Sportsday - rolling sports news

The European Club Association - which represents the biggest teams in Europe - is not happy with the extent of Fifa's reform proposals.

The executive committee voted to get more women involved in decision-making, put term limits on senior officials, and publish their salaries.  

But the ECA has released a statement saying: "The proposed reforms are not at the required standard allowing for a new and modern FIFA.

"Clubs are not prepared to be further ignored.

"Reform process led from within is unable to deliver a sustainable governance model, which is fit for the 21st century."

Barry Bonds, whose record as the leading all-time home-run hitter in US baseball was overshadowed by his involvement in the Balco steroid scandal, has been hired as a a hitting coach by the Florida Marlins. 

Bonds is among five new coaches and four returning assistants named on the staff for this season. 

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England centreManu Tuilagihas agreed a new contract with Leicester Tigers, BBC Radio Leicester reports.

Tuilagi, who was set to be out of contract next summer, had been linked with moves to several clubs, including Saracens, Worcester and Toulouse.

He has been out with a groin injury for 13 months, ruling him out of the World Cup, but is now close to a return.

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Micky Mellon says he is "100% focused" on his job with Shrewsbury Town after reports linking him with the vacant manager's job at Walsall.

The Saddlers are looking for a new boss after Dean Smith left to become head coach of Brentford.

"I'm loving my job here," Mellon told BBC Radio Shropshire. "I really have to be respectful of the club that's employing me and say I'm 100% focused on today at training."

Nigel Pearson was sacked as Leicester manager in June, but is close to agreeing a return to football as Steve Clarke's replacement at Reading according to the Daily Mirror's David Anderson,

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McLaren driver Fernando Alonso insists that he will continue in Formula 1 next season after it was reported that he was considering taking a sabbatical from the sport.

Asked if he will be in Melbourne for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Alonso, 34, said: "Yes. 

"I said the opposite on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and I'm sure in January and February I will keep answering the same questions about my future." 

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Jurgen Klopp has revolutionised Liverpool by turning them into buccaneering free-scoring attacking raiders as seen in comfortable away wins at Chelsea, Manchester City and Southampton.

Right? Wrong.

According to an analysis of the Reds under Klopp in the Washington Post, it is at the other end of the pitch - in defence - where Klopp has had the biggest impact.

"The attack has been a little better, but the defence has reached an elite level," writes Michael Caley amid a blizzard of fancy graphs and graphics.

The popular Jamie Osborne-trained colt Toast Of New York has been retired to stud in Qatar because of injury. 

The globetrotting four-year old rose from winning on flat racing's all-weather circuit at Wolverhampton to success in the UAE Derby in Dubai and finishing runner-up in the Breeders Cup Classic race in California.

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How's this for a little light afternoon reading?

Andrea Pirlo - formerly of Juventus, now of New York City - famously said in his memoir that he "spent the afternoon of Sunday, July 9, 2006 in Berlin sleeping and playing the PlayStation and in the evening, I went out and won the World Cup”.

He has now eased off on the computer games.

“Sometimes when I have time I’ll play it with my kid, but I’ve got different hobbies now,” he tells eight by eight magazine. 

“And then of course I just moved to New York, which is such a big city. There’s a lot of new things to discover, new things to do.”  

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England scrum-half Danny Care has signed a new contract with Harlequins, having been appointed as captain this season.

"Danny is the ultimate game-changer and has matured and grown in front of us all," director of rugby Conor O'Shea said.

Meanwhile, England hooker Jamie George has agreed a new "multi-year" deal with reigning Premiership champions Saracens.

World champion Lewis Hamilton funking up the duffle coat for the 21st century.

Liverpool, along with Everton, West Ham and a host of Championship clubs, are monitoring Barnet's 16-year-old Daniel Cheema, who has hit goal-scoring form for the club's youth team according to the Sun.

Cheema is a former captain of England's futsal youth team.

Big news from Dubai and the first round of the World Sevens Series, where a try from Perry Baker in the final phase of play has secured the United States a 14-12 win over New Zealand and a place in the last eight.

Earlier this year, World Rugby put together this little video of Baker and team-mate Carlin Isles' phenomenal speed.

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Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina could move to Besiktas on loan with the Turkish side's president Fikret Orman en route to London to discuss a temporary switch according to reports in the Turkish media.

Tracey Crouch, the secretary for sport, is given a reminder of how young sportspeople are nowadays.

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US basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who is retiring after 20 years with the LA Lakers at the end of the NBA season, says that he would love a shot at winning Olympic gold at Rio 2016.

"I would love nothing more than to be in an international environment and be around some of the other great athletes one more time," Bryant told ESPN Radio on Friday.

The 37-year-old won gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Games. 

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The ups and downs of being a football manager mean it's always quite handy to have an alternative career in mind if things go wrong.

In the case of Eastleigh boss Chris Todd, he has three.

The 34-year-old has been speaking to BBC South Today in the build-up to Saturday's FA Cup tie at Stourbridge about how a battle against leukaemia inspired him to write a book, star in a film and feature in commercials and a music video.

Ospreys and Wales fly-half Dan Biggar becomes the first player to re-sign a National Dual Contract (NDC) after committing himself to his region and country.

The 26-year-old, who starred for Wales at the Rugby World Cup, has signed a new NDC, which will see him remain at his hometown region, with an option through until the 2019 Rugby World Cup.   Biggar, who signed his initial NDC back in March 2015, is the first of the 17 National Dual Contracted players to re-sign.

