5 May 2005(Thu)

TOKYO (May 4): The 2002 World Cup has left Japan with a number of magnificent constructions dotted around the country.

But I must admit I prefer the smaller, more compact stadiums for the purpose of watching football.

This is why the promotion of Omiya Ardija to J1 has given neutral spectators even more variety in their choice of matches in the saturated Kanto area.

I have visited Omiya Stadium twice in recent weeks for J.League matches, and on each occasion the atmosphere was excellent.

Especially against Verdy, when the visiting fans provided a dark green backdrop behind the goal, in contrast to the bright orange on the other three sides of the ground.

There's no running track, no cover for the fans, and the distance between the pitch and the spectators is very narrow.

With only 5,000 fans inside, like against Oita, there is still a good "vibe", in contrast to double that amount which would be lost in the vastness of Saitama Stadium 2002, where Omiya also play home matches.

Omiya Stadium reminds me of being back in England at a non-league ground, in other words, a club outside of the four-division professional league.

This used to happen in the English FA Cup, especially in the first round when a team from the lower divisions of the Football League was drawn to play away at a club from a regional league.

This provided part of the "romance" of the FA Cup, as the regional league team of part-time players frequently pulled off a surprise by beating their professional visitors.

Butchers, schoolteachers, bakers, delivery men....they would all make the news if they scored the winning goal to knock a Football League team out of the FA Cup.

A different town to visit...a different stadium with its matchday souvenir programme to store with the rest in the attic back home...maybe a pitch with a slope...and the wives of the players baking and selling the hot meat pies to eat at half-time.

This was all part of the day out, and these memories flood back with a visit to a homely ground such as Omiya.

I hope Omiya Stadium continues to be on the J.League list, despite the small capacity, as it is a true football ground where the fans are close to the action.

ends