Background
Although currently in the lower tiers of German football, TSV 1860 München was one of the founder members of the Bundesliga when it was formed in 1963, played 20 seasons in the German first division and enjoyed considerable success in the 1960’s.
The club can trace its roots right back to 1848 when a gymnastics and fitness club was formed. 1848 was a very turbulent time politically across Europe and this new club was banned in 1849 for alleged ‘republican activities’.
The club reformed in 1860 and a football section was set up in 1899.
In 1919 the club took on its current name of TSV München 1860, and by the 1920s was playing in the upper leagues. Although rarely at the pinnacle, the club continued to enjoy relative success in the reorganised Gauliga system under the Nazis and spent most of the early post-war years in the top tier.
By winning the regional league in 1963 they secured entry into the original Bundesliga, ahead of local rivals FC Bayern München. The next few years were to be very successful for 1860 who won the cup in 1964 and the Bundesliga in 1965, as well as finishing as runners-up in the 1965 Cup Winners Cup.
The club’s performance in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s was disappointing to say the least. A combination of very poor management and the struggle to survive in the shadow of richer and more successful neighbours meant that the club spent most of these years languishing in lower divisions or battling against relegation.
Things improved slightly towards the end of the 20th and at the beginning of the 21st century. Indeed a fourth place finish in the 2000 Bundesliga secured entry into the qualifying round of the Champions League.
After relegation in 2004, the club then suffered serious financial difficulties and twice came close to bankruptcy (in 2006 and 2011).
Although 1860 held onto their place in 2 Bundesliga from 2004 until 2017, relegation was narrowly avoided in 2016. The following season ended in disaster for the club. Finishing third 16th they then lost the relegation playoff to SSV Regensburg. Failure to meet key financial requirements then led to their ejection from the professional league altogether.
1860 München will play in Regionalliga Bayern in 2017-18 with a new CEO, coach and squad.
Stadium
Tickets
Getting there
Famous ex-players
Rudi Völler
Lars and Sven Bender
Nickname : the lions
Honours
Bundesliga
Champions: 1966
Runners-up: 1931, 1967
Oberliga Süd
Champions: 1963
Gauliga Bayern
Champions: 1941, 1943
2nd Bundesliga Süd
Champions: 1979
Runners-up: 1977
2nd Oberliga Süd
Champions: 1955, 1957
Bayernliga
Champions: 1984, 1991, 1993
Runners-up: 1986, 1990
Cup Competitions
German Cup
Winner: 1942, 1964
European Cup Winners Cup
Runners-up: 1965