Paul Graham: Sunday League after sleeping on a shoe; 20 to go, I was subbed on; not up to running so just hit it from 35 yards; top corner. 

Marc Baker: I was a RB that filled in as an emergency striker, scored a 40 yd worldie, only because I panicked & just hit it! Total fluke. 

Dean Whittington: University Cup game, volley from the halfway line in 90th minute to win 4-3. Against team full of my course-mates. Mr Popular.

We want to know your tales of goalscoring exploits. Tweet #bbcsportsday, text 81111 or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

We are still waiting for official confirmation to the reports that Real Madrid have been thrown out of the Copa del Rey for fielding Denis Cheryshev as ineligible player - but it appears pretty certain.

Real boss Rafael Benitez was manager of Valencia when they were disqualified from the Copa del Rey - the Spanish Cup - having played too many non-European Union players in a tie against Novelda in 2001.

Last season, Osasuna were kicked out of the tournament for playing an ineligible player after Unai Garcia was selected in the win over Mirandes despite having been sent off the previous season.

Rotherham have suspended midfielderSimon Lenighan, just a week after he joined the club. 

On Thursday, the 21-year-old was given a 12-month community order, which includes 150 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to headbutting a woman in February. 

Lenighan joined the Millers last Thursday after a spell in non-league. 

The club say he has been suspended 'pending an investigation into the matter'. 

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If reports of Real Madrid being thrown out of the Copa del Rey are true, Real Madrid will not be happy.

Winger Denis Cheryshev, 24, scored in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Cadiz, but  the Russian should have been serving a one-game ban.

Club president Florentino Perez said Real were not told of the ban by the association (RFEF), and will fight any sanction imposed on the club.

It looks like he will have to start that fight.

Two Fifa vice-presidents, Juan Angel Napout – the president of the South American Football Confederation - and Alfredo Hawit - the president of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football and of the Honduran Football Association - have been banned from all football-related activities for 90 days.

A statement from the ethics committee said: "The reason for the ban is the indictment issued yesterday by the United States Department of Justice for charges of racketeering, conspiracy and corruption."

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville's initiation into life in Valencia continues as the club's new manager picks up some local produce as he meets fans.

Don't forget his Salford City side play Hartlepool in the FA Cup tonight, live on BBC Two.

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More from Potters boss Mark Hughes:

"We have only lost a couple of games over the past couple of months so we are in good spirits. We are progressing.

"We're into a Capital One Cup semi-final for the first time in a long time. It's a nice sense of achievement. We want to keep the momentum going.

"It's a big period coming up. Last year we picked up a lot of points & it set us up nicely for the season. We want the same again"

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes is now talking to the media, where he confirms striker Peter Crouch is missing with a hamstring injury.

On Manchester City, he says: "They'll replace injured players with £25m players. They can replace outstanding players with other outstanding players.

"When you lose significant numbers, like they have, it does have an impact. That said, they are still incredibly strong."

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was also asked about Newcastle having nine managers in seven years.

He said: "I am not an expert on this because I had a perfect situation with seven years at Dortmund and Mainz. In my opinion it is very important but it can work in different ways.

"I only know about the actual situation of Newcastle, not about their history or why they changed managers. 

"There is something not right when you change the manager but I known Steve McClaren and I know about his quality and experience so we have to be aware."

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More from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's news conference on losing just once since taking over:

"It's okay until now," he said. "The problem in football is that you are always having to think about the next game ahead. 

"I think it is not allowed - it is not even the middle of the season! To think about how it was until now, is not important because we have done what we had to do."

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Neil Robertson's UK Championship quarter-final is at the mid session break, with the Australian winning 3-1.

You can watch live online.

The Daily Mail is reporting a bit more chaos in Argentina.

They claim the Argentine Football Association's (AFA) bid to hold a democratic election for the first time in 36 years ended in farce on Thursday when organisers discovered an extra vote among the 75 cast by the assembly.

The vote between interim AFA president Luis Segura and entrepreneur and television personality Marcelo Tinelli was postponed with no new date set after organisers found an extra ballot had been cast for a 38-38 tie."

From the X Factor to the 'Got Talent' and 'Idol' formats we all love a good reality show. But, in Nigeria, they're using the same idea to find future World and Olympic champions. The TV show 'Top Sprinter Genesis' is focussed on young athletes and you can hear more above.  

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Manager Jurgen Klopp says that midfielder Emre Can, who is suspended for the trip to St James' Park, still need to improve his concentration and discipline.

"Can is very young. Only 21, he doesn't look like it. Sometimes he plays like he's 18, he knows this. We often talk about this together," he said.

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"The UK Championship quarter-final that captured the imagination was undoubtedly Neil Robertson against John Higgins.

"And that has been high-quality fare so far, three-time winner Higgins scoring an opening-frame century (pictured), but world number three Robertson hitting back and then going 2-1 up with a fine century of his own.

"But China's Liang Wenbo is taking centre stage in his last-eight tie with Marco Fu. Liang has three tons in three frames. A 109, a 132 and a 138. Phenomenal stuff from the world number 29."

Watch live coverage from York here.

A reminder of what is to come this evening.

The FA Cup tie between Salford and Hartlepool is in BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra and on BBC Two.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman comments on Fifa's proposals to extend the teams competing in the World Cup to 40 from 32.

