Albirex Niigata on Monday announced that they will not renew the contract of manager Masaaki Yanagishita for next season.

The 55-year-old has managed the club since June 2012, taking the outfit to their first semi-final appearance in this season’s Yamazaki Nabisco Cup.

However, their brush with relegation in the MEIJI YASUDA J1 League, as well as elimination in the third round of the Emperor’s Cup, has prompted the club to conclude their partnership with the trainer.

“In order to carry out the continued growth of the club, we have made a comprehensive decision to conclude our contract with Yanagishita,” club president Mitsugu Tamura said in a statement. 

“I would like once again to express my gratitude for his contributions to the club, as well as ask for the continued support of our fans.”

Yanagishita’s will lead his side against Kashiwa Reysol on the final day of the season, in his last game in charge as Albirex boss.

Their upcoming hosts are also set to part company with their manager, Tatsuma Yoshida.