St Pauli's attempt to mask manager's absence ends in failure

German second division side St Pauli did not let the absence of their manager derail the unveiling of their new signing.

Everyone was in place for the arrival of 22-year-old Borussia Dortmund striker Marvin Ducksch - except for Ewald Lienen, who has been in charge at the Hamburg club since December 2014. 

Fortunately a mask of Lienen was at hand for the obligatory photo-call but while some may have been taken in, eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot the ruse.

St Pauli readily admitted their chicanery, tweeting a close-up of the mask, labelling it a 'one-off'.

While St Pauli have enjoyed only modest recent success on the field in relation to their more illustrious neighbours, Hamburg, the club is widely recognised for its distinctive left-wing culture and has a large cult following.

Ducksch, who posed dutifully for the picture, said he was looking forward to "playing in front of big crowds again".