Winterberg: Handball legend takes on "huge challenge"

Winterberg - Jens Wagner (52) remains loyal to his home country and becomes the new coach of the reigning Westphalian champion HSG Winterberg

The former German international, who played for VfL Gummersbach, THW Kiel and SG Flensburg-Handewitt, among others, has signed a two-year contract with the club from the Hochsauerland. Wagner succeeds Dennis Maciejczyk, who had joined Verbandsligist SuS Oberaden.

Wagner, who was most recently coach of Drittligist ASV Hamm-Westfalen II, is looking forward to the new challenge: "Winterberg is a very well-run club with great potential. I am convinced that we can achieve a lot together," said the 52-year-old.

Winterberg's sporting director Stefan Meister is also pleased about the commitment: "Jens Wagner is a very experienced coach who knows the league inside out. We are pleased that he has decided to join us and are convinced that he will help us to take the next step," said Meister.

Wagner will start his work in Winterberg on July 1. He will then have a squad of 16 players at his disposal, including seven new signings. The most prominent newcomer is goalkeeper Julian Klute, who comes from Bundesliga club GWD Minden.

Winterberg finished the past season in third place in the Westfalenliga. The team missed out on promotion to the Oberliga by just one point. Wagner is confident that he can lead the team to promotion in the coming season: "We have a good squad and I am sure that we can achieve our goals," said the 52-year-old.