Sancho has scored one and was influential in the build up to Dortmund's second. They're leading Gladbach in the top of the table tie, 2-1.
Was nice to see Fortuna won over Dortmund midweek. It's a cool town and their fans are great (as are most German supporters), I'd like to see them stay up.
FCC held their General Assembly yesterday (19 Jan 19). These are the notes published by the club. Comments/analysis would be welcome. And clarification - have Staprix actually written off €2 mil permanently or will it be written back if they rise up the leagues? Of course, our interest will become nothing more than academic if/when we part company with RD.
FCC GENERAL ASSEMBLY 01/19/2019 GmbH closes with plus, but still has to fight with structural minus / Result of the eV almost balanced / unanimous discharge of the committees About 300 of the currently 4,097 club members followed the invitation to attend the regular members' meeting of FC Carl Zeiss Jena eV on Saturday morning, which was held almost traditionally in the canteen of the Studierendenwerk Thüringen in the Jena Carl Zeiss promenade.
After the opening of the event by club president Klaus Berka, as in previous years, Vice President Andreas Wiese took over the direction of the meeting in the usual manner.
At the heart of today's General Assembly, which did not foresee any elections, were the reports of which President Klaus Berka was to hold the first to the situation of FC Carl Zeiss Jena eV. After him treasurer Rocco Walther led out. After the pre-season surplus of EUR 70,000, they were now able to report a nearly balanced financial year 2017/18 for the past season in FC Carl Zeiss Jena eV with a loss of EUR 10,000.
At the same time, revenues increased by almost EUR 100,000 to a total of EUR 620,000 compared to the previous year. The largest contributor to this is the membership fees of EUR 325,000, which increased by around EUR 50,000 compared to the previous year. 250,000 EUR comes from donations and grants. The largest cost block at the registered office is the personnel expenditure, which in the 2017/18 season was 455,000 EUR and thus 100,000 EUR higher than in the previous season.
Chris Förster reported on the past fiscal year 2017/18 of Carl Zeiss Jena Fußball Spielbetriebs GmbH. And he had good news in his luggage: Thus, the GmbH could complete the year with a plus after taxes of 372,000 EUR.
This includes a debt waiver by the FCC shareholder Staprix (Roland Duchatelet) of more than two million euros. Explanation: The FC Carl Zeiss Jena had taken in recent seasons loans from the shareholder, which was ready with appropriate commitments. In the past financial year, the shareholder relinquished to the FCC the repayment of its claims in the amount of two million euros (against debtor warrant).
Only in the case of an economic recovery of Spielbetriebs GmbH, ie a sustainable profit, would the loan to the creditor Staprix be repaid. Should this situation occur, "then we could afford it very well" (Chris Förster). In this case, one third of FC Carl Zeiss Jena's profit would be used to repay the loan, while two thirds of the surplus remained with FC Carl Zeiss Jena Spielbetriebs GmbH.
But the FCC CEO also made it clear that the positive numbers do not change the structural deficit of the club. "This is currently between one and a half million euros per season. The goal is to reduce this more and more and to promote the economic recovery, but this can not be done overnight. The process takes time and the support of everyone. "
In the profit and loss account of the GmbH, the managing director was able to refer to the increase in earnings over the previous year from more than 1 million euros to 4,365,000 euros. Nearly 1.5 million euros contribute to the topic of marketing, for which Lagardère is responsible. For the current season, the club is aiming for the proceeds of 2 million euros in sponsorship.
In merchandising, there was a record turnover of 700,000 euros, not least because of the special jersey with the "Wacken Foundation" on the chest. Overall, the pre-season revenues from merchandising and stadium catering totaled more than € 800,000.
After the rise in the 3rd league, of course, the revenue situation in the TV rights, which stem from the DFB central marketing of the 3rd league, developed positively. In the past season, the FCC received TV funds amounting to 680,000 euros. In the current season, this sum increases by the entry of Telekom Sport (Magenta Sport) to 800,000 EUR.
The total budget of Spielbetriebs GmbH in the 2017/18 season was 6.1 million euros and thus 1.1 million euros above the budget of the promotion season. For the current season, the FCC calculates with a total budget of 6.3 million euros.
With more than 50 percent of the total budget, the largest item on the expenditure side is the staff costs. These amounted in the past season a total of 3.2 million euros (including 1st team, U21, U19, coaching staff and office). Of this, the personnel costs for the game operation of the first team 2.6 million euros.
