Football Season Guide

St. Pauli were deserved champions of Bundesliga 2 last season, winning 20 of their 34 matches. Fabian Hurzeler’s side were pleasing on the eye and compact defensively. The Kiezkicker managed to avoid defeat all the way up until February, and despite a few wobbles towards the end, comfortably gained promotion. The club from Hamburg will return to Germany’s top-tier for the first time in 13 years, but will have to do it without Hurzeler at the helm. The 31 year-old transformed the side over the past few seasons with his innovative style, but unfortunately this hasn’t gone unnoticed after Brighton secured his signature. Alexander Blessin has the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of Hurzeler, but does have a credible CV. Having managed internationally, Blessin also impressed in his last job at Belgium side Union SG, so there is optimism he can make St.Pauli competitive in the division. The boys in brown will also have to deal with the loss of Marcel Hartel after he left for the States. The attacking midfielder scored 21 times and provided 15 assists last season, so it's difficult to see how he won’t be missed. The club have largely trusted in the side that got them promoted with only four signings in total so far. One of those is Scott Banks who’s loan spell last season was plagued by injury. Robert Wagner on loan from Freiburg is certainly a player on the rise, but it may take time for him to settle at this level. Right-back Fin Stevens also has plenty of potential while winger Morgan Guilavogui will have a point to prove, after not living up to expectations at Lens so far. St.Pauli lack experience at this level and this will make life difficult for them. They are a well run club with a large fanbase, so opposition sides will not get an easy ride when travelling to the Millerntor-Stadion.