Ex-England No.2 follows Kewell, Hutchinson at Marinos

Former England assistant Steve Holland has been appointed manager of Japanese club Yokohama F Marinos.

Former Central Coast Mariners legend John Hutchinson had been in charge at the club since Harry Kewell was sacked in July.

Hutchinson, who steered Marinos to the top of the Asian Champions League elite East Zone, making them almost certain to reach the knock-out stages, is expected to take over at Jubilo Iwata, newly relegated from the J1 League.

Holland has been out of work since leaving his position as Gareth Southgate's No.2 in the summer.

The 54-year-old helped take the national team to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final but left with Southgate in August.

Marinos, who are part of the City Football Group, finished ninth in last season's J1 League after sacking Kewell two months after he led them to the Asian Champions League final.

Holland wants to get his new team competing at the top when the new season kicks off in February.

"I am excited to come to Japan, wonderful country and honoured to have the opportunity to work in J.League, the best league in Asia," he told the club's official website.

"Our mission is to compete for titles again, and we will pursue playing an aggressive, attacking football.

"I aim to build a team that consistently competes at the highest level, defined by strong competitiveness and unity."