According to Chris Förster, the annual report of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Willi Obitz, followed by the debate before the members voted on the discharge of the committees. This was unanimous for both the Presidium and the Supervisory Board.
He did the same thing with Alcorcon, GHF. I don't think it means the debt is wiped out or converted to equity. In effect, it just means that repayments are indefinitely postponed.
In that case I wouldn't put it past the old skinflint to write these football debts into his will as part of his estate so that they pass down to future generations.
As cost-cutting is also a recurrent theme perhaps RD should consider appointing the thrifty Andy Holt from Accrington as our CFO (situation currently vacant).
FCC's 3.Liga programme restarts on Saturday at home to Preußen Münster, weather permitting.
FCC have played three friendlies during the winter break. All three matches should have been at home but because of the recent heavy snowfall the first two matches were switched to the artificial surface of Jena's women's team, and the last game to their opponents' stadium.
9 Jan 19 FCC 4-0 Oberlausitz Neugersdorf Rogerson 8' and 65' Felix Brügmann 60' and 90'. Att 80
12 Jan 19 FCC 3-0 VfB Germania Halberstadt Felix Brügmann 5' Tietz 51' and 80' (p) Att 150
20 Jan 19 Erzgebirge Aue 4-2 FCC (3 halves of 45 mins) Eismann 75' Tietz 128' (p) Att 350
Match-day 21 - the second half of the season opens
FCC 0-0 Preußen Münster Att 3878 (<150 away)
A welcome point for FCC, even if somewhat fortuitous. In the last few seconds the visitors hit the post and the rebound fell to an offside player. Phew!! Perhaps a draw may have been due, Münster having drawn only two games so far.
Great that you keep us updated on the club as well as the team. Among other things we learn that FCCs wage bill at €3.2 is lower than that of AFC Wimbledon (£4m, last time I heard). Gates equal to or a bit higher at FCC, especially for a derby or a cup-tie. But ticket prices a lot less at FCC if I recall rightly.
Always pointless to ask questions like "would FCC beat AFCW?" - or CAFC come to that- but I would love to hear how our BFG would compare the English and German third leagues"
An interesting thought, PA. Patrick says that when asked the question he always replies that he's been away from Germany for too long - now eight years - for him really to know what's going on over there, and he would rather not offer an opinion. I guess there's always some wise guy somewhere who will be only too happy to stick his oar in.
One thing that BFG does refer to are the compositions of the two leagues. Both have a mixture of fallen giants, home-town hopefuls and other clubs in between. So for Sunderland, Charlton and Pompey see 1860 München, Kaiserslautern and Rostock (or Karlsruhe etc). Clubs like this feel they are expected to dominate, but it's rarely as easy as that. Just ask the Massives. Of course the same applies in the Championship/2. Bundesliga, only even more so - in the respective jungles of those two leagues there are some very big predators. In their recent sabbatical in the second tier Stuttgart often drew 60000-seat sell-outs. Clearly there are similarities and differences, particularly arising from the different forms of ownership.
And dare it be said - five years ago I along with a good few others thought that our shiny new RD network would uniquely open up Europe to us. Remind me what happened to that crazy idea. No, don't.
The fourth game for FCC's new coach Kwasniok, three of which have been away, none have been lost and the last three have been goalless. FCC definitely got off light today.
FCC remain unbeaten in five games under new coach Kwasniok, albeit the last four matches all being drawn. FCC were ahead in 23' (Wolfram) but got pegged back on 45+1' . After the break KSC were reduced to 10 after a second yellow on 56' and on 63' missed a penalty. A point against high-flying opponents is more than respectable. FCC are now 17th in the table, the highest of the four relegation places.
FCC travel to old enemies FSV Zwickau. Being only about 90km away many Jenaers will make the short trip and over 850 tickets were sold in advance. Undoubtedly many more will travel on a lovely Spring day (15 deg). Zwickau lie 15th, two places above FCC.
Early action has seen Zwickau dominate proceedings, and they duly went ahead on 36' after a period of rising pressure. FCC have also had their chances, albeit more sporadic.
Of note in the first-half text commentary was the appearance of the word "gesandwitcht". Interesting. And, arousing suspicions that FCC were hosting a guest reporter from CAFC, was the following oh-so-familiar comment - "Referee Gasteier was too often wrong in [judging] Zwickau's well-known mixture of physically tough own game and embarrassing theatrics in lost duels". Ain't it the truth!!
