[FM13] Avoiding the drop with Darmstadt

Playing with FM2013. Leagues loaded from: England, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Russia, Holland

Will be starting with SV Darmstadt 98 in 3. Liga Germany, who had a media prediction of 18th, making them the lowest manageable German side.

No specific plans yet for whether this will be a journeyman career, or whether I'll try to take Darmstadt to the top. My last FM2013 career game featured many sackings, so I'm not taking anything for granted this time.

Progress:

Season  Club             League        Pos   Pts  Cups     Notes
2012-13 SV Darmstadt 98  3.Liga        17th  40   N/A      -
2013-14 SV Darmstadt 98  3.Liga        17th  41   N/A      -
2014-15 SV Darmstadt 98  3.Liga        12th  53   N/A      -
2015-16 SV Darmstadt 98  3.Liga        14th  45   N/A      - 
2016-17 SV Darmstadt 98  3.Liga        2nd   72   N/A      Promoted!
2017-18 SV Darmstadt 98  2.Bundesliga  3rd   53   R2       Promoted via Playoff! 
2018-19 SV Darmstadt 98  Bundesliga    14th  33   Q/F      -
2019-20 SV Darmstadt 98  Bundesliga    12th  43   Q/F      -
2020-21 PSV Eindhoven    Eredivisie    1st   76   R3       Europa League S/F
2021-22 PSV Eindhoven    Eredivisie    1st   88   Winner!  Champions League 1st Knockout Round
2022    PSV Eindhoven    (left in November, unbeaten and top of the league)
2022-23 OM               Ligue 1       6th        R10      Joined out of League Cup and 19th in league. 
2023-24 OM               Ligue 1       1st   97   Winner!  Coupe de la Ligue 3rd round

SV Darmstadt 98

19000 stadium (4000 seated)

Average training facilities

Basic youth facilities

Poor finances

Wage budget is £41K - completely used as the squad is way too large

Transfer budget £0

Squad first impressions: not too bad in attacking positions. Very poor at centre-back, and also lacking quality in central midfield. No natural left wingers, oversubscribed on right wing. Will probably need a few loan signings to help us through the season.

Sounds like a good challenge, hope to see you progress up the ladder

thanks DavidBeckham

July 2012 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

SVW Mannheim (A, Friendly) 1-2 I joined the club with only one friendly left to play, which we threw away after taking the lead, against our fierce rivals no less, which will have done little to endear me to the fans.

Heidenheim (A) 2-3 Hard to imagine a worse start to my managerial career. We went 1-0 down instantly, then had an equaliser disallowed. Then conceded a penalty, which was saved but the rebound went in: 2-0 down after 7 minutes. On 16 minutes, one of our players saw a straight red. Then 3-0 down after 25 minutes. Only then did we get going and pulled a nice goal back. In second half, with 10 men, Borg got his second, another excellent goal, but we couldn't find an equaliser.

Aug 2012 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

We brought in a couple of young players on loan to boost weak positions in the side: Eric Zenga (MC) and Admir Terzic (DC).

Dortmund II (H) 2-1 Took an early lead, got a second. Comfortable game, but late goal made it 2-1.

Stuttgarter K (A) 1-1 We were doing quite well, 1-0 for much of it but ended up a draw.

Aachen (H) 1-3 Conceded inside 1st minute. We were the better team but 2-0 down at the break. Also conceded in 1st minute of second half. Pulled one back with 30 minutes remaining, but couldn't turn it round.

Halle (H) 1-1 Conceded early again. Looked like losing in unlucky circumstances, but snatched a very remarkable late equaliser.

Burghausen (A) 2-3 Took an early lead against stronger opposition, but they replied with three. Pulled a late goal back.

Sulu, our "best" centre-back has been shockingly poor so far this season. We've signed another centre-back on loan, Ole Kittner in an attempt to bolster the defence.

Chemnitz (H) 0-1 Went behind early in next game. Played well after that but couldn't find an equaliser. Had a man sent off late.

Ended the month in 17th, one place above relegation. Also managed to offload one centre-back on a free transfer to reduce wage budget slightly.

Position spotlight: Goalkeeper. Our main keeper, Jan Zimmermann is quite a good keeper. We've got nothing by way of backup though. Second choice Salfeld is not going to make it at this level.

Sep 2012 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Erfurt (A) 0-1 Started the game quite well and then inexplicably our striker got himself sent off for violent conduct 8 minutes in. We had to hang on for the second half, and with 10 minutes to go they had a man sent off. But they took the lead soon after. We hit the post in injury time.

Bielefeld (H) 1-3 We missed a glorious chance to take an early lead, and were punished soon after. A penalty made it two and shortly after it was three. We had a goal disallowed before pulling one back, but once again too little too late.

Unterhaching (A) 1-4 We started quite well, creating several good chances but fell behind. We got a thoroughly deserved equaliser just before the break. All our good work was undone by two quickfire goals 10 minutes from time. Attempts to chase the game left us open at the back and the final score was harsh.

Munster (H) 0-1 We played with an adventurous formation, and created some good chances. Some great keeping from Zimmermann prevented us from going behind. We were playing really well and seemed destined for at least a point until a horrible defensive error cost us he game.

Stuttgart II (A) 6-2 We had a few players back from injury for this winnable game. We played well and took the lead. We then got a quick second soon after. They pulled one back with a complete fluke. We were looking very shaky early in the second half, but managed to get a third. Suddenly we had confidence and we scored three more in quick succession to secure the win. They scored a late consolation goal.

We end the month in 18th, still in the relegation zone, but perhaps with an idea of a formation that is working a bit better for us.

Position spotlight: Left-back. Michael Stegmayer is one of the better players at the club. We've given him license to get a bit further forward operating as a wingback. As backup we'd have to rely on right-back Julian Ratei, but we're hoping not to have to use him this season.

Oct 2012 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Offenbach (H) 1-1 It was an encouraging start, although Offenbach soon got into the game and we were lucky not to go behind. Another very lucky escape early in the second half kept us level. Somehow we were in front soon after from a corner, and missed a great chance for a second. Sadly we couldn't hold on, but edged out the relegation zone.

Babelsberg (A) 2-1 Away to the bottom side we stayed positive in our formation, and almost got an early goal. Went behind to a good strike but levelled with an equally good one. A bit of luck gave us the lead in the second half and we held on for a massive result that keeps us just out of the relegation zone.

Wehen (H) 0-1 We went behind early and were being completely outplayed. We were better in the second half and missed a couple of glorious chances to draw level.

Karlsruhe (A) 0-0 We made a very encouraging start and squandered several chances to take an early lead. The rest of the game was more evenly balanced and we were reliant on poor finishing from our opponents to avoid a defeat.

Position spotlight: Central Midfield (DM & MC). The only two decent central midfielders in the squad are Danny Latza and Hugo Behrens who are both natural defensive midfielders in their early 20s. We brought in loanees Erik Zenga and Vincenzo Grifo to bolster the midfield. Zenga gets more games as he is stronger in the tackle, whilst Grifo offers a bit more creativity. Someone who can help us control the midfield is a priority in the summer.

Nov 2012 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

We started this month with a little bit of a backroom shakeup. We fired one of our two goalkeeping coaches and hired a regular coach instead. We also hired a new scout. Finally, our chief scout flagged up a few promising youngsters that we made contract offers to, as we are already looking ahead to next season when we'll be releasing much of our squad to reduce wages.

