Greuther Fifth

The rather odd logo

The construct of SpVgg Greuther Fürth was actually formed by a merger of three times German champions SpVgg Fürth and the prosperous village club TSV Vestenbergsgreuth in 1996.

Just one year later this convenient marriage of tradition and cash payed off with promotion to 2. Bundesliga. Greuther-Fürth have been playing there since then, making them the longest serving of any current second division teams.

Somewhat quaint, the Shamrock nicknamed team achieved national recognition for finishing in fifth position. Seven times during their actual 14 season lasting stint to be precise:

1997-98: 9th
1998-99: 8th
1999–00: 7th
2000–01: 5th
2001–02: 5th
2002–03: 5th
2003–04: 9th
2004–05: 5th
2005–06: 5th
2006–07: 5th
2007–08: 6th
2008–09: 5th
2009–10: 11th
2010–11: 4th

After completing the first half of the ongoing 2011-12 season, Fürth are ranked on a promising third place. But since the reintroduction of the relegation playoffs in 2009, even this position would not secure automatic promotion for an eventual Greuther Third.

Posted in: Clubs,Fifht,Greuter Fifth,Phenomena,Shamrock,SpVgg Greuther Fürth