Albirex Niigata on Monday announced Fumitake Miura as the club’s next manager.

The 46-year-old, a former midfield for Yokohama F. Marinos and FC Tokyo, spent two years in Niigata as a coach before debuting as manager for AC Nagano Parceiro in last season’s MEIJI YASUDA J3 League.

“It’s an honour to become the manager of Albirex Niigata and I’m happy to be able to return to Niigata,” Miura said. 

“I believe that hard work on both sides of the ball and a joint effort toward victory represent the DNA of this club’s football. 

“I want to build on that base and add more speed to our game.”

Albirex narrowly avoided relegation in the 2016 MEIJI YASUDA J1 League season, finishing in 15th place on goal difference.