"Buchti is an absolute leader for us and a top second division player," said Stöver. With his footballing ability and goal threat, he's capable of making the difference in our play. He has a strong identification with the club and we're delighted to continue our association."

Christopher Buchtmann said he was very happy to be staying at the Millerntor: "I'm delighted to have been offered the chance to extend my contract early. The club has grown close to my heart over the last six years and Hamburg has become my second home, so I didn't need long to make my mind up."

The 26-year-old midfielder, who arrived at the Millerntor during the 2012/13 campaign and is about to enter his seventh season with the club, has made 136 league and cup appearances for the Boys in Brown, scoring 12 goals and providing 18 assists.

Photos: FC St. Pauli/Witters