Post by Macmoish on Feb 7, 2011 10:07:55 GMT
PFA's Give Me Football
Tales from Thailand: a new beginning for Zesh
Zesh Rehman makes his bow – and explains his Bradford exit
By Dave Smith February 04, 2011
Zesh Rehman signed a two-year deal with Thai Premier League Champions Muangthong United having been released by Bradford towards the end of last year.
After ten seasons of professional football in England and becoming the first British Asian to play in all four English leagues, Zesh has decided to join one of the leading clubs in Asia despite interest from other clubs in the UK.
Here’s the second part of his diary of events as he adapts to his new life having made his first appearance in a Muangthong shirt:
‘I made my debut in the Thai version of the Charity Shield last week at the National Stadium in front of a 40,000 crowd which again was a very memorable experience.
Unfortunately we lost the game 2-1 but it was a milestone for myself to become the first British Asian and Pakistani international to play professional football in Thailand.
I nearly capped my debut with a goal late on but unfortunately it was not to be on this occasion.
The standard of play out here is very good, I would definitely say some players could play in the Championship in England. The passion for the game out here is unbelievable, The support at Muang Thong is tremendous, the other clubs are also very well supported.
English football is always on show here on the box so I'm up to date with results of my old clubs in the UK. The local people have responded very positively to me, they are very friendly and appreciate me coming over to Thailand to ply my trade.
My aims for the coming season are to play in The Asian Champions League and help the club to a third consecutive Thai Premier League title which has never been done by any other club over here before. I want to learn from my new coaches and look to improve as a player.
From what I have seen, there are some very technically gifted players in my squad, several players play for the Thai National Team, they possess an excellent worth ethic and attitude to the game.
Thai football has revamped its infrastructure and all the necessary building blocks are in place to allow the country to develop its players and coaches to ensure they qualify for a future World Cup which I'm convinced will happen at some point.
There is a young goalkeeper who has attracted interest from clubs in the English Premier League, and I think he will be plying his trade in Europe in a year or so.
The nature of my departure from Bradford was not ideal but, in football, circumstances can change quickly and many decisions are out of your control.
I can look myself in the mirror and know I gave 100 per cent honesty and commitment for the club in my role as club captain, both on and off the pitch.
I still have an excellent relationship with the chairman, directors and several players at the club and always keep an eye out for their results.
I finished on good terms with Peter Taylor and would like to wish him and the squad all the best for the remainder of the season.’
www.givemefootball.com/pfa/pfa-news/tales-from-thailand-a-new-beginning-for-zesh
Tales from Thailand: a new beginning for Zesh
Zesh Rehman makes his bow – and explains his Bradford exit
By Dave Smith February 04, 2011
Zesh Rehman signed a two-year deal with Thai Premier League Champions Muangthong United having been released by Bradford towards the end of last year.
After ten seasons of professional football in England and becoming the first British Asian to play in all four English leagues, Zesh has decided to join one of the leading clubs in Asia despite interest from other clubs in the UK.
Here’s the second part of his diary of events as he adapts to his new life having made his first appearance in a Muangthong shirt:
‘I made my debut in the Thai version of the Charity Shield last week at the National Stadium in front of a 40,000 crowd which again was a very memorable experience.
Unfortunately we lost the game 2-1 but it was a milestone for myself to become the first British Asian and Pakistani international to play professional football in Thailand.
I nearly capped my debut with a goal late on but unfortunately it was not to be on this occasion.
The standard of play out here is very good, I would definitely say some players could play in the Championship in England. The passion for the game out here is unbelievable, The support at Muang Thong is tremendous, the other clubs are also very well supported.
English football is always on show here on the box so I'm up to date with results of my old clubs in the UK. The local people have responded very positively to me, they are very friendly and appreciate me coming over to Thailand to ply my trade.
My aims for the coming season are to play in The Asian Champions League and help the club to a third consecutive Thai Premier League title which has never been done by any other club over here before. I want to learn from my new coaches and look to improve as a player.
From what I have seen, there are some very technically gifted players in my squad, several players play for the Thai National Team, they possess an excellent worth ethic and attitude to the game.
Thai football has revamped its infrastructure and all the necessary building blocks are in place to allow the country to develop its players and coaches to ensure they qualify for a future World Cup which I'm convinced will happen at some point.
There is a young goalkeeper who has attracted interest from clubs in the English Premier League, and I think he will be plying his trade in Europe in a year or so.
The nature of my departure from Bradford was not ideal but, in football, circumstances can change quickly and many decisions are out of your control.
I can look myself in the mirror and know I gave 100 per cent honesty and commitment for the club in my role as club captain, both on and off the pitch.
I still have an excellent relationship with the chairman, directors and several players at the club and always keep an eye out for their results.
I finished on good terms with Peter Taylor and would like to wish him and the squad all the best for the remainder of the season.’
www.givemefootball.com/pfa/pfa-news/tales-from-thailand-a-new-beginning-for-zesh