jsoccer.com hears from a “source” within the JFA that the team that came well bottom of the JFL – Arte Takasaki – MAY go bust/withdraw/get kicked out for not meeting certain requirements, or the powers-that-be MAY demand/decide to have a playoff anyway….. this would allow Banditonce Kobe into the JFL, or at least a play-off – we await further news with baited breath!

At the other end of the J.League, it is confirmed that Rosso Kumamoto and FC Gifu have been cleared to join J2 for the 2008 season. They had to prove their grounds and financial status were up to scratch, but officials have confirmed the elevation of these two teams. …..

Peter sends the details, and Gamba fans sigh in relief as Okada-san gets the nod for Japan, and Nishino stays where he is!Okada has been appointed manager of Japan! No details yet on length of appointment.Ramos has been appointed executive director of Verdi and Tetsuji Hashiratani as manager.Former Verdi player and coach and Cerezo manager Tsunami has been appointed manager of Yokohama FC.Kuwahara (59) present manager of Hamamatsu University football team will be appointed manager of the Marinos. Hayano (52) will retire after the Emperor’s Cup.Former Cerezo manager Shinji Kobayashi has been appointed manager of Montedio Yamagata.

Group A: Switzerland, Czech Republic, Portugal, TurkeyGroup B: Austria, Croatia, Germany, PolandGroup C: Holland, Italy, Romania, FranceGroup D: Greece, Sweden, Spain, RussiaDon’t know about you, but it doesn’t look too exciting without England !!That group C must be the ultimate Group of Death!So, if all goes to plan, the last eight will be Czech, Portugal, Croatia, Germany, Holland, Italy (no France?), Spain and… um, how about Russia?

It really was an Amazing J as Yokohama FC pulled out a win against Reds (just wait for the excuses about AFC Finals, Emperor’s Cup, players tired, etc. to come out now!), while Antlers won 3-0 at home to crown an amazing run of points after a dismal start to the season!Sanfrecce held Gamba 2-2 but still have to play off for the J1/J2 place with Kyoto Sanga next week. Going down are Kofu and Yokohama FC, coming up are Consadole, as Champions, and a managerless Verdy – Ramos quit during the week!

In qualifying matches for World Cup South Africa 2010, Japan have been grouped with a relatively easy Bahrain, Oman and Thailand, while the “group of death” is Australia, China, Iraq and Qatar!See FIFA.com for all the Asian group details.http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/asia/standings/index.html

Football – it really IS a funny old game….. two seasons ago Gamba won the league (and Cerezo dropped down four places) with a goal from FC Tokyo’s Konno at Nagai Stadium on 89 minutes and 57 seconds of the last game of the season! Today, with one game to go now, Gamba are out of it and Kashima are in with a chance……..

Peter has written that foreigners are good for the English game… I have replied with my feelings, and I feel it’s worth looking at – your comments invited, too!

Just a look at the top scorers in the J.League will tell you why the national team has problems scoring goals – the young Japanese forwards are not getting a look-in! More…. read on…..

Big weekend that saw Reds slip up, slightly, with a home draw, leaving Antlers in 2nd place 4 points back, and Gamba still in it five points back…..