"Maybe the Dutch will be happy, more opportunity to qualify," he said.

"Sometimes we have to make it smaller. Sometimes there are too many qualification games for the players. They have to protect them, but they don't."

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says that playmaker Philippe Coutinho is still short of full fitness after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 4-1 win over Manchester City at the end of November.

It had been suggested that the Brazilian was going to appear in the League Cup semi-final against Southampton on Wednesday.

"We were too optimistic. Sometimes happens like this. He can train nearly normally but doesn't feel totally comfortable," says Klopp.  

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is asked about Gary Neville's managerial move to Valencia.

The former Valencia manager said: "It is a difficult place to be. In my time it was difficult, it was not good, it is still difficult.

"It is important to speak the language. Does he? I don't know. His brother is over there but it is not the same if someone else has to translate.

"It will be special for him (working with Phil Neville)."

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Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is asked whether forward Sadio Mane will be for sale in January.

He said: "Not in January. Already we spoke about that situation, we sell nobody in January."

When asked will players be sold for the right price, he said: "Nobody, even when they pay £100m."

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It sounds like club captain Jordan Henderson could return to the Liverpool starting line-up for the first time since August when his side take on Newcastle on Sunday.

The midfielder came on as a substitute in the wins over Swansea and Southampton.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is unsurprisingly asked about Wednesday's League Cup quarter-final drubbing by Liverpool.

He said: "It was one difficult night and the next day was difficult, because as a manager you analyse the game.

"Six goals and about eight shots on target is brilliant from Liverpool. They punished us with good offensive play but we have to defend better.

"We had many meetings. I expect a reaction, that is the most important thing - for all to have that stable organisation defensively."

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Liverpool's news conference is under way and the first question is about fit-again striker Daniel Sturridge in the wake of his two goals against Southampton in the League Cup on Wednesday.

Klopp adds that Sturridge is available for this weekend's meeting with Newcastle as it stands.

Daniel Thornton: An RVP-esque volley (vs Aston Villa, 2013) in an outdoor 5-a-side match about a year ago with my poorer left foot, no less. 

MickAshmore: A pal scored direct from a corner, 5 mins later we had 2nd. Step aside son, I took it, curled it straight in.

Berocca Juniors FC: Jake Hawkyard bagged a 250-yard screamer in the FA People's Cup last season to score the team's first ever goal.

Slight exaggeration there perhaps lads?

We want to know your tales of goalscoring exploits. Tweet #bbcsportsday, text 81111 or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

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Former world champions Neil Robertson and John Higgins are in action in the UK Championship quarter-finals.

It's 1-1 and you can watch it live online here now. 

We will bring you all Jurgen Klopp's words of wisdom once he is parked in the Melwood hot-seat.

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew finishes off with praise of Everton and his concern for the future of the Championship

He calls Everton a "dark horse for Europe. Even for the Champions League, I'd say."

He also said: "We have this huge gap between the Championship and the Premier League, it's becoming destructive to the second tier."

When you have Cristiano Ronaldo as a team-mate, this is the sort of thing you have to put up with.

The Portugal superstar holds up training to put on a ball-juggling masterclass in this video from AS.

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It appears Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has had little bit of a ticking off about diving.

Boss Alan Pardew said: "The one at Leicester was a penalty, but last week was a dive and now he can't play this week. He's had my feelings on it.

"He's been having a great season for us. It's just a tiny aspect of his game he needs to correct.

"He can go past players from a standing start. He is a rare breed. He's a natural wide player. It may be a nice addition for the England squad."

As long as he cuts out the diving Alan?

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew is having his turn in front of the cameras.

"Everton are a team that we're competing with. It's an opportunity to get a result and stay above them," he said.

"We've been consistent this season, though we've lost more games than I would have liked. We need to get the balance right.

"Six or seven draws at the end of the season can jump you up two or three places, but our focus is always on winning."

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Look away now Manchester United fans.

Javier Hernandez, sold to Bayer Leverkusen for £7m in the summer, has won the Bundesliga Player of the Month award.

The 27-year-old Mexico international has scored six league goals this season - more than Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial have managed combined in the Premier League this season. 

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A reminder the vote is still open for the BBC's Overseas Sports Personality of the Year 2015.

The award recognises the overseas athlete who has made the most substantial contribution to sport this year and, for the first time in its history, will be decided by your vote. The result will be announced on the show on 20 December.

Voting details here. 

Stoke boss Mark Hughes confirms striker Peter Crouch is likely to be out of action until the New Year.

The former England international sustained a hamstring injury during Tuesday evening’s Capital One Cup quarter-final triumph over Sheffield Wednesday.

The England international was handed only his third start of the 2015-16 campaign against the Owls, but was forced off the field after just 15 minutes.

Speaking to Stoke City Player on Friday, the Welshman said: “It’s likely that he will miss the next three or four weeks which is a huge disappointment to him, just as it is to us.”

Manager Manuel Pellegrini on Gary Neville's appointment at Spanish side Valencia: "A good challenge because Valencia is a very big club with demanding fans. It is a good opportunity for Gary Neville to demonstrate what he can do as a manager."

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Fraz Gorman: Don't think Lee Marshall from my team Huddersfield AFC has a chance of this years golden boot...

He may struggle Fraz. This Dewsbury lot must be a nightmare...

We want to know your tales of goalscoring exploits. Tweet #bbcsportsday, text 81111 or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

You can listen now...

