5 Dec 2005(Mon)

December 3, 2005 -- There is no reason why Verdy's last home game in J1 on Saturday should be depressing.

After all, they have been struggling for weeks, and relegation was confirmed at Kashiwa last Saturday.

So, rather than everyone being morbid and tearful -- meaning players, officials and fans -- it would be an appropriate time to start rebuilding spirit and confidence, and look forward to the challenges ahead, rather than looking back on what went wrong.

Next year, of course, Verdy will be in J2 for the first time, and, ironically, also in the revamped Asian Champions League for the first time.

But they cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves, or think they are too good to be in J2 just because of their former glories.

The league table does not lie after 34 games, and Verdy deserve to be exactly where they are. They have to face up to it and get on with it, so I hope I don't see any tears from players this afternoon. I want to see fists clenched, fighting talk and optimism.

The Asian Champions League will toughen them up, especially when they play the Korean champions, and this can only benefit them in the J2 season.

Personally, I am amazed at Verdy's decline.

At the start of the season I tipped them as a "dark horse" for the championship, meaning not a logical favourite, such as Marinos, Antlers, Reds and Jubilo, but a team capable of pulling it off if everything came together.

My faith in the Greens was based on the Emperor's Cup success of the previous season, plus the signing of Washington and Toda.

Washington was wanted by several clubs in Europe and Japan, but Verdy won the race and they can have no complaints about Washington's attitude or goals return.

Toda, I thought, would provide the steel and the experience Verdy needed, especially in midfield, where they have always been a bit lightweight: Nice, technical players, such as Yoshiyuki Kobayashi and Daigo Kobayashi, but needing a Keane, a Vieira or Souness-style battler. I thought Toda was just that man, but he fell out of favour very quickly with Ardiles, and looks like he'll be leaving Verdy after a frustrating season.

All is not lost for Verdy, though, as they should have one of the best strikeforces in J2 next season, if Hiramoto and Morimoto both stay at the club.

But the most important thing will be to rediscover the pride and the passion that once made Verdy mighty.

That cannot be coached. The players must do this for themselves next season, to ensure a swift return to the top flight.

ends