Battling for 90 minutes, Kashiwa finally succumbed to the pull of J2 and now have to prepare for a marathon schedule. There are some positives to be had
1. Nelsinho is in place for next year- The coach put up a respectable 4-6-4 record in the half season he was in place, strengthening the defense and instilling a discipline that was sorely lacking in the first half of the season. Given an offseason to pick his type of players and instill his system, the Brazilian head man has the possibility to pull a Sanfrecce next year and run the table.
2. Park Dong Hyuk is inked for another year- The giant Korean centerback will be back anchoring the defense. Arguably he will be the best defender in J2 next year.
3. The youth system- Kashiwa has arguably one of the best youth systems in the country, producing a large chunk of the current roster. They also have a group who will be taking part in the Sunstar Tonic Cup championship in December. J2 gives you the luxury of playing guys without worrying about relegation.
4. Chiba Derby still intact for 2010- If you are going to go down a notch, it's better not to go while your main rivals are living and thriving in J1. FC Tokyo won a cup while Tokyo Verdy was wallowing in J2 purgatory. Gamba Osaka has managed to pick up an ACL trophy , an Emperors Cup, and a League Cup while Cerezo spent three years spinning their wheels. Even Kashiwa experienced the humiliation of being in J2 while JEF Chiba was hoisting a trophy. It also helps ticket sales to have a rival while your in the lower depths.
5. Location, Location, Location- Chiba, Tokyo, Yokohama, Kusatsu, Mito, and Tochigi are all reasonable distances to go. Unfortunately Sapporo, Ehime, Oita, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Tosu are also stops so, never mind.
Barring a huge exodus of players, Kashiwa should be a favorite for a top 3 spot next year.
Looking at possible defections
Franca- Too high a salary for a J2 team. His 4 game tear in the most crucial part of the season probably got the attention of one or teams at the least.
Takenori Sugeno- The keeper is going through his second relegation in three years. He'll be 26 in June and just approaching his prime years. If he has any intention of being a candidate for the NT, he must get himself on a contender.
Yuki Otsu- The 19 year old attacking midfielder has been one of the few bright spots this year, ratcheting up 6 goals in his debutant campaign. Teams are already rumored to be clamoring for his services.
Minoru Suganuma- Last year's MVP has turned into this year's disappointment, falling behind DF Yusuke Murakami, FW Masato Kudo, FW Masakatsu Sawa, and MF Yoshiyuki Kobayashi as options on the wing.
Popo- The former K League star has been erratic over the past two years. His stats of 4 goals and 7 assists are respectable but not great for a player who came in with such fanfare.
Kota Sugiyama- the central mid did a respectable job but is currently the property of Shimizu S Pulse. He might be back though considering Kashiwa is now in J2.
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