Former Chunichi Dragons manager Senichi Hoshino postponed accepting a formal offer by Hanshin Tigers officials for the managerial position of the Central League club on Wednesday, saying he needed time for further talks.
Hoshino said he intends to make his decision clear on whether he will accept or decline the offer after meeting with Hanshin officials again in Nagoya on Saturday.
"We have reached an agreement on much of the discussion, including things that I wish for and things that Hanshin wishes for. The next step of the talks will be to shake on it," Hoshino said.
"The owner (Shunjiro Kuma) has asked me to revive the legendary Tigers. He earnestly told me, 'You're the only one who can do this job.' "
In Wednesday's meeting, Kuma and Hanshin president Katsuyoshi Nozaki asked Hoshino to take the helm after Katsuya Nomura resigned as manager following the arrest of his wife, TV personality Sachiyo, on suspicion of tax evasion last week.
The 54-year-old Hoshino posted a 146-121 record with 34 saves in a 14-year playing career with the Dragons before retiring in 1982.
As Chunichi manager, Hoshino went 767-670 with 27 ties in his two stints over 11 seasons, leading the club to the CL title in 1988 and 1999. He stepped down after Chunichi finished fifth in 2001.