On Tuesday July 14th, at the Carl-Benz-Centre, the 2009 general assembly of VfB Stuttgart 1893 e.V. was held. From the current 45,321 club members, this year there was a record participation from 1,923 participants.
Greeting from club president
In his opening speech, VfB president Erwin Staudt looked back on the mixed fortunes of the year 2008. With Markus Babbel and Rainer Widmayer having taken over the team in November, the hunt to make up lost ground began - and it ended with a formidable third spot in the league table: "We will continue to work hard and want also to offer the fans both attractive as well as determined football in the future, whilst at the same time encouraging our youth team players," commented the president.
Heldt sums it up
Horst Heldt spoke for the first time in his role on the executive board Sport, and remarked upon the transfer of Mario Gomez to Bayern Munich: "It was no secret that Mario wished to transfer to another club at some point. We are still working determinedly on finding a replacement for him but we are not about to allow ourselves to be put under any unnecessary pressure - from any side! Those in charge at the club are in absolute agreement that we will have to take it to our maximal financial limits in order to secure a top striker."
The Stuttgart Way
In spite of the economic and sporting difficulties of the previous business year, board member Ulrich Ruf was able to present the VfB members with a positive balance for the sixth year in succession. The clubs assets up to December 31st 2008 were improved upon those of the previous year by a total of €1,1 million - leaving the value in the region of €12 million.
"With the economic data presented here, VfB Stuttgart has proven that it is possible to maximise sporting success at the same time as there is a rise in the economic performance. Based on the "Stuttgart Way", we have managed to master both. Considering the financial crisis and the at times ludicrous development of the transfer market, it is clear that there is no alternative to our "Stuttgart Way".
Board granted release from liability
At the end of the meeting, the board was released from liability with a total of 1,103 positive votes, five abstentions and one no vote.
