Sportsday - rolling football news

Say what you want about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, you can't accuse him of being shy. Earlier today, the Sweden striker said he believes he is responsible for putting France on the world football map.

Paris St-Germain's all-time record scorer made the comments ahead of Sweden's Euro 2016 play-off against Denmark.

"I would love to play at the European Championship in France. I have played there for four years. I have put Sweden on the world map and now I have put France on the world map too."

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In case you missed it earlier, this is reportedly the new Spain away kit.

Some say it looks like someone has vomited down the front.

Anyway Spain play England in an international friendly on Friday and we will hear from the Spanish camp very soon.

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Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is not on the shortlist for the Fulham manager's job.

It is understood that Cottagers owner Shahid Khan is looking for someone who has at least Championship experience.

Hasselbaink, 43, who is the current favourite for the Fulham job, is currently in charge of League One side Burton Albion, who he led to promotion in his debut season as a manager in English football.

Fulham sacked Kit Symons following last Saturday's 5-2 home defeat by Birmingham.

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Newcastle Falcons youngsters will be given a chance in the European Challenge Cup to press for places in their Premiership side.

The Falcons, who are bottom of the Premiership table, start their European campaign at French club Brive on Friday. 

Director of rugby Dean Richards told BBC Newcastle: "It hasn't worked for the guys who started the last few weeks, so it means the guys who come in have a great opportunity."

A South West consortium is bidding to host one of the six teams forming the new Women's Super League in 2016.

Somerset CCC, Gloucestershire CCC and the University of Exeter have joined forces for the bid, with home games played at several South West venues.

The England and Wales Cricket Board received 28 bids, and an announcement regarding the successful applicants is expected by the end of January 2016.

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Hull City midfielder David Meyler has been ruled out for up to eight weeks with a grade two tear of the medial ligament in his right knee.

The 26-year-old suffered the injury in training before Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

One for those who might be working through the night in the UK...

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Who is in line to be England's next Test skipper when Alastair Cook eventually steps down? Stuart Broad was at BBC HQ yesterday, and he has tipped Joe Root to lead the national team. More on that here.

Shrewsbury Town chief executive Matt Williams says his only regret is not getting Rod Stewart to play a concert at the ground after announcing he will leave the club next month to become general manager of Championship club Burnley. 

Sir Elton John appeared at the club in 2011 in front of 16,000 people and Williams told BBC Radio Shropshire if he had any regrets, he said: "The only thing I've not done that I wanted to do is get a concert over the line. I'm gutted we didn't get Rod Stewart."

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Hartlepool United manager Ronnie Moore believes they could be regarded as underdogs in next month's FA Cup second round tie against non-league Salford City.

"It's a fantastic draw for both, in a roundabout way some people might make them favourites," Moore told BBC Tees. "The whole nation will be against us, everybody wants Salford to beat us."

The match will be screen live on BBC TV.

AFC Bournemouth's new Chicago-based investors have made a "long-term commitment" to the club, according to the man who helped set up the deal.

Private equity firm Peak6, led by Matt Hulsizer, have acquired a 25% stake in the Premier League club.

"If you look at some of the bigger franchises in the four big sports in the US, syndicated investment is pretty common. You'll start to see more of these investments as attitudes change," James Earl told BBC Radio 5 live's Wake Up To Money programme.

If somehow you've managed to miss the entire Russia doping story, or you just need a handy quicky recap, have a watch of this video. It is usefully titled 'Russia doping crisis in 60 seconds'. Because that is exactly what it is.

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A reminder of the latest from this week's big story (with a capital BIG). Russia's athletics federation is planning to admit to some of the charges made against it by the World Anti-Doping Agency commission in order to avoid a ban from competition.

A Wada independent report accused Russia of "state-sponsored" doping.

The International Association of Athletics Federations' (IAAF) decision on the matter is expected on Friday.

The Russian federation's acting president Vadim Zelichenok says it will "admit some things" in its response.

England have already ground out a 0-0 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina, but there is still some home nation Under-21 action to come in shape of France v Northern Ireland in Euro Championship qualifying.

The game gets under way in about five minutes time and you can see the score on our live scores page.

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Worrying news if you are a Manchester City fan. Defender Vincent Kompany is out of Belgium's squad for their friendlies with Italy and Spain with a calf injury. No word on how serious it is but the league leaders will be hoping with all their might; not very.

What were you doing when you were 15? Riding on your bike? Playing video games? Well, Yan Bingtao was beating beaten former World Champion Shaun Murphy at the Champion of Champions tournament in Coventry. The margin of victory: 4-2. Don't you just feel like you've wasted your life?

"Sorry if you can't make this shot out too well but our commentary position will be high in the Gods. Like many grounds in Spain this is a stadium with very steep stands. We will talk to you again on match night."

Alistair YeomansCopyright: Alistair Yeomans

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Ahead of this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, the BBC World Service has been speaking to Giovanna Amati, the last woman to race in Formula 1.

