Herrlich accepts Bochum post

Posted Saturday, October 31, 2009 by PA

Bochum have confirmed the appointment of Heiko Herrlich as their new coach with immediate effect.

The 37-year-old has signed a contract until 2012 and replaces Frank Heinemann, who took on the role on an interim basis following the dismissal of Marcel Koller on September 20.

It is the first club coaching role for former Germany striker Herrlich, who becomes the third-youngest coach in the top flight behind Mainz's Thomas Tuchel and Markus Babbel of Stuttgart.

Since hanging up his boots in 2004, he has been in charge of the Germany under-17s and under-19s, but Bochum and the German Football Association (DFB) were able to reach an agreement today for his release.

Herrlich is expected to be officially presented at the Ruhr Stadion on Tuesday evening and will start work on Wednesday morning in preparation for his first game in charge against Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.

Bochum lie second-bottom of the Bundesliga after 10 matches in which they have picked up just eight points.

Half of those points were earned in four games under Heinemann, who will now return to his previous position as assistant coach.