Jia Xiuquan Photo: CFP

Chinese Super League side Henan ­Jian­ye named Jia Xiuquan, former ­player of the Chinese national soccer team in the 1980s, as new head coach of the team who sit second from bottom, the Zhengzhou-based club announced Tuesday.

Former coach Tang Yaodong put forward his resignation after Jianye were beaten at home by Shanghai Shenxin on May 21, when Jianye had won only two games after 13 rounds. After a 1-1 draw to Hangzhou Greentown, the club ­approved Tang's resignation.

Jia previously had a stint with Jianye. In December 2007, he penned a three-year deal with the club, but resigned after just six months, which triggered anger from fans.

Later Shanghai Shenhua appointed Jia at their helm, and Shenhua finished the 2008 season as runners-up.

Jia's days with Shenhua didn't last very long, as he was sacked after Shenhua slipped into fifth place the following season.

"This is the last stop of my coaching career," Jia told reporters during a training session on Tuesday.

"I owe the club an explanation [for the sudden departure in 2008], I owe the fans an explanation. I hope I can help Jianye reach a peak and qualify for the Asian Champions League."

Jianye ended the half season with 12 goals scored but having conceded 22, which left them a lot to do in the season break.

"We were struggling," Jia said. "The main focus for now is to do what needs to be done, and do not make any speculation about the future."

Current second-placed Beijing Guoan and leaders Guangzhou Evergrande are eager to seek easy points when the Chinese top flight resumes after its one-and-a-half-month hiatus. They will take on Jianye in Zhengzhou on July 20 and July 27 respectively.

Also on Tuesday, veteran player Qu Bo of Guizhou Renhe left for Qingdao Hainiu, who sit in ninth in the second-tier China League One and are coached by Qu's former national teammate Su Maozhen. Qu and Su were both involved in the 23-man squad that played at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Tianjin-born winger Qu became ­famous for his speed on the flanks when he played for Hainiu's city rivals Qingdao Jonoon, where he spent a 10-year spell before joining Renhe.


Newspaper headline: Jia vows Zhengzhou team can reach Asian Champions League