New beginning at SSV Ulm: Board relies on change and team spirit!

New beginning at SSV Ulm: Board relies on change and team spirit!

The general meeting of SSV Ulm 1846 Fußball on June 6, 2025 was an important event that was associated with great expectations and hope for a positive future for the club. Around 420 voting members took part in this largest meeting in the association's history. Board and managing director Markus Thiele promised that the club would “never give up” despite the challenges, especially relegation. Captain Jo Reichert sent a strong signal of determination and new beginnings with his statement, “This is not the end, we are just beginning”.

The meeting not only discussed the general mood and goals, but also announced various positive developments in the club. It was confirmed that the contracts of Dennis Chessa and Marvin Seybold have been extended. Additionally, Matthias Lust will be the new assistant coach, while Christoph Kappel, an assistant coach and match analyst from Red Bull Salzburg, will also be in the team. Thiele spoke of a noticeable sense of optimism and the goal of getting promoted back to the second division soon, possibly as early as the season after next. He compared the situation of SSV Ulm with the successful newcomers Heidenheim and Augsburg and is confident that the club can develop further in professional football.

Financial stability and membership growth

Another important aspect that Thiele and Heribert Fritz, the chairman of the supervisory board, addressed was the club's financial situation. Despite the relegation to the 3rd league, the club will start the new season with a plus of 3 million euros and will not be burdened with debt. The season's budget is 14 million euros, compared to 22 million euros in the previous season. In addition, the club was able to generate over 8 million euros in sponsorship money in the last twelve months. Over 5 million euros have already been secured for the current season.

The growth in membership is another encouraging sign of the positive development of the association. Membership currently stands at 5,390, compared to just around 1,000 ten years ago. These numbers reflect not only the growing interest in the club, but also the strong fan base, which Heribert Fritz praised, especially at away games.

A new start with new leadership

A crucial turning point for the team was the recent dismissal of coach Tom Wörle. This decision, according to Thiele, was necessary to bring a breath of fresh air into the team and to end the negative streak of just one win in the last 18 games. Thiele emphasized his gratitude to Wörle and his team, but the situation required a restart. The new coach Robert Lechleiter was chosen because he is already familiar with the club and the risk can therefore be minimized. Despite the disappointment of many fans, Thiele hopes that this decision will strengthen the unity within the team and the trust of the spectators.

The general meeting ended with great applause for the work done and the commitment of the association's committees. In addition, the election of the supervisory board members, who will set the course for the future of SSV Ulm 1846 Football, is eagerly awaited the next day.