Here we take a look at the team’s top moments of the year.
Identity Change
On January 10, the team unveiled their new logo, home kits, and nickname in front of hundreds at Surakul Stadium in Phuket Town. The Islanders made way for the Ronins as the light green circle crest, emblazoned with the mythical sea kirin in the middle, was replaced by a more traditional Euro-style football logo. Several moaned about the uniform changes, though they have seemingly grown on everyone. The team’s identity change will stick with Phuket FC for years to come.
Kendall’s last-second goal in final match
On October 25, striker Kendall Jagdeosingh’s injury time header into Ayutthaya’s net gave home fans the best farewell they could have asked for. The game-winner cemented Phuket FC’s participation in the Yamaha League-1 for 2015 and was their third straight victory. Following the match, most of the 2,500 fans at Surakul Stadium were on their feet to bid farewell to the 2014 Ronins.
Penalty thriller in Toyota Cup
Phuket FC weren’t suppose to make it this far in the Toyota League Cup, but somebody forgot to tell that to the Ronins. On April 29, playing against former striker Eduardo “Dudu” Purcino’s Police United, a Thai Premier League team, the Ronins rallied from 1-0 to tie it with an Eber Henrique free kick. After a scoreless overtime, the Ronins claimed victory with a 3-1 result on penalties in front of 4,000 fans at Surakul Stadium. The win was their third in 10 days and sent them to the third round.
Coach Reuther’s first victory
For the previous nine weeks, the Phuket FC fanbase watched their team with one eye open. The team hadn’t won in two months and were staring at the relegation zone. That all changed on September 6 against Trat FC, as Coach Reuther Moreira finally cojoled a 1-0 victory out of the Ronins. Eakkartit Somjit’s goal broke the winless streak and, with five games left, the team didn’t lose for the rest of the season (won three, tied two).
Republic Phuket/Youth Academy open
Phuket FC’s headquarters are among the best in Thailand. The outdoor football facilities opened in April and were quickly made available to the footballing public and was the site of a cricket tournament and even the VNEA Pool League finals. If the team’s training grounds in Chalong doesn’t prove that the team is serious, the opening of their Youth Academy should. Team Manager Pariyawit “Benz” Atchariyachai said the Ronins plan on developing through the academy while attracting top talent.