Hannover coach Dieter Hecking has resigned from the club after a meeting with club bosses today.

Hecking had come under fire since Hannover were knocked out of the DFB-Pokal in the first round by fourth-division opponents Eintracht Trier earlier this month. They have also failed to win either of their first two Bundesliga matches.

After a difficult season, we wanted to lead into a successful new beginning together, but this has not happened.
Hannover president Martin Kind

Calls for him to be sacked increased in volume during Saturday's 1-1 draw against Mainz and Hecking, despite saying just 10 days ago that he would never throw in the towel, offered his resignation today. Club president Martin Kind and director of sport Jorg Schmadtke accepted his decision and will now begin their search for a new coach.

"This development hits me very hard personally," admitted Kind. "I have known and admired Dieter Hecking as a special person and coach. After a difficult season, we wanted to lead into a successful new beginning together, but this has not happened."

Nevertheless, Kind thanked Hecking for his work at the club over the past three years following his arrival from Alemannia Aachen. He led Hannover to safety in his first year in charge before achieving an eighth-placed finish in 2008, which was their highest position since returning to the top flight in 2002.

Last year they struggled, eventually finishing 11th. "Despite the difficult present situation, it has got to be said that Dieter Hecking and Hannover worked excellently together for years and were right for each other," added Kind in a statement.