Saarbrucken (H) 0-1 We were under pressure from the start and soon conceded. We improved our game and had a goal disallowed. Zimmermann saved a penalty and we had a chance to equalize but once again we lose narrowly.

Osnabruck (A) 2-2 Again, went behind early in the match. We were creating more chances, but they scored with their second attempt on goal as well. We looked hopeless in defence, but did pull one back before the break. The second half was more even and we snatched a dramatic late equaliser for a deserved point. We barely keep our heads above the relegation zone.

Rostock (H) 3-2 We actually took the lead for once, with a goal on the counter attack. A horrific own goal put them level. We had completely dominated the first half. The second half was quieter and it seemed to be heading for a draw until we scored a dramatic late goal. Of course we couldn't hold on to our lead for more than a minute. It was a crushing blow, but more drama followed as we re-took the lead in the last minute and this time held on. A critical win as it moves us back out the relegation zone.

Heidenheim (H) 1-0 We were rank outsiders against runaway league leaders, but we hit the post early in the game. Zimmermann made two stunning saves, and we created good chances too. The second half was entertaining and we had two one on ones but failed to convert either. 10 minutes from time we took the lead on the counter, and held on for possibly one of the biggest upsets of the season. We remain 17th but finally could be pulling away from trouble.

Squad-wise, we released two players on frees and sold a third to reduce wage budget. Three teenagers join us (GK, ML and DR), but none are close to being ready to play first team football.

Position spotlight: striker. This is one position we're in fairly good shape for since we play with just one up front and have two decent strikers. Freddy Borg is our first choice, and Marcus Steegmann is not bad either. We have 2 or 3 other strikers in the squad who will only be called on in emergency. Steegmann is the wrong side of 30 so we'll be looking to replace him in the summer. It might also be a challenge to keep Borg after his contract expires this summer.

Dec 2012 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Dortmund II (A) 2-1 A relegation six pointer. We hit the post early on. We were looking good and took the lead midway through the first half. A second on the hour mark we got a second. We were coasting to victory but they pulled one back to set up a tense finish but we held on for another vital win.

Stuttgarter K (H) 1-1 We started strongly and were looking good, but ended up down to 10 men for a second yellow just before the break. We took the lead early in the second half but were pegged back almost immediately. We were happy with a point given that we were a man down. We stay 17th but a safe distance above the relegation zone.

Position spotlight: centre-backs. Centre-back was our problem position, but on loan Ole Kittner has been sensational, and 6'5" Benjamin Gorka is emerging as the best partner for him. Our coaches rate Aytac Sulu, but he's been awful, and I've preferred our other loan signing Admir Terzic as backup. We have two other centre-backs in the squad who we will let go at the end of their contracts, and we will be urgently looking to sign at least one for next season.

Jan 2013 (Winter Break) - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Strasbourg (H, Friendly) 3-3 We made a lot of changes, and controlled the game. After taking a comfortable 2-0 lead we let them back in, and they levelled soon after. We seemed to fall apart, and only a goal deep into injury time saved us from an embarrassing defeat.

Neunkirchen (A, Friendly) 2-0 We were in control but only took the lead in the second half. We finally finished the job late in the game.

Fortuna Koln (H, Friendly) 3-0 We were completely outplayed but a tactical reshuffle led to a comfortable win.

Trier (A, Friendly) 2-0 We took the lead against the run of play and were perhaps fortunate to come away with a win.

We made a new signing. 29 year old attacking midfielder Bjorn Lindemann comes on a free transfer and looks like he could be one of the best players at the club.

Bad Kreuznach (A, Friendly) 2-0 We were unconvincing, but eventually came away with a win.

Aachen (A) 1-1 Our return to league action got off to a bad start as we went behind inside two minutes. We were playing dreadfully but a tactical shuffle at half-time saw us get back into the game. We had a couple of great chances to snatch a winner but were happy with a point that extended our unbeaten league run to six games.

Position Spotlight: Left Wing We don't actually have any players who are natural left wingers. We tend to play Elton da Costa there, and Sebastian Zielinsky and Benjamin Baier can also do a job there.

Feb 2013 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Halle (A) 0-2 It was an open and entertaining game but with poor quality finishing from both sides. We went behind and couldn't find a way back into it due to our wastefulness in front of goal.

Burghausen (H) 3-0 We started well, and took the lead. We were under pressure in the second half, but extended our lead against the run of play and a late third lifted us up to 16th.

Chemnitz (A) 1-0 We held our own against strong opposition and took the lead in the second half.

Erfurt (H) 1-1 We played fairly well and took the lead midway through the second half. However a late equaliser denied us the three points.

Position Spotlight: Right-back This is one of our weaker positions in the squad, although our first choice Andreas Gaebler has improved recently. Julian Ratei is backup but we've not made use of him yet. It's a position we could do with strengthening in the summer.

Mar 2013 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Bielefeld (A) 0-3 We went two behind inside the first 10 minutes. We were completely outplayed, and only started creating chances in the final 10 minutes with the game out of reach.

Unterhaching (H) 2-2 We conceded just before and just after the break, leaving us with a mountain to climb. We went all out attack, and pulled one back, and then a glorious goal levelled things up. We are sliding back down the table though.

Munster (A) 0-1 We got off to an encouraging start, but neither side got any chances on target. The woeful finishing continued into the second half with both sides spurning glorious chances. Munster eventually scored with the only on-target effort of the game.

Stuttgart II (H) 3-0 We needed to avoid defeat here or else we would get sucked back into the relegation fight. We started well and scored two headed goals in quick succession. We were completely dominant and got a third before the break. We held on for a win that should now see us avoid relegation.

Offenbach (A) 2-1 We went behind early, but equalised before the break. We were playing very well and snatched a late goal, and then had to cling on to record a superb win.

Position spotlight: right wing We've got a lot of options here. American winger Preston Zimmerman is probably the best, but we also have Sebastian Zielinsky and Uwe Hesse as well, not to mention that Benjamin Baier can also play there. We'll probably end up letting a few go in the summer.

Apr 2013 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Babelsberg (H) 3-3 We were in control against weak opposition but somehow found ourselves two goals down. We pulled one back before the break. We drew level with a really well worked goal. But somehow Babelsberg retook the lead. We snatched a late equaliser to avoid embarrassment. We are now guaranteed to avoid relegation.

Wehen (A) 1-3 We started badly and were soon behind. We struggled to create any meaningful chances. Somehow we avoided going further behind, and then from nowhere we equalised with a 30 yard strike. But our joy was short-lived as they scored two in the final 5 minutes.

Karlsruhe (H) 1-3 It was another slightly disappointing performance, and we conceded two quick goals. We pulled one back then conceded again. Our opponents played the final 30 minutes with 10 men but we were very poor.

Saarbrucken (A) 0-1 We conceded an early goal. We were being completely overrun. We improved early in the second half and were unfortunate not to equalise. But we couldn't find a way back into the game, and our poor form continues.

I was offered a new two year deal, which hopefully means I've got some time to rebuild the squad. Our financial situation is looking pretty bleak though.

