Koln vs Augsburg preview - Augsburg reeling from Seinsch news

High-flying Augsburg are recovering from a bombshell after long-serving club president Walther Seinsch announced he was stepping down from his position with immediate effect this week.

Seinsch's revelation came during the course of the Bavarian club's Annual General Meeting on Wednesday in which they were able to report the most successful results of their history.

"I would like to make it short - today is my last day working for Augsburg," said Seinsch in an emotional speech.

"I am delighted that I was able to be president of this club since 2000. Augsburg are a very special club.

"I would like to thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for this amazing time."

Seinsch oversaw the club's first ever promotion to the top flight, having seen them return to the professional game only a few years previous.

During his reign, the club moved to their new Augsburg Arena and went close to qualifying for Europe last season, while they are in their strongest position ever - both on and off the field - with coach Markus Weinzierl keen to make further progress even without Seinsch.

"I have a lot to thank Walther Seinsch for," he said at a press conference ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga clash at Cologne. "I'd like to thank him in particular for our collaboration and the faith he showed in me, and I am sure he will still be available to give us advice."

Seinsch departs with Augsburg sitting fourth in the table and on course for a place in Europe next season, which is even more surprising since they lost their first two games of the season after being eliminated from the DFB-Pokal by fourth-division opponents.

It is an achievement that has impressed Cologne coach Peter Stoger.

He said: "Fourth place is certainly a surprise for everybody, but it shows how well they are working at Augsburg.

"Things are really running well for Augsburg at the moment. I'm looking forward to the game because we can expect an interesting task."

Cologne slumped to 12th place after losing three of their last four matches, and are six points adrift of Augsburg, who are on a three-match winning streak.