Song Lam Nghe An Club and the pride of Nghe An people

Lam River Nghe An is forever the pride of Nghe An people. Photo: Document

Love begins with a name

With a history of 40 years, Song Lam Nghe An holds a special place in the hearts of Nghe An fans. For many people, Song Lam Nghe An is a part of life, an indispensable spiritual food, a memory of youth. Mr. Phan Huu Hieu is one of them.

Mr. Hieu is currently one of the most active members of the Song Lam Nghe An Supporters Club in Ho Chi Minh City. Born on the banks of the Lam River, Mr. Hieu has devoted all his love to the team since the very beginning. The name Song Lam Nghe An is a sacred phrase to him. It is always a source of pride and honor when he talks about the journey full of ups and downs that the team has gone through.

Song Lam Nghe An won the National Championship in 2001. Photo: Internet

“I have followed the team since it was still called Song Lam Nghe Tinh. At that time, I only heard about the team’s matches on the radio. Going to the stadium to watch them live was unthinkable for a poor kid like me. I didn’t know any of the players, nor the coach’s name, I only knew the affectionate name Song Lam Nghe Tinh. But I still loved it. Going through the ups and downs of the club, I was very proud when someone mentioned the four words Song Lam Nghe An. Or mentioned Huu Thang, Quang Truong, Sy Hung… the players who have made their names in the history of the team. That’s why my love for Song Lam Nghe An still follows me to this day,” said Mr. Hieu.

The years 1999 to 2005 were the golden age of Song Lam Nghe An. In those days, every time the team played at home, it always brought a festival-like atmosphere to the people of Nghe An. The matches took place at 3 p.m., but from early morning, thousands of people from the countryside flocked to Vinh city to watch Song Lam Nghe An play. Everyone wanted to enter the field to witness the players fighting for the flag and the colors they were wearing. And so Song Lam Nghe An was always the opening phrase for every story of fans of this land with the "specialty" of Lao wind. Everyone had the same thought that the Song Lam Nghe An football team was like the property of the people of Nghe An.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Chat, who lives in Vinh city and has been a supporter of Song Lam Nghe An for 30 years, said: “Song Lam Nghe An Club does not belong to anyone, but is a priceless asset of the people of Nghe An. It is the pride of each person. Therefore, we must be responsible for contributing, building, and eliminating the bad and wrong things so that the club can develop more and more. I love Song Lam Nghe An. Because I love my hometown Nghe An, I love the flag and colors of the team. Therefore, I will continue to come to the stadium to watch and cheer for Song Lam Nghe An Club.”

Song Lam Nghe An Football Team was established in 1979, is one of the most traditional clubs in Vietnam. That long tradition has brought pride to many generations of Nghe An people. Therefore, the name Song Lam Nghe An always occupies the heart of every person in this land located on the Lam River.

Angry then angry but still love then love

Entering this year's season, Song Lam Nghe An is expected by fans quite a lot. Because with the new sponsor, the Vinh team has retained its pillars and especially brought in 2 "blockbusters" Que Ngoc Hai and Trong Hoang. Before the start of V.League 2022, Song Lam Nghe An Club set a goal of entering the top 3 on the rankings. At the end of the first leg, the team ranked 2nd in V.League and played quite convincingly. However, in the second leg, Song Lam Nghe An's performance was not good. In 8 matches, the Nghe team won only 1 match and fell to 6th place on the rankings.

This has brought great disappointment to fans. Many criticisms and doubts from the public have also begun to point to Song Lam Nghe An. There, the "turnaround" of southern fans was witnessed, when they called on the audience not to go to Thong Nhat Stadium to cheer for the Nghe team. Instead, they went to Go Dau Stadium to cheer for Hong Linh Ha Tinh. At the end of round 21 of V.League 2022, social networks sparked reactions from fans about the achievements and some online statements of the Nghe player. However, this player later apologized to the fans.

Many young players were used by coach Huy Hoang in the match in round 21 of V.League 2022. Photo: Chung Le

The fans’ anger is understandable, as they love the team so much. They consider Song Lam Nghe An as a source of pride, so they are a bit frustrated towards the Nghe An team. However, many fans also expressed their opinions with quite positive and constructive thoughts.

Mr. Phan Son, a member of the Song Lam Nghe An Supporters' Association in Hanoi, said: “In the last matches, Song Lam Nghe An did not play well, mostly because the team's playing style was predictable. In addition, many players lost their form, especially foreign players. That is the main reason why the team's performance was not really good. For a fan who has followed the club for a long time, I see that this problem is not just this year, it has existed for many years. Although in the 2022 season, Song Lam Nghe An has had many changes, I think it cannot be solved overnight. I expect that with the thorough investment, from the youth team to the first team of Tan Long, the club will have sustainable development in the future. I believe that in the following seasons, Song Lam Nghe An will not disappoint fans. Personally, I will always follow the team, not only at present, but also in the future."

Fans' cheering at Vinh Stadium. Photo: Hoang Cuong

Regarding the statements of some players on social networking sites, Mr. Nguyen Cong Chat said: “I think whoever is wrong must take responsibility to correct it, including their contributions on the field or statements that are not suitable for the audience. As for the sponsors, they have spent money to do football. Therefore, they will want to enhance their brand. On the other hand, they also want to preserve and promote the club's tradition with more than 40 years of achievements. I hope that the fans will still keep their love for the team, and still come to the field to cheer for Song Lam Nghe An. Because it is the pride and property of the people of Nghe An. As for me, I am angry but I still love.”

In response to the reactions from the audience, the General Director of Song Lam Nghe An Club spoke out about the limitations of the Nghe An team this season. At the same time, Mr. Truong Manh Linh also affirmed that the club will strive to play better in the next matches and the coming seasons. “We accept the fact that SLNA's first team is good, but in general, the whole team and the whole season, SLNA still has a lot to do and improve. This season, although we have not satisfied the fans, but through the recent difficulties, we will overcome and strive to play better in the next matches and the next season. Song Lam Nghe An is always grateful and appreciates the undying love of the fans for the team. I hope the fans will sympathize, understand and always accompany the team no matter what the result is. Because Song Lam Nghe An always plays with the motto of giving our all for the flag and the shirt" - Mr. Truong Manh Linh shared.

Song Lam Nghe An this season is no longer able to complete the goal set before the tournament. However, with the current domestic players, it is difficult for the team to bring results in the first season of restructuring. For Nghe An Club to develop sustainably and in the future become a force in Vietnamese football, it really needs the support and companionship of fans. Because Song Lam Nghe An is always the pride of the people of Nghe An.

Duc Anh