1. FC
Nürnberg, or 1. Fußball-Club Nürnberg Verein für Leibesübungen e. V. in full,
is a professional football club from the city of Nuremberg in the German state
of Bavaria in the south of the country.
The
club was formed on the 4th May 1900 by eighteen young men in the Burenhütte
pub as an alternative to rugby, which was popular at the time. Nürnberg soon became successful and won an
early Bavarian championship.
Following
World War One the club quickly imposed itself as one of the big names in German
football from their home ground in the Zerzabelshof district of the city. Nürnberg
became known as ‘Der Club’ in many quarters for their dominance of the period.
In
1920 Nürnberg were crowned champions of Germany as they won the final
championship game 2-0 against title holders and near neighbours, SpVgg Fürth in
Frankfurt.
The title was retained the following year as Berliner FC Vorwärts 1890 were defeated 5-0 in Düsseldorf. The 1922 final between Nürnberg and Hamburger SV was never completed. The first game in Berlin was called off in extra time with the score standing at 2-2. It was deemed too dark to carry on.
The title was retained the following year as Berliner FC Vorwärts 1890 were defeated 5-0 in Düsseldorf. The 1922 final between Nürnberg and Hamburger SV was never completed. The first game in Berlin was called off in extra time with the score standing at 2-2. It was deemed too dark to carry on.
The replay in Leipzig was 1-1 when Nürnberg went down to just seven men through injury. The referee wrongly deemed that they should not be allowed to continue and abandoned the game. The DFB awarded the tie to Hamburg, although the trophy was never presented.
There
was little doubt of the winner when the same two sides lined up in Berlin in
1924 as Nürnberg lifted their third title with a 2-0 victory. They made it four
the following year with a replay victory over FSV Frankfurt in Frankfurt.
1927
proved to be the end of the glory years, as ‘Der Altmeister’ (The Old Master)
defeated Hertha BSC 2-0 in Berlin. The period ended with Nürnberg winning five
national championships as well as the whole club also collected six Süddeutsche
Meisterschaft titles, two Ostkreis-Liga’s, two Kreisliga Nordbayern and three Bezirksliga
Bayern championships.
In
1934, Nürnberg lost in the championship final to Schalke 04, a team who would
go on to dominate the period under the rule of the Third Reich. Under the
regime, football was divided into sixteen regional top-flight divisions, with Nürnberg
being placed into Gauliga Bayern, which they went on to win five times between
1934 and 1940.
In
1935 Nürnberg won the Tschammer-Pokal as the German Cup/DFB-Pokal was known as
the time following a 2-0 win in Berlin over Schalke 04. In 1936 the club once
again became German champions following a final victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf
after a replay in Berlin.
1939
saw the second Tschammer-Pokal go back to Zerzabelshof as Waldhof Mannheim were
defeated 2-0 in Berlin. After peace resumed, the club were placed in Oberliga
Süd. Nürnberg won the title in 1947 and then 1948, when they went on to win the
national title as 1. FC Kaiserslautern were defeated 2-1 in the final in
Cologne.
Further
Oberliga Süd titles arrived in 1951, 1957, 1961 and 1962. The 1961 title went
on to become a German national title as Borussia Dortmund were defeated 3-0 in
Hannover. Fortuna Düsseldorf were beaten 2-1 to lift the DFB-Pokal in 1962 to
complete the double, before the formation of the professional Bundesliga in
1963.
Nürnberg became founder members and moved into the historic Frankenstadion at the same time.
Nürnberg became founder members and moved into the historic Frankenstadion at the same time.
Morlock had scored the
opening goal for West Germany against Hungary in the 1954 World Cup Final. He
won the Bundesliga in 1948 and 1961 and in 1962 the German Cup. At 38 years old
he even appeared 21 times in the founding season of the Bundesliga.
After
a series of mid-table finishes Nürnberg went on to be crowned as Bundesliga
champions in 1967-68 under head coach Max Merkel. Merkel decided to replace his
experienced team of aging players with a dozen newcomers. The move backfired
drastically as Nürnberg were relegated.
