Zesh Rehman has only one regret over his decision a year ago to swap English football for Thailand.

The eloquent former Bantam admits that his new lifestyle pretty much has it all – the temperature, the culture, the money and a decent standard to play in.

But there is one glaring admission.

“I have not found a single chippy over here, which is disappointing,” laughs Rehman. “The thing I miss the most from the UK is the fish and chip shop by Leeds-Bradford airport!”

The absence of Murgatroyd’s aside, he has taken the switch from Valley Parade to Muang Thong United in his stride.

As champions for the past two years, Muang Thong – currently in second – are seen as the Manchester United of Thailand. And with Robbie Fowler as his player-manager, Rehman is in good company.

He said: “Robbie is showing good signs of man-management early on and I’m sure he will be a top manager in the future. I’m enjoying working with him.

“The pace of the game is not as direct as back home. The build-up is more deliberate and controlled but explosive in the final third.

“As a defender it makes it easier as you have more time to get into position. Most of the players are very quick and agile with the occasional big target man, so not too different to England.

“The level is better than League Two – I’d say it’s top end of League One or lower Championship.

“There are very few long balls, the emphasis is on passing, movement and technique.

“The players here could more than hold their own technically in the Championship. Several of my team-mates play for the Thai national team and I’d go as far to say technically they are on a par with some Premier League players.”

Thailand are in the race to qualify for their first World Cup in 2014 and Rehman insists the domestic league is a higher level than outsiders might think. Muang Thong striker Teerasil Dangda has attracted interested from QPR and Leicester and Bryan Robson organised a trial for keeper Kawin Thamsatchanan with Manchester United when he was the Thai national boss.

Rehman added: “These guys and one or two more could cut it in England if the opportunity arose. They have a strong mentality and ever-increasing professionalism.

“The league has players from countries in Africa, Brazil, Serbia, Japan, Korea, Sweden, South America and many more from Europe so that improves the level of the local ones.”

But UK exports remain few and far between. Other than Rehman and Fowler, there are only two more – Chris Brandon and one-time QPR striker Richard Langley.

Rehman meets up regularly with his former Valley Parade team-mate.

“Brando is really loving life out here. He’s doing really well for his club and is a fans’ favourite.

“The Bradford fans didn’t really get to see the best of him but he’s a good example of someone prolonging their career by coming to Asia as well as having a great life experience at the same time.”

Rehman expects more to follow as the list of players without a club continues to grow each year.

As an overseas member of the PFA’s management committee, he sees the stats and is alarmed by the number who cannot get fixed up somewhere.

He has been contacted by former Championship managers and players from all four divisions, who are keen to use his contacts in the Asian market. But some remain dubious about making the plunge to a whole new world.

“It’s a realistic option for the players to reignite their careers and be able to provide for their families. The tax is very low and living costs are nowhere near the same as the UK.

“I can understand the reluctance to move from familiar surroundings but for me it’s a no-brainer.”

The language is not a barrier. Rehman soon learned the Thai for key football phrases and has even created a mobile phone application for others thinking of taking the plunge overseas.

He has not been short of other offers and since January has rejected moves to Cyprus, Iran, Lebanon, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, in one case turning down four times the wages he is currently on.

With a year to go on his contract, he is in no hurry to look elsewhere. He is settled on and off the pitch.

“When I came to Thailand, I made a conscious effort to embrace the culture and adapt as quickly as possible,” he said.

“It made the transition much easier by learning about the locals and respecting their views.

“I have been in shorts, vests and flip flops for nine months due to the heat. The rainy season has only recently started but even then it can get up to 35 degrees.

“After a few months, life here became the norm and it becomes like home the sooner you get into a routine and make friends. Life is definitely more relaxed and stress-free out here.”