“Fernie becomes sporting director at SV 98” – SV Darmstadt 98 made this announcement exactly two years ago today, on April 8, 2024. Paul Fernie has been working as sporting director for the Lilies for two years now. In his Lilienkurier column “Post from Paul,” the 38-year-old looks back on his first two years at the Böllenfalltor stadium – words that we would also like to share with you on our homepage.
Dear Darmstadt fans,
I’ve been working as sporting director at Darmstadt for almost exactly two years now. And I’ve used this small anniversary over the past few days to reflect on my time here. A comprehensive summary would be beyond the scope of this message, so I’ve decided to focus on one area – the culture of shared responsibility that we’ve built at SV 98 during this period.
What does shared responsibility mean? „Trust your experts“ is a very important motto for us. My decision to bring Flo on board as our coach was a pivotal moment for this new approach and way of working at Darmstadt 98. I needed a coach I could trust to drive and implement changes together – someone who was on the same wavelength as me. Since our first meeting, I’ve valued Flo as an expert, and it’s clear that he’s been doing an outstanding job since joining us. But he’s not alone: We trust the experts at all levels and in all areas. Each and every one of us focuses on the goal of creating an environment where all our players can improve. Our greatest strength in this process is that there are no egos and no one puts themselves above the team.
Challenges are tackled smartly, creatively, and courageously. No one lets difficult situations derail them; instead, everyone works immediately and purposefully toward a solution. Side by side, and always with Darmstadt 98 in mind. As sporting director, I now look out into a room full of people I can trust implicitly at every team meeting. That’s a good feeling and a valuable asset we possess at this club. An ambitious, critical, and solution-oriented community where passion is never lacking. This description applies to the coaching staff, performance, analysis, scouting, data science, and physiotherapy departments just as much as to our team. Everyone is pulling in the same direction. But not blindly; we constantly question this direction. Sometimes, it only takes a few centimetres to deviate from the established path to move forward. Details are crucial. This also applies to the remaining games of the season. Mindset, performance, but also the necessary composure. This mix has defined us so far. Now, it’s about maintaining it until the final matchday.
… All together for SV Darmstadt 98. This headline would also perfectly describe my two years at the club. Let’s keep going.
Yours, Paul
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here: