Bangkok United have officially appointed Totchtawan Sripan as their new head coach, replacing long-time boss Mano Polking and taking the reigns from interim coach Danny Invincibile.

Former Muangthong United, Police Tero, and Suphanburi FC boss Totchtawan Sripan has officially been appointed as the new head coach of Bangkok United.

One of the most celebrated local managers in the Thai League, Totchtawan has been playing a crucial role in Akira Nishino’s coaching staff for the Thai national team over the past year – a position that he had to vacate in order to take this job.

A legendary national team player with over 100 caps, Totchtawan entered the managerial scene back in 2009, aged 37, when he took a player-coach role at BEC Tero Sasana (now known as Police Tero). Struggling in the limelight of the top flight, the former midfielder dropped down to the third division and honed his skills at his hometown club, Saraburi FC.

Over the next five seasons, Totchtawan demonstrated his managerial prowess by leading the minnows to the top division on a shoestring budget, winning promotion to the second tier in his first season before taking them all the way to T1 in 2014. He then departed the club to repeat a similar promotion feat with Police United, catching the eye of one of the biggest clubs in the country.

Muangthong United tasked Totchtawan with leading the side’s ‘Dream Team’ of expensively assembled budding Thai national team stars in 2016. The new boss didn’t disappoint, returning the league title to the SCG Stadium and playing some incredible football along the way. He then led the Kirin to the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League the following season, managing home wins over Ulsan Hyundai, Brisbane Roar, and Kashima Antlers in the process.

However, his two most recent spells were less than successful and have appeared to slightly dent his reputation. Totchtawan failed to save Police Tero from relegation back in 2018, before managing only 2 wins from his opening 13 games with Suphanburi the following year, leading to his dismissal.

Known for his possession-based and attacking style, Totchtawan may have more success in molding Bangkok United’s side in his image. However, he joins the club in the middle of a major slump, as the Angels have failed to win in each of their last six games. This poor run of form has seen them drop to 9th place,13 points behind league leaders BG Pathum United.

Totchtawan has two full weeks to prepare his side for their first game due to the international break. He will make his debut in the dugout for the capital club on November 21st when they travel to face Trat FC. Both club and coach are seeking a reversal of their recent fortunes and a revival of their reputations – a process that both will be eager to begin.