Result FSV 2-0 FCC Att 6795
The killer blow finally arrived on 83' thanks to Zwickau's resonantly-named sub Tarsis Bongo, only just introduced. His shot squirmed through Koczor's grasp, who with Eckhardt tried desperately to keep the ball out, but Bongo put both 'keeper and ball over the line. The "goal" was allowed to stand. Of course it was. FCC's final frantic efforts came to nothing, a shot rebounding from the inside of the post into the Zwickau goalie's arms, and then that same gentleman making a last-minute worldy from an FCC absolute cannon-shell.
So Kwasniok's undefeated regime comes to an end. Next weekend FCC host Fortuna Köln in another 6-point nail-biter.
Conceding the game's only goal on 13' to fellow basement-dwellers proved disastrous. FCC have slipped a place to 18th, now 4 points from the safety of 16th. Only five wins so far this season tells its own story.
Last summer's inexplicable sale - without adequate replacement - of top-scorer Timmy Thiele to 3. Liga rivals Kaiserslautern is, of course, entirely explicable in RD's world.
FCC 0-0 Eintracht Braunschweig Att 6173 (around 1000 away)
The visitors generally had the upper hand but FCC soldiered on as best they could. They rose one place to 18th but they are still mired in the relegation places. The three most recent games have all been against lowly opponents but FCC managed not a single goal and only one point. Not even a rare indirect free-kick on the six-yard line could find success.
One positive - for the second home match in succession it was kids free of charge. Hundreds took advantage and the events were considered very worthwhile.
After Phillip Tietz' 26' goal for the visitors the in-form but cagey hosts equalised on 34' and went ahead on 54' with the softest of penalties. Although late goals on 86' and 88' distorted the scoreline the inescapable fact remains that FCC have now slipped to 19th.
An extraordinary mobilisation by Jenaers. Of the expected 20000+ crowd around 2000 FCC were away fans, a remarkable number given the team's poor form and the distance, a round-trip of over 500 miles.
FCC took the lead on 6' through Phillip Tietz but conceded on 13'. They played out a spirited first half but were gradually worn down by league-leaders Osnabrück. The hosts' goals on 79' and 86' shaped a scoreline simultaneously realistic and a little bit unkind.
Only around 100 Jenaers travelled on a miserable wet and windy day. A number refused to go citing excessive security arrangements, and apparently a substantial number are anyway banned from this fixture after incidents in previous years.
The fight against relegation continues but the games are steadily running out. Coach Kwasniok's winning start at 1860 München now seems a mighty long time ago, which actually it was.
FCC 0-0 KFC Uerdingen 05 Att: 4436 (disappointing crowd for a nice Spring day and kids up to 14 free admission)
The agony continues. 2019 remains win-less, with 7 draws out of the 11 matches played. FCC certainly had the better of the first half, and whilst the visitors improved for a spell FCC finished the stronger with the heartbreaking finale of hitting the post in added time. Temporarily bottom of the table, the solitary point gained was enough to return to 19th, a meagre consolation.
Not looking good. FCC are 7 points from safety, with the Division's worst GD. Only 8 matches left ....
The next two games are really important. On Sunday they play in Aalen, who are 1 point behind FCC. Then FCC has Cottbus at home, who sit 4 point in front of them. Only 6 point would FCC let the chance of avoiding relegation. Who knows what becomes of the new stadium if FCC goes down. Will there be enough money coming in, if they play in the Regionalliga Nordost, to avoid bankrupcy?
FCC are now effectively 9 points from safety. Hosting Cottbus in two weeks could be rough - in last night's match at Zwickau Cottbus had 6 booked.
FCC recently offered the chance for new investors to put money in. What does the future hold for any of the football-related enterprises with which RD is involved?
VFR Aalen 1-1 FCC Att: 3124 (well over 500 Jenaers)
Phillip Tietz's 41' equaliser for FCC brought an end to the scoring in what rather predictably ended in a tame 1-1 draw. Sadly for both teams the writing is on the wall.
FCC 2-1 FC Energie Cottbus Att: a healthy 6284 including close to 1500 visitors
FCC opened the scoring after only 5' through Wolfram but soon made up for this shocking lack of hospitality by gifting Cottbus a 12' own goal. The visitors continued to grow into the game but rode their luck at times. In particular two goal-line clearances were hotly disputed by FCC, unsurprisingly so since one shot was 30cm over the line. FCC's winner came on 77' with a Tietz penalty.
