Meyer accepts Hertha challenge

Former VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach coach Hans Meyer has been handed the task of saving Hertha BSC Berlin from relegation after being appointed for the rest of the German season.

Second from bottom
Hertha are second from bottom of the Bundesliga, a point and a place above 1. FC Köln, having won just two of their opening 17 games. The Berlin club sacked Dutchman Huub Stevens at the start of the month and appointed Andreas Thom as a caretaker coach while they searched for a full-time successor. The former Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Celtic FC player lasted just 13 days as coach after presiding over two draws and a 3-0 defeat by Köln.

January resignation
The 61-year-old Meyer joined Mönchengladbach in September 1999, when the club were in danger of relegation from the second division. Under his guidance, the side not only avoided relegation but won promotion back to the top flight last season. He resigned earlier this year following a poor run of results to become Mönchengladbach's chief scout, a position he relinquished to take charge of Hertha.

'First option'
Meyer said: "Hertha are in a very complicated situation. The next five months will be a real challenge for me. I want to find out as quickly as possible how the players are feeling." Hertha general manager Dieter Hoeness added: "Hans Meyer was our first option. We believe that he is, with his experience and personality, the correct coach for the task in hand."

Testing match
Meyer, who will be assisted by Thom, faces a testing first match in charge, a trip to the leaders SV Werder Bremen on 31 January.