End of an era
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Long-time managing director Oliver Ruhnert is leaving 1. FC Union. The Berliners have agreed to end their collaboration with the 53-year-old, who most recently worked as chief scout for the club, as Union announced on Thursday.
“The sporting path of our men’s team since 2018 has given our club a huge boost in development. Oliver Ruhnert played an important role in this, and we are very grateful to him for his commitment over the years,” Union President Dirk Zingler was quoted in the statement.
The former head of the youth department at FC Schalke 04 has worked with great success for the Unioner since 2017, first as chief scout and then as sports director. He built a good reputation nationwide with clever transfers. Together with Zingler and the then head coach Urs Fischer, Ruhnert shaped the club.
From the second division to the Champions League
“We have achieved successes here together that hardly anyone would have thought possible and that no one can take away from us. For me, the core of the whole thing was a very close and trusting exchange with the club management, but also within the entire club,” said Ruhnert. “I will take many unforgettable moments with me from these years and will always remain closely connected to Union, the people who shape the club, the employees and the fans.”
After promotion to the Bundesliga in 2019, the Köpenickers quickly established themselves in the upper house. The most successful era in the club’s history began with three entry into European business. In 2023/2024 the Iron even played in the premier class. However, they found themselves in a relegation battle in the league this season and were only able to secure relegation at the last second. At the beginning of the year, Ruhnert left his duties at Union to devote himself to politics. After the BSW party’s failed attempt to enter the Bundestag, he returned.