Former Chelsea and England coach lands shock new job after Thomas Tuchel decision

Steve Holland has been appointed as the new manager of Yokohama F. Marinos in the J-League.

The former England assistant coach has replaced John Hutchison, who was named interim boss in July when Harry Kewell left the club after some poor results.

Yokohama FM, who claimed the Japanese top-flight in 2022, failed to qualify for the Asian Champions League this season for the first time in four years. Meanwhile, Vissel Kobe claimed top spot - 20 points ahead of Holland's new side in ninth.

Speaking to the club's official website, Holland expressed his delight at landing the role. The ex-Chelsea coach said: "I am looking forward to going to Japan, a wonderful country, and honoured to work in the best league in Asia, the J-League.

"It's also an honour to take charge as manager of Yokohama F. Marinos in a fantastic environment, and surrounded by a passionate stadium and the enthusiasm of the fans and supporters who create a great atmosphere. Yokohama F. Marinos is a prestigious club that has been around since the launch of the J-League in 1993, and that has won five league titles so far.

"I have heard that the club receives great support both at home and away. Our challenge is to win the title again. We will play aggressive attacking football.

"We will build a team that can compete for the title with consistency and high competitiveness.

"The players and staff will work together to create a team that our fans, supporters, partners, and the people of Yokohama, Yokosuka and Yamato can be proud of. I look forward to seeing you all there."

Holland kick-started his management career at Crewe Alexandra in 1992, taking control of the Under-18s. He was promoted to academy manager in 1998, before becoming the first-team head coach in 2007.

After 71 games in the dugout, which ended in a 12-match winless run, he was named academy manager at Stoke City in 2009. A few months later Holland was picked up by Chelsea, where he quickly made a name for himself in the youth setup at Cobham training ground.

In 2011, he was named assistant manager at Stamford Bridge, working alongside Jose Mourinho (136 games), Rafael Benítez (48 games), Antonio Conte (47 games), Roberto Di Matteo (42 games), André Villas-Boas (40 games) and Guus Hiddink (27 games) over a six-year period.

During his spell in west London, between 2013 and 2016, he started working under Gareth Southgate as the England Under-21s assistant manager. He soon left the Blues to take on the same role for the Three Lions.

"I would not say a wrench," said Holland, when quizzed on his departure from Chelsea in an interview with The Independent in 2017. "I'm 47, never seen England in a final. My eldest son is 18 - and he's never seen England in a semi-final.

"I'm English, like most of you here, when you get an opportunity to try and affect that, and deliver something that would frankly make the nation go to a level that it has never been before, an England team that delivered success, that sort of opportunity was impossible to reject.

"I think from a Chelsea perspective I have had the eight best years of my life really, incredible experiences that you can only get at so many clubs in the world, that can provide those opportunities, [including] to win the Champions League and the Premier League.

"There are only so many clubs you can be connected with to have that opportunity. So on reflection, which I have had a few days to do now, just grateful for having had that opportunity. Chelsea have been brilliant with me, absolutely brilliant right the way through, and on to the next."

Working alongside Southgate, Holland helped England reach two European Championship finals (including the first major tournament final abroad by an England men's team), and a World Cup semi-final. As Thomas Tuchel was appointed as the Three Lions' new head coach, the former Chelsea boss stepped down and - another ex-Blue - Anthony Barry was named assistant manager.

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