Below is a link to an interview with Lucas Neill done by Scott McIntyre of SBS The World Game.
Neill, Ardija's latest signing gives his views on Ardija, the J League and his personal ambitions all the way up to the Asia Cup in 2015.
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/video/43632707507/Neill-maps-out-his-schedule
Thursday 29 August 2013
Tuesday 20 August 2013
Tsutomu Ogura confirmed as Ardija's new coach
Tsutomu Ogura has been confirmed as Omiya Ardija's new coach, today August 20th 2013.
A brief statement and a profile of his career appeared on the club website. See the link below.
http://www.ardija.co.jp/news/detail/4184.html
A brief statement and a profile of his career appeared on the club website. See the link below.
http://www.ardija.co.jp/news/detail/4184.html
Sunday 18 August 2013
Welcome to Ardija to Lucas Neill
It's official. Lucas Neill has joined Omiya Ardija.
Here is a piece on it from Neill's management company's website.
http://www.inspiresg.com/neill-signs-in-japan
Interestingly, the writer suggests the Squirrels regularly provide players for Japan's national team. I don't remember us doing that at all in the time I have been following the club. In fact, I read that it had taken place only once and even then it was as a substitute in a friendly game.
Still, that's the role of agents, to generate interest in their player.
Clearly this move to Ardija is part of a strategy for Neill to make sure he is in Australia's world cup squad come next summer in Brazil. But what do the Squirrels get?
Well, hopefully we get a very experienced defender who our current crop of young defenders can learn from. Takahashi and Imai will be able to see him on the training pitch and during matches if Neill gets picked to play. Let's hope they take the chance to learn from him as it is very rare for Ardija's young players to come into close contact with a player who has represented his country almost 100 times, played in World Cups and played in England's Premier League.
If he gets on the pitch, the fans will see a committed, hard tackling performance from Neill.
But can he help arrest Ardija's six match losing slide?
His age, speed and fitness must be a concern. His name makes this transfer sound a bigger move than it is in reality. It's a short term move, which quite possibly will suit both sides equally. But it's not a transfer that will change the outcome of this season nor will it have much of an impact on where Ardija go next season and in the future.
Having said that, it could be a fun ride, and I wish Neill all the best for his time at Omiya Ardija and hope it goes well for him and for the team.
Here is a piece on it from Neill's management company's website.
http://www.inspiresg.com/neill-signs-in-japan
Interestingly, the writer suggests the Squirrels regularly provide players for Japan's national team. I don't remember us doing that at all in the time I have been following the club. In fact, I read that it had taken place only once and even then it was as a substitute in a friendly game.
Still, that's the role of agents, to generate interest in their player.
Clearly this move to Ardija is part of a strategy for Neill to make sure he is in Australia's world cup squad come next summer in Brazil. But what do the Squirrels get?
Well, hopefully we get a very experienced defender who our current crop of young defenders can learn from. Takahashi and Imai will be able to see him on the training pitch and during matches if Neill gets picked to play. Let's hope they take the chance to learn from him as it is very rare for Ardija's young players to come into close contact with a player who has represented his country almost 100 times, played in World Cups and played in England's Premier League.
If he gets on the pitch, the fans will see a committed, hard tackling performance from Neill.
But can he help arrest Ardija's six match losing slide?
His age, speed and fitness must be a concern. His name makes this transfer sound a bigger move than it is in reality. It's a short term move, which quite possibly will suit both sides equally. But it's not a transfer that will change the outcome of this season nor will it have much of an impact on where Ardija go next season and in the future.
Having said that, it could be a fun ride, and I wish Neill all the best for his time at Omiya Ardija and hope it goes well for him and for the team.
Lucas Neill - Gladiator
Here is a video I found of Lucas Neill on YouTube. I think the clips in the video demonstrate Neill's defencive style clearly to Ardija fans who might not have seen too much of the defender.
The question remains does Neill still perform at this level now at aged 35? We will see him at the Nack5 and be able to judge him on his performances.
Friday 16 August 2013
The J-Talk Podcast: The J-Talk Podcast - 2013 J1 Matchday 20
I made my debut appearance on the J Talk podcast last Monday. In fact it was the first time I had ever appeared on any podcast on any topic ever.
