03.07.2009

News from Der Club over the past month

As the season finished with a superb promotion to the Bundesliga, Clubberer around the world were still celebrating and already eagerly awaiting next season at the beginning of June! With the players on their summer holidays one would naturally expect a quiet month at 1.FCN. However, a new signing, the resignation of the President, a new kit and the announcement of a friendly against the most successful club side in world football, were enough to capture the interest of all involved with Der Club. Jon Goulding brings the latest from the world of 1.FC Nuremberg.

Second team end season on a high

After a season of much promise, 1.FCN II finished the season with a 1-1 draw (the fourth in succession) against SSV Reutlingen, followed by a fantastic away win against Regionalliga Sud champions 1.FC Heidenheim. Indeed, that final victory, a 3-0 courtesy of goals from Kulabas, Stiefler and Gehring, saw 1.FCN II finish in a fantastic fifth place.

Congratulations to all involved with 1.FCN II on a wonderful season.

The end of an era as President Roth resigns

It was announced on Tuesday 9^th June that 1.FCN President Micheal A. Roth had left his office with immediate effect the previous evening following a board meeting.

73 year old Herr Roth cited his desire to concentrate more on his private life and his company Aro. He also stated that with the recent promotion back to the Bundesliga, he had achieved a goal and it was time for re-structuring at the club.

This was Roth’s second spell at the helm of 1.FCN and he has, of course, presided over many ups and downs in the clubs fortunes over a period stretching back to February 1979.

All at 1.FCN thank Herr Roth for all he has done for 1.FCN and wish him well.

Franz Schaefer, born on 21 January 1937, follows Michael A. Roth as Acting President of the 1.FC Nuremberg. Schaefer has been a member of 1.FCN since 1954. Franz Schaefer said: "I thank Michael A. Roth for everything he has done for 1. FC Nuremberg … I'm going to continue in the same manner as Michael A. Roth "

New signing

Thomas Broich has signed for 1.FCN from FC Cologne with coach Michael Oenning calling the midfielder, "Effective reinforcement." The player has been signed for free on a three year contract.

Michael Oenning continued, "I am glad that Thomas has decided to sign for us. He fits well into our football and our group of players. With his kind of self-motivation, wanting to show everything, and with his experience, he is a useful reinforcement for us."

And a new co-trainer for Oenning

Armin Reutershahn has become Michael Oenning’s new co-trainer. The 49-year-old Duisburger comes from Eintracht Frankfurt and is the successor to Peter Hermann.

Welcome to Der Club Herr Reutershahn.

Pre-season friendlies announced

The club has announced pre-season friendlies against Fenerbahce, Borussia Dortmund, Winterthur and Xanthi. However, the main attraction will undoubtedly be the match against the famous Glagow Rangers on the last Sunday of July.

The greatest Scottish club

Rangers, winners of the Scottish double last season, hold the record for the most national championships (52) in world football. When one also considers the 32 cup and 25 league cup titles, it is easy to see why this game is such a tantalizing prospect for 1.FCN fans. The fantastic Rangers supporters are certain to help create a great atmosphere in the easyCredit Stadium and the city of Nuremberg that weekend, and 1.FCN will relish the opportunity to pit themselves against the mighty Rangers, the best team in Scotland.

Back in training

As the month ended the players of 1.FCN returned to Valznerweiher to prepare for the new season.

The team was greeted by 2,000 fans and the warm rays of the sunshine as Michael Oenning and Armin Reuters set-about the task of getting their players ready for the return to the Bundesliga.

The players sported the new wine coloured playing shirts as the coaching staff warned, "We will prepare with a lot of sweat."

Martin Bader told the press that the aim for the season was to stay in the Bundesliga. This sentiment was reflected Michael Oenning who stated that he wants his team to continue to improve and that success will not just be in the form of points.

As the training intensifies, matches will be played throughout July and will be reported on in next month’s news.