Former Premier League hardman QUITS head coach role as he ‘aims for a new challenge’ amid links to jobs in English football

Former Premier League hardman Kevin Muscat has resigned as manager of J1 League powerhouse Yokohama F. Marinos as he looks for his next challenge.

Yokohama confirmed the departure of J1 League winners Muscat after two-and-a-half years on Thursday, with his last match in charge coming in Wednesday night's Asian Champions League match against Shandong Taishan.

It is unclear where Muscat, who was previously linked with roles in Britain since at former clubs from his playing days at Rangers and Millwall, will go next.

He also enjoyed spells at Crystal Palace in England's top flight and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“Firstly, it is important that I pay tribute to being given the opportunity to lead such a special club,” Muscat said in a statement translated into English on the club's website.

Former Premier League hardman Kevin Muscat has quit his job in Japan

Muscat enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Yokohama F Marinos, where he won the title

'And at this point I would like to say that I have made the decision that next Wednesday's match will be my last match as part of the Marinos family.'

Muscat thanked the club, its staff and fans for welcoming his family and sharing “wonderful memories” during his tenure, but made special mention of his players.

“Without their determination, without their attitude, these 2.5 years would not have been possible,” he said.

'All the players during that period have contributed to scoring more points than any other club and scoring more goals than any other club.

'And in true Marinos fashion, playing an attacking and exciting brand of football.'

After a brief, ill-fated spell in Belgium, former Melbourne Victory coach Muscat was appointed Marinos manager in July 2021, replacing current Tottenham boss and former mentor Ange Postecoglou.

The Melburnian won the J1 League title in 2022 and the Japanese Super Cup this year.

But Yokohama fell seven points short of the league title this year, finishing second behind Vissel Kobe.

Muscat is best remembered for his spells at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Millwall

He also played briefly in the Premier League with Crystal Palace

Yokohama made it clear they did not want the former Socceroos defender to leave and said they would immediately start the search for his successor.

“Manager Kevin Muscat recently stepped down as manager of Yokohama F. Marinos and will aim for a new challenge,” CEO Akihiro Nakayama said in a statement translated into English.

'We would like to thank Coach Muscat for his many achievements.

'It was a difficult decision for the club, but after repeated discussions the club respected coach Muscat's wishes and reached an agreement by mutual agreement.

'As the Marinos family, we would like to support Coach Muscat in his new challenge.'