Amati has been telling the BBC's Patrick Nathanson her views on Susie Wolff, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone's suggestion of a women-only F1 Championship and on how being kidnapped in 1978 made her stronger as a person.

Listen to the interview here.

Russian bank VTB have announced they will be ending their sponsorship of the IAAF World Championships.

A statement read: “VTB has expressed no interest to extend its present contract, the last event of which was the IAAF World Championships in Beijing. The contract will come to a natural end in 2015.”

"We are in and have to make the most of our allocated 15 minutes of access - after that we are asked to leave as England will go through their tactical manoeuvres behind closed doors."

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Alistair YeomansCopyright: Alistair Yeomans

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Remi Garde will be a success as Aston Villa manager - because he has "social intelligence".

That's the opinion of former Villa manager Gerard Houllier who worked with Garde at Lyon.

In an interview on the official Villa website, Houllier said: "When I worked with Remi, he was loyal, clever and had a good understanding of the game.

"When I say clever I mean he has good social intelligence - he knows what players think and how they will react in certain situations. That's a very good trait to have.

"He is very calm and composed too and despite not managing here in England before - he knows the Premier League definitely."

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As summer shake-ups go, this is a biggie. According to the Daily Mirror, Real Madrid are considering selling Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema at the end of the season, with Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski set to take their place.

Cue the Ronaldo Old Trafford return rumours all over again.

"The club seem unable to cope with the demands of the Media. Puerta 3 - where we we supposed to gain entry to watch England train - remains resolutely closed. England are already on the pitch training and our opportunity to chronicle that is fast disappearing."

Alastair YeomansCopyright: Alastair Yeomans

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Quite a few people have been surprised by Chelsea's appalling start to this season. Not former Blues defender Frank Leboeuf, who told RMC Sport (which was quoted in the Daily Express) that manager Jose Mourinho has "lost the dresing room".

"That means, as usual, he has not been able to progress in the third year," added the former France defender, referring to Mourinho's habit of not staying at a club much longer than three years.

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What do Americans know about cricket? Well, the good folk over on BBC World Service's Stumped show have attempted to find out by putting one to the test.

How did he get on? Click here and find out.

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Word on the street (well, in the Daily Mail) is that Bayern Munich are set to offer Pep Guardiola a cheeky £18m to stay as their manager for another two years.

The message could not be clearer: keep your hands off.

Over to you Manchester City and Chelsea.

The BBC Radio 5 live team are preparing to watch England train in Alicante ahead of tomorrow night's friendly against Spain.

"The officials at the ground are strict about not letting in the media until 15 minutes before training is due to start. So work has to be done wherever there is a temporary seat."

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Another major international tournament, another new ball is revealed. Former France international Zinedine Zidane has revealed the round thing that will be used during Euro 2016 via Instagram. It is called Beau Jeu, which translates as 'the beautiful game'. Want to see it? Here you go...

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The Lancashire Cricket Board has submitted its bid to the England and Wales Cricket Board to host a Women’s Cricket Super League (WCSL) team from 2016.

Six host teams will compete in a T20 competition next year. The competition will expand to include a 50-over tournament from 2017.

Warwickshire have appointed Neil Snowball as chief executive. He will start the role in January, replacing Colin Povey who is retiring from the position next month.

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Exeter coach Rob Baxter has ruled himself out of the running to be England head coach.

Baxter says he intends to "honour" his contract at Sandy Park, which runs until 2018.

He has also said a southern hemisphere coach would be "frustrated" by the relationship between the club system and national side.

He tipped English coaches Jim Mallinder and Richard Cockerill as good candidates to replace Stuart Lancaster.

We asked what you thought of the Football League rebranding as the English Football League (EFL)?

Helen Davies: Why #EFL? Should it not be #BFL The football league is not just English clubs!!  

Jonny Young: Looks a bit like an energy company.  

Nick Rewcastle: Hate to say it, but I simply don't like it - doesn't look right! They need to stop changing the names of the lower leagues. 

OK folks, here is the new logo for the rebranded Football League, soon to be known as the English Football League.

What do you make of it? Let us know via Twitter (#bbcsportsday).

Football League news now and the second, third and fourth tier of English football are set to be renamed at the end of this season. The new name? The English Football League. Or, EFL.

There is one thing holding back the "individually strong" England team, according to Spain manager Vincente del Bosque, and that is organisation.

England notched up 10 wins as they topped Euro 2016 Group E qualifying and will be looking to carry that form into the finals in France next year. First, though, they face Del Bosque's side in a friendly on Friday.

"England have a team with great potential and are individually very strong," Del Bosque told a news conference ahead of the game at Alicante's Jose Rico Perez stadium. "Once they have a bit of organisation they will be a great side."

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Del Bosque, also gave his backing to Chelsea striker Diego Costa, who is in the Spain squad despite struggling for the Blues this season. 

"We know what Diego Costa's character is like," said the coach. "He is not here because we are obliged to bring him because he has any debt to us. He is here because we believe in him." 

