Alemannia Aachen
Hecking's first match was a 1–1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt on 9 August 2004. During the 2004–05 season, Alemannia Aachen participated in the UEFA Cup, where they got to second round when they eliminated by AZ Alkmaar. In the German Cup, Alemannia Aachen were eliminated in the second round by Bayern Munich. In the league, Alemannia Aachen finished in sixth place. The 2005–06 season started with a 2–1 loss to Erzgebirge Aue on 8 August 2005. Hannover 96 eliminated Alemannia Aachen in the second round of the German Cup. Alemannia Aachen finished second in the 2. Bundesliga and was promoted to the Bundesliga.