Success with the youth team
1966 really was the year of Peter Anders’ making . The then 20-year-old transferred from Arminia to Hannover 96 and was initially played in the youth team for the Reds. And with success: He and his team won the title in the Landesliga. After signing his first contract the defender made his Bundesliga debut on matchday 34 of season 1966/1967 – in a 0:1 defeat against 1. FC Kaiserslautern. Anders’ career really took off from here. In May of the same year the German Football Association recognised his achievements and selected him for the national youth side against Italy (0-0).

Ever present throughout the season
In the following season, 1967/1967, Anders had already become a key figure at Hannover 96. Under boss Zlatko “Cik” Cajkovski he played in 31 league games and scored his first Bundesliga goals. His continued development earned him a place in the U23 junior national side as they played a game against Austria. In season 1970/1971 he was an ever present in the Hannover team. Yet after the sunny weather break came a “bad weather” period for Anders and his team. In 1974, the year of the World Cup, Hannover 96 were relegated to the second division.  From there the defender’s career went on a real rollercoaster ride.

Promotion and relegation in quick succession
Defender Anders and his team were immediately promoted back to the big time, but their luck didn’t last for long. After a rather short stay in the top division, the Reds were once again relegated in 1975. After this Anders set a personal record of appearances. Following relegation he took part in each of Hannover’s 114 matches in the second division – spanning over three seasons. His biggest dream, to end his career in the top German league, was unable to be fulfilled. On his birthday, in 1981, Anders decided to hang up his boots and call time on his career.

Strong in defence- Anders in action

96 record holder
One thing will always remain in the memories of this football club: Peter Anders is, and will undoubtedly remain the record appearance holder for Hannover 96. The now 64-year-old played a total of 458 games for the Reds, scoring 27 goals and earning himself just two red cards. In this case, his loyalty was rewarded!

- Daniel Moore