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is not on the shortlist for the Fulham manager's job.

It is understood that Cottagers owner Shahid Khan is looking for someone who has at least Championship experience.

Hasselbaink, 43, who is the current favourite for the Fulham job, is currently in charge of League One side Burton Albion, who he led to promotion in his debut season as a manager in English football.

Fulham sacked Kit Symons following last Saturday's 5-2 home defeat by Birmingham.

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"The chairman of one of South Africa's biggest clubs says his countryman Tokyo Sexwale has a very 'heavy' task ahead of him to become president of Fifa.

"Kaizer Motaung, who founded the Kaizer Chiefs in 1970, sights Sexwale's lack of a 'football background' as the biggest factor that could count against him, but he wishes him well."

Find out more on the Fifa presidential candidates here.

AFPCopyright: AFP

South Africa fast bowler Vernon Philander could miss the start of the Test Series against England next month after suffering a "freak injury".

Philander injured his ankle in a warm-up match of football on Thursday ahead of the second Test against India.

He has suffered a ligament tear in his left ankle and is likely to be out for six to eight weeks, which means he could miss the first Test in Durban on Boxing Day.

Philander has a good record against England taking 12 wickets in three Tests and is ranked seventh in the world.

Earlier we asked you which four players from either the Republic of Ireland or Bosnia-Herzegovina have scored three or more goals in Euro 2016 qualifying?

The answers are of course: Edin Dzeko, Robbie Keane, Shane Long and Jon Walters.

"England womens' coach Scott Beamund has made three changes to his side for their autumn international with Ireland.

"After losing to France last week, World Cup winners Emma Croker and LaToya Mason start at hooker and scrumhalf respectively. 

"Justine Lucas starts at prop replacing the injured Laura Keates.

"The world champions play Ireland on Saturday at the Twickenham Stoop, kick-off 15:00 GMT."

Full team: Sarah Mckenna; Katie Mason, Lauren Cattell, Ceri Large, Charlotte Clapp; Emily Scott, La Toya Mason; Rochelle Clarke, Emma Croker , Justine Lucas , Tamara Taylor, Abbie Scott, Hannah Gallagher, Marlie Packer, Sarah Hunter (C)

Replacements: Amy Cokayne, Vicki Cornborough, Heather Kerr, Harriet Millar-Mills, Izzy Noel-Smith, Leanne Riley, Rachel Lund, Ruth Laybourn.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not one to hold back and the Sweden striker believes he is responsible for putting France on the world football map.

Paris St-Germain's all-time record scorer made the comments ahead of Sweden's Euro 2016 play-off against Denmark.

"I would love to play at the European Championship in France. I have played there for four years. I have put Sweden on the world map and now I have put France on the world map too."

More tributes have been made for former Premier League goalkeeper Marton Fulop.

There was this from former teammate Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany...

Another former teammate striker Kenwyne Jones posted on Facebook: "On the pitch, you were either in fear of in awe of him. A talented goalkeeper, a fierce warrior, a truer gentleman.   

QPR have announced Kevin Blackwell's return to Loftus Road as assistant to interim head coach Neil Warnock. The pair have worked together extensively over the years, with Blackwell in the dugout alongside Warnock at Huddersfield, Plymouth, Bury, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace - as well as when the 66-year-old was formerly in charge of the R's. 

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Not a man to take failure lying down, Roman Abramovich is apparently plotting the most sensational of moves to restore Chelsea to the top of the Premier League tree. We'll call it 'Operation: Ronaldo'.

Yep, according to Spanish paper AS, Abramovich is preparing an irresistible offer for Real Madrid's three-time world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo and is contemplating selling Eden Hazard, Nemanja Matic and Oscar to balance out the move.

Head on over to the AS website for more information.

No, not Sergio. Sorry for getting any Foxes fans excited.

Leicester Tigers have signed loose-head prop Matias Aguero as cover for injured duo Michele Rizzo and Logovi'i Mulipola, reports BBC Radio Leicester.

The 34-year-old Italy international has been registered and is eligible to play against Stade Francais in Leicester's opening Champions Cup game on Friday.

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Leeds United have enquired about taking Norwich City striker Kyle Lafferty on loan, boss Steve Evans has revealed.

The 28-year-old Northern Ireland international has only featured once for the Canaries this season.

"I have placed a call in to (Norwich boss) Alex Neil to see what the situation is," Evans said. "Kyle needs to be playing."

Jonny Evans is keen for Michael O'Neill to remain as Northern Ireland manager but believes he has the qualities to succeed in the Premier League.

"It would be sad for us as players if it got to a situation where he wasn't here," said Evans. "We'd all love him to stay on.

"What I like about him is he won't just settle for what's there, he'll try to improve us as a team.

"The fact is he's only with us for 10 days at a time and has improved us as players, as a squad, as individuals."

Earlier we told you how Lewis Hamilton delayed his flight to Sao Paolo for the Brazilian Grand Prix because he was suffering with a fever.

