Werder’s press director Tino Polster has once again opted to present us with an intrusive look into the world of Werder Bremen. During the clubs training camp on Norderney, Polster will keep a diary of the events on the island and present them on www.werder.de. The latest Green-White news, detailed information and fun anecdotes surrounding Thomas Schaaf and his men will appear daily.

„Good, really good!“ Hans Sodke is more than just satisfied as to how business is running. Hans, for those who don’t know him, is a true Werder Bremen institution. He drives a suped-up VW Polo which is clothed completely in green and white and covered from top to bottom in Werder stickers and photos. Getting an MOT for this car is an achievement all by itself.

Hans is at the trainings camp again this year and has parked his polo at the entrance to the sport facility – a clever move. A great place for him to sell photos! Hans with the coach, Hans with ‘Merte’ Hans with ‘Boro’, Hans with whoever you want. And the fans just can’t get enough. Even the local newspaper reported on Werder’s stay on the island with photos of Hans to illustrate the article. Whether here on the North Sea or in the Austrian Mountains, the press are somehow drawn to Hans.

I thought that was all about to end as I took a look under the bonnet of the famous polo. A sign struck me and left me almost speechless – For Sale! It wasn’t just the photos that were meant by this but the whole car. I could never have imagined that Hans would give up his life as a star in Green-White of his own accord. I had to find out the full story. Hans is not just continuing, he’s expanding. His new car is already ordered and this one will boast a star just like the one over the Werder emblem on their jerseys. What was it Hans said about business again: “Good, really good!!”

Our presence has been good for Norderney too. On Wednesday evening, Klaus Allofs, the training team and I went for our traditional meal with the lord mayor, the director and other island officials. The status of Werder and their yearly visits to the island has generated a massive amount of interest. Werder’s popularity and that of the island have grown together and benefitted greatly from the visits. Alone the growing number of Werder fans on the island is clear evidence of that. Sholud the weather continue to improve as it did yesterday and the main training pitch remain flood free, then these visits could continue well into the future.

Johnnie Muldoon