Vietnamese team lures Chanwit with a big pay cheque

Thai football is in a state of shock after Chanwit Pholchivin, the national head coach, dropped a bombshell yesterday, hinting that he might resign to take over Vietnam's V-League outfit Dong Thap.

On the same night that Thailand registered an impressive 2-0 victory over Vietnam in the Asean Football Championship first-leg at Hanoi on Wednesday, Dong Thap team management reportedly met Chanwit at the Thai team's hotel, confirming the rumour that the team was interested in availing themselves of the services of the experienced coach.

"We've followed Chanwit's work for a long period. We want him to manage our team as he is a proven and competent coach," a Dong Thap official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"Dong Thap are the newcomers to the V-league. Most of our players are young, with an age average at 18-20. So, if they could train with such a capable coach as Chanwit, we believe we will be a great team in the future."

Dong Thap's interest in Chanwit was lent weight by the coach himself, who revealed he was interested in the job.

"There have been many teams expressing their interest in me, but Dong Thap attracts me most. They are a youthful side with a high potential to progress far in the future," said Chanwit, who took the job of managing Thailand two years ago when German coach Siegfried Held was controversially relieved of his duties.

Chanwit, who previously declined to talk about the issue, said that had it not been a lucrative offer he would have not considered resigning.

"I'm a government officer and have eight years before retirement. If I go abroad to take the post in the V-League, I have to give up my bureaucratic career, which means I would lose a chance of progressing and a large sum of money as I currently receive a Bt40,000 salary.

"I also have to quit the national team post. That means I would lose a combined income of Bt240,000 per month. So, I need something like a guarantee to my future. That's why I've asked [Dong Thap] for a three-year contract, with an option to extend it on an annual basis.

"I have requested what I feel is a reasonable sum of money. That is US$15,000 [Bt540,000] per month, not including bonus or other benefits like a vehicle or a residence," said Chanwit.

An informed source said the two parties would have further talks on February 9 when Chanwit makes a trip to watch Dong Thap play in a Vietnam FA Cup match. If the negotiations are successful, Chanwit is expected to receive a three-year contract worth Bt19.4 million.

Thailand News
The Nation Thailand
Friday January 26, 2007