EXCLUSIVE
By Steve Thompson | Thai Football Editor
English midfielder Jorrin John has taken a different path to many before him, having come through the Leicester City academy, before being loaned to Thai first division outfit Suphanburi FC.
Leicester's Thai owner Vichai Raksriaksorn naturally played a big part in seeing John head to South-East Asia, an unusual loan move for a young footballer in England. However, Suphanburi, also known as the Warriors, aren't your typical second tier club, with the Silpa-archas involved, suggesting there's plenty of ambition.
Goal.com caught up with John to discuss his time in Thailand.
Goal.com: Could you tell our readers how you ended up playing professional football in Thailand?
Jorrin John: I was under contract at Leicester City at the time and there's a connection between the club's (Thai) owners and Thai clubs. They told me there was an opportunity to come out here and see what I could do! There were a few English teams interested in me, but I was looking for a new challenge, so the move overseas made sense.
Goal.com: You initially signed with Muang Thong United – how did the loan deal (to Suphanburi) transpire?
JJ: I went on loan to get some experience of Thai football because I am still young and need playing experience, as it's a lot different to English football.
Goal.com: What were your first impressions of Thai football and how have they changed since making the move to the kingdom?
JJ: Initially, I thought it could be very easy, but it certainly isn't easy and you have to 'play with your brain' and be clever. I like it because it's all 'pass, pass'.
| "There are quite a few (impressive players) at Muang Thong, but the one I like most is the number seven (midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao). He has good technique and is a good passer of the ball" |
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Goal.com: Which Thai players have impressed you during your stay?
JJ: There are quite a few at Muang Thong, but the one I like most is the number seven (midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao). He has good technique and is a good passer of the ball.
Goal.com: Did you get to meet the Raksriaksorns? Do the fans generally support the club's owners?
JJ: Yes, I've actually met them a few times and they're very nice people. They're the reason I've got a bit of playing experience in Thailand now. Leicester is a massive club - in my eyes a Premiership club - so it doesn't matter who the owners are, in my opinion, so long as they want to get the team back where it belongs.
Goal.com: Which players at Leicester do you rate right now?
JJ: Well, there are a few who are my close mates, but the players I would have to go for based on your question are Jeffrey Schlupp and Andy King – very good young prospects for the future.
Goal.com: Is it fair to suggest that Suphanburi FC is a very ambitious club?
JJ: Yes, Suphanburi is a very ambitious club, which is looking to move into the Thai Premier League (TPL) this year. We have a very good executive (Varawut Silpa-archa [president]), who really looks after the team.
| "Leicester is a massive club - in my eyes a Premiership club - so it doesn't matter who the owners are, in my opinion, so long as they want to get the team back where it belongs" |  |
Goal.com: Which of your team-mates have you been most impressed with and how do you fancy your chances this season?
JJ: There are quite a few good players at the club – too many to name! The point is, if we work together as a team, we're all good players. The teams that were relegated from the 2011 TPL (Khon Kaen, Siam Navy and Sri Racha) will be hard to beat, but I think Suphanburi has the potential to be up there with the best.
Goal.com: What are the biggest changes you've had to make since moving to Thailand in terms of one Football, and two Lifestyle?
JJ: In terms of football, I've had to change my game a bit, you've just got to be clever. I'll have to see how the league develops. My lifestyle has had to change a lot and I have had to become more independent and learn to look after myself a lot more.
Goal.com: What do you miss most about home and like best about your new home?
JJ: Well, I miss my family and friends, but I know they will always be supportive and be there for me, pushing me all the way. Thailand is a great country, which is very affordable. It has very friendly people and nice beaches!
Goal.com: What advice would you give an aspiring young player?
JJ: Keep going! There will be more good days than bad. Don't dwell on the past, you have to keep going if you want it bad enough, no matter what level you are playing at.
Goal.com: Thanks very much for your time!
JJ: You're welcome.
Follow Steve Thompson on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/custodians .
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