Former Guiseley and Farsley ace Tuck taking Thailand by storm (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Former Guiseley and Farsley ace Tuck taking Thailand by storm

4:37pm Friday 28th December 2012 in Farsley

Lee Tuck is proving a big hit playing professional football in Thailand.

Tuck, a diminutive but potent forward, featured in the Conference for Farsley Celtic and the UniBond League with Guiseley before their promotion.

He was looking to get into the professional ranks over here but, with opportunities limited, he tried his luck abroad and has landed on his feet.

Currently back home enjoying the festivities, Tuck is getting ready for a fourth season in Thailand.

The Bangkok FC striker said: “I’m going back in January for pre-season and I have got another two years on my contract. It has gone well – I finished as the lea-gue’s top scorer last season.”

Bangkok FC finished tenth in the 18-strong top flight last season and Tuck’s 23 goals made him a hot commodity.

He has been with the same club since he arrived in the country and he had no second thoughts about staying.

Tuck said: “Because I was the league’s top scorer and only had a year left on my deal, the club wanted me to commit to another year.

“They didn’t want me running my contract down and signing for another club the following season.

“The club has always been great with me, treated me well and when they offered me a 12-month extension I was delighted to sign it.

“That will keep me there for at least the next two years and I’m looking forward to it.”

Tuck is not alone in trying his luck in Thailand.

He said: “There are a few English lads out there. Chris Brandon was there last season and Robbie Fowler has been over.

“There are a few who might not be well-known names but they have played for teams such as Leicester City and Coventry City.

“It’s harder now though because teams are limited to four westerners on the field and no more than seven in the whole squad.

“It was more but they cut it down to develop more of their own players and, in the three years I have been there, the game has grown steadily.

“It is amazing how fast the change has been, even in my time in the league. All the games are on television and it is massive at the moment.

“They are crazy for Man United and Liverpool but Thai football is getting bigger. The players are treated well and money is coming into the game from worldwide advertising and big business sponsorship.”

Tuck is currently enjoying being back home and is keen to catch his old clubs in action. He said: “Our season ends in November so, once I had re-signed and tied up a few loose ends, it was time to come home in time for Christmas and New Year.

“I hope to see Farsley and Guiseley play while I’m here but the weather has been so bad I haven’t managed it yet.

“I have seen Bradford City, Huddersfield and Leeds and I still want to go and see my old clubs. I’m sure I’ll get a chance before I have to go back for pre-season.”