Tohoku Rakuten Eagles manager Katsuya Nomura said Thursday he has accepted the club's request to stay at the helm for his third season next year. "I've replied to the front office that I'll stay for another season," said the 72-year-old Nomura. Rakuten has secured a fourth-place finish in the Pacific League after struggling at the bottom of the six-team standings in its inaugural and second years. After Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Chiba Lotte Marines at Fullcast Stadium in the final home game of the season, Nomura said in front of the crowd, "Next year, Rakuten will not only look for a top-three finish but even give a shot at the league title." It will be the final year of his three-year contract.
