憤怒界限街 [angry boundary street]: End of season review

Another HKPL season is over; Kitchee finished trophyless for the first time in over a decade, and will be without continental football for a second consecutive season. Even though there were brief periods of resurgence, Kitchee were miles off the pace for the majority of the season. The team failed to perform in big games (only taking 4 points outof the possible 18 points against Tai Po and Lee Man) and struggled to take apart the weaker teams with the ruthless efficiency seen in previous years.

The inconsistency was infuriating at times; throughout the season, Kitchee dropped ten points from winning positions, including the opening day against North District (2-0 up at 85 minutes becoming a 2-2 draw) and in February against Kowloon City (2-0 up at 71 minutes becoming a 3-2 defeat). There was also the spell around Chinese New Year when Kitchee won four games in a row (three games from behind) in four consecutive weekends.

Fans naturally felt very disappointed at the end of the season and hope for much more from a likely changed squad and coaching staff next year. To wrap up the season, here we look at performances in different competitions and assess player performance.

Hong Kong Premier League

Kitchee finished 4th again, nine points behind third place and thirteen points off the title. The key reasons for this were not turning up in big games (as outlined earlier, performances against Tai Po and Lee Man were generally not up to scratch) and dropping twelve points to bottom half clubs- drawing twice with Southern, losing to Kowloon City, and drawing and losing to North District, with Kitchee struggling to deliver good performances for the whole ninety minutes week in week out.

Maintaining six clean sheets was impressive for young goalkeeper Fynn Talley, especially with a constantly changing backline- seven different centre backs and five different full backs. Kitchee did score a lot of goals, and the team had a fairly solid defensive record (only one of the six defeats was by more than a goal). Two standout attacking performances came with the thrashings of Rangers at home (8-0) and Kowloon City away (5-0) in the first half of the season, and over Chinese New Year when they ground out a 2-1 win in Tai Po before tearing apart a tired Eastern side 3-0, with three first half goals. For next season, consistency is vital- although the league has levelled out a bit in terms of quality, Kitchee cannot afford to drop so many points if they wish to seriously challenge for the league again.

FA Cup

One game, one defeat, very disappointing. After falling apart in the league against Kowloon City (having withdrawn Rey, Fernando and Juninho with an eye on the cup) Kitchee blew a 2-0 lead for the second time that week, this time to Tai Po, and ended the slim chances of continental football. Cardoso's use of subs was poor- Helio was brought on to 'protect the lead' at 2-1 but after Tai Po equalising and taking the tie to extra time, no further subs were made, leaving Kitchee with Helio as an emergency forward on the pitch, and young attacking players on the bench. Considering Fernando's head injury and the game going into extra time, Kitchee could have made another five subs, whether that be another attacking option or providing fresh legs further back, but Cardoso did neither and ultimately Kitchee lost 3-2 after extra time.

Senior Shield

Started off with a good performance to beat Tai Po having lost in the league the week before. A feisty encounter ended with Kitchee winning 3-1. The semi final against Lee Man (for the third season in a row) was not a disastrous performance, but the suspension of Mingazow and Machado's injury meant Temirov and Poon Pui-hin manned the flanks, and were ineffective. Again Cardoso's game management was questioned as he only made one sub and Kitchee were eliminated with a 2-1 loss, ending the chance of winning a third Senior Shield in a row, and it brought to an end a five year unbeaten run in the competition, with the caveat of the competition being suspended for two years due to the pandemic.

Sapling Cup

The much-maligned tournament saw Kitchee handing out debuts for four teenagers, none of whom seemed out of place. Playing the games during international breaks cost the side experience, especially with the final game against Eastern clashing with games for the Hong Kong senior and U22 sides. Kitchee were minutes away from qualifying for the knockout stage; Jay Haddow's goal gave them the lead in the winner takes all game with Eastern, but a late equaliser from Eastern knocked Kitchee out and ended any remaining hope of a trophy for this season. The first three games were a mixed bag; a drab draw with North District, a comfortable win over HKFC and a thrashing at the hands of Tai Po.

Now we rate the performance of players across this disappointing campaign. For simplicity, we have only rated those who have played over 20% of Kitchee's minutes this season.

Aaron Rey 28 games (28 starts), 2312 minutes, 7 goals, 6 assists, 7 yellows, 5.5/10

A near ever-present,consistently starting and contributing, playing over 80% of Kitchee's minutes. Spent too long holding onto the ball in possession as the season progressed which matched with a reddit comment made by a fan of one of Rey's former clubs when it was announced he had signed for the club. Ultimately left on the expiration of his contract at the end of May.

Sherzod Temirov 30 games (22 starts), 2216 minutes, 15 goals, 5 assists, 4 yellows, 6/10

Top scorer and only missed one game, where he was unable to head a ball due to a cut. Started every Kitchee game from the end of January without much of a break, having been a sub for most games before Christmas. Worked hard, leading to him being shortlisted for HKPL team of the year. Left at the end of May, weeks after reaching fifty games for the club.

