People you should know-Shinkichi Kikuchi

Shinkichi Kikuchi patrolled the net for Verdy/Yomiuri during their most prolific era. Kikuchi made his debut for Yomiuri Nippon FC back in 1986, where he took home honors as best new goalkeeper. While in net for Yomiuri and Verdy, the team took home 11 titles including 5 league titles (3 JSL, 2 J League). He was named to the J League best 11 squad in 1994 and 1995. Kikuchi also presided in the nets for the national team squad during the infamous Doha tragedy. After a brief stint for Kawasaki Frontale in 2000, Kikuchi came back to the newly relocated Tokyo Verdy in 2001 to wrap up his career.

This year, Kikuchi took over duties as GK coach for Verdy. Arguably the team has shown improvement in the area, especially Yoshinari Takagi.