Urawa Reds on Tuesday announced former Albirex Niigata striker Yusaku Ueno had been added to the club’s academy staff.

The 41-year-old Tochigi native notably represented the Denka Big Swan Stadium outfit as well as Avispa Fukuoka over the course of his 14-year playing career.

Ueno also enjoyed two separate spells at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, while representing Kyoto Sanga and former Japan Football League side Tochigi SC.

Upon retiring, he served Tochigi as an assistant coach and then as their head coach until September, before being confirmed as a member of the Reds’ staff.