Albirex Niigata beat Vissel Kobe in a thrilling J-League game which saw all 5 goals scored in an action packed second half. Under the watchful eyes of Michael Fitzgerald, Hiroshi Miyazawa and Wynton Rufer this end to end battle in front of 33,000 spectators had everyone on the edge of their seats. Miya and Wynton will now meet with the Niigata club manager to discuss the future of Michael but at this stage Albirex are keen to loan the Kiwi defender out to a second division club for 2009 so he can gain valuable first team game experience. The facilities at the training centre consist of 4 full sized grass fields in billiard condition, 2 full sized astro turf fields, futsal court, indoor gym, accommodation for 10 pro’s and 10 youth players (Michael lives here and is provided breakfast and dinner.) The club restaurant provides lunch, refreshments and other leisure activities. Finally the changing rooms, offices and personal gym provide the first team squad, U-19 squad and J-League ladies team everything that is needed for the players to achieve the ultimate professional performance.

Advertisement



The first team budget for Albirex is approx 35 million US$. The J-League list is headed by Urawa Red Diamonds at about 90 million US$. In terms of crowd averages Niigata are second only to the Reds with both clubs at around 40,000 per home game.
Read the article about WYNRS on the official Albirex website.

(picture: Michael Fitzgerald)


(picture: Wynton and Michael)


Advertisement