Position Spotlight: Attacking Midfield. Central attacking midfield is our strongest position. Bjorn Lindemann is a great player, and Elton da Costa is still one of our best players despite his advancing years. Benjamin Baier also prefers to play there but we usually use him wide. Musa Karli is not a bad option but hasn't featured. Da Costa and Karli are likely to leave in the summer to help reduce our wage budget.

May 2013 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Osnabruck (H) 0-1 A tough game to attempt to end our dire run of form. We fell behind midway through the first half. We were at least creating chances but couldn't convert any of them. We drop to 17th.

Rostock (A) 1-2 Our final game was another difficult one and we were completely outplayed. An improved second half saw us pull one back. We even hit the bar late on, but couldn't end our losing run. We end the season in 17th.

2012-13 Final Table

2012-13 Final Stats

Good work moving so far away from trouble before that bad end to the season.

thanks deltablue. It really helped that there were three terrible teams in the league below us.

Preseason 2013 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Lots of contracts were set to expire this summer. We arranged for Gorka to stay, who surprisingly turned out to be our player of the season, with his aerial ability proving a valuable asset. Baier, Lindemann, Stegmayer, Jan Zimmermann and Gaebler also have a year left on their contracts, so we do hold onto a few first team regulars.

Borg is a difficult case. His goals dried up completely at the end of last season. I'd consider perhaps a 1 year extension if he's not asking too much.

Hanno Behrens was an ever-present in midfield, and didn't impress but we are so short there we may end up trying to keep him. Danny Latza will probably be allowed to leave.

We'll also let go of right wingers Preston Zimmerman and Sebastian Zielinsky and try to sell Sulu and Hesse.

We made a few new signings. 18 year old right-back Fabian Holthaus had been released by Bochum and will be a solid backup for Gaebler. Another 18 year old Joshua Kimmich joins us to start plugging the gaps in midfield.

Our wage budget for the new season was substantially reduced. It meant we couldn't extend the contracts of existing players even if we wanted to.

Fortuna Koln (H, Friendly) 2-1 We took the lead in a poor quality first half and they equalised just after the break, but we won it in the end.

In July, we had a mass exodus of players and staff, including all our strikers, wingers, and central midfielders.

We started by hiring new staff. The shopping list for players is an urgent need of a striker and a couple of central midfielders. We also sold our top paid player Elton da Costa. The Brazillian attacking midfielder is now 33 and declining. We ended up with just 12 players in our first team squad, including five aged 18 or below.

Frankfurt (H Friendly) 1-2 We had a ridiculously weak squad, and had to start with three right-backs and no strikers. We were behind after five minutes. Surprisingly we equalised. We had no substitutes to change things up and eventually fell behind again. The performance wasn't awful, but it highlighted our desperate need of squad reinforcements.

We made our first loan signing. Centre-back Wilson Kamavuaka will join from Nurnberg for the season. This coincides with the sale of our underperforming centre-back Aytac Sulu.

Bochum (H, Friendly) 0-1 Progress on signings was painfully slow, and we were once again forced to play without any strikers. We actually played fairly well but ended up narrowly losing.

We signed a young but promising centre-back, Dennis Richter, formerly of HSV. It means we've got just about enough cover in defence now, and our focus urgently needs to turn to midfield and strikers.

We made another big signing - versatile Belgian defensive midfielder Jeroen Vanthournout joins us on a free transfer. We're paying slightly more in wages than we wanted to, but he looks like a top quality player.

We also signed another central midfielder on a free - Kevin Effiong, a 19 year old. He's really here just to boost the numbers a bit in midfield, and not the quality to ever be a first team starter.

Augsburg (H, Friendly) 0-0 We still have no strikers whatsoever in the squad. We were under pressure but held on bravely. With a bit of luck, we somehow came away with a draw.

We've finally signed a couple of strikers. Simon Brandsetter from Freiburg will join us on loan for the season, and looks a decent player. And 26 year old Belgian Tail Schoonjans was signed for free from Sint-Niklaas. He's a tall and intelligent player, but slow. Most importantly, his wage demands were very low.

Squad Analysis 2013 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

In goal, Jan Zimmermann remains first choice, with Luca Pusceddu a decent young backup. At right-back, Andreas Gaebler will also remain first choice, with the promising Fabian Holthaus hopefully getting plenty of games. At centre-back, Benjamin Gorka will be partnered by Wilson Kamavuaka, with Dennis Richter also hopefully picking up some first team experience too.

For central midfield, it looks like we'll have to operate with two defensive midfielders. They will be new signings Joshua Kimmich and Jeroen Vanthournout. There's no real backup for them apart from Kevin Effiong who doesn't look ready, so another central midfield signing is definitely needed.

On the left wing, 17 year old Lorenzo Condemi is our only option. He has potential, but it's a big ask for him to perform at this level. In attacking midfield we do have some good options. Benjamin Baier and Bjorn Lindemann both quality options centrally.

On the right wing, we still have Uwe Hesse, who we were thinking of selling but may end up being important, although Baier could end up being preferred on the right.

Up front, Simon Brandstetter will be our lone forward, with Tail Schoonjans offering a different option as a target man.

Priorities are to sign two more midfielders, one defensive, one attacking. And then another centre-back and winger will be needed for squad depth.

Jul 2013 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Dresden (H) 1-1 The league season started with a very tough game, and we could barely fill the substitutes bench. Dresden dominated possession and we fell behind but a dramatic injury time equaliser gave us a point. The game was soured though by a four month injury to Stegmayer, who we have no cover for.

We had to move quickly to get in another left-back, and 28 year old Sory Camara was available on a free. We also brought in 18 year old attacking midfielder Marcell Ohler. We also signed another striker on a free. Benjamin Forster is highly paid, but looks better than any of our current options.

Finally, a big boost was securing an exciting young Peruvian attacking midfielder, Junior Ponce on loan from Hoffenheim.

We kept busy in the transfer market, and picked up another defensive midfielder. 18 year old Lukas Frode came highly recommended by our scouts. Bad news though that our new signing Ponce picked up a long-term injury immediately.

Players In:

Aug 2013 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Paderborn (A) 0-1 Another game against recently relegated opponents and we went behind early. We were much improved in the second half and a little unlucky not to get a point out of this.

Aachen (H) 0-0 Fitness was an issue picking the team for this game. It was a dull first half, but in the second half we should really have taken the lead.

Erfurt (A) 0-0 We played well and were very unlucky not to get a goal.

Werder Bremen II (H) 0-1 A game we were expected to win, and we had a goal ruled out. We went behind after a poor goalkeeping clearance. We were the better team but failed to create any real chances.

Wehen (A) 2-0 We were awarded a penalty inside the first minute, our first since I took over the club. A few minutes later we added a second. Wehen created some dangerous chances, but we finally ended our horrible 11 game sequence in the league without a win.

Rostock (H) 3-0 We took the lead in a quiet first half. A goal from a set piece put us two up. Then we added a third late on, to wrap up a great win.

Sep 2013 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Bielefeld (A) 0-1 We struggled to create any chances and thought we'd earned a point but conceded deep into injury time.

Offenbach (A) 1-0 We were poor in the first half, but improved in the second and took the lead on the break. We held on for a fantastic win.

Munster (H) 0-0 We were the better team, but failed to create enough really good chances.

