The UEFA ‘A’ licenced Aussie and AFC coaching instructor, Darby has just finished up as assistant to Bryan Robson in the Thai national team.

Darby had been in Thailand for two and a half years coaching both the Olympic and national teams.

The pair both parted ways with the Thais in recent weeks after which Darby was unveiled as new coach of Indian club Mohun Bagan.

Darby, recently rated in the top ten Aussie gaffers on au.fourfourtwo.com, has worked across Asia for many years and has a wealth of knowledge.

The former NSL and ASF (FFA) staff coach has survived and succeeded in the cut-throat leagues of south-east Asia, winning won both the Malaysian and Singapore League and FA Cups.

Darby has also coached Vietnam women’s national side to a gold medal at the SEA Games and had success in the AFC Cup with clubs from the M- and S-Leagues.

Darby gave au.fourfourtwo.com an insight into the Thai team structure and players – who are also known by their nicknames just as much as their real names.

He said that Thailand have been playing a 4-5-1 with star midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao’s job in midfield to join up with the striker.

“Ko” (Thonglao) will likely take the set-pieces too. “He is the best footballer, but worst athlete," said Darby. "He takes all set pieces but not well and draws free kicks superbly.”

Thonglao was Thailand's hero in last weeks’ 2-2 draw with a brace against Palestine in the West Bank keeping the Thais’ World Cup adventure alive.

“He can see things but can’t run,” added Darby. 

Around Ko, one of the five midfielders who will sit is likely to be former Melbourne Victory favourite Surat Sukha. Nicknamed “Pan” and twin of “Prem” he is regarded as Thailand’s best player.

“Away from home they’re likely to have two sitting [in midfield] and two wide with Thonglao getting forward,” said Darby.

“The two wide lads are good workers but not dribblers. They’re steady who will defend as well [as attack].

“The two centre backs will always stay and the two full backs will bomb on all day,”

Darby predicted the lone striker will be Teerasil Dangda. “Mui” is a tall and quick forward who also impressed Robson.

“Robbo [Bryan Robson] wanted to take him to Manchester United. But he gets injured a lot as he’s brave and works hard and gets over-used at every level,” said Darby.

“He played against New Zealand and against Ryan Nelsen took him apart. He also gave Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher problems [in a friendly match].

“He works hard and holds the ball and is composed but is usually isolated.”

In the Thai goal young keeper “Tong” (Kawin Thammasajanan) is highly rated and has been linked with a move to England.

“He is only 20 but excellent physically and mentally. Tends to stay on line and react rather than come for crosses, though. Manchester United wanted him but he can’t get a permit,” said Darby.

Right back "Prem”  (Suree Sukha ) played in the 2007 Asian Cup, has great engines and pushes forward every chance.

Darby added: “He’s not the best defender in the one v ones and has a tendency to foul in silly areas. And "Kop” (Suchao Nuchnum) is a tidy give-and-go player who covers Prem when he overlaps.

“[Former Thai national coach] Peter Reid wanted to take “Meow” (Nattapong Samana) to Stoke. He overlaps all day and is quite a good defender one v one but can get caught ball watching, but is a great athlete.”

Meow missed the recent Palestine World Cup qualifier with a broken nose.

“Mai”(Panupong Wongsa) is a big strong and mobile central defender but he didn’t play against Palestine. “He will kick people if he has to,” noted Darby,

This week, Thai team manager Anucha Nakasai said his squad can progress through the third-round 2014 World Cup qualifying group by getting past the "slow" Socceroos. 

Yet some of the Thais, according to Darby, could be caught out by a speedy Roo like Tommy Oar or Robbie Kruse.

Thai captain “Oat” (Nattaporn Panrit) was a great leader and organiser said Darby.

He added: “All left foot, but slow on the turn and can dive in though. And “On” (Rangsan Wiwatchaichote) is all left foot who works hard and is a good passer but has no pace.”