Mark Viduka was yesterday awarded the Alex Tobin Medal by Professional Footballers Australia in recognition of his achievements in football.
The now retired Viduka, 35, who played for Celtic, Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Newcastle United, led Australia in their World Cup campaign in Germany in 2006.
The Alex Tobin medal is awarded to Australian footballers who have displayed leadership, achievement as a player and service and dedication to the game, the PFA said.
Viduka is the fourth winner of the medal and joins Joe Marston, Johnny Warren and last year’s winner, Liverpool legend Craig Johnston.
Irate Magath drops errant trio
Schalke manager Felix Magath has dropped a trio of players from his squad as the first consequence after last weekend’s 5-0 defeat at Kaiserslautern.
Jermaine Jones, Alexander Baumjohann and Hans Sarpei will spend the rest of 2010 training with the youth team and will not be considered for first-team action after upsetting Magath with their attitudes.
“Jermaine has not impressed me with his condition in matches while the other two have not pleased me in training,” Magath told the Bild newspaper.
According to reports, Magath’s other consequence was to order his side to brave the sub-zero temperatures on Tuesday by training in shorts on a snowbound pitch.
Bayern determined to keep Schweini
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said Bastian Schweinsteiger will not be going anywhere before his contract expires in 2012.
It has been rumoured that Bayern may sell him next summer should he not sign an extension by then, otherwise they risk losing him on a free transfer 12 months later.
“We will not be letting the player go before his contract ends in 2012 in any case,” Rummenigge told the club’s AGM.
“Bastian has developed a great deal in the last two years and I am very optimistic that we and his agents can find an agreement.”
Jelavic targets Celtic return
Striker Nikica Jelavic hopes to return for Rangers in time for the January 2 Old Firm derby with Celtic.
The 25-year-old Croatian, who signed for £4million in August, required ankle surgery after being injured in the 2-1 win at Hearts on October 2.
Jelavic told Rangers News: “My injury is getting better and better and I hope that I can be fit again in January so I will start to play.
“I have only been walking with the physios recently but very soon I want to be running again and get back into serious training.
“Normally you should not play for three months after an operation so, with this being the case, the Celtic game will probably be my target.”
Wilkins reaches Chelsea agreement
Ray Wilkins and Chelsea yesterday reached what both described as an “amicable” resolution over his controversial departure from the club.
Wilkins, 54, last month lost his job as assistant manager at Stamford Bridge, a decision he later branded an “undoubtedly unfair dismissal”.
“It has obviously been a big wrench leaving such an illustrious club and one which has played such a huge role in my playing and coaching career,” Wilkins said in a statement released by the League Managers’ Association.
“I have great affection for the club, the staff, the players and its supporters and wish them all the very best for the remainder of this season and the future.”
Brescia open to Caracciolo offers
Brescia president Gino Corioni is prepared to discuss the transfer of Andrea Caracciolo to Napoli in the January transfer window.
Napoli are reportedly keen to boost their striking options after Cristiano Lucarelli suffered a serious knee injury at the start of the season.
Asked about reports linking Napoli with Caracciolo, Corioni said: “We can talk about it. There aren’t any players like him in Italy.
“Technically he is better than Luca Toni. He isn’t 30. He has matured a lot and is ready for a top club.”
Reports suggest that Brescia value Caracciolo at €10 million.
Robinho feels at home in Milan
Robinho is prepared to spend the rest of his career with Milan after finding the environment at the Serie A giants very much to his liking.
Interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Robinho, who produced a fine performance in the 1-1 draw with Sampdoria, said: “Milan is Brazilian in spirit.
“It’s impossible not to be happy here.
“I won’t move anymore. I will stay in red and black for another 10 years. Football is my passion and thanks to Milan I am happy again.
“My wife is also happy here. Our second child will be born in March, another boy.
“Milan is an important chance that I don’t want to miss.
“I know that when I am physically healthy and I feel at home I can give my best.”