Omiya Ardija signed Australia captain and defender Lucas Neill, the J. League first division club announced on Sunday.

Details of the 35-year-old's contract were not released, although Neill has already started training with the team.

Ardija sacked their manager Zdenko Verdenik last week, but the Slovenian's dismissal did little to change their form on Saturday, when Ardija lost 2-1 away to Sagan Tosu — their sixth straight defeat.

Omiya, now eight points off the pace, hosts Kashiwa Reysol next weekend.