It is the clubs third consecutive season in this league, having played at this level since 2010–11, after it was relegated from the Bundesliga in 2010.

On 28 October 2012, Andreas Bergmann was sacked and replaced by Karsten Neitzel.

FC Union Berlin, he broke it on 16 December 2012 with his appearance against SC Paderborn 07.

[4] On 8 April 2013, after a string of bad results and the danger of relegation, Peter Neururer replaced Neitzel as the manager of VfL Bochum.

Carlos da Silva (FC Lugano) and Sehar Fejzulahi (free agent) had trial spells with Bochum during the summer transfer window.