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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says that he hopes that striker Sergio Aguero will be fit to play Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League next week.

City are already qualified for the last 16

"Sergio Aguero still feels pain in his heel so it's not easy for him to work. I hope he will be back on Tuesday," said Pellegrini.  

Nice touch.

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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini begins his news conference with a gloomy injury update.

Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, Pablo Zabaleta and Patrick Roberts are all still out.

However, goalkeeper Joe Hart is in the squad for Saturday's visit to Stoke.

"Joe worked yesterday and today without any problems so he's in the squad list," said the Chilean.

Aston Villa manager Remi Garde says his players need to work harder to pull themselves out of relegation danger.

Villa are bottom of the league after nine defeats in their last 10 games. They have just five points - less than than the Derby side who were relegated with a record-low total of 11 in 2007-08 had at the same stage.

"I'm not saying that everything is perfect with the tactics but if you look at the goals we concede, the desire to win the ball must be stronger," said the Frenchman. 

"The Dutchman has also lost Argentinian defender Marcos Rojo who suffered a dislocated shoulder in training this week, leaving United short defensively with Phil Jones and Luke Shaw still out. 

"They may still have enough at home against a West Ham side out of form in recent weeks, but it is Tuesday’s trip to Germany and their Champions League fate which is hanging in the balance – and now they go to Wolfsburg almost certainly needing a win without their most experienced player."

"A couple of months ago Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal commented how they were coping much better this year after a raft on injuries last season.

"However, recent weeks have been unkind, with today’s news captain Wayne Rooney will miss tomorrow’s game with West Ham and Tuesday’s vital Champions League group game away at Wolfsburg the latest blow. 

"With the England captain out of sorts for his club this season it could be seen as a blessing in disguise, if not for his natural replacement in the team Ander Herrera also being out with a hamstring problem."

Jimmy Floyd Haselbaink has been appointed as QPR boss after an impressive 13 months at Burton, where he guided them to League One promotion and taking them top of the league this season.

He told www.qpr.co.uk: “It was not an easy decision to leave Burton, but when you get the opportunity to come somewhere like QPR, with the club where it is and the squad we have at our disposal, it was something I couldn’t turn down.

“I feel that this is a club on the up – it has an exciting feeling about it. And I want to keep that feeling going by taking more positive strides forward."

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Red Bull will use Renault engines - branded with luxury watch brand Tag Heuer's sponsorship - to compete in the 2016 Formula One season.

The news ends months of speculation surrounding their future in Formula One and which engines they would compete with.

Red Bull's lead driver Daniel Riccardo came eighth in the 2015 drivers' standings with the team fourth in the constructors' standings.

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Wayne Mullins: 40 yard Maradona dribble/winning goal in mock WC 98 Final when working at camp in USA. Never did anything that skilful again!  

Rob: Noticed #bbcsportsday talking about the Emley lad who is on 50 goals. No mention for @batts_9, top scorer in Top 10 Divs last year? (71?) 

There is now Rob... (Mark Battersby is a striker for Atherton Collieries, in case you didn't know)

We want to know your tales of goalscoring exploits. Tweet #bbcsportsday, text 81111 or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

Muhammad Ali beat the undefeated George Foreman in a seminal heavyweight clash in Zaire in 1974 organised by the country's dictator Mobutu Sese Seko.

It has since been recounted in film - the Oscar-winning When We Were Kings - and books - Norman Mailer's The Fight.

A group of Leeds United supporters are planning to temporarily walk out after 17 minutes of Saturday's home game against Hull in protest against a 'pie tax'.

Ticket prices in the South Stand have been increased by £5 to incorporate a meal deal voucher - and fans' group SS5 intend to leave their seats for 17 minutes, a number disliked by owner Massimo Cellino.

"We want to make it very clear to Cellino that he is not wanted. The way he runs the club is outrageous and we want our club back," organiser John Bond said.

"As well as the injuries to Wayne Rooney and Marcos Rojo, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed Jesse Lingard is coming back but Phil Jones and Ander Herrera are still injured."

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Jose Mourinho on the difference between managing in the Premier League and Portugal:

"When I was coaching in Porto, I could look ahead and think about other competitions because the winning percentage is so high. Here in the Premier League you have to concentrate on the next game.

On Nemanja Matic's fitness:

"Nemanja Matic has a double fracture to his face, his nose and his cheekbone, but he has been to get the mask and he can head the ball. The vision is good even in the mask so he is ready to play."

On the possibility of John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic following fellow defender Gary Cahill in signing new contracts with the club:

"It is too early for them."

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Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal had some words for Valencia's new head coach Gary Neville:

"Valencia is a very big club in Spain with a lot of history, lot of titles so it’s a big step for him a big challenge," says van Gaal.

"I’m very happy but also curious how he shall do that, I don’t think it’s easy in a foreign country, but still it’s a big challenge for him and I wish him a lot of luck.

"You have also culture dimensions, difficult to understand. I have to adapt as a manager to the culture of England, and these dimensions are not always fitting in your way of thinking, but you have to do it."

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Some more quotes from Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal on injured captain Wayne Rooney.

He was asked if the break was a good thing for Rooney?

Van Gaal replies: "No, when you see training it was very fresh and all the players were happy to have that two days off so I don’t think that rest was now an issue. 

"In December we have lots of weeks where we play once a week, at Christmas busy, but before that once a week.

"Wayne is a very senior player and can cope with that pressure I think."

