A Brand New Era

In case you didn't hear, the recent Saigon Saints AGM held at Bernie's of Ho Chi Minh City resulted in the following cabinet reshuffle:

Chairman: Ben Peadon

Secretary: Roweena Gill

Manager: Mick Greer

Captain: Sam Morley

Vice-captain: John Redmond

Treasurer: Roel Borrowmans

Social: David Rosenberg

Web manager: Connla Stokes

International and domestic tours: Ian Pavitt

You can expect a press conference with the new Gaffer Mick Greer and Captain Morley in coming weeks as Saints look to get back to championship contending form in 2013/14 though all the pressure is immediately on International and Domestic Tours Planner Ian Pavitt to work out the logistics for a tour to Cambodia with the Bayon Cup up for grabs and a couple of nights on the tiles of Phnom Penh, well known for its family-friendly, down-to-earth taverns and accommodating boutique inns.

Of course, Chairman Peadon has made the usual noises about big signings to ensure he retains his authority while sunning himself on a tropical island but new treasurer Mr Borrowmans has proposed investing the club's entire revenue into a local brewery which he plans to revamp with state of the art Belgian brewing technology. Everyone else that is on the committee doesn't actually know they're on the committee and so they were unavailable for comment. Onwards and upward Saints!

17/03/2013 SAINTS 2 4 OLYMPIQUE

On a blistering hot day on the aftermath of St Patrick's day the Saints took the Phuoc Long field slightly jaded and hung over. With a slightly depleted lineup missing Ian Pavitt who according to reports in the Vietnam News went missing in Cu Chi the Saints had a shaky start conceding 2 goals in the first half.

The Saints came out in the 2nd half a lot more motivated due to the hangovers wearing off and were unlucky to go 3-0 down. Following a bit of pinball wizards in the box, Sam smash the ball in the back of the net to make it 3-1.

The tempo picked up and the Saints began to get 'in the zone'. Rosie picked up the ball from a lovely knock on from Stephan to hit a "Daisy Cutter" past the helpless Olympique goalkeeper. Game On.

Sadly though, Olympique were able to grab a fourth and hold on. Saints could of had an opportunity in the final 5 minutes but due to new boots the ball didn't quite make the area. MOM Alex Crane for his tireless effort in the centre. 

Going on the table, HUGE, HUGE game next weekend against the Raiders.

10/03/2013 SAINTS 0 4 FIGHTING COCKS

Saigon Saints suffered their biggest defeat of the season against the free flowing Fighting Cocks. The Saints were torn apart by the slick, quick and SIMPLE passing from the Fighting Cocks. From the off the Saints looked at if they were all still at Sean's party the night before. The passing, the tracking, the marking and the fitness of every player was sluggish and incomplete.

The Fighting Cocks waited for the Saints to make their mistakes and capitlised by moving forward in large numbers with lovely flowing football and clinical finishing. 

2-0 at half time and then 4-0 as the final whistle blew. There are no positives to take from this game and already players have been tweeted their thoughts to the fans and the media. Disciplinary action will be taken.

Back to the drawing board for this week and roll on Olympique next weekend.

02/03/2013 - SAINTS 2 ? NTV

Not much to say about this game other than NTV do not warrant a place in the SIFL. Overall in the game as usual there were shocking refereeing decisions, play acting and theatrics from the NTV players and some wonderful football from the Saigon Saints.

After the game, NTV brought the SIFL to a new low with disgusting off the field antics. NTV should be ashamed of their actions. An SIFL hearing will take place this Thursday.

The Saints goals were consisted of a lovely passing move by the team with Roel neatly finishing off and Rosie putting an outstanding 20 yard volley over the keeper.

Overall the team performance was brilliant with the Saints allowing the awful referring decisions not to get to them.

TRAINING HAS MOVED

Saigon Saints have decided to move their current training pitch due to lack of space at the current venue. The Saints will continue their regular training sessions at an old haunt in district 8.

ABC International School has kindly allowed the Saints to train using their facilities. The training has been moved to a much more convenient time of 7pm.

See below the link to the new location which is only 10 mins from district 1.

View Saigon Saints Training - The ABC International School in a larger map