The triple world champion also revealed he had been in a road accident in Monaco on Monday, but was unhurt.

Well the 30-year-old Brit has now landed in Brazil looking at these pictures...

Full-time in Sarajevo. Despite playing the last 18 minutes with only 10 men, England have secured a 0-0 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Hardly a thriller but it maintains England's unbeaten record. They won their first two matches.

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In case you haven't already noticed, we have some red hot bowls action currently showing live via the coverage tab at the top of this page.

The event in question is the Scottish International Open from the Dewar's Centre in Perth and it is on until 17:15 GMT.

I'll make it even easier for you to find. Just click here.

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Saracens number eight Ernst Joubert is to retire at the end of the month.

The 35-year-old South African has been with the club for six years and helped them to two Premiership titles.

"There's definitely a tinge of sadness, deciding to hang up your boots, but I'm overwhelmed when I think of all the great memories I've made here," he told the club website. 

Addz: Watched Marton Fulop at Coventry, great keeper and really nice bloke, gutted for him - thoughts with family and friends.

Earlier we brought you the news that former Premier League goalkeeper Marton Fulop has died, aged 32.

Crystal Palace forward Connor Wickham played with Fulop at Ipswich Town in 2010.

England are down to 10 men against Bosnia-Herzegovina in their European Championship qualifier. Southampton player Jack Stephens, who is on loan at Middlesbrough, has been shown a second yellow. England will have to deal with the last 18 minutes with a man less. The current score: 0-0.

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Englandhave made two changes to their 19-man squad for the final Test against New Zealand on Saturday.

Half-backMatty Smithis named in the squad alongside Huddersfield Giants wingerJermaine McGillvary. They replace Huddersfield’s Leroy Cudjoe and Warrington Wolves forward Ben Westwood.

“We have had a great week with our preparation and the players are ready to take on a strong New Zealand side,” said head coach Steve McNamara.

“The players are well aware of the importance of the game and the improvements we have to make from our previous matches to give ourselves every chance of beating New Zealand.

“We will have to be at our best to win, but we’ll relish the pressure of playing against a quality team in front of a full house at Wigan.”

It is still 0-0 in Sarajevo as the game passes the hour mark.

Bosnia have started the second-half well but England have brought on Sunderland winger Duncan Watmore for Chuba Akpom.

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Not the most scintillating of news conferences from England there, but I suppose that is what you get when everything seems to be going quite well. Top lines:

• Wayne Rooney will not start against Spain, but will against France.
• Jamie Vardy is a doubt for the game.
• That's it.

England captain Wayne Rooney: "I think we've all been here before, before major tournaments. We know we have a good, exciting squad but it is still young and we need to improve if we are to compete. This is what we are trying to do in training and these games."

On Jamie Vardy: "He has been incredible this season. It is a shame he has picked up the injury because it is a big chance for him to prove himself on an international level."

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England manager Roy Hodgson: "We have a very strong group of players here, I hope Jamie (Vardy) recovers and he can play in the second game against France. There are a lot of players who have performed well since the start of the season and have created serious competition for places in the line-up.

"The Euros are a long way away, the matches in March will be more akin to the type of feeling we will experience in France, those games will help me select the squad looking ahead to next summer."

England manager Roy Hodgson on Stuart Lancaster's departure as England rugby union head coach: "I am disappointed for Stuart. I know him reasonably well and admire his work. It is not my business to comment on the RFU but from a personal viewpoint I am disappointed. He is a good coach and leader. I hope he finds a new job soon."

England captain Wayne Rooney: "It is a tough game for us against Spain but one we are looking forward to. We know we have the quality in our squad to give them a good game. Hopefully we can get a good result."

England captain Wayne Rooney: "It is important in these games that the manager has the chance to see as many players as he can before the tournament."

England manager Roy Hodgson: "We are going to use the two games to look at combinations of players playing together. It will be good to see how various combinations are developing. At the front we have Wayne [Rooney] and Jamie Vardy, Harry [Kane] and Ross Barkley. We will make changes. Wayne is with me today and is the captain in our team. But he won't start the game. We are keen not to fool people, even though he is sat alongside me today. That is down to looking at different combinations and he will start the game against France."

England manager Roy Hodgson: "Jamie Vardy is struggling with a knock he picked up on Saturday, we are monitoring it but it is unlikely he will play tomorrow."

PACopyright: PA

Roy Hodgson has started his news conference in Alicante...

Saracens back-row forward Ernst Joubert has confirmed he will retire from rugby at the end of this month.

South African Joubert, 35, joined Saracens in 2009 and has helped the club win two Aviva Premiership titles. He made more than 160 first team appearances. 

"I've had an amazing time at Saracens," Joubert said in a statement. "There is definitely a tinge of sadness when you make the decision to hang up your boots, but I am overwhelmed and joyful when I think of all the great memories I've made here."