Stuttgarter K (A) 3-5 We got off to a very positive start, and were the better team but we conceded to both our opponent's efforts on goal. We pulled one back but a straight red for our left-back made our job harder. Stuttgarter then scored two more before the break. We weren't actually playing that badly, and even with 10 men created lots of chances. We pulled one back, and amazingly both sides scored again before the end. A tough result to take.

Unterhaching (H) 4-0 We controlled the game from the start, taking a two goal lead, and having another ruled out. We got a deserved third before the break. The fourth came in the second half and we coasted to a superb victory.

Oct 2013 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

SVW Mannheim (A) 0-1 We were favourites for this game, and our loan signing Ponce was finally available after a long injury. After a bright start, we ended up going behind. We failed to convert several great chances to equalise, and sunk to a disappointing defeat against our rivals.

Chemnitz (H) 1-1 Injury to our keeper meant a debut for our 18 year old backup, and Stegmayer barely recovered from long-term injury in time to step in for his backup who also picked up a long-term injury. We started well and took the lead. But against the run of play they equalised. It was a game we could, and perhaps should have won.

Burghausen (A) 1-1 We got off to a flying start with an early goal and came very close to adding a second. They were level with their first effort on goal. Another game we should have got more out off.

Halle (H) 0-0 We were poor in the first half, but improved in the second. Didn't do enough to get our first win of the month though.

Nov 2013 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Wuppertal (A) 1-1 We controlled the first half and took the lead. The second half we were not so good, and we threw it away in the last minute. A dreadful result against one of the weakest sides in the division, and we are now very much in danger of getting sucked into the relegation places.

Osnabruck (H) 2-1 Against the top of the table side, we had an encouraging start. We took the lead with a breakaway goal, and added a second on the counter attack soon after. But they pulled one back with their first effort on goal just before half-time. We had a goal cruelly disallowed in the second half. It was a superb performance from us, but the third goal never came leaving us to hang on nervously for a massive win.

Karlsruhe (A) 1-2 We went behind midway through the first half, in which we struggled to create any chances. In the second half, Forster finally scored his first goal for the club. But we were behind soon after, and couldn't find a way back in.

Dresden (A) 0-1 As expected we were under pressure against strong opposition but came very close with a couple of set pieces. We looked more solid in the second half, but fell behind 10 minutes from time and lost again. Not only that but our best player, Lindemann picked up a long-term injury.

Paderborn (H) 1-2 We went behind early on, but hit back instantly with a superb long-range strike. We then had a goal ruled out. We went behind again early in the second half. Once again we had nothing to offer and our dismal run of form continues.

Dec 2013 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Aachen (A) 2-1 Another tough game, but we took the lead from a corner. We somehow clung on under serious pressure, and then added a second goal from another corner. We were playing really well in the second half, but with 15 minutes remaining they pulled one back. We held on for a vital win in our fight against relegation.

Siegen (Friendly, A) 3-2 Conceded within 30 seconds, but drew level then went straight behind again. Equalised again before half-time. We snatched a late winner with a well worked goal.

Jan 2014 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Koln (H, Friendly) 1-1 Played our second team against strong opponents, and actually took the lead, but couldn't hold on to half-time. A draw was still a good result. However, loan signing Ponce picked up yet another long-term injury.

Eintracht Frankfurt (H, Friendly) 0-3 Conceded twice in the first half as we were completely outplayed. We let in another in the second half. The final score was a bit harsh. We missed a penalty. There was more terrible injury news as Lindemann picked up a long-term injury.

FSV Frankfurt (H, Friendly) 1-3 We played very well against a side from the league above us and were unlucky to fall behind. We were completely dominant in the second half, but conceded again. We pulled one back but then conceded again. We were very unlucky to end up losing this.

Trier (H, Friendly) 2-1 It was an even game, and seemed to be heading for a draw until we snatched a late winner.

Erfurt (H) 0-5 A big game against fellow relegation battlers and we got off to a bad start, going behind early. We were playing horribly and went two behind. A penalty just before half-time erased any hope we had of a comeback. We piled on the pressure in the second half but their defence was magnificent. A wonder goal made it four and they added a late fifth. A bitterly disappointing result.

Feb 2014 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Werder Bremen II (A) 1-0 A vital game against the worst side in the division, who had won only twice all season (once against us of course). We were in control, but it took us until the second half to take the lead. A good win, but we should have won by much more.

Wehen (H) 1-0 We had very little of the ball but took the lead on the counter attack. We rode our luck on several occasions, and held on for a fantastic win.

Rostock (A) 2-1 A horrible error gifted them an early goal. We weren't in the contest at all in the first half. But we equalised early in the second half. We had a couple of good chances to snatch a winner, and deep into injury time we snatched a winner, and we are looking good now to avoid the drop.

Bielefeld (H) 2-2 We went behind to a magnificent free kick and were very unlucky not to be level at the break. We conceded again early in the second half. We pulled one back with half an hour to go, and then got a deserved equaliser five minutes from time.

Offenbach (H) 0-1 We conceded an early penalty. We only created a handful of chances and we sank to a disappointing defeat.

Mar 2014 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Munster (A) 1-2 We fell behind immediately. Then a horrible defensive error gifted them a second. We pulled one back early in the second half.

Stuttgarter K (H) 0-0 We played well, creating the majority of chances, and having a goal ruled out.

Unterhaching (A) 0-1 We started well and were the equals of our opponents, but fell behind midway through the second half. We should have got at least a point out of this.

Mannheim (H) 2-3 A vital game as Manheim are probably the only team in the relegation zone who can catch us. We got off to a flying start with a magnificent early goal. We were in complete control so it was galling that they equalised with their only effort of the first half. Then they took the lead early in the second half. We then had an equaliser ruled out before finally drawing level. Infuriatingly they retook the lead. An awful result that draws us back into the relegation fight.

Apr 2014 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Chemnitz (A) 2-3 We conceded two early goals. We pulled one back, and weren't playing too badly. But our horrible run of form continued and we conceded again. A late goal wasn't enough.

Burghausen (H) 0-2 We played really well, dominating possession and creating chances. But they had two efforts on goal and converted them both. Nothing is going our way at the moment.

Halle (A) 3-3 Our disastrous run of form looked set to continue as we conceded a penalty in the first minute, and then a second goal soon after. We did pull one back back before half-time, and then just after we equalised. Finally we were playing well and were creating lots of chances. We deservedly took the lead, but a minute later a defensive error undid our hard work. There were chances for both sides to snatch a late winner. Thankfully, the team below us lost, meaning we edge closer to safety.

Wuppertal (H) 1-2 Our opponents are already relegated and a win would guarantee our safety. We took the lead from a corner. We were in complete control, but failed to score a second, and given the way things have been going recently, it was hardly a surprise when they equalised on a rare attack, and then took the lead soon after. Yet another diabolical result. The good news is we're staying up thanks to Mannheim also losing.

May 2014 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Osnabruck (A) 3-4 We experimented a bit with tactics and selection for this very tough game against top of the table opposition. We went behind to a corner, but equalised from another. Then we conceded one of the worst own goals I have ever seen, headed in under no pressure whatsoever. We started the second half well, hitting the bar, then equalising on the counter attack. We went behind again, from an unlucky rebound, but we responded well, equalising immediately. Infuriatingly, we went behind again. We were desperately unlucky not to take anything from this game.

