Twelve months after celebrating a German Cup triumph and clinching a place in the UEFA Cup, the fans were again congregating outside the Franken Stadium on Saturday, although this time their mood was in direct contrast.

Rather than celebrating as their players emerged, they blocked the team coach's exit and called for boss Thomas von Heesen to be fired.

Director of sport Martin Bader emerged to appease them, admitting the club had "done everything wrong which can be done" this season.

Nevertheless, Bader is not taking their frustration out on the coach and has assured Von Heesen, who replaced fans' favourite Hans Meyer in February, that he still has a job next season.

"We will not be questioning the coach," he said. "We have always said that we will go into the second division with him and I think changing him would not be the right way."

Meyer was sacked with Nurnberg lying 16th in the table, the same place they ended the campaign after only three more wins in the final 15 games under von Heesen.

"At the end of the day, it does not matter if we have got worse or improved, the only thing in black and white is that we are relegated," said Von Heesen, who is convinced he can put things right next year.

"I have a contract for the second division and I am absolutely convinced I will fulfil it."

That decision may not be in his hands, though as the board is set to meet on Tuesday to discuss the future