Retro gone wrong

Who looks forward the day the new jersey is released? I can't be the only one that gets excited when this happens? Either way, that day was today. The Urawa Red Diamonds have unveiled the 2012 jerseys, all three of them (plus the goalkeepers jerseys). Yes that's right, this year we're going to have the usual home and away jerseys, but also a third alternative jersey.

The home jersey is something I'm not that fond of, but it might grow on me. With 2012 being the 20th year, a lot of J-League teams have gone "retro". Our jersey though is more "retro gone wrong". Something about just doesn't seem right, but like i said, I might grow on me (if i see it enough times).

The away (black & blue) and third (white & red) jerseys on the other hand, I do like. Yes it is similar to that of Juventus' pink "star" jersey and having an away jersey that is black and blue is similar to that of Manchester United but it's something different. The only thing I would change is possibly having black with a red diamond as the away colours (rather then blue), but overal I'm satisfied. 

I've mentioned to several people that I would give this season's jersey a miss, but after seeing the away jersey, I might be tempted to purchase one. Question is though, whos jersey should I sport? If Genki gets the number 9, it would have been an easy choice, but it looks as though he would remain in the 24. I'm tossing up between #3 Ugajin, #5 Takahashi, #7 Umesaki or #8 Kashiwagi? Must wait until the official numbers are released though. Your input/help is always appreciated!

The start of something new?

Happy new year Reds fans; I know it's a bit late but I wanted my first blog of 2012 to include our first signing of the year. Alas, 11 days into 2012 and we're still waiting! There has been rumours galore, both good and bad, but still nothing.

It's been reported that every player the Reds have approached has declined with the exception of Popo and Takahara. Yes, Mr No-Goal Takahara returning to the Reds and 35 year old Popo are our reinforcements? I know these two guys have consistently scored against us this past few years, but I can't imagine them scoring for us. Takahara has proved that in the past!

Strikers Tadanari Lee and Mike Havenaar has moved to Europe, joining Southampton and Vitesse respectively, which doesn't give us much of an option for fresh striker. Is Ranko going to be the answer? Only if he brings is "cup" form to every game.

The latest  rumour has been Tomoaki Makino joining the Reds on a year long loan. Makino joining the Reds have been on and off over the last couple of weeks, but according to 1.FC Koln manager says that the loan is almost official (Link). But is another defender what we need? With Petrovic 2.0 known for playing a 3-6-1 formation, having a back three of Spiranovic-Nagata-Makino wouldn't be a bad thing, plus we still have Hamada.

Who else have we been linked to? Yuki Abe. Having his presence in the midfield will be good for the Reds, but the possibility of Abe returning very slim. Wouldn't you rather see Abe in the Premier League?

Moving in the other direction; Mazola's year long loan has ended (so he's back at Sao Paulo), Hiroyuki Takasaki has gone to Ventforet Kofu in the J2 (possibly to replace Havenaar?), Satoshi Horinouchi has been released (reported to be going to Consadole Sapporo) and Shunsuke Tsutsumi has also been released.

Of the four, losing Mazola and Takasaki would be the biggest. By saying that though, neither of the two impressed me that much in 2011. Mazola started well, but for some reason didn't make it on the field as often as I would have expected an "import" and Takasaki, J2's top scorer in 2010 couldn't deliver consistently in the J1 (the reason he's returning to the J2?).

Besides waiting for our first signing, I'm also waiting for the Reds 2012 jersey. Well here's a look at my Reds jersey collection (5 years in the making...). Only thing I'm missing is my two goalkeeper jerseys.

So the next time I blog hopefully I will be reporting on our first signing. Until then...

Introducing... A new striker in town & My jersey

There's a new striker in town (link); and his name is Ranko Despotovic. He comes from Girona FC, who plays in the Spanish Second Division, last season he scored 18 goals in 34 matches, has good size for a striker (185cm/75kg) and he's still in his prime at 28 years old. 

I'm glad that we didn't get a washed up player past his prime from Brazil that could have been. But do I think he's a good addition to the Reds? Well only time will tell. The more immediate question is can he ever replace Edmilson? If he can score goals more consistently then Edmilson has this year, which isn't to hard, then yeah. I'm just glad that they didn't issue him Urawa's number 9; that's something that needs to be earned. (He's been given jersey 31)

Finally; those who follow my on twitter (@urdblog) knows that my Urawa Reds 2011 jersey has arrived. It's slightly delayed, but it's not an easy task to source a J-League jersey outside of Japan, as many may already know. There's been a common question everyone is asking which I'll answer here, why Spiranovic? The answer is simple; I'm an Aussie, so it was the obvious choice. Enough yapping from me, here it is: 

My new red shirt - 2011 Urawa Reds Jersey

This day is one of the days of the year I look forward to every year, each time I wait in anticipation. Of cause this doesn't happen every year, but for the past few years it has. So as the season draws closer, the anticipation grows and the day has arrived! The Reds' has unveiled jersey for the 2011 season.

Every year I worry how it would turn out; to be honest if it is bad or good I will more then likely end up buying it anyways. For the past few years, in my very bias opinion looking through a "red coloured glasses" I've liked what Nike has come up with. I do like what Nike has come up with in 2011, it has that "retro" look (if you can call late ninties retro; maybe throwback?). If you look closely Nike has kept the diamond pattern (watermark if you like) on the jersey, and the addition of the black collar is something I'm particularly happy with (not a fan of white collars gets dirty to easily).

Unfortunatley the Reds' haven't followed the lead of other teams and remains with a white away jersey, but I must admit that it has the classic feel of it. Actually if you look closely,there's a "diamond pattern" stripe down the middle of the jersey. I do appreciate all the little details they have added to the jersey.

Now the big question is who should I have on my jersey?