The J Talk podcast is a podcast which features discussion on all issues concerning Japanese football, including J1, J2, the newcoming J3 and the national team. It's hosted by Ben Maxwell.
So it was a bit of a daunting prospect and I was rather nervous beforehand. I hope that I did ok. I think my passion as a fan comes across well, especially since I was still in shock at the decision which had only happened 24 hours prior to the show's recording.
Information regarding the sacking and any reasons for it was scarce so the decision at that time still seemed slightly odd. Details that have come out in the press since then have cleared up the picture more than was possible at the time of the show.
Recording the show was fun and I particularly thank Ben and Angus who I was on the show with, for making me feel relaxed and welcome.
The part I feature in is the lead-off section and lasts just under 25 minutes. The link is below. Have a listen.
The J-Talk Podcast: The J-Talk Podcast - 2013 J1 Matchday 20: A 62 minute podcast with Angus MacLeod & Steve Fryer, Cesare Polenghi and Jon Steele. In Part 1 Angus, Steve and I discuss the situati...
The J Talk podcast is a podcast which features discussion on all issues concerning Japanese football, including J1, J2, the newcoming J3 and the national team. It's hosted by Ben Maxwell.
So it was a bit of a daunting prospect and I was rather nervous beforehand. I hope that I did ok. I think my passion as a fan comes across well, especially since I was still in shock at the decision which had only happened 24 hours prior to the show's recording.
Information regarding the sacking and any reasons for it was scarce so the decision at that time still seemed slightly odd. Details that have come out in the press since then have cleared up the picture more than was possible at the time of the show.
Recording the show was fun and I particularly thank Ben and Angus who I was on the show with, for making me feel relaxed and welcome.
The part I feature in is the lead-off section and lasts just under 25 minutes. The link is below. Have a listen.
The J-Talk Podcast: The J-Talk Podcast - 2013 J1 Matchday 20: A 62 minute podcast with Angus MacLeod & Steve Fryer, Cesare Polenghi and Jon Steele. In Part 1 Angus, Steve and I discuss the situati...
Japan Times Article: The President's Press Conference
Ardija's President, Shigeru Suzuki gave a press conference on Tuesday this week.
Here is a link to an article from the Japan Times that was in the August 14th 2013 print issue and online from August 13th 2013. It's a piece from the Kyodo news agency and quotes the Ardija chairman, Shigeru Suzuki.
The article suggests that Tsutomu Oguro will be the replacement for Verdenik. From reading this article it seems that Oguro will not be officially in place before the Sagan Tosu away game on August 17th 2013.
The chairman gives his opinion that the decision had to be made, because Verdenik had clashed with the coaching staff and lost the dressing room.
see below for the link.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/08/13/soccer/struggling-ardija-to-appoint-ogura-as-new-coach/#.Ug3R7tsCa8E.gmail
Here is a link to an article from the Japan Times that was in the August 14th 2013 print issue and online from August 13th 2013. It's a piece from the Kyodo news agency and quotes the Ardija chairman, Shigeru Suzuki.
The article suggests that Tsutomu Oguro will be the replacement for Verdenik. From reading this article it seems that Oguro will not be officially in place before the Sagan Tosu away game on August 17th 2013.
The chairman gives his opinion that the decision had to be made, because Verdenik had clashed with the coaching staff and lost the dressing room.
see below for the link.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/08/13/soccer/struggling-ardija-to-appoint-ogura-as-new-coach/#.Ug3R7tsCa8E.gmail
Questions for Mr Verdenik
At this time I would love to have an interview with Mr Verdenik. It would be really interesting to hear his views on all that has gone on at the club during his brief reign.
Unfortunately I am not a journalist and have no access to Mr Verdenik. Furthermore I have failed to bump into him around Omiya this week. I had rather imagined him wandering disconsolately among the shops, restaurants, cafes and department stores of Omiya these past days. All alone. A solitary figure in a fading grey baseball cap.
Well, never mind. Here is the next best thing. The following are the questions I would ask. Would you ask anything else?
