Swap of the Season: Klaus Allofs
Wolfsburg - What was first only thought of as yet another rumour was soon to be confirmed: on 14 November 2012, Klaus Allofs left the good ship Werder Bremen for VfL Wolfsburg after more than 16 years on the banks of the Weser.
Calmer waters
Life inland, though, was no less choppy. After luring coach Dieter Hecking away from 1. FC Nuremberg, VfL's new sporting director had to trim back a near 40-man squad, which also meant the 56-year-old was extremely limited during the transfer window - Borussia Dortmund's Ivan Perisic being his only winter purchase.
Allofs' steadying of the Wolfsburg ship certainly helped Hecking's transition pitch-side, with a ten-match unbeaten run leading the 2009 Bundesliga champions to a surprise mid-table finish. Well aware of VfL's high ambitions, however, Allofs will know there is still much work to be done.
End of Season awards
Coach | Player | Goalscorer | Promotee | Leader | Comeback | Transfers | Jinxed player | Personality | Swap | Departure | Tragic Hero