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"We meet up with Roy Hodgson and Wayne Rooney today ahead of the prestigious friendly against Spain tomorrow.

"The match will be staged in Alicante which is also where the press corps is based.

"England's hotel is a little further along the coast, not far from Benidorm.

"Fortunately it's very quiet and leafy and far enough away from the resort for our lads to rest and prepare properly."

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Responding to the publication of Fifa’s list of candidates for its presidential election,Clive Efford MP, Labour’s Shadow Sports Minister, has said:

“It is clear from the list of candidates to replace Sepp Blatter that Fifa has no intention of changing its ways.” 

“Only a candidate with no history of involvement in Fifa’s corrupt past will command the confidence of the football family so that they can introduce the radical change the organisation so desperately needs. It cannot be reformed from within.”

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

More sad news...with Queens Park Rangers announcing that their former youth goalkeeper Tommaso Trani has died at the age of 21 following a short illness.

The Italian was on the club's books from 2011 to 2013 and interim head coach Neil Warnock told the club website: This is absolutely tragic news. Tommaso was such a lovely, lovely lad." 

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"We are very fortunate to have our own room in which to interview the manager and the captain. Even better, we are the only UK radio station present in Spain for the game."

It was confirmed earlier that Musa Bility has been removed from the list of Fifa Presidential candidates because of a six month ban from all football activitieshe was given in 2013.

Bility has since released a statement, which reads: “I have received communication from Fifa’s Electoral Committee and I have been principally rejected because of my ban by CAF in 2013. I reject this and think it’s unfortunate. I believe that my decision to fight CAF at the time was a genuine attempt to change African football and prevent rules from being arbitrarily violated. On the merit of the Fifa decision, I am awaiting the review by my team of lawyers to determine my next course of action.” 

Following on from the news that Manchester United have announced a 39.3% increase in overall first quarter revenue to £123.6m...

"United lost £7.4m on the sale of Angel di Maria, Robin van Persie and Nani. This loss – reduced by the sale of Javier Hernandez – is a loss against the balance sheet value of the player, which depreciates over the course of their contract, rather than what they paid for him.

"In Di Maria’s case, they paid 75m Euros and sold for 60m Euros."

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It remains goalless in England Under-21s' European Championship qualifying game against Bosnia-Herzegovina. James Ward-Prowse and Lewis Baker have both gone close for the away side, who have also had a penalty shout turned down for a foul on Dom Solanke.

Sunderland have released a statement, paying tribute to former goalkeeper Marton Fulop, who died today at the age of 32.

Fulop, who had battled cancer in recent years, played for the Black Cats between 2006 and 2010.

The club’s chief executive Margaret Byrne, who organised for Fulop to attend the 2014 Capital One Cup final, in which Sunderland played another of his former clubs, Manchester City, said: “We are devastated to hear of Marton’s passing. He was a genuinely lovely man, liked and respected by everyone at the club during his four years with us.

“It is desperately sad when we lose a member of our Sunderland family but to lose one so young and in such circumstances is simply heart-breaking.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Marton’s family and friends at this terribly sad time.”

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"Manchester United report a 39.3% increase in overall first quarter revenue to 30 September to £123.6m.

"The club expect overall revenue for the year to be between £500m and £510m (no club has exceeded £500m before)."

AFPCopyright: AFP

Suspended Fifa president Sepp Blatter has been discharged from hospital after what was described as a "small emotional breakdown".

Blatter, 79, who has led world football's governing body for 18 years, wasprovisionally suspended for 90 days last month amid a corruption scandal.

He was admitted last week, initially for a check-up, said his former publicist Klaus Stoelhker.

"He is very happy and he is relaxing a few days," he said.

Higginbotham played with Fulop at Sunderland...

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey...

Foster played with Fulop at West Brom from 2011-12.

Hungarian international Marton Fulop played in England between 2004 and 2010.

He is best remembered for his time with Sunderland but he was also on the books of Tottenham, Ipswich and West Brom and also had loan spells with Manchester City, Stoke, Leicester, Chesterfield and Coventry. 

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Focus now switches to England Under-21s European Championships qualifying match against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Asim Ferhatovic Hase Stadion in Sarajevo. The game is just about to kick off. Here is the England team...

AB De Villiers will make his 100th Test appearance for South Africa against India this weekend. To celebrate, Cricket South Africa have put together this rather nice graphic.

@officialcsaCopyright: @officialcsa

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They call him 'Little Ibrahimovic' and apparently he is firmly on the radar of Tottenham.

The player in question is Wissam Ben Yedder, a 24-year-old forward who plays for Toulouse. His record of one goal in 10 games this season isn't very Ibrahimovic, but that doesn't appear to be putting off Spurs. Or Marseille, who are the other team tracking the French player.

For more on this story, head on over to Talksport.

Which 4 players from either the Republic of Ireland or Bosnia-Herzegovina have scored three or more goals in Euro 2016 qualifying?

Answers later this afternoon.

This is reportedly the newSpain away kit.

