Pattaya United who finished sixth in their 2010 Thai Premier League campaign are hoping to build on their improved showing last season with the acquisition of some new playing staff before the big kick-off next month.
The latest name to be added to the roster is Japanese wingback Kesuke Okava who has been snapped up from division 2 outfit Chiang Rai United and who was introduced to the public and media at a press conference held by the club on January 14.
Kesuke Okava, right, is unveiled by Sombat Pinuasiri, the Assistant Manager of Pattaya United FC, to the media at a press conference held on January 14.
Sombat Pinuasiri, the Assistant Manager of Pattaya United, spoke about the signing at the meeting and said that United were very fortunate to have acquired the services of this player who was out of contract at Chiang Rai and who had been attracting the attention of a host of top clubs.
United have signed Okava on a 1 year rolling contract with the option to extend it should the player prove to be a hit with both the fans and management.
“We made the signing (Okava) to cover for the loss of left wingback Anucha Kitpongsri who has moved to Chonburi,” said Pinuasiri. “It is certainly true that we expect him to make a great impression on the field”, added the United Assistant Manager.
Okava was unveiled to the press wearing a club scarf and later revealed that he was proud and honoured to have been offered a contract by United and vowed to give his all in the cause of the team.
Aside from Okava, United have also engaged his compatriot Hiroyuki Yamamoto, a midfielder from TTM Pichit, and the double signing of Anuwat In-yin and Wichan Preedaboon, both from newly promoted Air Force Utd.
Going out in the opposite direction are Santi Chaipeuak (Muang Thong), Anucha Kitjapongsri (Chonburi), Sun Pramkum (Ayuthaya FC), and Richard Langley, Ricardo Alves Fernandes and Jeremy Novero, who have either been signed by other clubs or who have not been offered new contract terms by the ‘Dolphins’.
