Song Lam Nghe An star Phan Van Duc (right) vies for the ball against Thanh Hoa midfielder Trinh Van Loi during their V.League 1 match on Sunday. SLNA lost 1-0 and face the risk of relegation. Photo courtesy of VPF

That unblemished record is in danger though, as they sit bottom of the table with only 10 points from 12 matches.

After their 1-0 loss to Thanh Hoa on Sunday, acting skipper Phan Van Duc emotionally posted on his Facebook page: "It seems that SLNA have not been at the bottom for years. All the coaches and players look sad. The band on my arm is so heavy. I have told myself to try hard all the time and asked teammates to do their best every single match. We do not dream of ranking high, trying to stay (in the league) is our actual task. We hope the supporters will encourage us better. Let's fight brothers! It is a long journey to go."

The result led to the resignation of President Nguyen Hong Thanh and coach Ngo Quang Truong last week, a seismic change for the club.

SLNA's previous nightmare was in 2018 when they also languished in last place, but eventually came back with eight wins in a row and finished fourth.

The team's worst-ever finish was last year when they placed No 10. 

Brilliant past, tough present

SLNA are among the most well-known clubs in Vietnam. 

The club have produced many of the nation's biggest talents, including Pham Van Quyen, Vietnam's greatest ever striker Le Cong Vinh, and current national team members Que Ngoc Hai, midfielder Nguyen Trong Hoang and forward Duc.

They have won three V.League 1 titles, three National Cup trophies and four National Super Cups.

The club are also renowned for success at lower age levels, with five U21 championship triumphs, five for the U19s, eight for the U17s and one for the U15s.

However, recent years have been tough for the team, with their latest title the 2017 National Cup and their last V.League 1 trophy in 2011.

The biggest problem they have faced in the last decade is a lack of finances.

Executive director Ho Van Chiem said his players received humble salaries which are enough to support their daily life, but not enough to give them a comfortable living like players at other clubs.

The lack of cash has stopped the club from extending the contracts of key local and foreign players, as well as hampered efforts to make outside signings.

Many of their homegrown players such as Hai, Hoang, Ngo Hoang Thinh and Pham Khac Ngoc have left the team in recent years.

This year, SLNA have three foreigners on their books but they have contributed only two goals to the team, forcing the team to rely almost entirely on the talented Duc.

The Vietnamese international has scored five goals this season, making up 71 per cent of the team's total goals, a percentage far higher than any other player in the V.League 1.

Former coach Truong admitted that SLNA totally depend on the 25-year-old and other teams have been able to shut them down by marking them out of the game.

SLNA are also suffering an injury crisis that is keeping their key players off the pitch.

Apart from midfielder Dang Van Lam who is out with a severe thigh injury, Captain Hoang Van Khanh, defender Nguyen Sy Nam and striker Ho Phuc Tinh have also been out of action for several weeks. 

Great escape

As they are only three points away from Sai Gon FC in the relegation playoff spot, SLNA still have a chance to stay in the division and their first task will be to grab three points against Hanoi FC on Friday at home.

Hanoi are also in trouble this season. They are seventh with 17 points and face the previously unthinkable possibility of finishing outside of the top six.

The capital city side have struggled defensively this season with 14 goals conceded, though they have been potent in front of goal, netting 17 times.

In their 25 meetings, SLNA only have five wins to go with 10 draws and 10 defeats.

Coach Nguyen Huy Hoang of SLNA said: “We must accept challenges. We are working hard and united to get through difficulties."

Meanwhile, captain Khanh aimed to inspire his teammates on social media by posting: "Although everything is against us, we are still together. Hold hands, Song Lam Nghe An will never give up!"

VNS

Poor results at V.League cause SLNA officials’ resignation

Song Lam Nghe An's head coach Ngo Quang Truong and president Nguyen Hong Thanh have both resigned after a run of poor results.