Nürnberg
went down to Regionalliga Süd and then the newly formed 2. Bundesliga in 1974.
The team were promoted back to the top flight in 1978, but went straight back
down after just one season. Not to be deterred, they won an immediate promotion.
During
the 1980’s a friendly relationship was formed between the fans of Der Club and
those of Schalke 04. The 1995-96 season saw Nürnberg back in the second flight,
when financial problems led to the club being deducted six points, which led to
relegation to the third tier Regionalliga Süd.
The
team picked themselves up and won Regionalliga Süd at the first attempt. Under
the stewardship of Felix Magath the team continued the run and won promotion to
the Bundesliga in 1997-98. Once again Nürnberg were demoted at the first time
of asking.
This
time it was quite unexpected; even on the final day of the season. Nürnberg
went into the game in twelfth place and three points clear of the relegation
zone. Remarkably every side below Der Club won, while Nürnberg lost 2-1 at home
to SC Freiburg. The club were made to look a little silly as they had already
started to sell tickets for the top flight for the following season.
Former
German international star Klaus Augenthaler led the side back up as champions
in 2000-01. This time they lasted for two seasons in the Bundesliga before
suffering yet another relegation. In 2003-04 it would be the turn of Wolfgang
Wolf’s line up to retain their top flight status as 2. Bundesliga champions.
Over
the following three seasons, Nürnberg secured a sixth and eighth place finish. In
2007 the club lifted the DFB-Pokal with a 3-2 extra time victory over VfB
Stuttgart. Relegation followed at the end of the 2007-08 campaign despite the
efforts of forward Jan Koller.
Nobody
could ever accuse of the club lying down after such a setback. Dieter Hecking
took the team back up in 2008-09, again at the first attempt. The 2010-11
season saw Nürnberg finish in sixth place, their best for several years.
After
two tenth place finishes, Nürnberg were relegated at the conclusion of the
2013-14 season. René Weiler was put in charge of the team in November 2014. The
Swiss led them to a ninth place finish at the end of the campaign.
The team improved in 2015-16 finishing in third spot and qualifying for the play-off against Eintracht Frankfurt. Der Club lost on aggregate to remain in the second tier, with Weiler being replaced by Alois Schwartz.
An eventual twelfth place finish led to the departure of Schwartz, with Michael Köllner arriving in his place. Fan power eventually won the day when the latest stadium sponsorship deal ran out, with Frankenstadion being renamed Max-Morlock-Stadion in July 2017.
It would appear that the popular move inspired the team as they finished as 2. Bundesliga runners-up, only missing out on the title as they were overtaken when eventual champions Fortuna Düsseldorf won the final day decider in Nuremberg.
The team improved in 2015-16 finishing in third spot and qualifying for the play-off against Eintracht Frankfurt. Der Club lost on aggregate to remain in the second tier, with Weiler being replaced by Alois Schwartz.
An eventual twelfth place finish led to the departure of Schwartz, with Michael Köllner arriving in his place. Fan power eventually won the day when the latest stadium sponsorship deal ran out, with Frankenstadion being renamed Max-Morlock-Stadion in July 2017.
It would appear that the popular move inspired the team as they finished as 2. Bundesliga runners-up, only missing out on the title as they were overtaken when eventual champions Fortuna Düsseldorf won the final day decider in Nuremberg.
The goals of
Hanno Behrans and Mikael Ishak proved too much for opposing defences throughout
the season. However, the step up proved too much as Nürnberg went straight back
down which led to Boris Schommers coming in as the new coach in February 2019.
Damir Canadi
took over as coach in May 2019 as the team found themselves struggling in a
season suspended for a time owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. FC Nürnberg
will play in 2. Bundesliga in the 2020-21 season.
My
visits
1. FC
Nurnberg 2 Eintracht Braunschweig 1 (Monday 23rd November 2015) 2.
Bundesliga (att: 21,561)
It’s
fair to say that my first visit to Nuremberg was anything but dull. I was with
brothers Paul and Nick, who were celebrating my fiftieth birthday weekend. The
morning had been spent in Berlin, where we’d seen Hertha defeat Hoffenheim the
previous day. Following some sightseeing it was time to head to Tegel Airport
for our internal flight.
