[goldenHuddlestone]

A group of Hamburg SV players have put up a banner showing their support for coach Thomas Doll and sporting director Dietmar Beiersdorf, urging club executives not to fire them.

HSV have played poorly over the first half of the season, leaving them one from bottom in the standings with one win from 17 matches and facing relegation for the first time since the Bundesliga began in the 1963-64 season.

"120 per cent with Doll and Didi - back up to the top! Now more than ever," read the banner put up by Thimothee Atouba, Raphael Wicky, Vincent Kompany, Nigel de Jong and Alexander Laas on behalf of the entire team.

"I hope the board keeps in mind that it is the players who are responsible for this situation," said Atouba.

"We want to keep going with both of them."

Hamburg were hoping to challenge for the Bundesliga championship this season after finishing third last season and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League

But this season has been abysmal, with them winning just once in the Bundesliga and picking up just 13 points from their opening 17 matches. Their Champions League campaign ended with them finishing bottom of their group and eliminated.

Doll managed to keep the support of most HSV fans and the players but may not survive the winter break.

HSV board members spent six hours analysing the first half on Monday and gathered again on Tuesday for another meeting.