FC Winterthur
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| Full name | Fussballclub Winterthur | ||
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| Nickname(s) | FCW | ||
| Founded | 1896 | ||
| Ground | Schützenwiese, Winterthur | ||
| Capacity | 8,550 | ||
| Chairman | Hannes W Keller | ||
| League | Challenge League | ||
| 2014–15 | 4th | ||
| Website | Club home page | ||
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FC Winterthur is a Swiss football club based in Winterthur, Canton of Zürich. They play in the Swiss Challenge League, the second highest tier of Swiss football. They play at the Schützenwiese Stadium.
History
The club was founded in 1896 and enjoyed their best success in the early part of the 20th century winning the Swiss Super League three times (in 1906, 1908 and 1917).
They famously lost to West Auckland F.C., an English amateur team in what is thought to be the first international football club competition, the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy.
The club have also reached the final of the Swiss League Cup twice (in 1972 and 1973) but lost on both occasions. They also reached the final of the Swiss Cup in 1968 and 1975 but also lost on both occasions.
In 2005–06 season the club finished 14th place in the Challenge League but, whilst performing poorly in the league, they made it to the semi finals of the Swiss Cup by defeating Grasshoppers, Lucerne and Servette. The club lost to the eventual winners Sion at home.
Current squad
As of 8 July, 2015.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Stadium
The club play at Stadion Schützenwiese which is a short walk from the centre of Winterthur. It has been their home since 1900. The first grandstand was built in 1922. This was replaced in 1957 using sponsorship money.
In the 1980s the ownership was transferred to Winterthur council as the club faced financial problems. The council are responsible for any maintenance and upkeep.
At one time the stadium capacity was as high as 14,987 but as of 2009 it is 8,550. The stadium consists of around 1,000 seats and the rest is standing area. For a while there has been dialogue between the club and Winterthur council to expand and upgrade the stadium in order for the club to realise their ambitions of playing in the top flight. Currently the stadium is not of high enough safety to stage Super League matches.
The more hardcore supporters of the club stand at one end, which is known as the Bierkurve. They also have a small stand for younger supporters known as the Syrupkurve. Away supporters are housed at the opposite end of the stadium to the Bierkurve.
Honours
Former coaches
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Martin Rueda (2000–2001) - Walter Grüter (2001)
- Urs Schönenberger (2001–2002)
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Ivan Koritschan (2002–2003) -
Hans-Joachim Weller (2003) -
Gianni Dellacasa (2003–2004) - Mathias Walther (2004–2009)
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Boro Kuzmanović (2009–2014)
See also
- Category:FC Winterthur players
External links
- Official website (German)
- "Bierkurve Winterthur" supporters club (German)
- "Laufpass" – Fanzine (German)
- Soccerway.com profile
- Football.ch profile (German) (French) (Italian)