We
hadn’t checked in online as we’d presumed that the flight was unlikely to be
busy and we hoped to sit next to each other. We were in for an awful shock.
The
lady behind the counter broke the news that the flight was full and we were
only on stand by. Air Berlin had oversold the flight on the basis that some
people generally don’t show and they want a full flight.
To
say I was stunned was an understatement. I really tried to get my head around
it. Paul and Nick also offered their thoughts. Another member of staff tried a
bit harder to resolve the issue, but the best that they could do was to tell us
to go to the departure gate and wait.
We
plonked ourselves right by the desk and agreed that we’d attempt to remain
calm. The supervisor arrived and said that they thought that there would be two
seats available. Paul kindly offered us the seats and he would head back and
get on with some work. Suddenly we were told that there was only one definite
seat.
It
was agreed that I would go, with the others heading down on the 5.40pm service.
I could take the luggage and book us into the hotel before meeting up at the
station so we could all head to the game.
At
the last minute I was told that there were no seats as a member of staff was
heading to Nuremberg in the final seat. We were assured that all three of us
were guaranteed seats on the later plane and to head to the Air Berlin Ticket
Desk in the other terminal.
While
not especially happy, it at least meant that we would get to the match in time.
It was one of those things. We were caught out by not checking in online,
although the policy of over filling flights was definitely wrong. How people
without IT skills were meant to cope was anyone’s guess?
The
young lady at the ticket desk was a brilliant ambassador and a great lesson in
how to act in customer service. She sympathised and apologised without being
patronising. We were each going to receive €250 as well as some water, crisps
and chocolate. I thought this was more than fare. If only every company got me
to a game a little nearer to kick off, but paid me like that!
The
Eibacher Hof Hotel in Nuremberg were most helpful. I received codes to collect
the keys as the reception would be closed when we arrived after the game. Sadly
Tegel had limited facilities for us to fill our time, but we did our best. I
had a relaxing nap before it was time to go through customs for a second time!
The
plane was propeller powered and small, with only four seats on each row. There
was plenty of leg room and the two air hostesses gave everyone a drink and
snack on the hour flight. I managed a bit more shut eye and could see the
stadium as we approached the city. We got a small chocolate as we disembarked.
In
no time at all we were through the airport and downstairs waiting to take the
U2 train to Hauptbanhof. It was yet another impressive main station, with
plentiful lockers so that we could leave our luggage.
It
was then back upstairs, where the S2 train arrived to take us directly to the
Frankenstadion stop. As ever, the match ticket, which cost €11.50 and printed
at home, covered local travel on the day of the game.
The
s’Gartla bar had fires burning in the yard to entice in customers on a very
cold night. We passed on that, but grabbed some food and a gluhwein, while
checking out the wide array of t-shirts and scarves on offer at a temporary
stand.
Security
to enter the arena was tighter than usual, as the day before in Berlin, owing
to the Paris atrocities a week earlier. We were still inside the grounds
fifteen minutes before kick off despite all the delays.
Our
tickets were for the standing section on the Südkurve in Block 3, towards the
corner. The seats required for UEFA and FIFA competition folded up and locked,
with rails to lean on. This stopped each row getting too busy. We found a gap
near the end of the row with a cracking view near the back. It was warm enough
to enjoy a beer.
There
was a very active campaign from Nürnberg fans to have the Grundig Stadion
renamed the Max-Morlock-Stadion after the club’s greatest ever player. Fanzines
backed the campaign and ultras raised banners bearing the great mans portrait.
The
stadium itself was an octagonal shape, with spectator areas raised above pitch
level. The two tiered Main Stand was a separate structure, with all other
stands joined up with two tiers. The atmosphere was pretty good, despite the
low gate. The official figure surprised us. We didn’t think that there was that
many in attendance. A minute’s silence in respect of the Paris attack was held
before kick off.
Braunschweig
were backed by an impressive turn out for a long distance Monday night game
that was being shown live on TV. Their side started out playing some good
football and looked the more likely to open the scoring.
