体坛英语新闻：Mainz sporting director Heidel joins Schalke for next season

BERLIN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel will replace Horst Heldt, the "Royal Blues" announced on Sunday.

Schalke have appointed Christian Heidel as their new sporting director. The actual Mainz sporting director will replace Horst Heldt, who is since March 2011 in charge and whose contract expires in June, at the end of the season.

"We are convinced that Christian Heidel is, with his undoubted sport expertise and experience, the right man for Schalke. He has proved his leadership qualities and has a positive aura," Schalke's chairman of the supervisory board Clemens Toennies said.

Schalke's board members have unanimously approved Christian Heidel as the new sporting director. Heidel leaves Mainz after 24 and has put pen to paper on a deal until June 2020.