October 4, 2004

You could call him an optimistic fool or a person throwing his money down the drain but even his most bitter critics will admit Tampines Rovers would not survive without their charismatic chairman

In front of a crowd of 17000, Tampines Rover romped Home United 4-1 in extra-time & completed the Double.

The prize money for Tampines Rovers was $100000 but he had already spent more than $65000 of his own money to buy 13000 tickets at $5 each.

Why did Teo do that?

This was to ensure there would be a sizeable crowd at the National Stadium which can seat 55000. Teo had convinced FAS & S-league to switch the match from the original venue – Jalan Besar Stadium – which could only seats 6000 fans with a guaranteed 10000fans for a start.

But Teo will not use the prize money to recoup what he spent in the final. Instead it will be distributed among the players & team. Also for the S-league title prize money of $120000, the club will keep only 20% while the rest go to the team.

No wonder Teo is known as the Godfather by all connected with the Stags.

Teo said they had to fulfill their part in drawing in fans after getting the venue changed to Kallang as it is about putting his money where his mouth is.

This sum up Teo with him not seeing everything in dollars & cents & not a talker but a ‘doer’.

For chairman Teo it was all worth it as hugging his sweaty players on the field, he took turns holding both trophies before saying this is a dream come true.