J-Talk: Extra Time – J2 Season Preview Part 3

With the big J2 kick-off less than a week away, the JTET team continue with their team-by-team previews of the 2025 season.

In this episode, Jon and James begin in Shikoku, discussing newly-promoted Imabari (Start to 09:15), and their rather-more-established prefectural neighbors Ehime (09:15 to 17:20). After that, Tokushima come under the microscope as well (17:20 to 26:40).

The boys then hand over to regular contributor Chris Hough to hear all about JEF Chiba's preparations for 2025 (26:40 to 35:50).

Staying in Kanto, Jon then sits down with friend-of-the-pod Steve Fryer for an in-depth chat about Omiya's return to the second tier (35:50 to 01:04:30). There's also a bonus discussion with Steve about one of the biggest J.League news stories of the last twelve months: multinational energy drink conglomerate Red Bull's controversial takeover of Omiya (01:04:30 to Finish).

Thank you as always to our contributors and listeners, and we hope everyone enjoys the show!

*These are the questions that we asked Chris and Steve to think about:

1)     Please tell us about your team's transfer activity over the winter break (major players coming in, major players going out).

2)     Who will be your team's key player in 2025?

3)     What do you think of your team's manager?

4)     Where do you think your team will finish in the 2025 table (head and heart)?

5)     Which team in J2 do you think is going to surprise people this season (could be your team or any other, could be a positive or negative surprise)?

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