Juninho 26 games (23 starts), 2119 minutes, 9 goals, 2 assists, 6 yellows, 5.5/10

He blew hot and cold in his new midfield role- his official goal contributions were down, but he was key to our good performances, helping the transition from defence to attack and spreading the play. Scored a few fantastic goals throughout the season. Key player for Hong Kong under Westwood, he has been linked with moves in the summer but looks set to stay with us.

Fynn Talley 23 games (23 starts), 2100 minutes, 6 clean sheets, 2 yellows, 5.5/10

Shaky start but recovered well, keeping six clean sheets and tying for the golden glove. He kept Kitchee in multiple games where they were dominated. He was probably unfairly made the scapegoat as a foreign goalkeeper for poor recruitment elsewhere. Left at the end of May.

Luis Machado 27 games (24 starts), 2096 minutes, 6 goals, 8 assists, 5 yellows, 4.5/10

A player coming in with a solid reputation, he was sometimes very good, but was inconsistent. Versatile, he filled in on either flank or in attacking midfield, we needed more from him, and he left at the end of May.

Matheus Dantas 24 games (24 starts), 2088 minutes, 1 goal, 9 yellows, 6.5/10

A late arrival, joining in October after the Bardanca experiment failed. The Brazilian started 24 of 26 games after arriving, and he looked assured- it was notable that the Kowloon City collapse came in the game he was suspended for. Fancied himself from free kicks just outside the box, but never looked close to scoring from these.

Jordan Lam 27 games (23 starts), 2087 minutes, 4 assists, 3 yellows, 1 red, 4.5/10

He spent most of his season with North District in 23/24 playing on the wing but a decision was made early doors to solely start him at left back for Kitchee. A silly red card against his former employers meant he was suspended for the Lee Man thrashing. Chipped in with a few assists, but too often the set pieces were too fancy and offered little threat.

Ngan Cheuk-pan 26 games (20 starts), 1957 minutes, 1 goal, 2 assists, 5 yellows, 5/10

Worked hard but was often left abandoned in midfield, and with a lack of backup was playing virtually 90 minutes week in week out with Jay Haddow and Tan Chun-lok's long-term injuries. Filled in at centre back on occasion. Also deputised for Lok at international level, and linked with moves to China in the summer.

Leon Jones 21 games (19 starts), 1684 minutes, 4 yellows, 1 red, 5.5/10

Formed a decent partnership with Dantas, and it was telling that the majority of our poor performances came when one of the pair was absent. Missed a few games through injury, and was sent off as a sub on his return. Captained the Senior Shield defeat to Lee Man, in only his ninth appearance for the club. Key player for Hong Kong, starting all nine games under Ashley Westwood, scoring his first goal against Macau in March. Shortlisted for HKPL team of the year.

Bae Jae-woo 24 games (20 starts), 1665 minutes, 1 goal, 1 assist, 5 yellows, 5/10

Provided energy but often removed early. Seemed to be Cardoso's go-to choice at right back, got a goal and an assist but ultimately did not earn a new contract.

Fernando 26 games (18 starts), 1639 minutes, 5 goals, 6 assists, 3 yellows, 6.5/10

After starting a few games at left back early on, he came into the starting line up further forward in January and never looked back, inspiring Kitchee to 4 wins in a row, and started almost every game in the second half of the season. Rewarded with the player of the month award for February, and earned a spot in the HKPL team of the year. Reached 200 Kitchee appearances earlier in the season, and announced his departure in early June, with Tai Po heavily linked.

Law Tsz-chun 24 games (15 starts), 1336 minutes, 2 goals, 2 assists, 3 yellows, 4.5/10

The full back deputised as captain early on, and chipped in offensively with his first goals for two years. Was clearly second choice to Bae in Cardoso's eyes, despite being dependable and versatile. His international career is probably over, having not been in a squad in a year and last playing in January 2024.

Welthon 19 games (13 starts), 1152 minutes, 9 goals, 2 assists, 2 yellows, 4.5/10

A big disappointment, coming in with big wages and a strong career record. He never hit the heights expected, with all of his nine goals coming against the bottom four sides in the league. Suffered a bad head injury at the end of February which effectively ended his season; he came back for two brief cameos but did not look himself and left the club in early May.

Helio 17 games (11 starts), 1111 minutes, 3 yellows, 1 red, 4/10

Club captain this year, personal reasons delayed his start, so he didn't play until mid-November. Looked his age at times, and most of our defeats came in games he started. A silly sending off against Tai Po ended his legendary Kitchee career after over two hundred games and a host of trophies. It remains to be seen what he will do next.

Ruslan Mingazow 15 games (11 starts), 976 minutes, 4 goals, 9 assists, 3 yellows, 1 red, 5.5/10

His thirteen goal contributions puts him only below Temirov and Machado despite playing less than half our games, as he was injured from January until May. His red card against Kowloon City probably cost us in the Senior Shield semi final that he was banned for. Not on Kitchee's published list of player departures on 1st June, but a cryptic Instagram post means he could still be on the move.

Cheng Chin-lung 21 games (6 starts), 742 minutes, 1 yellow, 4/10

Had a few surprising league starts (including the opening two games), but no goal contributions throughout the whole season was disappointing. Looked bright at times and if other players could finish may have had a couple of assists. Earned his first career yellow card after over a hundred Kitchee games. Was a key part in nurturing the young talents in the U22 side, who won the FA Cup.