Some say it looks like someone has vomited down the front.

Anyway Spain play England in an international friendly on Friday and we will hear from the Spanish camp very soon.

Footy HeadlinesCopyright: Footy Headlines

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England assistant coach Paul Farbrace has been speaking to the BBC about yesterday's six-wicket defeat by Pakistan in the first one-day game. England made a below-par 216, with Pakistan knocking off the runs with six overs to spare.

"We talked last night about having the hunger, desire and fight in our batting that we have in our fielding," said Farbrace. "We knew we were short. 250 on that wicket would have been a good score. But from 1-11 we felt we could have done a lot better. There are no excuses, though. We know we need to play better than that.

"We still think we have another 12 months of finding out what is our best team. We have made great strides from where we were after the World Cup. I think we saw enough last night to see that we have the fight and the passion in the team."

Top marks to Andrew Ball who has suggested the story of American high school student Jason McElwain in 2006.

McElwain, who is autistic, helped out with the basketball team of Greece Athena High School in Rochester, New York.

But for the last game of the season coach Jim Johnson gave McElwain a jersey and put him on the bench.

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With the team in the lead he put McElwain on and after missing his first two shots, the teenager went on to score 20 points in three minutes and was mobbed by the crowd at the end of the game.

You can watch the incredible footage here.

Keep sending in your suggestions and pictures of heart-warming sport stories and we want ones that have happened to YOU.

Tweet us via #feelgoodthursday.

Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has backed Jose Mourinho to turn things around at Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti also believes the Premier League champions lack motivation this season.

Speaking to the Daily Mail he said: "Jose won't be sacked. They already choose to keep him, and I think they made a good choice.

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"I look from a distance at Chelsea and I think they won the title easily last year and I don't think they are so motivated this year.

"The manager cannot motivate a player if the player is not self-motivated. It's impossible. They have lost something and it's difficult to change like a switch. You have to work slowly to change.

"But Mourinho is one of the best managers in the world, no doubt. I look at his body language and he's OK. He is not so worried. He has confidence. He'll sort it out."

German football expert Raphael Honigstein has told BBC Radio 5 live he believes Borussia Dortmund's trend of star players leaving for bigger clubs will be broken by striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 26.

Meanwhile, in their volcano lair, Bayern Munich draw the black cape around the bottom of their face and laugh maniacally. 

You can read more of this type of stuff in gossip.

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Blackpool goalkeeper Colin Doyle will be out until the start of 2016 with ankle ligament damage.

The 30-year-old was taken off in the Seasiders' loss to Barnet in the FA Cup and will now miss around two months with the injury.

Manager Neil McDonald has already said he is looking to bring in a goalkeeper on loan after back-up keeper Kyle Letheren injured his collarbone.

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Pakistan have named their squad for the three-match Twenty20 international series against England.

And here it is:

Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Riffat Ullah Mohmand, Shoaib Malik, Sohaib Maqsood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Anwar Ali, Imad Wasim (subject to fitness, otherwise Bilal Asif), Imran Khan Junior, Mohammad Irfan, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Amir Yamin.

The Pakistan Cricket Board statement added: "Umar Akmal was in contention for a place in the T20I squad, but he was not considered following the board issuing him a show cause notice after the press reports revealed that he had brought PCB and Pakistan Cricket into disrepute."

"It's well documented Wales will be without Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey for this November friendly against the Netherlands, but Chris Coleman is happy with the way Bale's injury has been managed by club [Real Madrid] and country. 'He's had a tough time for his injury. It's been a bit stop-start but it's definitely the right move for us to take.'

"Ramsey has been walking his dog this morning - he can't play due to the hamstring injury he picked up playing for Arsenal against Bayern Munich.

InstagramCopyright: Instagram

"On his reported argument with Arsene Wenger over the use of Ramsey, Coleman said: 'I'm not in the habit of publically speaking about another manager in a tit for tat but I reacted to what was said, and rightly so but that's done now, that's finished. The amount of times I fall out with my staff or my players, if it was to be that we never spoke after that then I probably wouldn't have many friends left.'"

Thanks to Shivam Manghnani for suggesting Jonas Gutierrez scoring against West Ham at the end of last season.

The former Newcastle midfielder was one of the feel-good stories of last season after he overcame testicular cancer and returned to action in March.

The Argentine went on to help keep Newcastle in the Premier League and scored against the Hammers on the last game of the season.

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We want your feel-good sporting stories, let us know of any heart-warming moments that have happened to you, your team or club or things your club or team have done for others such as an incredible sporting gesture.

Tweet us via #feelgoodthursday. Pictures and videos are also welcome.

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There have been suggestions of a run-in with Arsene Wenger over the selection of Aaron Ramsey, but Chris Coleman is pretty adamant that he will not rest players for Wales' friendlies ahead of Euro 2016.

"We shouldn't be seen as a vehicle for resting players," he has told reporters at Wales' news conference ahead of Friday's friendly with the Netherlands.

