Golden Soft Sombrero Moment with Tony Vidmar

Some Golden Soft Sombrero Moments with Tony Vidmar

Vidmar on football in Scotland…

Diegos: " You are originally from Adelaide, the City of Churches, where you grew up playing a cultured, patient brand of football with the Zebras, under the thoughtful Zoran Matic.

You're now playing in Scotland where tough men who drink a lot, wear kilts and every player seems to be a Bovril squilling, haggis-munching son of a coal-miner.

It seems a cold harsh unforgiving environment to earn a living.  How have you adjusted?

Vidmar: " It was a big change to come to Scotland. As you say the style of football is very different here. It does take time but after a while you get used to the lads and the people. I'm enjoying it very much at present."

Diegos: " Rangers are streets ahead in the Scottish league once again. It looks like the club is going to bully its way to what seem like it's 475^th Scottish title.

Is it hard to keep focused when the competition is so lop sided?"

Vidmar: " Not really. There are still 12 games to go. It's not over until the end of the season. We know that if we have a slip up Celtic will be there on our heels. Until it's mathematically out of Celtic's reach we will continue to work hard."

Soft Sombrero Moment 1998

Vidmar on the Old Firm Derby…

Diegos: " You are one of the few Aussies who has played in a Glasgow derby between Rangers and Celtic and lived to tell the tale.  They say that everything occurs at such a frenetic pace, that players don't remember much about the game.

What was your experience of the occasion?"

Vidmar: "I think the whole build up really involves the supporters more than the players. The supporters from both sides are very parochial and fanatical about their team. The only thing that they care about is that you beat the opposition. The atmosphere itself is difficult to describe. You have to be at the game to comprehend what it's about."

Diegos: " The fervor behind the Rangers and Celtic clash has traditionally stemmed from the Catholic v Protestant sectarian religious rivalry over the years. 

Did you witness any of this rivalry in the lead up to the game?"

Vidmar: " None at all amongst the players. We really don't think much of it. It is something that the supporters take notice of rather than the players. Both teams have such a long tradition, and there are many fans out there that have supported their club for a long time. Its understandable how these issues are more relevant to them."

Soft Sombrero Moment 1998

Vidmar on Viduka…

Diegos: " There is a big chance that when the next Glasgow derby comes around that you may be marking the Socceroo V-Bomber, Mark Viduka.

What has the fallout been like for Mark in Scotland since he returned to Celtic? Given that you are Australian, has the club confiscated your passport and does the Rangers club doctor keep asking repeatedly whether you're feeling homesick, stressed and emotional?"

Vidmar: "They often shine a bright light in my face and ask how are you feeling Tony? I think that they are pretty convinced that I'm not going to go anywhere.

I believe the press has been fairly good to Mark. They have come to understand what his problem was. From all reports he has been working very hard in training. Knowing Mark, he would be itching to get out there as soon as possible to make his debut for Celtic."

Diegos: " When you do meet up with him on the park, what sort welcome will you give him - a tap on the heels, a cynical axing from behind or a good old Aussie kiss?"

Vidmar: "I think it would be more appropriate and in keeping with the culture, to give him a Glasgow Kiss."

Soft Sombrero Moment 1998

Vidmar on his first goal for Rangers…

Diegos: " The Four Diego's Scottish correspondent, Jimmy Diego, tells us you scored against Hamilton Academics in the Scottish FA Cup recently. 

It was your first goal for the club and no doubt a special moment for you.  How did you celebrate the goal?  Did you slip on a kilt and play an imaginary bagpipe around the corner flag to get into the Scottish groove of goal celebration?"

Vidmar: " Yes I actually slipped on the kilt for the occasion. I made sure the public got a glimpse of what is under an Aussies' kilt. I don't know whether they appreciated the sight though.

It was my first goal for the club. It's been a long time coming. It came from a corner and l think the player marking me had little idea of what he was doing. It just hit me on the head and I was fortunate that it went in."

Soft Sombrero Moment 1998

Tony on his brother Aurelio…

Diegos: "Out of the two Vidmar brothers the Diegos have always regarded Aurelio as the long-haired lair and you as the clean-cut sensible one. Your combination to score at the Sydney Football Stadium versus Argentina in the 1993 World Cup qualifier displayed a certain telepathic connection between the two of you. 

Do you share a special bond on the field?

Vidmar: "I believe we do. Ever since we both started playing soccer at a young age in the backyard, we always had the goal that one-day we would play for the Socceroos and play overseas.

It's something we've grown up with. I suppose it's no great surprise that it's happened. There are many other sporting brothers in Australia who have been able to achieve the same thing in their chosen sport."

Soft Sombrero Moment 1998

Vidmar on Leeds United…

Diegos: "The Diegos have officially declared a bitter dislike for English Premier league club, Leeds United due to the pressure they are placing on the Aussie youngsters they are interested in, not to play for Australia.

What's your view on their behaviour?"

Vidmar: "It is certainly an issue that has upset a lot of people in Australia. I think what is going on is wrong. Players brought up in Australia should be proud of their country and their culture.

I can't believe that people outside Australia can place this sort of pressure on our young players. I hope that Soccer Australia can eventually do something about it."

Soft Sombrero Moment 1998

Vidmar on the a Socceroos team coached by the Diegos…

Diegos: "Some big games have been proposed in 1999 for the Socceroos.  The World XI game in June is a definite and games against Croatia, Holland and Brazil have also been touted. 

Will Rangers release you for these games?

Vidmar: "It really depends on when these games are scheduled. I've heard a little about the FIFA XI game in June. At that time it is our off-season so I'll have to wait and see whether I'm selected. I heard that you 4 guys are in the front running for the first 4 spots though."

Diegos: "We are actually in the front running for the position of captain / coach of the Socceroos.

To be honest Tony, this is in fact, not an interview for 'Australian Soccer Weekly', but rather an interview for the Diegos to gauge whether your attitude is good enough to wear the Green and Gold and a Sombrero. Congratulations, so far you are passing the test."

Vidmar: "Oh I'm so glad. It would be the highlight of my career to play for a Socceroos team coached by the Diegos."

Soft Sombrero Moment 1998