arrived in Thailand with Air Force in 2018, before joining the Fire Dragons in their hunt for promotion last season. Since returning to T1, he has already registered a goal and an assist in the first four games of the season. A dynamic winger with an eye for goal, Houla will be crucial to the side’s survival prospects this season.
Ekkachai Samre (Right-Back/Right Midfielder) – Despite already being 31 years old, Ekkachai Samre remains a dynamic and exciting option on the right flank for the Fire Dragons. The former Bangkok United man also brings vital T1 experience to the side, having played 153 games in the top division.
Rising Star
Kanokpon Buspakom (Central Midfielder) – The son of legendary Thai League coach Attaphol Buspakom, Kanokpon is an extremely competent and capable player at the base of Tero’s midfield. Currently playing his first top flight campaign, the 20-year-old has already featured in every minute of the Fire Dragons’ first four games, and should continue to be a regular this season.
Notable former players
Chanathip Songkrasin, Cleiton Silva, Daiki Iwamasa, Tanaboon Kesarat, Adisorn Promrak,
What’s to like?
The club has an admirable history and an excellent track record of promoting young players. They will likely be supported by most neutrals in this season’s fight for survival.