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney will miss tomorrow's game with West Ham and is a doubt for Tuesday's crunch Champions League game at Wolfsburg because of an ankle injury. 

Manager Louis van Gaal said: "He shall not play his 500th (Man Utd) game because he is more injured than I thought, we have to wait for that game. 

"The problem is when you see our injuries they are always contact injuries and you cannot afford that.

"Shaw, Rojo – Wayne – we have a lot of contact injuries and also long-lasting injuring so that is our problem, we are looking but it is not that easy to buy players and in January it is more difficult."

Jose Mourinho on his side's recent form:

"We can try and build from three positive performances last week. If we can get a good result tomorrow that will be four in a row and it has been a while for us.

On his goalkeeping situation:

"To miss Thibaut Courtois for a couple of matches we knew we had good protection, but to lose him for three months - for 19 matches - without the best goalkeeper in the world, is tough for us. 

"Now we are back to a situation with the best and one very good. Sooner or later, he will be my number one. If he does not play against Bournemouth he will play against Porto."

More from Everton's Roberto Martinez.

"I encourage Romelu Lukaku to keep working hard and make a massive, massive impact in the game.

"The hardest thing to do is scoring goals and this season we have found an interesting run of form of certain players.

"As a football club we have done incredibly well to assemble this squad. It has taken a lot of work and a lot of scouting."

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Jose Mourinho on Gary Neville's appointment at Valencia:

"I wish him well. There is always a first day for a manager, if he wants to be a manager he has to go through a first day.

"He is a very good player, a very good pundit, now he has to prove he is a good manager.

"On the bench you cannot stop the tape or touch the screen and make movements good."

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Jose Mourinho on Gary Cahill's new contract: 

"It is good for the club. He likes to be here and is an important player for us - one of the 14 or 15 who are always involved.

"He is an international player representing Chelsea and I think everyone is happy.

"Our recent clean sheets have been good clean sheets, not lucky ones, with good discipline and defence."

More from Everton boss Roberto Martinez.

"Crystal Palace are a team with a really good mentality. They have very good pace and power and are difficult to stop - they are dynamic.

"We want to play the football our fans enjoy and love and then get a win at the end of it.

"December is the most significant month in the Premier League in terms of competing for 15 points."

More from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

"Diego Costa is selected. He has been very good, it has been a good week for him. I didn't ask him how he found being dropped, but he trained very well and that is what matters to me.

"There are no questions for me. He is one of the players who always tries, I don't need a reaction from him."

On photos of Diego Costa leaving a nightclub at 3am:

"The paparazzi had a problem with their memory card. There were 25 players there and only three of them were pictures of.

"It was a free night for them, we chose a week without three matches when they could train and rest. They consult me about the best time to do it and I said a time from Christmas which is busy. I think they need that and they were good in training next day."

Everton boss Roberto Martinez is talking to the media:

On being drawn against Manchester City in the League Cup semi-final.

"We didn't expect an easy draw. We are excited, we feel good and are confident of enjoying it.

"We all felt the expectation could work both ways - either positive or be cagey. I thought our team showed a real enjoyment of what we could achieve.

"We haven't won a cup for a long time and we want to achieve as much as we can."

"John Terry, Ramires and Falcao are all still out, but Thibaut Courtois is selected in the squad," says Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

"We feel better, we feel safe. He was our goalkeeper all last season and was fundamental for us."

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A British astronaut will attempt to become the first man to run a marathon in space, as part of his 173-day mission to the International Space Station. 

Tim Peake will run a digital version of next year's London Marathon on a treadmill as the ISS orbits the earth, at the same time as more than 37,000 people run in the race on the ground. 

To combat weightlessness, Peake will wear a harness that tethers him to the treadmill as he runs. He will watch a video of the London course on a big screen in front of him. 

Gary Neville may be the new Valencia boss but that won't stop him from dashing back to England today...

The former Manchester United manager and now Salford City owner will be watching his side in tonight's FA Cup second round tie at home to Hartlepool.

You can watch it live on BBC One and listen on BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra.

Salford to Old Trafford in the third round? What a story that would be...

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Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe hopes that his side's battling 3-3 draw at home to Everton on Saturday can spur them on against Chelsea this weekend.

"You hope a result like that can really boost the confidence and the belief of the players. It certainly helps to build momentum," he said. 

"What we are looking to do now is to turn our performances into wins."

Bournemouth are 18th - two points away from safety. 

British Sailing Team’s 470 Olympic campaigner Elliot Willis has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. 

Willis, 32, campaigns alongside 2012 silver medallist Luke Patience, with the world number two-ranked pair among the first athletes in any sport to be selected to Team GB for the Rio 2016 Games.

He said: “It’s still my dream to win Olympic gold but right now my focus and energy needs to be on getting better. 

"My health is my number one concern and I will take advice and recommendations of the medical professionals as they establish the right course of treatment for me.” 

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"Marcos Rojo’s dislocated shoulder has taken Manchester United’s injury list to seven, which is sure to be a concern to manager Louis van Gaal after a much improved fitness record in the early part of this season.

"A lack of goals is sure to be a worry too, despite having the best defensive record in the Premier League.

"His side have scored just seven goals in their last nine games in all competitions, and may need to convert their chances against a West Ham side that have already won at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City this season."

We will bring you what Van Gaal has to say at his news conference soon...