Karlsruhe (H) 3-1 We conceded early from a set piece which has been a real weakness for us recently. But we managed to draw level and spurned a great chance to take the lead. We were in front early in the second half and should have wrapped it up soon after. But a great free kick finally gave us breathing room. It was a great performance, and meant that we finish with one more point than last season.

Hopefully you can start moving up the table before too long.

thanks deltablue, the financial situation at the club is the main barrier to progress at the moment

Close Season 2014 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

First thing to decide was who to keep of the players whose contracts were expiring. We really wanted to keep Baier (AM/RLC). Zimmermann (GK) and Stegmayer (DL) also remain the strongest players we have in their respective positions. However, all three are high earners, so it all depends on their demands. Hesse (AMR) and Gaebler (DR) will be allowed to leave, and we will need to recruit replacements.

We failed to negotiate a new deal for Stegmayer, but I did keep on Zimmermann, on a reduced wage. He's been reliable for us, and although we have some promising young keepers coming through, they're not yet ready to be first teamers.

Baier's agent wanted a huge salary for him, and we may end up having to give up on him which would be a huge loss.

We made our first summer signing. 19 year old Swedish centre-back Starke Hedlund arrives on a free transfer. He won't be challenging for a first team place immediately, but will provide squad depth, allowing us to focus any loan signings on more attacking positions if necessary.

Our wage budget was slashed even further, now down to £28K per week. It means that we will undoubtedly now lose Baier and Stegmayer.

Preseason 2014 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Koblenz (H, Friendly) 2-2 A final appearance for several players today, before we begin rebuilding yet again. We looked comfortable although our finishing was wayward. We went behind very much against the run of play. A complete change of players saw us pull one back, but we conceded again. We equalised through a 15 year old from our youth team who looks like he could be a great option for the future. We had bad news that Vanthournout is injured for a month.

Stegmayer, Baier, Gaebler and Hesse all left at the end of their contracts. We also lost our assistant manager, which is a major inconvenience. We tried to get Kamavuaka and Ponce on loan again this season, but Kamavuaka refuses to play for us.

Bonn (A, Friendly) 4-0 We had barely enough players to field a starting eleven and the bench was filled with 14 and 15 year olds. Forster gave us the lead and added a second from the penalty spot. He then completed a first half hat-trick. Our 15 year old prodigy scored again in the second half. Such a shame he can't feature for us for another two years.

Another big disappointment, Ponce does not want to join us on loan. We desperately needed more faces, and we did manage to sign 21 year old French attacking midfielder Emmanuel Debordeaux on a free transfer who should see plenty of action. We also got our first loan signing confirmed. Kaan Ayhan is a defensive midfielder who can also play centre-back.

Mainz (H, Friendly) 2-4 We finally have enough players to fill our bench without too many youth players. We were under pressure from the start and conceded two in quick succession. We did create some decent chances of our own, but their finishing was clinical and they added a third before the break. We strengthened our defence at half-time and pulled a goal back soon after the break. We were all over them and soon had a second. We played the last 10 minutes with some youth players, so it was no surprise that they scored a late goal but overall this was an encouraging performance.

We've confirmed the loan signing of Tobias Rathgeb, an experienced 32 year old defensive midfielder. This gives us strength in depth in defensive positions, and so if we can make one more loan signing it will be an attacking player.

Young Boys (H, Friendly) 0-5 We started well, but fell behind and we were three down by the break. The rout continued in the second half. The game wasn't nearly as one-sided as the score suggested but a concerning performance nonetheless.

We've extended the contracts of a few of our young players who weren't asking for big pay rises. We are still in financial dire straits and may need to contemplate selling some of our players soon. It's been frustrating to see our rivals signing all our transfer targets this summer as we simply cannot compete on wages.

Squad Analysis 2014 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

We go into next season with a weaker squad than last. In goal, we've retained Zimmerman, although we're hopeful that Suljagic can soon challenge for a place.

Holthaus is first choice right-back, with Pellegrino as backup. At left-back, we're hopeful that Camara can up his game after some poor performances last season, although we may use Vanthournout there or Rathgeb there instead.

At centre-back, Richter will partner Gorka, with Hedlund as backup, although he doesn't look ready yet. Ayhan may be called on to fill there in emergencies.

Defensive midfield is our best covered position, with Frode, Vanthournout, Ayhan and Rathgen all decent options. Effiong will provide cover in emergencies.

On the left wing we have just Condemi.

In central attacking midfield we have Lindemann, Debordeaux and Ohler, so we may end up playing narrower this season, or retraining some of them to play wide.

On the right wing, we have no players at all. Schoonjans is our only real option there, although I'm hoping Debordeaux can fill in there.

And up front we have just Forster and Schoonjans. So we'll be looking to loan at least one player who can cover the right wing and attack.

Aug 2014 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Bielefeld (H) 1-1 We went behind in the first half. We were improved in the second half, but conceded a penalty, which Zimmerman saved. We had created almost no goal threat all game, but late on we snatched an equaliser.

Jeroen Vanthournout, who we just appointed club captain requested a transfer and as one of our top earners we had to take it seriously. We managed to get £350K for him, which I don’t think is too bad, but the club remains over £1m in debt, and even with the substantially reduced wage bill this year (now less than half what it was when I joined), we're unlikely to make any profit. It leaves our threadbare squad even weaker, and we may need to bring in another defender to make up the numbers.

We loaned a striker - 19 year old Belgian Boubacar Diallo. Our focus now will move on to loaning a right winger.

We signed another left-back on a free transfer Salimo Sylla is a 20 year old formerly playing in France and will be our backup for Camara.

Aachen (A) 0-2 Four of our first team were out injured and another unfit, meaning we struggled to field a first team and couldn't fill the bench. We conceded early in the game. We got nowhere near their goal in the first half. We were better in the second half, but they scored again. A very disappointing performance, but not surprising given our threadbare squad.

Only a day's break before the next game, but there was at least time to bring in Serbian right winger Radovan Mitrovic on loan. We also brought in 21 year old German striker Denis Thomalla on a free transfer. We actually have more strikers than we need now, meaning we could try to move Forster on, or possibly consider changing our formation to use two strikers.

Lotte (H) 1-3 The team were tired and Mitrovic and Thomalla made their debuts immediately against newly promoted Lotte. We created a few very presentable chances but it was Lotte who took the lead. We urged our exhausted team to pile forward in the second half, and Thomalla scored a debut goal. But Lotte scored again immediately, and added a third. A terrible result against weak opposition, and it suggests that we are really going to struggle this season.

Unterhaching (A) 1-0 There was a bit of time to recuperate for this match. Our start was shambolic, but we took the lead against the run of play. In the second half, we created five great chances to extend our lead but took none of them. However, we held on for a thoroughly deserved win.

Rostock (H) 1-2 We had an almost fully fit squad for the visit of runaway league leaders. As expected we were under pressure, but took the lead from the penalty spot. We missed a glorious chance for a second. We were very much on top, but they equalised, and then in the last minute scored a wonder goal. A very harsh result.

FSV Frankfurt (A) 3-1 We were the better team in the first half, although Frankfurt improved and scored a stunning goal. We hit them on the counter in the second half. We then hit the bar and had one cleared of the line. Ten minutes from time, we were awarded a penalty, and two minutes later added a third. A wonderful result.

