After weeks of speculation linking Busan I’Park manager Hwang Sun-hong with the vacant managerial position at the Steelyard, Pohang Steelers officials have confirmed that the 42 year-old former Pohang striker will take over from caretaker manager Park Chang-hyun after Hwang rejected a final contract offer to remain at Busan.
Hwang enjoyed a successful spell with Pohang as a player from 1993 to 1998 tasting success in the Korean FA Cup as well as the Asian Club Championship and the Asian Super Cup in 1997 before switching to Japanese side Cerezo Osaka in mid-1998.
He has impressed many observers since beginning his managerial career with Busan ahead of the 2008 season, and led the team to an eighth place finish in the 2010 K-League season as well as reaching the FA Cup final where they lost out to Suwon Samsung Bluewings last month. Hwang has signed a three year deal with Pohang.
Busan I’Park moved quickly to appoint Hwang’s successor as manager, announcing that former Korean women’s national team manager and current FC Seoul assistant boss Ahn Ik-su will join up with the club after the K-League championship playoffs have ended. Ahn, who also managed the Daekyo Kangaroos women’s team and spent seven years on the coaching staff at Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, will leave his current post as Nelo Vingada’s right-hand man at FC Seoul in December and has signed a four year contract with Busan.