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Borussia Dortmund have denied reports saying that 26-year-old defender Neven Subotic will be Jurgen Klopp's first signing as Liverpool manager.

Subotic worked with Klopp at Mainz as well as Dortmund, but signed a contract extension to stay at the Signal Iduna Park until 2018 in May.

"We are still in the first half of the season. From our end, there are no considerations with regard to releasing him," Zorc told Bild, according to a report by Talksport.

"But we will discuss the situation with regards to his contract with him eventually, of course."

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Charlie sheen: I scored 6 in a game, scored 1 from tight angle, fell on back 4 the gazza. No1 sprayed the water! 

Vix: Scored from the sideline near the corner flag for letchworth u16s. Felt like Roberto Carlos. Was a bit blustery that day though. 

Matt Davis: Scored from my own crease in u16s ice hockey game. I was the keeper.

We want to know your tales of goalscoring exploits. Tweet #bbcsportsday, text 81111 or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

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Lewis Hamilton says his relationship with Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg will "never be perfect" but both remain fully committed to the team.

Hamilton won his third title in 2015 as he and Rosberg combined for 12 one-two finishes over 19 races, but the year was soured by clashes between the two.

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has warned he could replace one of the drivers if their relationship damages the team.

But Hamilton said: "It is never going to be all fine and dandy."

Queens Park Rangers are set to name Burton Albion managerJimmy Floyd Hasselbainkas their new boss.

BBC Radio Derby reports that the 43-year-old Dutchman is taking training at the Championship club today.

Neil Warnock has been in interim charge at Loftus Road since Chris Ramsey parted company with Rangers on 4 November.

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Competing as a jump jockey at the Cheltenham Festival will be like winning the Olympics, says former sprint cyclist Victoria Pendleton.

The double Olympic champion, 35, retired from cycling after London 2012.

She is now training as a jockey with a view to riding in next March's amateur Foxhunters' Chase at Cheltenham.

"Making it to Cheltenham in such a short space of time could be the hardest thing I've ever done," Pendleton said.

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Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Southampton's Sadio Mane after he came up against the Senegalese attacker playing for former club Salzburg.

"I met Mane playing for Salzburg and thought: 'Wow!'," said Guardiola.  

Bayern Munich have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old Mane with the Daily Mail reporting that the German giants will compete with Manchester United and Chelsea for his signature.

You may remember, just a few entries ago (11:02) we included a photo of Floyd Mayweather's tiger he was given as gift.

He isn't the only sportsperson to have an unsual pet. Another former boxer, Mike Tyson, also had a pet tiger.

Any contributions to unusual pets in sport more than welcome...

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Darren Slater: I once scored 2 goals in 2 minutes from the exact same spot 40 yards out into the same bottom left corner, I was 11 and amazed. 

Daniel Hegarty: I was a centre back. Scored 18 goals 1 season. Won the league. 11 penalties and a hat trick but still. 

Luke Evans: Played for rochdale v shrewsbury fans, dribble past 5 ball onto left into top bag from 35yards, not bad for right footer.

We want to know your tales of goalscoring exploits. Tweet #bbcsportsday, text 81111 or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

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Struggling for ideas for Christmas gifts this year?

Toothbrush? Socks? Gift vouchers?

All a bit boring for you? How about a tiger then?

That's what retired former world champion Floyd Mayweather has just received...

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West Ham bossSlaven Bilicsays that Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is is committed to developing young English talent despite his plans to retire from management when his three-year contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of next season.

"He contributed plenty to a discussion about developing young players and how important it is to improve the academies at top clubs to bring more English talent through," said Bilicto the Evening Standard,recalling a meeting of Premier League managers at the start of the season.

"Van Gaal sounded more like the England coach or the FA chairman than someone just passing through at  Manchester United."

BBC Sport's Rob Nothman was at Arsene Wenger's news conference earlier today.

Arsene Wenger gave a vigorous response to those who claim his Arsenal squad are more injury-prone than their title rivals.

"You could analyse many things, the pitches, the pace, the intensity, mental components, emotions in your private life. Injuries are not as rational and mathematical as you like."

But he was clearly upset by Ryan Bennett's push on Alexis Sanchez which sent the Chile international into the pitchside camera pit at Norwich last Sunday. 

With Cazorla out for some time - possibly March - expect Aaron Ramsey to be moved to his more preferred position in central midfield.

Some more stories from today's newspapers.

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri says he wants to stay at the club for "a long time" and lead the team into Europe. (Leicester Mercury) 

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Former Liverpool managerBrendan Rodgersis set to return to the Premier League - but only as a television pundit.

Richard Keys - a presenter for Middle East broadcaster Bein Sports - claims thatRodgers will be part of their coverage in early January.

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Stephen Porter: Once lobbed the keeper, Stretford End Old Trafford, but I don't like to talk about it much. 

Loving the pictures Stephen... although not seeing evidence of that lob?

Lachlan Keay: Prague u-12s league scored 4 goals in 65 games for my club, was a striker... Clinical. 

Joeee: I scored 80 goals in one season when I was 10 playing for Beechfield United.

We want to know your tales of goalscoring exploits. Tweet #bbcsportsday, text 81111 or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

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This is a finale.

There was an incredible end to the NFL game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers last night. 

The Packers, who were 17-0 down at half-time, secured a 27-23 victory after time was up when Aaron Rodgers' sensational 61-yard Hail Mary pass was pouched by tight end Richard Rodgers in the end zone pass.