Munster (A) 1-0 We scrambled in an early goal. And then were awarded a penalty but it was saved. We were all over them and really should have had the game wrapped up by half-time. The second half was thankfully quiet, and we recorded another really good win.

Players In:

Sep 2014 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Bad news at the start of this month was that Richter is injured for 6 weeks. Centre-back is the one position we really lack cover in. It's a chance for Hedlund to get some first team action, but we may need to see if we can bring in one more player on a free to provide a bit more cover. I'm now regretting that I loaned a striker.

Karlsruhe (H) 2-0 Karlsruhe are favourites to win the league. On top of injuries, we had some players away on U21 duty. We started brilliantly and had two great chances to take an early lead. They were then reduced to 10 men for a straight red card. We controlled the game and took the lead. We were awarded a penalty which allowed us to secure a marvellous win.

Stuttgarter K (A) 0-1 It was a boring game with neither side creating any real goalscoring chances. Until injury time when they took the lead. We had a glorious chance to equalise in the dying seconds but shot directly at the keeper twice from six yards out.

Burghausen (H) 1-1 We started well and spurned a couple of glorious chances to take the lead. Burghausen also missed a sitter. We were creating loads of chances, but too many were long range efforts. But 10 minutes from time we finally made the breakthrough. Could we hold on? Of course not. But a draw was a fair result.

We agreed to terminate Diallo's loan, since we have more than enough strikers in the squad at the moment. Sadly it appears that the rules of the league prevent me from replacing him with an alternative loan signing.

Wehen (A) 2-1 Once again we wasted some great chances to take an early lead, but we were soon ahead. However, Wehen put us under a lot of pressure and equalized soon as the second half started. But we regained the lead on the counter attack. This time we managed to cling on for a great win.

Koblenz (H) 1-2 We took the lead from a corner and were controlling the match but we conceded against the run of play. We created lots of chances, and it was a lively second half, but five minutes from time they scored a winner. A disappointing way to end what had been a good month for us.

Oct 2014 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Regensburg (A) 0-3 A tough game against strong opposition. They scored after just 19 seconds. A defensive error gifted them a second. We barely troubled them at all. Then in injury time another horrendous mistake gifted them a third.

Paderborn (H) 0-0 Our opponents just sacked their manager. We have Richter back, and are going to give Suljagic a chance in goal. Neither team looked remotely likely to break the deadlock.

HSV II (A) 2-2 The worst team in the league by a long way took an early lead against us with a stunning 40 yard volley. We were in complete control though and equalised from a corner. We took the lead from another set piece in the second half. But criminally we failed to see this one out.

Chemnitz (H) 3-2 After a slow start we took the lead, and then added a second on the counter attack. They pulled one back early in the second half and applied some serious pressure. We spurned several glorious chances to finish it off. We finally got a goal to ease our nerves 10 minutes from time. Even then we conceded late setting up a nervous final few minutes, but held on for a big win.

Nov - Dec 2014 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Offenbach (A) 1-1 We conceded very early and struggled to create enough clear chances, but 10 minutes from time we scored a great equaliser. We had to withstand severe pressure but held on for a great point against the 2nd placed team.

Erfurt (H) 1-3 Both teams hit the woodwork, but they took the lead with a really good goal. We'd created very few chances, but a tactical change paid dividends and we equalised. But from the kickoff they instantly retook the lead. And then a bad defensive error gifted them a third. A disappointing performance.

Halle (A) 0-1 We fell behind in a poor first half and had a man sent off in the second. A very bad result that sees us getting dragged back down into the relegation fight.

Bielefeld (A) 3-3 Our main keeper is injured for a month, so our backup keeper gets a run in goal. We took an early lead, but couldn't hold onto it for long. However, we were soon back in front. But we conceded again in the second half. We squandered a glorious chance to retake the lead, but soon were in front again. But our backup keeper took the worst goal kick in the history of goal kicks to gift them a simple equaliser. A game we would certainly have won were it not for a dreadful goalkeeping performance.

Aachen (H) 2-1 A relegation six pointer. They sliced us wide open and took the lead with ease. We got not a single one of our 10 efforts on goal on target in the first half. Our criminally poor finishing continued in the second half until we got a headed equaliser from a corner. We continued to pile forward and got our reward deep into injury time to give us a vital win in our fight for survival, as the bottom half of the table is very congested.

Lotte (A) 0-0 Another relegation six pointer against a team who beat us first time round this season. We got off to a lively start but let ourselves down with poor finishing and it was goalless at the break despite our complete dominance. Lotte were much improved in the second half. Our best chance came in the dying minutes but we hit the post.

Winter Break Jan 2015 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

We're trying to tie up contracts for next season, and two potential big losses could be Gorka and Lindemann, both who want more than we can offer.

Our only transfer options at the moment are to find young players who will sign for a pittance, and hope they come good. We signed a couple of French teenage midfielders Herve Larrieu (17) and Teddy Blot (16).

Nottingen (A, Friendly) 5-1 We comfortably controlled the game, even using our fringe and youth players. Larrieu scored on his debut.

I got my first job offer. Bury are struggling in League 2 in England. But their finances are as precarious as Darmstadt's and the salary offered is lower than my current one. So I turned them down.

Idar-Oberstein (A, Friendly) 3-1 We conceded an early penalty in a sloppy first half performance, but took the lead with two very good goals late in the half. Our 16 year old French midfielder Blot added a late third.

We're trying to persuade our exciting 15 year old striking prospect Hanspeter Buck to stay with us after Dusseldorf attempted to poach him. It could be hard to hold onto him, and a shame that we have to wait over a year before he is eligible to play in the league.

Bonn (A, Friendly) 1-0 We took a while to get going but took the lead in the first half. A quiet second half.

Mayen (N, Friendly) 3-0 We took the lead just before the break. A penalty and another goal from our 15 year old prodigy Buck wrapped up the win.

St Gallen (H, Friendly) 2-2 We fell behind early but we played well and were soon level. We weren't so good in the second half, but took the lead with a nice lobbed finish from Thomalla. They equalised straight from kick-off.

Jan-Feb 2015 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Unterhaching (H) 3-0 Our first half performance was quite good and we took the lead from a corner. We hit them on the break with a second, and a third followed shortly after. It was a remarkably one-sided affair against one of the best teams in the division, and our best performance of the season.

Rostock (A) 1-2 Rostock are runaway leaders, so this will be a tough challenge for my 100th game in management. It was a lively first half and we were once again playing well. Gorka scored his 7th of the season from a corner, making the centre-back our top scorer! We started to believe we might hold on, but they eventually found an equaliser. Then in the dying minutes they found a winner. A bitter blow, and we deserved at least a point.

FSV Frankfurt (H) 1-2 After surviving an early scare, we took the lead, but they were soon level. We had chances to retake the lead but in the second half we were put under sustained pressure, and conceded a sickening goal deep in injury time. Frode also picked up an injury which is a real blow.

Munster (H) 4-1 We really needed a result against one of the few teams that sit below us in the table. It was an open game with chances for both teams, but we took the lead. Lindemann extended our lead with a lovely long-range strike. Kimmich added a third, but they pulled one back. But Ohler scored an excellent fourth. It's a huge result in our bid to avoid the drop.

Karlsruhe (A) 1-1 A tricky away tie against strong opponents. It was a quiet first half, but we took the lead from the penalty spot. They equalised early in the second half, but we held on for a good point.

