Stevens to lead Hamburg fight
Friday, February 2, 2007
Article summary
Hamburger SV have turned to experienced Dutch coach Huub Stevens to lift them off the bottom of the Bundesliga following the dismissal of Thomas Doll.
Article body
Speculation
The Bundesliga's bottom club have turned to the 53-year-old Stevens despite speculation of a move for Felix Magath, with the former FC Schalke 04, Hertha BSC Berlin and 1. FC Köln boss receiving a contract until the summer of 2008. Magath, newly deposed by FC Bayern München, is reported to have turned down the job offer, clearing the way for Stevens, who has left Dutch Eredivisie side Roda JC with immediate effect, to take up the post.
'Big tradition'
"I am really looking forward to the challenge," said Stevens, whose new charges dropped to the bottom of the table following Wednesday's home draw with FC Energie Cottbus. "HSV are a club with a big tradition and I am confident the team have the necessary quality to get out of the relegation zone." Stevens had been at the Roda helm since the start of the 2005/06 campaign. The crowning glory of his previous stay in Germany was winning the UEFA Cup with Schalke in 1997.
Atteveld promotion
Stevens has left the Roda reins to his assistant coach Raymond Atteveld, with the 40-year-old inheriting a squad that sits seventh in the Eredivisie. Atteveld, a former Everton FC, HFC Haarlem and FC Groningen midfielder, retired from playing in 2001/02.
