“I feel good since I used to play with several Phuket FC players before. The ability of the players here will make it easy for me to go and help the team,” Panupong told The Phuket News after his signing was made public on Thursday (June 19).
The 33-year-old – who is on loan from Thai Premier League-side Ratchaburi FC – played several seasons at Chiang Rai United where he ran alongside current Phuket FC players Rattapon Auttawong, Sanya Pungjan, Samphan Damsuk, and captain Wasan Natasan.
The move to Phuket also reunited Panupong with former Chiang Rai coach Stefano “Teco” Cugurra, who is already thinking of ways to include the midfielder.
“He has good technique, is good on offense, and can give good support in the midfield. I think he is going to help our attack in many ways,” Teco said.
Wasan, who currently leads the team with six goals this season, said he hopes the signing could finally help the team get over the hump and join the TPL.
“I think our second leg of this season is going to see a very good Phuket team. I worked with [Panupong] in Chiang Rai, and I have confidence that the team will be good to go up to TPL,” Wasan said.
Because of TPL rules regarding in-season transfers and loans, Panupong will not be eligible to play until the first game of the second half of the season – which will be June 29 at Pattaya United.
The team is in need of fresh legs after playing five games in two weeks (including a 1-0 loss to Bangkok Glass that saw Phuket get knocked-out of the Toyota League Cup). Coach Teco said Phuket FC management are looking into acquiring more players before the start of the second half of the season.
"We have our budget and we are working with what we need,” Teco said, “all players that are coming on to the team now are expected to improve Phuket FC and play in the starting lineup.”
Phuket FC's next match is this Sunday (June 22) against 5th place Gulf Saraburi. Kick off at 6:30pm at Surakul Stadium in Phuket Town. The Phuket News is a proud media partner.