This was FCC's first win of 2019, and also their first home win since August. Welcome points indeed, but an impossible situation has developed into an even greater crisis.
Hansa Rostock 1-2 FCC Att: 16087 (approx 600 made the 1000km round trip from Jena)
Wolfram 5' 1-0 Starke 76' 2-1
Building on last week's win a steady performance at 5th-placed Rostock was duly rewarded. FCC remain 19th but the gap to 16th has been cut to 3 points with 5 games left. Next opponents are 2nd-placed Wehen Wiesbaden.
Their form - and their luck - has improved (the latter could scarcely have been worse). The fans are still behind them. Whether the upturn has come too late remains to be seen. The Wiesbaden game could be a good indicator. They are W18 D4 L11 - all or nothing might be a good thing for FCC as yet another draw is worth relatively little at this late stage. Two welcome wins have brought some hope.
FCC 3-1 FC Wehen Wiesbaden Att: 5577 (70 visitors)
18' Eckhardt 27' Tietz 74' 2-1 90'+3 Felix Brügmann
The third-placed visitors (sunk now to 4th, an unpromotionworthy rank) were forcefully shown which way the cold wind blows. Our heroes saw them off in style, in the process rising one place to 18th. Wehen had six yellow cards, FCC a mere one. Suddenly the lower reaches of 3. Liga look a shade less hostile: FCC are 18th, with 17-20 getting relegated.
Comments
TSV 1860 Munich 1-3 FCC
Att: officially a 15000 sell-out (some pockets of empty seats evident) - despite the team's poor form 1500 Jenaers present
3' Wolfram 0-1
74' Günther-Schmidt 1-2
81' Günther-Schmidt 1-3
A welcome first win for new coach Kwasniok in his first game. FCC rise from 19th to 16th, on goal difference outside the relegation places.
Video highlights 1860-FCC
Was nice to see Fortuna won over Dortmund midweek. It's a cool town and their fans are great (as are most German supporters), I'd like to see them stay up.
SG Sonnenhof Großaspach 0-0 FCC Att: 1500 (400 from Jena)
Despite each team having gained a point other results conspired to send them both into the relegation zone for the winter break.
Today's tame encounter will have given FCC's new Head Coach plenty to think about.
ADDED: a short video now available -
FCC GENERAL ASSEMBLY
01/19/2019
GmbH closes with plus, but still has to fight with structural minus / Result of the eV almost balanced / unanimous discharge of the committees
About 300 of the currently 4,097 club members followed the invitation to attend the regular members' meeting of FC Carl Zeiss Jena eV on Saturday morning, which was held almost traditionally in the canteen of the Studierendenwerk Thüringen in the Jena Carl Zeiss promenade.
After the opening of the event by club president Klaus Berka, as in previous years, Vice President Andreas Wiese took over the direction of the meeting in the usual manner.
At the heart of today's General Assembly, which did not foresee any elections, were the reports of which President Klaus Berka was to hold the first to the situation of FC Carl Zeiss Jena eV. After him treasurer Rocco Walther led out. After the pre-season surplus of EUR 70,000, they were now able to report a nearly balanced financial year 2017/18 for the past season in FC Carl Zeiss Jena eV with a loss of EUR 10,000.
At the same time, revenues increased by almost EUR 100,000 to a total of EUR 620,000 compared to the previous year. The largest contributor to this is the membership fees of EUR 325,000, which increased by around EUR 50,000 compared to the previous year. 250,000 EUR comes from donations and grants. The largest cost block at the registered office is the personnel expenditure, which in the 2017/18 season was 455,000 EUR and thus 100,000 EUR higher than in the previous season.
Chris Förster reported on the past fiscal year 2017/18 of Carl Zeiss Jena Fußball Spielbetriebs GmbH. And he had good news in his luggage: Thus, the GmbH could complete the year with a plus after taxes of 372,000 EUR.
This includes a debt waiver by the FCC shareholder Staprix (Roland Duchatelet) of more than two million euros. Explanation: The FC Carl Zeiss Jena had taken in recent seasons loans from the shareholder, which was ready with appropriate commitments. In the past financial year, the shareholder relinquished to the FCC the repayment of its claims in the amount of two million euros (against debtor warrant).
