KYLE NIX has swapped the thousand miles per hour of English football for the Land of a Thousand Smiles to make a fresh start at Thai Premier League Chiangrai United.
Nix, who has been playing for Evo-Stik NPL Premier Buxton under Martin McIntosh this season, arrived in Asia last month.
After originally signing for newly-promoted Suphanburi FC the 27-year-old has been snapped up by the Fighting Beetles in time for next month’s big kick-off.
The former England C midfielder holds an Australian passport meaning he qualifies as an Asian quota player.
And Nix believes the technical style of football played by teams in the Thai Premier League will suit his comfy in possession and passing game.
Speaking from his hotel in Thailand, Nix told The NLP: “It’s fantastic out here. I’d had interest from Australia and Thailand and after checking out both options got a firm offer here.
“I had a chat with my advisor Chris Brandon, who I used to play with at Bradford, and we thought it was better to move.
“It’s worked out really well because I’ve signed for a team that finished 8th in the league last season and are more ambitious this year.
“The football suits my style as a player down to the ground, it is all about possession, you get time on the ball, people aren’t looking to fly around or smash you every time you go near the ball. It’s totally different to the English game, especially in the lower leagues; it’s very much like the continental game where everything is played on the deck.”
The former Bradford, Mansfield and Gateshead midfielder will be hoping to impose his passing in front of big crowds and on TV in the country’s top division.
Last weekend Chiangrai won a pre-season tournament – Nix scored twice in a 4-1 win over Uttradit FC before setting up the winner against Bangkok FC to help his team into the final where they beat Tai Por 6-0.
Nix thinks the move could be a turning point in his career after a frustrating period.
“It’s been tough at times,” said the former Manchester United youngster. “I was flying at Buxton until a medial knee ligament injury but I came back strong over Christmas.
“It helps when you are playing for a manager who believes in you and your ability and Tosh did that – he got the best out of me and I was enjoying my football. Tosh is one of the best managers I’ve ever played under.
“But I couldn’t turn down the chance to come here and he saw that I deserve this real opportunity to showcase my ability.
“There are some quality players out here. I’ve just turned 27 and it feels like a new start, a real opportunity.
“Thai Premier League games are regularly played in front of 10,000 people and it’s broadcast on live TV. Football is massive out here. It’s going to be an unbelievable experience.”
If you fancy watching Chiangrai’s impressive 6-0 pre-season win over Tai Por you can do so here http://bit.ly/ZxoY8y
