‘Dolphins’ looking forward to early return home

Construction crews are working around the clock to complete work on the new main stand at Pattaya United’s Nongprue Stadium to enable the Thai Premier League club to return to its official home ground before the end of the current league campaign.

The majority of the concrete structural work has already been laid down on the new 1,000 seat capacity south stand and pylons have started to be erected to support the cantilevered roof.

Members of the Pattaya United board carried out an inspection of the stadium at the end of last month and have encouraged the building contractors to pull out all the stops to complete the construction ahead of schedule.

Construction work continues on the new main stand at Nongprue Stadium as workers race against the clock to have it completed ahead of schedule.

One of the inspectors, Nongprue mayor and team advisor My Chianit, said that, “right now the construction is going step by step and there are some parts that still require renovation.  Nevertheless, the new grandstand will be beautiful and unique for Pattaya United fans who will fully experience the benefits.  I have insisted to the contractor that the amphitheatre must be ready within two months.”

Pattaya United Manager Sombat Piyyansiri said he hopes to see the team run out onto the field at Nongprue for United’s clash with the Robbie Fowler led Muang Thong United at the end of November, however, due to the recent spell of bad weather that has caused some construction delays, it seems unlikely that the stadium will be ready for use by the end of next month as United also still need to carry out a safety inspection and apply for approval from the Thai Premier League once the new stand is completed.

Pattaya United’s Ludovick Takam (left) challenges for the ball against a BEC Tero defender at the IPE Stadium in Chonburi on Sunday, Oct. 16. (Photo/Ariyawat Nuamsawat)

Additional work is also planned for outside the stadium to alleviate traffic problems on match days.  Wiwat Aeamlaey, the team’s LOC, added that all the current inconvenience is purely for the long term benefit of the club and its supporters and has asked for Dolphin fans to be patient a little longer.

In the meantime United drew a blank in their Thai Premier League fixture against BEC Tero Sasana FC at the IPE Stadium in Chonburi last Sunday when they were a held to a 0-0 draw by the visitors.  The Dolphins had to thank goalkeeper Narit for keeping them in the game in the opening half hour as he pulled of a series of fine saves to deny BEC.  United had the ball in the back of their opponents net just before half time but Ekollo was flagged for offside.

The second half produced very few clear chances as both teams seemed to be content to settle for a point.

United’s next match is this coming Saturday, Oct. 22, at home against Sisaket FC at the IPE Stadium in Chonburi.  Kick-off is at 6 p.m.