Although speculations on manipulation in favor of BFC Dynamo could never be completely eliminated, it is a fact that BFC Dynamo achieved its sporting success much on the basis of its successful youth work. Its youth work during the East German era is still recognized today. Its top performers of the 1980s came mainly from its own youth academy and junior team, such as Andreas Thom, Frank Rohde, Rainer Ernst, Bernd Schulz, Christian Backs, Bodo Rudwaleit and Artur Ullrich. These players would influence the team for years. The only major transfers to BFC Dynamo from other clubs during its most successful period in the 1980s, were Frank Pastor from then relegated HFC Chemie in 1984 and Thomas Doll from then relegated FC Hansa Rostock in 1986. These transfers would often be labeled delegations by fans of other teams, but Thomas Doll left Hansa Rostock to ensure a chance to play for the national team, and had the opportunity to choose between BFC Dynamo and SG Dynamo Dresden, but wanted to go to Berlin to be able to stay close to his family and because he already knew players in BFC Dynamo from the national youth teams.