My colleague was humming this tune (clip above, credit: insorlow ) to another colleague before I replied, "Road to Wembley, lah!" "It was a time when we were able to watch football (on TV) without paying extra (money)." I continued with that bit of reminiscing feel after listening to that humming of the tune that was played at the start of the iconic program that showcased the highlights of the FA Cup matches back in the 1980s to 1990s on the long-gone Channel 12 – the terrestrial channel that broadcasted most of the sporting programs in those days. WHEN ENGLISH FOOTBALL FIRST CAPTIVATED US It was also during that period when many of my peers first got to know about English football and started to pick a team to follow (with me no exception until I decided to localise wholeheartedly in the early 1990s). How we watched football in the past Not surprisingly, what we saw in the highlights from the program and those of the weekend's live matches on Channel 12 bec...
Muangthong United (MTU) is one of Thailand’s most recognised football clubs with an impressive domestic to boost with. However, when it comes to playing against Singaporean teams in AFC club competitions, the Thai giants have consistently struggled. From past encounters with SAFFC and Tampines Rovers to their most recent hitting-the-kerb against Lion City Sailors, Muangthong’s struggles in Singapore remain a recurring theme. EARLIER SETBACKS AT JBS That bumpy ride of "Twin Qilins" in began in the 2010 AFC Champions League playoff against SAFFC at Jalan Besar Stadium (JBS) - the main venue of Asian club tournaments for Singaporean clubs. René Desaeyere - MTU coach in 2010 Despite their reputation, the Nonthaburi-based club failed to secure victory, missing out on the group stage of Asia’s elite club competition. Their frustrations continued in the 2011 AFC Cup group stage when they faced Tampines Rovers. The match ended in a 1-1 draw , further underscoring Muangthong’s inabil...