It's been dubbed 'The Miracle in Motown' on the other side of the Atlantic and you can watch it here.

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was so impressed by 16-year-old Reece Oxford's performance in West Ham's opening-day win at the Emirates Stadium that he is planning a £8m move for the Hammers midfielder this summer according to the Daily Mirror.

The Gunners may face competition from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City who have previously shown interest in Oxford.

Got a bit of time to kill? This is well worth a listen.

Thom Dobbin: My good pal 'Modders' had an own goal scoring record of 4 in 4. Only stopped in the 5th match when he was sent off. 

Craig Weale: Perfect Hat-trick for work team - Mishit cross into top corner, shinned in goalmouth scramble, chipped keeper from 20 yards. 

Daniel Robin Slavin: 10 years of playing junior football at right back, scored 1 goal, volley from the halfway line, still talk about it.

And so you should Daniel...

We want to know your tales of goalscoring exploits. Tweet #bbcsportsday, text 81111 or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

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Manager Steve McClaren says he knows that time is running out to turn around Newcastle's fortunes.

The Magpies are in the relegation zone after picking up four points from their last five league games, the most recent of which was a 5-1 thrashing away to former boss Alan Pardew's Crystal Palace.

"You go into every job knowing the impatience of football and you need results," McClaren said ahead of Sunday's meeting with Liverpool. 

"I wouldn't ask for guarantees and I wouldn't expect to receive that."

Reading have sacked manager Steve Clarke this morning, and he's not the only one going.

Looks like a new broom at the Royals.

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Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has praised joker Jurgen Klopp after the Reds registered their seventh win from their last eight games.

“He’s got his humour, which is bit a similar to what I’m used to from Belgium,” Mignolet said of his manager in an interview with BBC World Football.

“He laughs a lot and there is always a smile on his face. That lifts the camp and the training ground. Everyone is then happy to work in that kind of environment.”

Listen to more of the interview

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Perhaps not the most impartial judge, but Spain legend Xavi, who now plays for Qatari club Al Sadd, believes that former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi should win the Ballon D'Or award ahead of fellow nominees Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

"Leo is the clear favourite now, and he deserves it too for everything he’s achieved at Barcelona," the 35-year-old told Fifa.

"There’s no comparison in my book. He has total command of every aspect of the game. He’s the best at everything and he shows that in every match." 

Manager Tony Pulis confirms there are some injuries in his squad that will be assessed ahead of Tottenham's visit on Saturday.

Claudio Yacob is suspended, but fellow midfielder Chris Brunt returns.  

In a statement on Steve Clarke's sacking as manager, Reading write:

"Following Thursday night’s defeat at home to QPR, added to a recent run of poor form which has seen the team pick up just one win in the last eight Sky Bet Championship fixtures, the board feel that a change in manager is now necessary."

It was only last month that Clarke spoke to Fulham about their managerial vacancy. Time to revisit that one maybe Steve? 

In fact, why not tell us about it.

We want to know all your tales of 'goal scoring exploits'.

Whether it be in the Premier League or in Sunday League, yourself, a friend or a professional footballer.

Tweet #bbcsportsday, text 81111 or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

Jamie Vardy eat your heart out...

A non-league striker has eclipsed the goalscoring records of Vardy, Robert Lewandowski and Cristiano Ronaldo with his 50th goal of the season.

Ashley Flynn, 26, plays for AFC Emley, in the Northern Counties East Football League Division One - the 10th tier of English football.

Anyone do better?

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Norwich boss Alex Neil says that midfielder Alex Tettey, who has been out since mid-November with a groin injury, is set to return to action this weekend. 

"Alex Tettey joined in training this week so he will be in the squad on Saturday. He adds power & strength to the midfield," he said.  

There will also be more on that as it happens here...

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He stopped short of saying "six-pointer" but Norwich manager Alex Neil says that a win against Watford on Saturday will be worth more than one against a team destined for midtable, 

"You need to pick up points off the teams around you. If we can beat Watford, we stop them getting points," he said.  

That is all from Arsene Wenger's new conference.

The main lines Gunners fans? Santi Cazorla could be out until March with a knee injury, your manager thinks six clubs can realistically win the Premier League, and he also believes Fifa needs a complete rebuild.

Arsene Wenger says mathematically there are maybe 10 to 12 teams in the title race but "realistically" six.

"December is a very important moment for us," adds the Frenchman. "My phone is busy every day from people who propose players but we have a team inside our club who select what is coming in. The most important thing is to win football games."

On the latest Fifa crisis, he said: "It is a shock to me to discover what happens there.

“It is very difficult for people to swallow inside the game that we are governed by bodies that are not straight. You have to completely rebuild the organisation with people you can trust.”

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Norwich boss Alex Neil says that last season's Championship meetings with Watford - in which the Canaries won 3-0 home and away - will have no bearing on Saturday's top-flight clash.

 "Watford are very different to how they were last year. Their style has changed. The games last year will have no impact," he said. 

"We need to keep their front two quiet because they're a potent threat. We'll be hoping to keep a clean sheet."  

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Arsene Wenger continues to be asked about Arsenal's injury record.

"When I arrived here, it was me, my two assistants and Gary Lewin," says Wenger.

"Now you have a team around you, it is more sophisticated and more scientific but we are still human beings.

"You could analyse many things, the pitches, the pace, the intensity, mental components, emotions in your private life. Injuries are not as rational and mathematical as you like."