However, on the subject of Gareth Bale's return with Real Madrid and the forward missing the Netherlands game, Coleman said: "It's definitely the right route for us to take."

This is the ball that Rooney, Bale, Lafferty and the rest will be hoping to put in the back of the net at Euro 2016.

It is the official match ball of the tournament and called the Beau Jeu or for the non-French speakers among us 'the beautiful game.'

"Confirmation from Musa Bility that his removal from the list of Fifa presidential candidates was down to a six month ban from all football activities in 2013. 

"He was punished for using confidential documents from African football’s governing body in a legal challenge against Issa Hayatou. 

"He led an unsuccessful bid to overturn a rule change which essentially ensured that Hayatou’s long reign as president of the organisation continued."

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On Friday, Wales will take on the Netherlands in a friendly. Only one of those teams will be at Euro 2016. And it is not the latter.

Wales are set to hold a news conference for that game very soon and we will bring the best of what is said as soon as we have it.

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The debate surrounding England's Rugby World Cup failure and the subsequent departure of head coach Stuart Lancaster continues to rumble on.

Ex-RFU Chairman Martyn Thomas told BBC Radio 5 live: “It's been shambolic. We won in 2003, 2007 was not as good. 2011 got poorer and as for 2015 we've come off the precipice

"To be a successful national international team coach you've got to have an X Factor. You've got to be a Steve Hansen, a Michael Cheika. Finding that individual is the difficulty and then slotting them into an organisation and it's not an easy task.”

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More on the appointment of Shaun Derry as Cambridge United manager.

The 37-year-old had been available since his sacking by Notts County in March, when the club were one place above the League One relegation zone.

Former Crystal Palace and QPR midfielder Derry replaces Richard Money at a side currently 18th in the fourth-tier and has signed a deal until 2018.

As a player, he made a total of 652 career appearances for eight clubs.

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Apparently, Manchester City are drawing up their shortlist of managers to succeed Manuel Pellegrini. Bayern Munich's Pep Guardiola tops the list (as he does that of most top clubs). But coming in at number two (according to the Daily Star at least) is former Chelsea and Real Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti.

This and more in today's gossip.

BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport

This is the moment that Serbian basketball player Natasa Kovacevic returned to action two years on from having her leg amputated after a bus crash.

At 6ft 2in and as a bronze medallist at the European Under-18 Championships in 2012, Kovacevic was seen as one of her country's most promising players.

But after her accident, intensive treatment and rehabilitation allowed Kovacevic to sign for Red Star Belgrade for whom she made her debut on Wednesday.

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

Hampshire have signed South African all-rounder Ryan McLaren as their overseas player for the 2016 season.

The 32-year-old played the last four County Championship matches for the county in 2015 as they avoided relegation from Division One.

McLaren, who has played two Tests for his country, will be available for the entire season across all three formats.

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It has not been a good season for Chelsea so far. And it could get even worse, with news that Paris St Germain are sniffing around midfielder and last season's player of the season Eden Hazard and could make their move in the summer. The fee? A cool £80m. 

This and more in today's gossip column.

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Over on BBC Radio 5 live, you can find a number of podcasts - including one presented by Mark Chapman, paying tribute to 11-time flat racing champion jockey Pat Eddery who died earlier this week. The 5 live team speak to Eddery's daughter Natasha Dunson about his battle with alcohol, plus friend and rival Willie Carson picks out his fondest memories. Listen to that podcast here.

Thanks to Grundy, who has suggested the tale of Ivan Fernandez Anaya.

The Spanish runner lost a race in 2012 but became an internet sensation for his sporting gesture.

He was in second, some way behind race leader Abel Mutai of Kenya, bronze medallist in the 3,000m steeplechase at the London Olympics. 

As they entered the home straight the Kenyan mistakenly pulled up before the finish thinking he had crossed the line.

Fernandez Anaya caught up with him, but instead of passing Mutai to win, he stayed back and gestured to the Kenyan that he had made a mistake and allowed him to cross the line.

Keep the suggestions coming, and remember we want YOUR heart-warming sporting tales when you or someone else has done something to help others.

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At the Stoke City's fans' forum on Wednesday night, Ryan Shawcross was presented with a year's supply of deodorant.

It was in response to Diego Costa's suggestion that the Stoke defender had a problem with body odour, following their tussle in Chelsea's defeat on Saturday.

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Stoke manager Mark Hughes has been championing the 'Ryan Shawcross for England' bandwagon again.

Shawcross has impressed for the Potters since his return from back surgery in September.

Since coming back into the side, Shawcross has helped the Potters see off Newcastle and beat Chelsea twice - including a League Cup victoryon penalties.  

Speaking at a fans' forum organised by BBC Radio Stoke, Hughes said: "Ryan Shawcross should be involved for England. Why he isn't involved I have no idea. He has been outstanding for the club."  

