After the low notes, Song Lam Nghe An tries to find itself again

Angry is angry but still love is still love

Lam River Nghe Anwent through the 2024/25 season with many low notes. With a force mainly consisting of domestic players trained by the club itself, "homegrown players", along with a foreign squad that did not meet expectations, the Nghe An team struggled throughout the journey in the V-League. The small investment from the main sponsor caused the professional quality to decline seriously. This is also the reason why Song Lam Nghe An lost its identity, lacked courage, which used to be a strength in the past. Therefore, when fans and spectators gradually turned their backs, it was difficult to blame.

A viewer on social media expressed the opinion that the Vinh stadium was empty of spectators and the cold atmosphere in the stands was understandable, because when the team no longer brings professional and emotional value, it is inevitable that the audience will not care. "Don't demand anything from the audience if the team has not brought commensurate value," this viewer wrote.

It was only when entering the second leg, facing the obvious risk of relegation, that Song Lam Nghe An was forced to open their wallets to recruit veterans like Van Khanh and Khac Ngoc. Those additions immediately brought about results. The team's playing style improved significantly. They had explosive, emotional matches and above all, a series of positive results helped the team successfully stay in the league.

Not stopping there, Song Lam Nghe An also advanced deep into the 2024/25 National Cup. Coach Phan Nhu Thuat's team had an emotional journey, overcoming a thrilling semi-final match against Binh Duong to convincingly win the right to play in the final match.

That performance seemed to light up the flame of love that had long been thought to have died out in the hearts of Nghe An fans. The National Cup final was the clearest proof. Thousands of spectators from all districts and towns in the province poured into Vinh Stadium. Vans carrying enthusiastic supporters, long lines of fans lined up in front of the stadium gate from 2 pm hoping to enter the stadium to cheer on their team. The atmosphere in the stadium was hot and vibrant like the golden age. The stands became a fire pan, all eyes were on Song Lam Nghe An.

A spectator who arrived late, had no seats left, had to stand throughout the match but still smiled and said: "It's been more than ten years since I've been back to Vinh Stadium to watch my team play. But now, seeing the team's positive changes, I decided to be there to cheer. I'm angry, but I still love them."

Another viewer shared: “I had to cancel my planned family trip just to stay home and watch the final. There was a time when I was fed up with the team’s playing style and performance, but now that they are playing with passion and character again, my love for my hometown team has rekindled.”

That alone is enough to see that Song Lam Nghe An is still an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the people of Nghe An. One can be angry, one can blame, but that love is something that is closely connected with flesh and blood, not easily faded. And from that, we can see that football in a separate corner still has the ability to connect, arouse love, solidarity of the community with the homeland.

Therefore, football professionals need to be responsible for preserving, protecting and nurturing that love. So that Song Lam Nghe An will always be the pride and specialty of this sunny and windy land full of identity.

Effortsto revive love

After a turbulent season, with a little sweetness at the end of the season when winning the 2024/25 National Cup runner-up position, the main sponsor of Song Lam Nghe An Club understood that stronger actions were needed to help the team avoid repeating the mistakes of the previous season. And above all, it was an effort to bring the love of fans back to Vinh Stadium.

They have made quite positive steps. First of all, they have resolutely and successfully retained the main striker Olaha, one of the most important factors of the team. Not only meeting the professional requirements, Olaha is also considered a "hero" in the hearts of Nghe An fans. Every time he wears the yellow shirt, the Nigerian striker always enters the field with the highest determination, effort and dedication. Retaining Olaha is considered a strategic move, maintaining stability in the attack to rekindle the flame of love in the hearts of the home fans.

Not stopping there, Song Lam Nghe An also re-signed contracts with Ho Khac Ngoc and Hoang Van Khanh, the duo who contributed greatly to the relegation journey last season. The presence of these two experienced faces will continue to be a spiritual and professional support for the young players next season. In particular, Khac Ngoc is still considered the soul in the midfield area, with the ability to lead the play and effectively ignite the attack.

In the 2025/26 season, Song Lam Nghe An showed great determination when setting the goal of recruiting 4 quality foreign players to increase the strength, solidity and explosiveness in the playing style. The team's top priority is foreign players who have played in the V.League. This is a practical choice, helping to shorten the integration time and minimize professional risks.

In addition to Olaha, center back Gustavo Santos is likely to arrive at Vinh Stadium in the coming days. This player who made an impression in Thanh Hoa's shirt is expected to combine with Van Khanh to strengthen the defense, which was the team's weak point last season.

Meanwhile, the deal with Washington Brandão, a striker who used to play for Hoang Anh Gia Lai, has officially been stopped after the Nghe An team realized that the 35-year-old player no longer has the strength and agility as expected.

Currently, Song Lam Nghe An is urgently completing the recruitment of the remaining 2 foreign players. According to some unofficial sources, they could be 1 midfielder and 1 striker who left their mark at their old team and are still maintaining high performance. It is expected that both will soon be present at Vinh Stadium to integrate with the whole team, preparing for the new season.

With specific and focused steps from the sponsor and the board of directors, Song Lam Nghe An is showing its determination to improve its image and achievements in the new season. Fans have the right to expect a team that plays effectively, has its own identity and knows how to keep the passion burning in the stands. That is also the way for Song Lam Nghe An to regain the trust that has faded and gradually reaffirm its position in the hearts of Nghe An fans.