FOR the first time in his professional career, goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, the skipper of the Philippine men’s football team, will play outside England, having signed a one-year contract with current Thai League 1 champion Buriram United Football Club.
The club announced on its Facebook page over the weekend that Etheridge, 34, who last played for the English Football League One club Birmingham, had inked the deal with the top Thai team for the 2024-24 season as “another Southeast Asian player for the team.”
Etheridge’s picture with Buriram United chairman Newin Chidchob holding his club jersey accompanied the announcement.
“Just wanted to say thank you to Birmingham City Football Club and you Blue noses who would come out rain or shine all across the country to support the team,” the player said on his Instagram of his four-year stint with the club.
“A time in my career with many new experiences and challenges along the way. I met some great people who I now classify as friends, they will not be forgotten…. getting me through tough and difficult times,” he added of his stint with the side where he played 79 matches.
“I would like to thank my family and loved ones for your constant and unconditional support. Finally, I wish the club all the best in the future for this new journey they are about to embark on,” he said.
