The club's transfer information #3 / 2020

The club decided not to extend the contract with Korean centre back, CHOI Jung Won. He could not take the constant chances to appear for the club.


The club signed with midfield player, Hikida from Osaka Taiiku University. He is expected to enhance the club's strength.


An experienced forward, Shimizu leaves the club. He scored three goals in 24 appearances. His contract was
only a year.  He joins FC Ryukyu.

2020:Tottori and Imabari missed the chance for promotion

In 2020, Tottori made a strong showing. The club constantly competed for the promotion throughout the season and finished in the 5th position.


Imabari's first year in the division 3 was better than expected. Former Tottotri ace striker, Hayama made an established presence as ace striker. The outfit made a breakthrough, finishing in the 7th place.


In 2021, both clubs can be one of the promotion favorites in the league. It is expected that two teams try to sign with young talents to enhance their strength before the new season starts.

The club's transfer information #2 / 2020

An experienced defender, Mukuara leaves the club. His cross created lots of chances since he came to Okayama in 2018.


Veteran playmaker, Ueda'contract with the club expired. He was the one to trigger the club's attacking. His presence made a big impact on the club.


The club signed with midfield player, Kimura from Konan University. He is expected to enhance the club's attacking.

The club's transfer information #1 / 2020

Veteran forward, Akamine leaves Okayama. He has made an established presence in the team since he joined the club. He scored an impressive clincher against Matsumoto Yamaga at the semi-final of playoffs in 2016. He signed with his hometown club, FC Ryukyu.


Another Veteran centre back, Goto also leaves the club. He played for Okayama for around eight years in total. He contributed the club as the symbol of Okayama.


An experienced attacker, Mimura won't play for the club neither. He is the product of Fagiano Next, who were the second team the club. His speed often amazed the supporters.

2020:Matsue and Kochi made efforts in JFL

Matsue City FC, aiming for J League in the near future, had better season than their first year in JFL the club barely secured their survival in the league. Next season, they are expected to compete for the top four.


Another Chogoku region club, Kochi United finished in 14th place of 16 clubs. During the first half of the season, the club struggled to obtain points however, afterwards, the club started performing better.


Next term, there will be 17 clubs in the league. It is expected that there will be a tight race for the promotion to J League division 3.

2020 Season Review:Some players were constantly sidelined throughout the season

In 2020, Okayama finished at the 17th position with 50 points out of 22 club. The club constantly struggled around the mid-table and were not able to compete for the promotion.


In covid-19 pandemic, all of the J League clubs faced difficulties due to the tight schedule. Therefore, during the season, the club constantly had some players on an injury list so that it was tough to place best players in the starting line-up.


2019 top scorer of the club, LEE Yong-Jae was one of them who missed some matches due to his injury. He only scored six goals in 2020, less than 12 goals in 2019. Other attackers, Uejo and Yamamoto scored seven and six goals respectively, but there were no players with more than ten goals this season.


It has been already announced that the club would not extend the contracts with veteran players such as Ueda, Akamine and Goto. Therefore, the club are expected to sign with some young talents to enhance their strength.

Match Review 42nd Sec : VS Ventforet Kofu at Yamanashi Chuo Bank Stadium on December 20

Okayama 2  Ventforet Kofu 0

The total attendance:4,008

 

This was the last match of this season.  Four veteran players, Mukuhara, Goto, Ueda and Akamine were listed in the starting line-up. It was the last match for them in the red-uniform. 

 

Two minutes after the kickoff, Ueda's mid-range shot was off target. In the 13th minute, his corner was blocked by the home club. In the 31st minute, Shirai smashed the net with a superb opener, assisted by Uejo. Five minutes later, Mukuhara failed to add a second. Right before the interval, Hamada doubled their lead with his excellent strike.

A minute after the break,  Yamamoto's attempt was denied by the opponent. In the 57th minute, Ueda missed the chance to add a third with his free kick. In the 67th minute, Abe was on for Akamine. In the 83rd minute, goal keeper, Kanamaya showed an amazing saving.  During the added time, he made another fine saving. As a result, the red-uniformed men successfully defeated the rival.