Frank Kramer is named Fürth manager

Up until the summer of 2011, Kramer was in charge of the U23 SpVgg Greuther Fürth side before joining Hoffenheim to improve the skills of the second team. “We are sad to lose such a qualified coach as Frank Kramer,” said Hoffenheim's sporting director Andreas Müller. “After careful consideration, we agreed not to stand in the way of this opportunity for Frank.“

Frank Kramer on the move: “I'm leaving with a smile and a tear in my eye. I had a lot of fun working with the youth team at Hoffenheim and I always felt a great deal of trust between us. On the other hand, Fürth is a really big opportunity for me to prove myself as a first-team manager. I want to thank all those at Hoffenheim and not just for giving me this opportunity at such an abnormal time.”

Kramer's successor is the previous assistant manager Otmar Rösch, who will take over duties at the club until the end of the season. The situation is nothing new for the 51-year-old as two years ago, Rösch took over on an interim basis when Markus Gisdol left for FC Schalke 04. Add to that of course the fact that when Kramer had a period of interim management in the Hoffenheim first team in December, Rösch was also in charge of the youth team even if there were no competitive fixtures during that time.

“I am really looking forward to the task and working with my assistant coach Frank Fröhling,” said Rösch on Monday. “I am convinced that we can carry on the good work in the name of the club and the team. Our goal of reaching a play-off spot has not changed.” The U23 side are currently top of the south-west fourth division but Hoffenheim have played one more game than chasing sides Elversberg and Kassel.