Werder's new manager of sports Thomas Eichin will start his work in Bremen on 15 February 2013, officially taking over as the successor to Klaus Allofs. Eichin's arrival in Bremen was made possible because the German ice hockey club Cologne Sharks (KEC) found a successor for Eichin. Canadian Lance Nethery will begin his work in Cologne on 1 February.

"We agreed with the management of KEC that I could hand over the businesses to Lance Nethery in a 14-day transition phase," said Eichin. Werder supervisory board chairman Willi Lemke was very satisfied with the solution. "We are happy that KEC were able to find such a respected successor. It was very important for us to work together with Cologne about when Thomas Eichin would start. It's good that he can begin his work with us soon," said Lemke.