Stuttgarter K (H) 3-0 Both our old fullbacks joined Stuttgarter in the summer after leaving on frees, and have been solid this season. This was a winnable game, and we got off to a great start, with Forster scoring twice early on. We were three up after just 15 minutes and Stuttgarter then went for damage limitation, and there were very few chances for the rest of the game. A great result. Once again at the end of February we are looking good to avoid relegation, but we need to press on and see that we don't have a dreadful end to the season for the third time in a row.

Mar 2015 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Burghausen (A) 1-2 We conceded an early goal, and took a long time to get going, but Lindemann equalised with a wonderful free kick. We piled on the pressure early in the second half, but they retook the lead. Forster headed wide with an open goal in front of him late on. A really hard result to take. We deserved more from this game.

Wehen (H) 4-1 We got off to a flying start, scoring early, and should have added more. We had a goal disallowed. But they drew level with a controversial penalty. We were deservedly back in front with a goal on the break. We had another goal ruled out early in the second half. Finally we got a deserved third. A fourth on the break sealed a fantastic win. It moves us above the 40 points mark usually required to avoid relegation.

Koblenz (A) 1-2 We were favourites for this game but went behind early. But we were on top and Lindemann pulled one back with a great individual goal. We created lots of chances, but poor finishing let us down. Then deep into injury time, they snatched a winner. A very disappointing result, and conceding late goals has happened too often this season.

We had some positive news. Lindemann and Gorka both signed new deals. Though they are both now the wrong side of 30, they have been two of our best performers, and it means we will will finally have a summer that doesn't involve a complete rebuild of the squad.

I had another job offer. Rochdale are in League 1, but could well get relegated. Again, it's not really a step up, and so long as I can get Darmstadt out of financial trouble (we currently £2m in debt), I think I have a future here.

Regensburg (H) 1-1 Our opponents have one of the strongest squads in the division yet sit midtable. We fell behind early again, but instantly hit back. It was an evenly balanced game, and we squandered one really good chance. The point does mean that we now have one more point on the board than last season.

Ohler has requested a transfer because he's not getting enough games. He's played 26 out of our 32 games this season.

Apr 2015 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Paderborn (A) 1-3 We were under pressure from the start and soon fell behind. A free kick made it two, but we pulled one back before the break. They added a late third.

HSV II (H) 5-0 At home against the worst side in the division, a win was needed to avoid any fears of getting sucked back into the relegation fight. Thomalla gave us an early lead with his 11th goal of the season, and Condemi added a second soon after. Lindemann scored a free kick. The second half was less entertaining but we added a fourth and fifth in quick succession through Schoonjans, on as a substitute. It was my best ever win, and effectively assures we avoid relegation. Now we need to see if we can hold onto a mid-table position.

Chemnitz (A) 3-1 We were awarded an early penalty, converted by Thomalla. He then scored our second also from the penalty spot. He completed his hat-trick with a great solo goal, the first hat-trick since I started. They pulled one back but we held on for a win that guarantees we stay up.

Offenbach (H) 4-1 We started really strongly and a good finish from Debordeaux gave us the lead. We were awarded yet another penalty, which Thomalla converted. Offenbach were improved in the second half, but Gorka headed in our third from a corner. They pulled one back but we'd done enough to secure the win, and Gorka added a fourth with another header from a corner. It should mean we finish at least in 12th place, and surprisingly we are now the second top scorers in the league.

May 2015 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Erfurt (A) 1-1 If we could keep up our good form we still had a chance of making the top half of the table. It was a boring first half, but we took the lead as Gorka headed in an incredible 10th goal of the season. He's an invaluable asset at corners. They drew level early in the second half and were looking a lot more dangerous. We disappointingly failed to threaten a winner, but the draw secures 12th place for us.

Halle (H) 2-2 We went behind in a poor quality first half and were gifted an equaliser through an own goal. But we were caught on the break and went behind again. We squandered a good chance to get level, and looked set to lose until good work from Debordeaux set up Thomalla to snatch a last gasp equaliser.

Final stats:

Our centre-back and captain Gorka had an amazing season. Headed in 10 goals. The coaches still don't rate him!

Gorka and Lindemann were both named in the 3.Liga team of the year. Benjamin Gorka was fans player of the season once more.

We made a small loss last year despite a big player sale and sticking well within my wage budget. The wage budget is now down to a paltry £19K per week, less than half what I started at the club with. It means there is no scope whatsoever to bring in anyone new.

Sounds like it's going to be tough to build on.

Yeah, need to get the finances under control before any real building for the future can take place, but there's very little outside interest for our players, meaning that there aren't many opportunities to reduce the debt.

Preseason Jun & Jul 2015 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

We're playing an extra friendly than normal to attempt to keep our financial situation from getting even worse than it already is.

Offenbach (H, Friendly) 6-4 Thomalla, Larrieu and Lindemann all scored as we got off to a stunning start. They pulled one back and had another disallowed, before scoring again. Debordeaux added our fourth before they pulled another back. Blot scored our fifth and they pulled another back. Forster scored a late sixth. Both defences and keepers were atrocious - only two efforts on target were saved all match.

Ben Forster asked to be transfer listed, which we readily accepted. He's our highest earner and second choice striker behind Thomalla.

SVW Mannheim (H, Friendly) 0-1 We conceded early and lacked the quality to get back into the game. A disappointing defeat against our local rivals.

Camara left the club at the end of his contract. We'll probably need to loan a left-back for cover.

Elversberg (H) 1-1 We fell behind early in the game and were very disappointing in the first half. Lindemann got a late equaliser to save embarrassment. Another disappointing performance against poor opposition.

Landau (H) 4-0 We took an early lead and wasted a great chance for a second. Forster scored in what could be his last appearance for us. And Gorka headed in a corner. A good goal from Debordeaux made it four.

Annoyingly, Forster rejected the contract offer from Heidenheim, which would have been a good boost to our finances had the transfer gone through.

OFI (A) 0-2 We should have taken the lead but fell behind. We conceded late. We deserved more from this game.

Eddersheim (H) 3-0 We took an early lead thanks to a complete howler from their keeper. Condemi added a second. We should have scored five or six in the first half alone. We added one more in the second half.

Jul & Aug 2015 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

So a new season begins. We've brought no one in at all, not even managed to find anyone to loan, and had one departure. Here's what our squad looks like:

Stuttgarter K (A) 2-2 We took an early lead and were very much in control. But they got into the game, and drew level. Schoonjans extended our lead with his second, but they equalised almost immediately. In the end a draw was a fair result.

We've sold Benjamin Forster to Kiel for a pittance of £10K. It is such a shame he turned down the offer from Hoffenheim who were going to pay us £200K. But at least we've offloaded our highest paid player. We'll need to find a striker to loan, preferably one who can play

We've also sold our keeper Jan Zimmermann for £90K, moving on another highly paid player. It means Suljagic will really need to step up after not impressing in his appearances last season. We've offered a full time contract to 17 year old keeper Skaljic, who is a product of our youth academy.

Lindemann and Gorka are upset with the weakening of our squad. So am I. But if we are to turn our financial situation around we really have very little alternative.

We've loaned defensive midfielder Jonathan Buatu for the season. We're also looking for a striker and possibly a left-back, although we may decide to be creative.

