Naoki Imaya
Naoki Imaya is a Japanese football manager and former footballer who played as a midfielder or forward. He currently manager of club, Tochigi City FC.
Career
As a child he moved to Sydney Australia with his parents at age 10. He played for various Australian clubs before moving to Switzerland. He played in the first season of the A-League with the New Zealand Knights before returning to NSW state league football with Marconi Stallions.In July 2007 he signed a contract with VfB Lübeck, a traditional club from Lübeck in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein playing in the 3rd German Regionalliga Nord. He was released by the club after six months due to financial problems.
Managerial career
Imaya is now coaching football to young children in Japan and no longer pursuing a professional career.On 12 November 2021, Imaya announcement officially appointed manager of Tochigi City FC in the Kantō Soccer League Division 1 from 2022. On 26 November 2023, Imaya brought his team winning 2023 Japanese Regional Football Champions League after defeat Tsukuba FC 0-4 in final matchweek of RCL and promotion to Japan Football League from 2024 season. On 17 November 2024, Imaya brought his team secure champions of 2024 Japan Football League and promotion to J3 League for the first time in history from next season after defeat Atletico Suzuka 6–0 in matchweek 29 at Kanseki Stadium Tochigi as final home game, return to third tier after 11 years absence. On 23 November 2025, Imaya brought his team secure promotion to J2 League for the first time in history from next season after defeat Nagano Parceiro 3–0 in matchweek 37 at City Football Station as final home game and ended in third tier at one year.