Shougang welcomes 'grateful' Zhang

Former Chinese men's national team star Zhang Yunsong is the new head coach of Beijing's Shougang women's team.

Zhang has worked with the club's male youth team for the past six years. This is his first coaching role with a female squad.

"Three words that come to mind with this appointment - gratitude, responsibility and effort," said Zhang.

"Because it's my first role with women, I will make some psychological adjustments. I plan to energize the squad by giving young talent a chance."

The 40-year-old was one of the outstanding guards of his generation, starring for the CBA's Beijing Ducks and helping his country to an eighth-place finish at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

He succeeds Xu Limin, who has taken the reins of the national women's team.

Under Xu's stewardship, Shougang won three national titles, including in the past two seasons. "Zhang is the most suitable candidate for the head coach and I truly believe that he will move the team forward," said Xu.

Zhang said replacing Xu is a tall order, but added: "I'm confident I will follow in Xu's footsteps and continue to bring out the best in the team.

"I will be strict in training and will demand maximum effort and top quality from the players."

Jiang Chenglong contributed to the story