Incheon manager Huh resigns

Incheon United manager Huh Jung-moo has resigned from his post after less than two years at the helm, the soccer club confirmed on Tuesday.

Huh informed team officials earlier in the day that he had decided to step down, taking full responsibility for the team’s recent performance in the country’s top league.

It has been a tough month for the 57-year-old with the team struggling in the K-League and suffering financial woes.

Huh had been under fire for the team’s dismal recent performances ― Incheon won just one game out of its last six.

He also came under increasing criticism for his high salary as the team faces financial difficulties. The club reportedly has not paid its players for the past two months due to a budget shortfall.

The Incheon side spent some 19 billion won ($16.5 million) last year on projects such as building a new home stadium and bringing in big name players.

Also, Huh’s big-money signings, including former national team midfielder Kim Nam-il and Seol Ki-hyun, were greeted unfavorably.

Incheon finished 11th in 2010 and 13th in 2011. But Huh, who took the helm of the team in the summer of 2010, had said that he had high hopes for the new season with the opening of the club’s new home stadium.

Yet, six games into the season so far, the side is currently sitting in 14th place.

Huh took the helm after successfully guiding the Korean national team at the 2010 World Cup, helping it advance to the last 16 for the first time on foreign soil. Previously, he managed the K-League club Chunnam Dragons from 2005 to 2007.

Huh has not revealed his future plans but reports suggest he may move to another club in the K-League.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)