“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
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
A special place of remembrance for one of the most famous Darmstadt fans. Before SV Darmstadt 98's home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), Jonathan Heimes Square at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor will be officially opened.
Darmstadt's league campaign resumes on Sunday (August 30th). Their opponent? Hannover 96! Hannover 96 have lost more often to Darmstadt than to any other team in the 2. Bundesliga. All the other facts and figures surrounding the match can be found here.
On Sunday (August 30, 2026, 1:30pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information for the upcoming home game. Starting this season, we will be offering women's entrances at the west entrances. Additionally, there is a Bölle Bande family entrance with easier access at the Karl-Hess-Platz entrance.
In Wednesday's media briefing, Nicolas Verkooijen spoke about his Kickbase team, communication within the squad, and the intensive training in Germany. A former Darmstadt 98 player had the opportunity to compete against the best footballers, and we report on the historic stadium tour as part of the Bundesliga's founding anniversary celebrations. All the latest news from SV Darmstadt 98 can be found, as usual, in "Lilies Across the Board"
A journey to the roots of the Lilies: Where churches, residential buildings, or clubhouses stand today, Darmstadt football history was once written. To mark the Day of German Football History, 35 participants set out on a special tour of discovery aboard the professional team's bus—tracing the path from the early pitches of FK Olympia and SC Darmstadt to the club's current home at the Böllenfalltor.