RW Essen (H) 1-3 Essen are one of the weakest teams in the league, but only took 3 minutes to take the lead against us. We looked very shaky at the back and were soon two down. Then it was 3 inside 20 minutes. A wonder strike from Schoonjans pulled one back for us, but we couldn’t get back into the game. An awful result.

We've signed 22 year old Italian right winger Manuel Marras on a free transfer. It provides us a bit more squad depth as we have no natural players in that position. 17 year old French centre-back Kevin Guillou also joins us.

Grossaspach (H) 2-1 Again we looked very unconvincing, but took the lead through Schoonjans, who is at least having a storming season for us on the right wing. They were soon level though and once again we were being outplayed. However, we improved and Thomalla put us in front again. We squandered a great chance to wrap up the win, but managed to hold on for a vital three points.

Bielefeld (A) 0-4 Away to one of the expected title contenders, we had to endure some nervous moments, and went behind midway through the half. We hit the bar, but then conceded two in quick succession. There was no way back for us even though we played better in the second half and deserved at least a goal. They scored a fourth late on. We didn’t deserve to lose by this much.

We've made another loan signing. Kwame Nsor of Kaiserslautern plays on the right wing and as a striker. He looks a quality player, and it's a shame we've not managed to find a left-back of similar quality to loan yet.

Chemnitz (H) 0-2 They took the lead with a wonderful individual goal and added a second from a corner. We were woeful, and barely threatened their goal all game. Seems like selling Zimmermann was a huge mistake.

Offenbach (A) 1-2 Away to a top of the table side. We had a goal disallowed in the first minute. Then we hit the crossbar in the second minute. We could have been three up inside the first 10 minutes. But then we conceded two penalties in two minutes. We hit the bar again with a free kick and pulled a late goal back. It was a result that was very harsh on us, but our defence is letting us down badly at the moment.

Unterhaching (H) 1-0 Against the bottom of the table team, we have got to get a result here. We started really well, creating lots of chances. Eventually we got one in, through Schoonjans. We should have been 3 or 4 up at the break. The second half was nervous as Unterhaching were much improved and our keeper almost gifted them a goal with a terrible goal kick. We held on for a vital win and end the month just with our heads above water.

Ins:

Outs:

Sep 2015 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Erfurt (A) 5-0 Both our first and second choice keepers are away on U21 international duty, meaning Pusceddu makes his debut. Schoonjans headed us into the lead and then Gorka headed in a corner, giving us a surprise early lead. We then added a third from the penalty spot. Incredibly we added a fourth just before half-time from loan signing Nsor. It just got better and better. Ohler made it five, and I was able to rest some first team players for the final 20 minutes. An unbelievable performance, and we could have scored more.

An interesting managerial appointment in our division:

Burghausen (H) 2-2 Burghausen are unbeaten and top of the table. We took an early lead again, but we weren't in front for long. We were playing really well, but their keeper was in fine form. 10 minutes from time, Nsor gave us the lead again with a superb finish. Our first choice keeper, for the third time this season took a terrible goal kick straight to their striker, but fortunately he fired wide. They did equalise shortly before the end, and we missed a glorious chance to snatch a winner. Our keeper redeemed himself with a brilliant injury time save. We were unlucky not to win this one.

Halle (A) 1-2 Halle are looking good in the league this year. Again we managed to take an early lead. But former Darmstadt winger Zielinsky was left completely unmarked to equalise. And then they took the lead with a set piece. We had several chances to equalise but weren't clinical enough. An unlucky defeat, and once again it is our defence letting us down at the moment.

Saarbrucken (H) 0-1 We were under a lot of early pressure, but were awarded a penalty, which was saved. We then hit the post. We went behind in the second half, and couldn't find a way back into it. A wasted opportunity to pick up at least a point.

Karlsruhe (A) 2-0 We took an early lead against strong opposition, and then scored a second, very much against the run of play. Thankfully their finishing was poor, and we held on for a great win.

Oct 2015 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Sandhausen (H) 3-1 A wonderful long-range strike from Nsor gave us the lead. Both sides then missed great chances to score. They levelled before the break. We retook the lead, survived a scare, and the Debordeaux scored our third. A great win, and our opponents sacked their manager in response.

Aachen (A) 2-2 Annoyingly, our first and second keepers are again away on international duty. We were under sustained pressure, and our third choice keeper made three great saves inside the first 10 minutes, before we finally went behind. We weren't in the game at all, but midway through the first half, levelled with our first attack. But they instantly retook the lead. It looked to be heading for a draw, but minutes from time, Schoonjans headed in an equaliser.

Paderborn (H) 1-3 We're expected to beat struggling Paderborn who are managed by Carlos Puyol. We created some good chances and even hit the bar. They took the lead early in the second half with a long-range effort. A defensive mixup cost us another goal. We made changes and pulled one goal back, and then missed a good chance to equalise. Paderborn then scored a third. We made more great chances, but it was quality of finishing that gave Paderborn the three points.

Koblenz (A) 3-1 Koblenz have defied all expectations and the team predicted to finish bottom are currently top, despite a very ordinary looking squad. We were on top in the first half and took the lead. Gorka added another from a corner. We continued to dominate and hit the bar. Eventually we added a third, also from a corner. We should have scored several more. We switched off and conceded a late goal.

Kiel (H) 0-0 Newly promoted Kiel have been doing well thanks to the goals of Ben Forster they signed from us. We were the better side in the first half, and they nullified our attacking threat in the second. We couldn't find a breakthrough.

Nov & Dec 2015 - SV Darmstadt 98 - 3. Liga

Regensburg (A) 0-2 Regensburg have a strong squad, but aren't performing too well in the league this season. They started strongly and were soon ahead. They shut us out in the second half and scored a second on a rare attack. An unlucky defeat in a game we played quite well in.

Wehen (H) 1-0 A relegation six pointer, and once again this season, due to U21 commitments, we must rely on our third choice keeper. We missed a glorious chance early in the game. We controlled the half and Lindemann gave us a deserved lead. We held on comfortably for a win that sees us with 25 points at the half-way stage of the season.

We had bad news that Dennis Richter is out for a month. This is a big opportunity for Hedlund to step up and show what he can do at centre-back.

Stuttgarter K (H) 2-0 It is important we avoid defeat to bottom of the table Stuttgarter. We started well and Gorka headed in a corner. Nsor added a second soon after. We had them under sustained pressure, but we failed to add any more. They rarely threatened our goal, and we held on for another really good win. However, injuries are mounting. Nsor misses the next month, and joins Buatu, Larrieu and Richter as long-term injuries.

RW Essen (A) 2-3 A team likely to go down, but they beat us early in the season so we need to be careful. We almost conceded inside the first minute but we were soon in front through Thomalla. Lindemann burst into the box to make it 2-0. They pulled one back early in the second half, and then equalised minutes later. Then two minutes after that a horrible defensive error gifted them a third. We hit the post and Schoonjans had a last minute effort brilliantly saved. A horrible capitulation in a game we should have won comfortably.

We've tied up the contracts of Debordeaux and Schoonjans, as both have been playing well this season and remain our main options on the right wing.

Grossapach (A) 0-2 A tricky mid-table side with some experienced players. We started well but fell behind. An own goal made it two. We pressed forward looking for a way back in, but our finishing lacked quality. A disappointing way to go into the winter break.