Yokohama F. Marinos announced today that Steve Holland, former England National Team Assistant Coach, will join the Club as its new manager for the upcoming season.
Holland, who played professional football for five years with Bury, Husqvarna FF, Northwich Victoria and Hyde United, retired from playing at the age of 21. After obtaining his coaching license from the FA, he began his coaching career as a youth team coach at Crewe Alexandra just a year after retiring from playing.
Holland is a coach and manager with world-class experience, having worked with top players in both domestic and international football scenes across England and Europe. He has successfully developed young players at high level as the coach of Chelsea FC's reserve team and the U-21 England National team. At Chelsea, he served as assistant manager to José Mourinho for three years, and he was also Gareth Southgate's assistant manager for 11 years with the England National team.
I am excited to come to Japan, wonderful country and honored to have the opportunity to work in J.League, the best league in Asia.
It is a privilege to lead Yokohama F. Marinos as manager, in stadium where the enthusiasm and passion of the supporters create a fantastic atmosphere.
Yokohama F. Marinos is a prestigious club that has been a part of the J.League since its establishment in 1993 and has won five league championship to date. I've also heard that Yokohama F. Marinos receives great support from supporters, both at home and away match.
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.
Together with the players and staff, I want to create a team that supporters, partners, and the people of Yokohama, Yokosuka, and Yamato can be proud of.
I eagerly look forward to meeting all of you soon.
