Soccer-JEF United Chiba coach plots rapid retun to top flight

SINGAPORE, Nov 9 (Reuters) - JEF United Chiba coach Atsuhiko Ejiri vowed to overhaul his team following their first relegation from the J-League after a stoppage time defeat to leaders Kawasaki Frontale.

"We must re-build the team," Ejiri said following the 3-2 defeat on Sunday which put Kawasaki a point clear of defending champions Kashima Antlers with three games remaining.

"We have three games more as well as the Emperor's Cup, we are professional, we are going to fight the remaining games with our heads held high until the end," Ejiri said.

Chiba had taken a surprise first-half lead through Kohei Judo but a hat-trick from Brazilian Renatinho secured victory for Frontale.

Former Japan international striker Seiichiro Maki vowed Chiba would return to Japan's top division: "We can do that (return), working hard together as a team."

Chiba will play in Japan's second tier next season along with already demoted Oita Trinita with five other teams battling to avoid the final relegation spot currently occupied by Kashiwa Reysol who beat Shimizu S-Pulse 5-0.

(Writing by Patrick Johnston; Editing by John O'Brien; To comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)