Only in the case of an economic recovery of Spielbetriebs GmbH, ie a sustainable profit, would the loan to the creditor Staprix be repaid. Should this situation occur, "then we could afford it very well" (Chris Förster). In this case, one third of FC Carl Zeiss Jena's profit would be used to repay the loan, while two thirds of the surplus remained with FC Carl Zeiss Jena Spielbetriebs GmbH.
But the FCC CEO also made it clear that the positive numbers do not change the structural deficit of the club. "This is currently between one and a half million euros per season. The goal is to reduce this more and more and to promote the economic recovery, but this can not be done overnight. The process takes time and the support of everyone. "
In the profit and loss account of the GmbH, the managing director was able to refer to the increase in earnings over the previous year from more than 1 million euros to 4,365,000 euros. Nearly 1.5 million euros contribute to the topic of marketing, for which Lagardère is responsible. For the current season, the club is aiming for the proceeds of 2 million euros in sponsorship.
In merchandising, there was a record turnover of 700,000 euros, not least because of the special jersey with the "Wacken Foundation" on the chest. Overall, the pre-season revenues from merchandising and stadium catering totaled more than € 800,000.
After the rise in the 3rd league, of course, the revenue situation in the TV rights, which stem from the DFB central marketing of the 3rd league, developed positively. In the past season, the FCC received TV funds amounting to 680,000 euros. In the current season, this sum increases by the entry of Telekom Sport (Magenta Sport) to 800,000 EUR.
The total budget of Spielbetriebs GmbH in the 2017/18 season was 6.1 million euros and thus 1.1 million euros above the budget of the promotion season. For the current season, the FCC calculates with a total budget of 6.3 million euros.
With more than 50 percent of the total budget, the largest item on the expenditure side is the staff costs. These amounted in the past season a total of 3.2 million euros (including 1st team, U21, U19, coaching staff and office). Of this, the personnel costs for the game operation of the first team 2.6 million euros.
According to Chris Förster, the annual report of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Willi Obitz, followed by the debate before the members voted on the discharge of the committees. This was unanimous for both the Presidium and the Supervisory Board.
In that case I wouldn't put it past the old skinflint to write these football debts into his will as part of his estate so that they pass down to future generations.
As cost-cutting is also a recurrent theme perhaps RD should consider appointing the thrifty Andy Holt from Accrington as our CFO (situation currently vacant).
FCC's 3.Liga programme restarts on Saturday at home to Preußen Münster, weather permitting.
FCC have played three friendlies during the winter break. All three matches should have been at home but because of the recent heavy snowfall the first two matches were switched to the artificial surface of Jena's women's team, and the last game to their opponents' stadium.
9 Jan 19 FCC 4-0 Oberlausitz Neugersdorf Rogerson 8' and 65' Felix Brügmann 60' and 90'. Att 80
12 Jan 19 FCC 3-0 VfB Germania Halberstadt Felix Brügmann 5' Tietz 51' and 80' (p) Att 150
20 Jan 19 Erzgebirge Aue 4-2 FCC (3 halves of 45 mins) Eismann 75' Tietz 128' (p) Att 350
Match-day 21 - the second half of the season opens
FCC 0-0 Preußen Münster Att 3878 (<150 away)
A welcome point for FCC, even if somewhat fortuitous. In the last few seconds the visitors hit the post and the rebound fell to an offside player. Phew!! Perhaps a draw may have been due, Münster having drawn only two games so far.
Great that you keep us updated on the club as well as the team. Among other things we learn that FCCs wage bill at €3.2 is lower than that of AFC Wimbledon (£4m, last time I heard). Gates equal to or a bit higher at FCC, especially for a derby or a cup-tie. But ticket prices a lot less at FCC if I recall rightly.
Always pointless to ask questions like "would FCC beat AFCW?" - or CAFC come to that- but I would love to hear how our BFG would compare the English and German third leagues"
An interesting thought, PA. Patrick says that when asked the question he always replies that he's been away from Germany for too long - now eight years - for him really to know what's going on over there, and he would rather not offer an opinion. I guess there's always some wise guy somewhere who will be only too happy to stick his oar in.
One thing that BFG does refer to are the compositions of the two leagues. Both have a mixture of fallen giants, home-town hopefuls and other clubs in between. So for Sunderland, Charlton and Pompey see 1860 München, Kaiserslautern and Rostock (or Karlsruhe etc). Clubs like this feel they are expected to dominate, but it's rarely as easy as that. Just ask the Massives. Of course the same applies in the Championship/2. Bundesliga, only even more so - in the respective jungles of those two leagues there are some very big predators. In their recent sabbatical in the second tier Stuttgart often drew 60000-seat sell-outs. Clearly there are similarities and differences, particularly arising from the different forms of ownership.
