soccer

Akira Nishino, who has a J-League record of 244 first-division wins as manager, has taken over from Dragan Stojkovic as Nagoya Grampus coach for 2014, the club said Saturday.

The 58-year-old Japanese former player has managed J-League sides Kashiwa Reysol, Gamba Osaka and Vissel Kobe from 1998-2012.

He piloted Gamba Osaka for 10 years from 2002, winning the league title in 2005 and the Asian Champions League crown in 2008.

He coached the Kobe club for six months in 2012.

Grampus finished 11th in the J-League first division this year, their sixth season under Serbian Stojkovic, a former Yugoslavia and Red Star Belgrade captain.

Grampus general manager Kazumasa Kume called Nishino the "commander of commanders."

"He has an unmatchable record of 244 wins. I believe he will carry on and build up attractive and aggressive football," Kume said. "I also hope he will help cultivate young players."

© (c) 2013 AFP