Dieter Hecking has resigned as coach of Hannover 96.

The 44-year-old handed in his resignation on Wednesday following a mediocre start to the current Bundesliga season for the team from Lower Saxony.

One draw from their first two league games has left Hannover languishing just one spot above the relegation zone, a far from ideal situation that was compounded by their first round DFB Pokal exit at the hands of German minnows Eintracht Trier.

Hannover president Martin Kind accepted Hecking's resignation, although he was quick to pay tribute to the departing coach.

"This development hits me very hard personally," said Kind.

"I have known and admired Dieter Hecking as a special person and coach.

"After a difficult season, we wanted to lead into a successful new beginning together, but this has not happened.

"Despite the difficult present situation, it has got to be said that Dieter Hecking and Hannover worked excellently together for year and were right for each other."