And dare it be said - five years ago I along with a good few others thought that our shiny new RD network would uniquely open up Europe to us. Remind me what happened to that crazy idea. No, don't.
Match-day 22
Hallescher 0-0 FCC Att 8621
The fourth game for FCC's new coach Kwasniok, three of which have been away, none have been lost and the last three have been goalless. FCC definitely got off light today.
Belated match-day 23 (Feb 9)
FCC 1-1 Karlsruhe SC Attn 5337 (800+ from KSC)
FCC remain unbeaten in five games under new coach Kwasniok, albeit the last four matches all being drawn. FCC were ahead in 23' (Wolfram) but got pegged back on 45+1' . After the break KSC were reduced to 10 after a second yellow on 56' and on 63' missed a penalty. A point against high-flying opponents is more than respectable. FCC are now 17th in the table, the highest of the four relegation places.
Match-day 24 (Feb 17)
FCC travel to old enemies FSV Zwickau. Being only about 90km away many Jenaers will make the short trip and over 850 tickets were sold in advance. Undoubtedly many more will travel on a lovely Spring day (15 deg). Zwickau lie 15th, two places above FCC.
Early action has seen Zwickau dominate proceedings, and they duly went ahead on 36' after a period of rising pressure. FCC have also had their chances, albeit more sporadic.
Of note in the first-half text commentary was the appearance of the word "gesandwitcht". Interesting. And, arousing suspicions that FCC were hosting a guest reporter from CAFC, was the following oh-so-familiar comment - "Referee Gasteier was too often wrong in [judging] Zwickau's well-known mixture of physically tough own game and embarrassing theatrics in lost duels". Ain't it the truth!!
Result FSV 2-0 FCC Att 6795
The killer blow finally arrived on 83' thanks to Zwickau's resonantly-named sub Tarsis Bongo, only just introduced. His shot squirmed through Koczor's grasp, who with Eckhardt tried desperately to keep the ball out, but Bongo put both 'keeper and ball over the line. The "goal" was allowed to stand. Of course it was. FCC's final frantic efforts came to nothing, a shot rebounding from the inside of the post into the Zwickau goalie's arms, and then that same gentleman making a last-minute worldy from an FCC absolute cannon-shell.
So Kwasniok's undefeated regime comes to an end. Next weekend FCC host Fortuna Köln in another 6-point nail-biter.
Video highlights:
Match-day 25 (Feb 23)
FCC 0-1 Fortuna Köln Att 4578 (40 away)
Conceding the game's only goal on 13' to fellow basement-dwellers proved disastrous. FCC have slipped a place to 18th, now 4 points from the safety of 16th. Only five wins so far this season tells its own story.
Last summer's inexplicable sale - without adequate replacement - of top-scorer Timmy Thiele to 3. Liga rivals Kaiserslautern is, of course, entirely explicable in RD's world.
Match-day 26 (Sun 3 Mar)
FCC 0-0 Eintracht Braunschweig Att 6173 (around 1000 away)
The visitors generally had the upper hand but FCC soldiered on as best they could. They rose one place to 18th but they are still mired in the relegation places. The three most recent games have all been against lowly opponents but FCC managed not a single goal and only one point. Not even a rare indirect free-kick on the six-yard line could find success.
One positive - for the second home match in succession it was kids free of charge. Hundreds took advantage and the events were considered very worthwhile.
Video highlights:
Match-day 27 (Sun 10 Mar)
1.FC Kaiserslautern 4-1 FCC
After Phillip Tietz' 26' goal for the visitors the in-form but cagey hosts equalised on 34' and went ahead on 54' with the softest of penalties. Although late goals on 86' and 88' distorted the scoreline the inescapable fact remains that FCC have now slipped to 19th.
An extraordinary mobilisation by Jenaers. Of the expected 20000+ crowd around 2000 FCC were away fans, a remarkable number given the team's poor form and the distance, a round-trip of over 500 miles.
Match-day 28 (Wed 13 Mar)
FCC 1-1 Sportfreunde Lotte Att: 3574
After Lotte went ahead on 72' FCC finally managed an 89' equaliser through Tchenkoua
Yet another gallant but ultimately unconvincing performance. Still 19th, and four points from safety.