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Will Cristiano Ronaldo ever rejoin Manchester United? Graham Hunter believes there is a greater chance of Ronaldo joining Ligue 1 side Paris St-Germain. You can find out more here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p037sygw

Fifa will hold the election to determine Sepp Blatter's successor at a special congress on 26 February 2016.  

The Swiss 79-year-old announced he would be stepping down in June, with world football's governing body at the centre of a corruption scandal.

You can find profiles on the five candidates here.

"Fifa election committee won't say why Musa Bility has been barred. But they say he has been informed and he can appeal to Court of Arbitration for Sport.  

"The integrity check included a review of corporate records, litigation, bankruptcy... and a review of media reports concerning potential red flags.

"As previously announced by Fifa, Michel Platini's candidacy will only be assessed if his suspension is lifted ahead of the 26 February election date."

One candidate to miss out in the Fifa presidential elections is Musa Bility.

The president of the Liberian Football Association has been ruled out after failing integrity checks.

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Perhaps the greatest sporting tale is that of Derek Redmond.

The talented British runner was speeding towards the front in the 400m semi-finals at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when he suddenly pulled up with a hamstring injury just past the halfway mark.  

AFPCopyright: AFP

In emotional and physical pain, he collapsed on the ground as other athletes completed the race.

But determined to finish, Redmond got up and hobbled round before his father came out of the stands to help him over the line and an iconic moment was made.

Tired of cheats? Feel blue about sport? 

Well we have come up with 10 heart-warming tales to remind us of why we fell in love with sport in the first place.

And now we want your tales. We want to hear your acts of sportsmanship, your sporting gestures and more.

Get involved via Twitter using #feelgoodthursday - and feel free to send in photographic or video evidence of your tales.

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After Stuart Lancaster was sacked for England's disastrous World Cup campaign, the hunt is on for his replacement.

Former South Africa coach Jake White is favourite at 3- but there are plenty of other names in the frame.

Take a look at the runners and riders here.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an investigation into claims the country's athletes have been part of a systematic doping programme.

Putin was speaking for the first time since a World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) independent commission revealed its damning findings on Monday.

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Putin said he wanted "professional co-operation" with anti-doping bodies.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko had earlier said Britain's anti-doping system had "zero value" and was "even worse" than Russia's.

That accusation was rejected by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

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Triple world championLewis Hamiltondelayed his flight to the Brazilian Grand Prix after he revealing he was suffering with a fever.

But he has now revealed that he was also involved in aminor road accidentin Monaco on Monday.

The 30-year-old said he made "very light contact" with a stationary vehicle but that no-one was hurt.

Hamilton has now flown out to Sao Paolo on Wednesday and will arrive a day later than planned.

At 10:00 GMT we will bring you all the headlines from the Wales new conference ahead of their friendly with the Netherlands on Friday.

Also at 10:00 GMT we will hear from the England cricket camp after their defeat in the first ODI to Pakistan on Wednesday.

Then to round of the morning there is a Spain news conference at 11:30 GMT before their friendly with England on Friday.

The head of Fifa Sepp Blatter may have been suspended amid a corruption scandal, but Bournemouth fan Matt Bradley has shown football still has a heart.

After his father was unable to attend a Bournemouth match at the last minute, Matt gave the spare ticket to an elderly homeless man.

Matt BradleyCopyright: Matt Bradley

Gordon Roberts, 86, was the lucky recipient. He watched the match with Matt, who even bought him a cup of tea at half-time.

Great work Matt, the true spirit of Feel-Good Thursday.

The SunCopyright: The Sun

The Sun report the new England coach will receive a £500,000-a-year contract, with South Africa's Jake White at the front of the queue.

Daily ExpressCopyright: Daily Express

Similar stuff on the back page of The Daily Express.

Daily StarCopyright: Daily Star

While England look for a new coach, Manchester City are reportedly on the look-out for their next manager, according to the Daily Star.

Carlo Ancelotti is the hot favourite if the Blues cannot prise Pep Guardiola away from Bayern Munich. 

daily mirrorCopyright: daily mirror

Does Raheem Sterling regret leaving Liverpool for Manchester City? The short answer is no.

The Mirror also reveal exclusively that David Moyes, sacked from his last jobs with Manchester United and Real Sociedad, could step into the Leeds United hot-seat.

TelegraphCopyright: Telegraph

The Telegraph are straight to the point with their front page after Stuart Lancaster's sacking on Wednesday, their headline is 'Wanted: England Coach.'

In addition to celebrating the greatest sporting stories to warm your cockles,we have a bumper packed schedule of news conferences ahead of a weekend of international friendlies and Euro 2016 play-offs.

But first the papers...

Doping, corruption, cover-ups, controversy ... there seems to be an awful lot of bad news around sport at the moment.

So let's lift the mood and get back to what sport is really about, those feel-good, heart-warming moments.

Today is the day when Sportsday becomes... Feel-Good Thursday.

And to kick thing off, who could forget this recentsporting gesturefrom All Black Sonny Bill Williams...

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