Tuesday Fulham Stuff (03/06/14)...

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Start Believing: Volz's baking beliefs

The former Fulham defender's routine of presenting team-mates with cakes before matches stars in the latest of our series chronicling the extraordinary power of belief

Former Fulham right back and all-round nice guy Moritz Volz, now playing for 1860 Munich in the 2. Bundesliga, is notoriously eccentric.

He once dressed as his hero, the Baywatch-era David Hasselhoff, for a FourFourTwo photo shoot and was often spotted pedalling a fold-up bike around west London and drove a battered VW Golf.

He employed a friend as a 'goal celebration coach' despite rarely scoring, and his website features a barmy German phrase book called "where can I get my mullet highlighted?"

Little surprise then, that his superstitions are a little off the beaten path, too. An enthusiastic baker, on the day before a match he often creates dishes in the theme of his side's next opponent.

"When we played the big clubs like Arsenal or Manchester United, I made a biscuit-based cake with bananas and a dusting of green tea," he revealed while still playing in England.

"If we were playing against more rugged teams like Blackburn Rovers, I would made something a lot heavier, like carrot cake with nuts."

The tradition has persevered in the 2. Bundesliga, too. "Freiburg play nice football, but grain is more appropriate for physical opponents like Cologne," he explains.

"Freiburg is next to Alsace, so the answer is a sweet quiche with cherries. And when we play Hamburg, it's a city-wide festival, so I douse the cake in sugar."

Quite how this brings good luck is unsure, but we're definitely not refusing a slice, Mr Volz.



http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4563/main/2014/06/02/4855213/-?

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International Round-Up

Cauley Woodrow featured in both of England Under-20s' final two matches of the Toulon Tournament at the weekend as the Three Lions ended the campaign in fourth spot.

A 1-1 draw with Colombia in their last group game – with Woodrow on target for Gareth Southgate's men – secured progression to the Third Place Play-Off, but that game ended in defeat by Portugal.

Woodrow was given another start but Portugal ended up victorious, despite enjoying far fewer chances than England, when Liam Moore's attempted clearance hit Saido Berahino and Ricardo Horta capitalised by firing beyond Jack Butland.

Saturday saw Kostas Mitroglou and the departing Giorgos Karagounis feature in Greece's goalless draw with Portugal as the two sides competed in a World Cup warm-up fixture.

Mitroglou started the game and completed just over an hour, while veteran Karagounis came on at half-time.

In Under-19 action, Jordan Evans was at left-back for Wales as they slipped to a late 3-2 defeat by Portugal on Friday.

The Dragons recovered from 2-0 down to draw level courtesy of an own goal by Andre Silva and Tom O'Sullivan's strike, but Luis Rafael was on hand to grab the points in the dying stages of the game.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/june/02/international-round-up?

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Hertha Berlin Aim to Tempt Former Everton Defender John Heitinga to Germany

German outfit Hertha Berlin are interested in signing Dutch international John Heitinga this summer.

Heitinga, who can play across the defensive line, joined Fulham this January on a six-month deal, which is set to expire at the end of this month.

Hertha Berlin have stepped up their pursuit to bring the 30-year-old to Germany this summer and have already made contact with the player's representatives.

Heitinga earns around €2m per year in England, but his wages are not being considered a major stumbling block and the Germans are confident that they can get their man, according to Bild.

The former Ajax man recently confirmed that a number of clubs have shown interest in acquiring his services.

"There is interest from Germany, England and Turkey", he said.

Heitinga is believed to be interested in playing in the Bundesliga and is looking at Hertha Berlin's offer as an opportunity to reclaim his place in the Dutch national team.



Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2014/06/02/hertha-berlin-aim-to-tempt-former-everton-defender-john-heitinga-to-germany/143294/#m9ffsVeGOMM03B5E.99

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Kasami keen to finalise Greek move

Pajtim Kasami is in Athens to finalise the details of his move from Fulham to Olympiakos and could complete the switch on his birthday.

The Swiss international turned 22 on Monday and looks set to continue the exodus of talent out of of Craven Cottage with a move to the Greek champions.

Olympiakos were linked to the former Palermo man at the weekend and Kasami posted a picture on social media of himself overlooking the coast to the south of Athens, indicating his desire to make the move.

Kasami travelled to the Greek capital with his agent Mino Raiola for talks with Olympiakos officials and reports in the country suggest the deal could be finalised in the next couple of days.

The fee is unknown but Kasami has only one year left on his Fulham contract and appears unwilling to stay for a crack at promotion back to the Premier League from the Championship.


- See more at: http://www.sportinastorm.com/Premier-League/Fulham/Kasami-keen-to-finalise-Greek-move/X1Y32Z1765674?#sthash.31e6Q0mw.dpuf

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Woodrow Draws a Blank!
   
Over in France, at the Toulon tournament, Cauley Woodrow was unable to make it three goals in three games as England lost 1-0 to Portugal in the U20 tournament third and fourth place play-off against Portugal.

In fact, despite more than matching their Iberian opponents, England were to lose the game courtesy of a comical own-goal here an intended clearance hit an England player on the back-side and flew into the back of the net.

However, Woodrow can be pleased with his contribution, especially the goals in back-to-back games and the experience will, we hope, stand him in good stead as we prepare an assault to get out of the Championship and back into the Premier League at the first attempt.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=360325#ixzz33VZEgchI

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Fulham Star May Reign In Spain
Kieran Richardson linked with move to Sevilla

SEVILLA are ready to make a surprise swoop for Fulham utility player Kieran Richardson.

The Europa League winners are looking for potential replacements for Liverpool-bound Alberto Moreno.
Richardson's attacking prowess has seen him rise up the list of candidates to take over from the cavalier full-back.

Fulham have intimated to the player they would not stand in his way if he is able to agree personal terms with the La Liga team, and would grant him a free transfer.

The west London club are keen to slash their wage bill following their demotion to the Championship, and had hoped the former England international would stay.

However, the attraction of playing in Europe and in the best rated domestic league in the world could prove too hard for Richardson to reject.


http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/fulham-star-may-reign-spain?

[WhiteJC]

 
Winger wages rule out Aussie options

Damien Duff is set to join Melbourne City in Australia's A League after being released by Fulham at the end of last season.

The former Republic of Ireland international, 35, became a free agent this summer after five years at Craven Cottage. He will now head Down Under to join the newly-renamed A-League outfit as their first major signing since being bought by Manchester City's owners, but won't play competitively again until the new season kicks off in October. Duff had a pick of the major Australian teams including Perth Glory and Sydney FC but Melbourne City were the only club willing to meet his wage demands. The former Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers star won the Premier League title twice at Stamford Bridge and was part of the Fulham squad that reached the Europa League final in 2010.



Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/winger-wages-rule-out-aussie-options-1727569.html?