Alessandro
Schöpf failed to convert a half chance with opportunities being at a premium. I
was especially impressed by the driving midfield action provided by Eintracht’s
Gerrit Holtmann.
Paul
popped out to get the beers after half an hour as Nürnberg took the lead. Niclas
Füllkrug broke down the right hand side on the counter to cross for Sebastian
Kerk to slot home at the back post.
The
fans around us made sure we also got involved with the celebrations with high
fives and hugs. It was a really nice atmosphere. A fella on the row down was
smoking an electronic pipe and sending out huge plumes of smoke.
A
couple of minutes after the goal, the visitors came close to a leveller. Hendrick
Zuck fluffed an easy chance, while home keeper Raphael Schäfer also made a fine
save as Nürnberg went back to the dressing rooms with a narrow lead.
Joseph
Baffo headed against his own woodwork to keep the score at 1-0. Shortly
afterwards Braunschweig equalised. Holtmann created an opportunity which Nik
Omladic smashed home from twenty yards. It was a fair reflection on the game.
The
home fans were getting frustrated with Rene Weiler’s side in the mid-table
clash. Substitute Kevin Möhwald was making a positive impact and he had a shot
pushed onto the woodwork by visiting custodian Rafal Gikiewicz.
Just
as it looked like the game would end in a draw Nürnberg produced a move of real
class from a corner kick. The ball came in along the deck and was dummied by
the first oncoming player for Guido Burgstaller to strike home at the near
post.
We
were delighted. The home side had grown on us with the fans attitude and
friendliness. It had been great to be able to stand up at a game in comfortable
conditions.
At
full time Paul bought a t-shirt at the stall on the way to the station. We
caught a train immediately and five minutes later were back at the Hauptbanhof
to collect our bags and take another train to Eibacher. A further ten minute
walk at the other end had us at our hotel after another interesting day.
The
following day Nick and I returned to the area for a look at the Zeppelinfeld
for the scene of some deep history, where the Nuremberg Rallies had taken place
with over 200,000 people in attendance under the Nazi rule of Germany. The
stands were still there and about to be restored. The Nazi emblems were long
gone. The field in the middle was now used for sports.
The
city of Nuremberg was stunning. Nick and I did some real adventuring around the
tight streets and up the steep hill to the castle. The whole place oozed with
character and history. I couldn’t recommend it more.
After
a fascinating trip to some stunning places we arrived back at Stansted to go
our separate ways.
Pictured below are some images of the Zeppelinfeld near to Frankenstadion. Click on any to enlarge.
Some very sobering history took place there.
Thursday 28th
September 2018
It was a
beautiful late summers afternoon and I was back in Nuremberg for a couple of
days; primarily to take in the match between SpVgg Greuther Fürth and Hamburger
SV that evening as well as plenty of sightseeing and sampling!
I’d taken
advantage of a week off work by enjoying a bit of cricket before heading to
Germany for three days. The previous evening I’d been to see Fortuna Düsseldorf
go down 2-1 at home to Bayer Leverkusen.
I’d gone for
a nap on arrival at The Hotel Continental, which was not anywhere near the list
of my best hotels visited, but it did the job. I woke after a couple of hours
and caught a tram to Doku-Zentrum to take in some beauty as well as dark
history.
My walk took
in the Kongresshalle, Grosser Dutzendteich lake and Große Straße while taking
in some lovely views while I listened to a brilliant last session of the County
Cricket season live from The Oval as Essex just got over the line to end the
unbeaten record of champions Surrey.
I had deliberately
worked the walk to see previously unseen sights and to walk past
Max-Morlock-Stadion in daylight in all its glory. Predictably no gates were
open so there was no way I could enter for some photos.
Instead I
took what I could from the outside and took in the surroundings; realising that
the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung, home to concerts, basketball and Nürnberg
Ice Tigers ice hockey side was opposite.
I headed to Frankenstadion
station following a visit to the platform in Zeppelinfeld, where Hitler
preached to the naïve. Lest we never forget.
