Andorf flirts with an old friend

Like so many games last weekend, the top game of the Landesliga West between fourth Andorf and leader Bad Schallerbach literally fell into the water. After the fall of the first pursuer Grieskirchen (0:2 in Gmunden) there is probably only a realistic chance for Andorf to become a threat to the leaders of the table. And only if the Innviertler win the direct duel against Bad Schallerbach.

Despite the strong performance this season, the future of Andorf coach Josef Hamedinger is still unclear. “We’re trying to clarify things here so we can prepare as best we can for the upcoming games and the coming season,” explains Andorf Section Manager Gerald Berger.

A potential successor could be an old acquaintance: the ex-Schärding coach Bernhard Straif. “I was and am in constant contact with Andorf, but up until now there has been nothing concrete,” says Straif, who was in charge of the club between 2016 and 2017.

Meanwhile, things are clear at league rival Bad Wimsbach: At the weekend, the green-whites not only celebrated a 3-2 win against Peuerbach, but also the continuation of the cooperation with coach Thomas Plasser. “With him we believe that a podium place is possible next season,” says new sports director Hans Kronberger, who was also able to bind all players to the club beyond the season. A prominent new signing has also already been confirmed: Alexander Bauer, a 27-year-old midfielder, has joined the club who has played seven games for GAK in the second division during his career.

Grieskirchen stumbles

The championship title and the associated return to the Upper Austrian league for SV Grieskirchen after the 0:2 in Gmunden is a long way off: The Trattnachtaler are already nine points behind leaders Bad Schallerbach. “I don’t think we can compete at the top anymore. The last few weeks haven’t been good. We’re going through a difficult phase right now, and we’re also worried about injuries,” complains Grieskirchen coach Reinhard Furthner.