Jay Haddow 11 games (7 starts), 634 minutes, 1 goal, 4 yellows, 4.5/10

An injury-ravaged season for his first as a professional, returning to his first club. Scored a surprising header against Eastern in the Sapling Cup. Showed his versatility, playing right back, centre back and holding midfield, and becoming a local player next season will help his playtime massively. After six months out in the middle of the season, he looked good in his few games back, but was not involved after getting injured again at the end of March.

Tan Chun-lok 10 games (9 starts), 626 minutes, 2 yellows, 4.5/10

The metronome of Kitchee's midfield, he was sorely missed during his six month absence, and when he came back for the final stages of the season we saw what we had been missing. We hope his injury woes are behind him and he pushes on next season, potentially as club captain. He will have ambitions of regaining his Hong Kong place, having not featured since September.

Chen Ngo-hin 17 games (6 starts), 621 minutes, 1 goal, 3 assists, 4.5/10

Rounded off the big win against Kowloon City with his first goal. He looked bright in cameos but not given enough opportunities, and when he got the chance he did not always deliver. Appears to be staying and will hope to continue his development, increasing his playtime. A useful player, he played both wings and in central midfield. Key part for U22 side.

The rest of the squad (unrated due to lack of minutes)

Poon Pui-hin 16 games, 411 mins (2 starts), 3 goals, 2 assists. Bit part player and seems certain to leave, with CSL club Changchun Yatai somehow linked. Wang Zhenpeng 4 games, 360 mins (4 starts). Able back up, whose experience in the dressing room will be crucial to a rebuild. Tuscany Shek 4 games, 360 mins (4 starts). The young goalkeeper continued to start in the Sapling Cup, and has been rewarded with caps for Hong Kong U20s. Still not 18 until December. Diego Bardanca 5 games, 308 mins (3 starts). Came with a solid reputation, unfortunately injuries and poor form played a part, although a popular figure in training, taking younger players under his wing.

Matthew Slattery 7 games, 194 mins (2 starts). Made a few more league cameos, but still chasing that elusive first senior goal Key part for Hong Kong’s youth U22 side. Jason Kam Chi-kin 2 games, 142 mins (1 start). Finally made his first league start in April, but very much a bench player. Need to see more next year. Li Siu-hin 1 game 90 mins (1 start). Looked assured and played a key role for the U22s successes. Wesley Chan 3 games (3 subs) 58 mins. Few short cameos in the Sapling Cup, he left to study in Australia and we are unsure of his future plans. Tom Yeung Cheuk-kwan 4 games 54 mins (4 subs). Four brief cameos off the bench, suffered with injuries throughout but hopefully he can kick on. Cheung Yiu-hin 1 game 45 mins (1 start). Only played a half, but looked solid- hopefully he can push on. Lam Pak-yin 1 game 45 mins (1 sub). Played a half off the bench in our final Sapling Cup game, hopefully we see more of him next campaign. Sohgo Ichikawa 1 game 10 mins (0 starts). Late sub in our season opener, soon loaned out to Southern (having a fantastic season), who he will join permanently this summer. Seb Buddle 2 games 9 mins (0 starts). Two short appearances, but a near permanent fixture on the bench, and played a big role for the U22s and the futsal side.

Coaching staff 4/10

Stubbornness in keeping with the same tactics and personnel despite this not being effective, and throughout the season the use of substitutions was poor. Two cup defeats only saw a combined three substitutions made despite a clear lack of cutting edge up front and tired legs further back. Younger fringe players like Chen Ngo-hin and Matthew Slattery only got regular opportunities when the chances of the title reduced to being virtually impossible, despite many players looking fatigued. Recruitment was poor, with a number of signings made towards the back end of the window (and Matheus Dantas in October). Six of the ten incomings have already left the club, and despite long term injuries to Jay Haddow and Tan Chun-lok, and a lack of potency in attack, no recruitment was done midseason. However, we cannot solely blame the coaching staff for this as the expensive contract handed to Kim Shin-wook by the club over two years ago still has over six months left to run and probably hindered further signings.

Statistics

Most games: Sherzod Temirov 30

Most minutes: Aaron Rey 2312

Most goals: Sherzod Temirov 15

Most assists: Ruslan Mingazow 9

Most yellow cards: Matheus Dantas 9

Most red cards: Leon Jones, Helio, Ruslan Mingazow, Jordan Lam 1

Angry Boundary Street awards (as voted by you the fans)

Player of the season: 1. Fernando 24.4% 2. Sherzod Temirov 22.2% 3. Ngan Cheuk-pan 11.1%

Best young player: 1. Chen Ngo-hin 57.8% 2. Jay Haddow 11.1% 3.= Tuscany Shek, Matthew Slattery, Tom Yeung Cheuk-kwan 8.9%

Best signing of the season: 1. Matheus Dantas 29.5% 2. Aaron Rey 27.3% 3. Fynn Talley 13.6%

Most disappointing signing of the season: 1.= Welthon and Luis Machado 25% 3. Diego Bardanca 20.5%