Hudson as new coach: Thailand hopes for a turnaround in football!

Hudson as new coach: Thailand hopes for a turnaround in football!

The Thai Football Association (FAT) has signed Anthony Hudson, a new head coach for the national team vietnam.vn reported. This decision came just two days after parting ways with Masatada Ishii, who recently had a clear 6-1 win against Taiwan. Hudson, a 43-year-old American coach with a British passport, worked as technical director for the Thai national team until early 2024 and is now tasked with providing stability ahead of crucial games.

Opinions about Hudson's suitability are mixed. While some see it as a strategic move by the association, many fans see its involvement as risky. The crucial games in November are coming up: Thailand will play against Singapore on November 13th and against Sri Lanka on November 18th. A draw against Sri Lanka could all but ensure qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and a later home win against Turkmenistan would seal final entry.

Challenges and expectations

FA President Nualphan Lamsam stressed that the decision was made after extensive consultation with the technical committee to ensure continuity in the team. Critics accuse Hudson of failing to demonstrate significant leadership qualities at a high level and classifying him as a manager rather than a coach. Compared to his predecessors such as Kiatisuk or Akira Nishino, Hudson has a less impressive resume, which calls into question his support among fans.

However, Hudson brings valuable experience, such as his time as coach of the New Zealand national team that won the 2016 OFC Nations Cup and qualified for the World Cup playoffs. His role as Gregg Berhalter's assistant with the US national team during the coronavirus pandemic also laid a foundation for his understanding of football from a global perspective. Nevertheless, implementing these findings on Thai soil is a completely different challenge.

The history of the Thai national team

Thai football has a long and eventful history. The association was founded in 1915 and the team has since taken part in many international competitions. Notable achievements include silver medal at the 1959 Southeast Asian Games and victory at the AFF Championship in 2000, 2002, 2014 and 2025. These successes contrast with the challenges the team has faced in recent years, such as missing out on the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualification and disappointing performance at the 2026 World Cup ASEAN Championship.

With Hudson at the helm, FAT hopes to bring a breath of fresh air and a new structure to the team. Hudson is committed to working with local youth experts to promote sustainable development in Thai football. The critics are skeptical, but the audience is eagerly awaiting the results and whether Hudson can live up to the high expectations.

In a troubled Southeast Asia, Thailand wants to present itself as a stable anchor in football. Hudson could bring the discipline and scientific approaches needed to handle the pressure. For many, the question will remain: Can he establish the desired continuity in Thai football and lead the team back to its old strength?