FC Heidenheim

Heidenheim claimed a top-six finish last season, in what was another solid showing under coach Frank Schmidt. It was, however, a similar story to previous campaigns in which they were inconsistent on the road but impressive at home. The club has seen no reason to change things in the managerial department, even if some could make a suggestion for freshening things up. Schmidt has now been in charge for 15 years and is showing no signs of letting up. Heidenheim has always had to be shrewd in the transfer market, given their lack of financial resources, compared to other clubs. Five players so far have been brought in and four of those are free transfers. All of the new boys are 25 and younger so expect a more youthful look to Schmidt’s side this season. Jan-Niklas Beste is a decent purchase from Werder Bremen, the right-winger was a regular on loan at Regensburg last season and can compete well at this level. Experienced defender Oliver Husing will be missed in defence after his move to Bielefeld but Thomas Keller and Lennard Maloney from Ingolstadt and Dortmund respectively, are out to prove themselves as possible replacements. Heidenheim is likely to be difficult to beat again this season and the Voith-arena is not expected to be a happy hunting ground for opposition teams. Although target man Tim Kleindienst will be leading the line again this term, you do wonder where the other goals will come from, especially after the loss of creative midfielder Tobias Mohr to Schalke.