Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Hiraoka Retires

Ex-J Leaguer Hiraoka Naoki retired from football this week at the ripe old age of 34. Born in Osaka, the defender was plucked out of high school by J1 club Shimizu S-Pulse where he spent over ten years and 200 appearances at the club before moving to Gifu in 2005. He provided vital experience to the team and helped guide FC Gifu through its fairy tale run from the Tokai Division 2 League to where it is now, the J2.
Hiraoka has recently accepted an offer to coach JFL newcomers Mio Biwako Kusatsu for their debut season.
We wish him the best. Thanks for the memories Hiraoka!

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