3 more players join.

I now feel we have a squad which correctly drilled, and playing an effective formation should be finishing in at least the play-off places.

3 more players arrived today, in positions we need competition for places.
With the very solid squad we have now I hope that any new players coming in are either young players who can develop for 2 years time (like Hatamoto in 2011), or really top quality players who are going to take the team to the next level and are obviously better than what we have.

What we don’t need are players who are offered, and are OK, but don’t really make the team better (like Yatsuda last year). We don’t need a huge squad draining the club, and so long as we have 2-3 options for each position we should be good.

Park Gun
What looks to me as one of the most exciting signings so far is Korean Park Gun who is signing directly from University in Korea having played for their U-23 team in 2011.
He is listed as a central defender, but also someone who is versatile and can play a midfield role. This is exactly the sort of player we need, a tall midfield anchor who is able to protect the defence, and add height to the middle of the pitch.

He is described on the official site as having a strong physical ability, works hard in attack and defence, good technique and able to play in midfield.
Yesterday I suggested Tsutsumi as a midfield anchor, but if this guy can come in and play well in that position he will be Avispa’s most important player next season.
Joining comment – I am honored to be joining Avispa Fukuoka. I want to be able to contribute to the team and work hard. Thanks for your support.

Masakazu Kihara
A name familiar to Avispa fans from a loan last season is Kihara, now joining on a transfer.
While he didn’t make a huge impact last year, he always looked like he should have been given more of a chance. He scored goals when he came on (including a screamer against Tokushima) and has an ability to pop up in the right place at the right time.
He can build from last year, and especially needs to start using his key skill: pace. I’ve never seen a player so fast, who doesn’t really use his pace very often.
I want to see him making his full-back turn around and chase balls into the corner; I want to see him running straight at defenders at pace as he will scare players at this level to death and put players onto yellow cards for fun.
Good, hard-working team-mate to have around.
Joining quote – I’ve chosen to join Avispa permanently at this time. I’ll devote time every day for the fans and supporters in the hope to be accepted as part of the team one day. Thank you for support this season.

Jun Kanakubo
Another player joining from Omiya Ardija, this time on loan.
I generally think that players arring from a club where they are known is a good idea, as they surely will have spoken to Kihara and found out that this guy is hopefully a decent player and person.
Adding numbers in the most important place (midfield) he has regularly played in J1 over the last 3 years and will hopefully be an important part of our new look midfield.
Joining quote : Nice to meet you, I’m Kanakubo Jun. Thank you for support supporters of Avispa Fukuoka. I’ll be trying my best to get promotion to J1.