Ogawa to remain Swallows skipper

Tokyo Yakult Swallows manager Junji Ogawa said Monday he has accepted a request to continue at the helm of the Central League club next season.

The 55-year-old said he was asked to stay on as skipper by club president Tsuyoshi Kinugasa on Sunday after the Swallows' 4-4, 10-inning tie against the Yomiuri Giants at Hard Off Eco Stadium in Niigata.

"I am really grateful," said Ogawa, who has been offered a one-year deal. "Right now my mind is completely occupied with making the Climax Series (playoffs)."

Ogawa, who is in the final year of a two-year contract, took over as acting manager in May 2010, after Shigeru Takada quit, and was made manager in 2011.

View the original article here