Match-day 29 (Sat 16 Mar)
VfL Osnabrück 3-1 FCC
FCC took the lead on 6' through Phillip Tietz but conceded on 13'. They played out a spirited first half but were gradually worn down by league-leaders Osnabrück. The hosts' goals on 79' and 86' shaped a scoreline simultaneously realistic and a little bit unkind.
Only around 100 Jenaers travelled on a miserable wet and windy day. A number refused to go citing excessive security arrangements, and apparently a substantial number are anyway banned from this fixture after incidents in previous years.
The fight against relegation continues but the games are steadily running out. Coach Kwasniok's winning start at 1860 München now seems a mighty long time ago, which actually it was.
Match-day 30 (Sat 23 Mar)
FCC 0-0 KFC Uerdingen 05 Att: 4436 (disappointing crowd for a nice Spring day and kids up to 14 free admission)
The agony continues. 2019 remains win-less, with 7 draws out of the 11 matches played. FCC certainly had the better of the first half, and whilst the visitors improved for a spell FCC finished the stronger with the heartbreaking finale of hitting the post in added time. Temporarily bottom of the table, the solitary point gained was enough to return to 19th, a meagre consolation.
Not looking good. FCC are 7 points from safety, with the Division's worst GD. Only 8 matches left ....
Who knows what becomes of the new stadium if FCC goes down. Will there be enough money coming in, if they play in the Regionalliga Nordost, to avoid bankrupcy?
FCC are now effectively 9 points from safety. Hosting Cottbus in two weeks could be rough - in last night's match at Zwickau Cottbus had 6 booked.
FCC recently offered the chance for new investors to put money in. What does the future hold for any of the football-related enterprises with which RD is involved?
Match-day 31 (31 Mar)
VFR Aalen 1-1 FCC Att: 3124 (well over 500 Jenaers)
Phillip Tietz's 41' equaliser for FCC brought an end to the scoring in what rather predictably ended in a tame 1-1 draw. Sadly for both teams the writing is on the wall.
Match-day 32 (6 Apr)
FCC 2-1 FC Energie Cottbus Att: a healthy 6284 including close to 1500 visitors
FCC opened the scoring after only 5' through Wolfram but soon made up for this shocking lack of hospitality by gifting Cottbus a 12' own goal. The visitors continued to grow into the game but rode their luck at times. In particular two goal-line clearances were hotly disputed by FCC, unsurprisingly so since one shot was 30cm over the line. FCC's winner came on 77' with a Tietz penalty.
This was FCC's first win of 2019, and also their first home win since August. Welcome points indeed, but an impossible situation has developed into an even greater crisis.
FCC - Cottbus video highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqLmyUFAX3s
Match-day 33 (13 Apr)
Hansa Rostock 1-2 FCC Att: 16087 (approx 600 made the 1000km round trip from Jena)
Wolfram 5' 1-0 Starke 76' 2-1
Building on last week's win a steady performance at 5th-placed Rostock was duly rewarded. FCC remain 19th but the gap to 16th has been cut to 3 points with 5 games left. Next opponents are 2nd-placed Wehen Wiesbaden.
Their form - and their luck - has improved (the latter could scarcely have been worse). The fans are still behind them. Whether the upturn has come too late remains to be seen. The Wiesbaden game could be a good indicator. They are W18 D4 L11 - all or nothing might be a good thing for FCC as yet another draw is worth relatively little at this late stage. Two welcome wins have brought some hope.
Match-day 34 (Sat 20 Apr)
FCC 3-1 FC Wehen Wiesbaden Att: 5577 (70 visitors)
18' Eckhardt 27' Tietz 74' 2-1 90'+3 Felix Brügmann
The third-placed visitors (sunk now to 4th, an unpromotionworthy rank) were forcefully shown which way the cold wind blows. Our heroes saw them off in style, in the process rising one place to 18th. Wehen had six yellow cards, FCC a mere one. Suddenly the lower reaches of 3. Liga look a shade less hostile: FCC are 18th, with 17-20 getting relegated.
18. Pts 37 GD 14-
17. Pts 37 GD 10-
16. Pts 38 GD 21-
15. Pts 38 GD 5-
14. Pts 39 GD 7-
My note last week about an all or nothing clash with Wehen could be right. So, who wanted today's 3 points the more??
Video highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9ge6c8IwDU