1. Why did you lose your job?
2. What was the best moment of your managership?
3. Who is the best Japanese player at the club?
4. If you were still in charge, and could sign one player, who would it be?
5. What 's your favourite Japanese food?
6. If you could do one thing differently during your time at Omiya Ardija, what would it be?
7. Will you sign and sell the grey baseball cap on ebay?
8. Will you tell us what really happened between you, the players and Mr Oguro?
9. What do you think of the club, it's fans and it's future?
10. What are you going to do next?
Well, thank you Mr Verdenik for an amazing and unexpected run. I wish you all the best in your future. Wherever that may be.
Unfortunately I am not a journalist and have no access to Mr Verdenik. Furthermore I have failed to bump into him around Omiya this week. I had rather imagined him wandering disconsolately among the shops, restaurants, cafes and department stores of Omiya these past days. All alone. A solitary figure in a fading grey baseball cap.
Well, never mind. Here is the next best thing. The following are the questions I would ask. Would you ask anything else?
1. Why did you lose your job?
2. What was the best moment of your managership?
3. Who is the best Japanese player at the club?
4. If you were still in charge, and could sign one player, who would it be?
5. What 's your favourite Japanese food?
6. If you could do one thing differently during your time at Omiya Ardija, what would it be?
7. Will you sign and sell the grey baseball cap on ebay?
8. Will you tell us what really happened between you, the players and Mr Oguro?
9. What do you think of the club, it's fans and it's future?
10. What are you going to do next?
Well, thank you Mr Verdenik for an amazing and unexpected run. I wish you all the best in your future. Wherever that may be.
Thursday 15 August 2013
Verdenik sacking 2
Steve Barme, Omiya Ardija fan and regular contributor to both the J Talk podcast and Japanfooty.com has written a great article on the Verdenik sacking, which you can find a link to below.
The article appeared on the Japanfooty.com website on August 16th 2013.
http://www.japanfooty.com/the-omiya-u-turn#.Ug2ZFUixv1A.gmail
Follow Steve on twitter @AgentOrange2009 for lots of Ardija news and chat.
The article appeared on the Japanfooty.com website on August 16th 2013.
http://www.japanfooty.com/the-omiya-u-turn#.Ug2ZFUixv1A.gmail
Follow Steve on twitter @AgentOrange2009 for lots of Ardija news and chat.
Lucas Neill to join the Squirrels
Lucas Neill appears set to join Omiya Ardija later today according to The Guardian newspaper. This article was published on the Guardian's website on 14th August 2013.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/aug/14/lucas-neill-move-omiya-ardija
Lucas Neill is a 35 year old experienced Australian defender. He has played for several clubs in the Premier League and made 92 caps for Australia.
If he joins on a 4 month contract as suggested, he will come into a side that needs to stem a 5 match losing run that has seen the Squirrels' defence conceded 11 goals.
Neill is a feisty, committed player who is certain to give his all each game if he can stay free of injury.
It could be an interesting 4 months for Neill and Ardija fans should he decide to sign the contract on offer.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/aug/14/lucas-neill-move-omiya-ardija
Lucas Neill is a 35 year old experienced Australian defender. He has played for several clubs in the Premier League and made 92 caps for Australia.
If he joins on a 4 month contract as suggested, he will come into a side that needs to stem a 5 match losing run that has seen the Squirrels' defence conceded 11 goals.
Neill is a feisty, committed player who is certain to give his all each game if he can stay free of injury.
It could be an interesting 4 months for Neill and Ardija fans should he decide to sign the contract on offer.
The Squirrels sack Verdenik
Here is a link to an article written by Andrew McKirdy, who writes for the Japan Times on Japanese football. He calls Verdenik's dismissal ' a massive gamble.'
This article appeared online on August 14th 2013 and in print on August 15th 2013.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/08/14/soccer/omiya-taking-massive-gamble-with-verdenik-dismissal/#.Ug2QuuWOHUn.gmail
This article appeared online on August 14th 2013 and in print on August 15th 2013.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/08/14/soccer/omiya-taking-massive-gamble-with-verdenik-dismissal/#.Ug2QuuWOHUn.gmail
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