Bochum keeper Thiede receives second division loan out

VfL Bochum have cut the number of keepers on their roster down to three following the loan-out of 25-year-old net-minder Niclas Thiede to newly promoted German second division side SSV Ulm 1846. The Hagen-native heads to the Swabian Alb on a season-long deal that - according to radio broadcaster Funke Sport - will be extended by a further year if Ulm can avoid relegation. 

Thiede rejoined his old academy side last summer, but was unable to make a top flight appearance due to injury. The Revierklub remain in need of a new #1 following the falling out with long-term mainstay between the posts Manuel Riemann. Riemann remains on the roster until a rumored transfer can be completed. Thirty-one-year-old Patrick Drewes is the presumed opening day starter. 

Twenty-three-year-old Paul Grave - who featured for the Bochum reserves last year - also occupies a spot on the roster. Assuming that a new locale can be found for Riemann, the 1848ers will ostensibly be in the market to sign another keeper. Drewes has started between the sticks in four of Bochum's five test fixtures. Thiede got the nod in one match against fifth-tier side SSVg Velbert.

"Niclas has delivered consistently good performances in training," VfL sporting director Marc Lettau noted in a statement, "Unfortunately, injuries have prevented him from playing in a competitive match in a VfL shirt so far. Match practice is extremely important at this stage of his career."