More from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:

"Every game is difficult for everyone. It is down to consistency. We have gone through a difficult spell but I believe we are in there and it is how we respond. I am convinced we will respond well."

On Gary Neville being appointed Valencia boss:

"Good luck to him, it is a great opportunity for him.

"It is important to try to understand the local culture and try to push your ideas through."

Manager Tony Pulis says that striker Saido Berahino - who has scored three goals in 11 appearances for the Baggies this season - must improve and that the Hawthorns is the right place for him to do so.

"Saido hasn't been as influential this year as he was last year. He needs to get back to his best and West Brom is the best place for him," he said.

The Daily Mail report today that Tottenham - who had a £23m offer turned down earlier this year for the 22-year-old - will return with another offer in January.

Could Arsene Wenger have prevented Alexis Sanchez's injury?

He said: "Sanchez had four weeks holiday, he was tested in some games, had all the sports science to play.

"No-one suggested he could injury a hamstring or back when he was pushed into a camera (pit). That shocked everyone.

"I am not expert enough, but if you want to blame me, no problems."

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Arsene Wenger has arrived...

He tells reporters that Laurent Koscielny and Theo Walcott could be back from injury, but Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla are out - the latter could be missing until March he says.

"We've got two points from our last three games but we're only two points off the top," adds Wenger. "It is very compact. It is tight and that means anyone can deliver the same speech."

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A bit of transfer tittle tattle to get your teeth into as we wait for the news to trickle out of the news conferences...

Manchester United midfielders Ander Herrera, 26, and Marouane Fellaini, 28, are not suited to the club and should leave Old Trafford, says ex-Red Devils midfielder Paul Ince. (Manchester Evening News) 

Teenage Bury defender Matty Foulds, 17, is already training with Everton before a £225,000 move to the Premier League side in January. (Liverpool Echo) 

Bournemouth keeper Artur Boruc, 35, could miss the Christmas period with a knee injury, but may delay having surgery. (Bournemouth Echo)

Plenty more here.

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"Arsene Wenger's weekly press conference is in the normal place at the training ground even though it should be in the treatment room.  Standby for the latest on Sanchez, Cazorla, Koscielny and the rest of Arsenal's lengthy injury list."

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British number one Johanna Konta says cuts to her Lawn Tennis Association funding put her career at risk.

She spoke out after Andy Murray said talking to the LTA about the future of British tennis was a waste of his time.

Konta has risen more than 100 places to 48th in the world rankings since the LTA reduced her funding last December.

"If anyone's livelihood, career or dreams are jeopardised, I don't think that is ever a healthy position to be in," she told BBC Sport.

Bournemouth are currently in the relegation places but did show their fighting spirit last weekend to earn a 3-3 draw with Everton.

More from boss Eddie Howe: "The next two games are going to be a big showing of how far we have come in recent times."

Apologies Bournemouth fans.

The Cherries weren't on our morning list and boss Eddie Howe has already started talking ahead of Saturday's trip to Chelsea.

He said: "From our perspective, we are meeting Chelsea at a good time. We are in a good place at the moment.  

"We're building momentum in terms of performances. Of course, ideally, you'd like to rubber stamp those with wins."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is due to be speaking around 09:00 GMT. We will bring you updates...

West Brom boss Tony Pulis will also be speaking around then.

Norwich boss Alex Neil will be speaking to the media very shortly ahead of his side's trip to Watford on Saturday.

We will bring you what he has to say when we have it.

So what is going on in Spain then?

The Spanish Football Association was to blame for Real Madrid fielding an ineligible player in the Copa del Rey, says club president Florentino Perez.

Winger Denis Cheryshev, 24, scored in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Cadiz, but reports suggest the Russian should have been serving a one-game ban.

Perez said Real were not told of the ban by the association (RFEF), and will fight any sanction imposed on the club. "If we didn't know, the sanction cannot stand," said Perez.

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British number one Johanna Konta says cuts to her Lawn Tennis Association funding put her career at risk.

She spoke out after Andy Murray said talking to the LTA about the future of British tennis was a waste of his time.

Konta has risen more than 100 places to 48th in the world rankings since the LTA reduced her funding last December.

"If anyone's livelihood, career or dreams are jeopardised, I don't think that is ever a healthy position to be in," she told BBC Sport.

AS and Marca also concentrate on Real Madrid's latest woe...

Talk about kicking a club when they are down... We would never do that in the English media...

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Gary Neville hardly makes a dent on the back pages in Spain...

Unsurprisingly, they concentrate on Real Madrid reportedly fielding an ineligible player in the Copa del Rey.

"A horrible year" is the Sport's headline... 

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A shift in topic in the Daily Mirror...

Newcastle boss Steve McClaren probably won't be reading this newspaper today. They claim the two next two games will decide his fate, while they also have a picture of Chelsea's players at their Christmas party... No fancy dress sadly.

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Can you walk the walk 'El Nev'?

Can you? Can you? Yes, more Neville chat on the back of the Daily Express.

They do also have a rather cute picture of a wolf - in relation to potential new England coach Paul Gustard.

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More Gary Neville chat on the back of the Independent talking about his credibility being on the line if he hadn't taken the Valencia job.

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Gary Neville's surprise appointment as Valencia manager is still making the back pages, as seen above in today's Sun.

'El Gary' appears to have been renamed...

As a lover of knitwear, I'm a big fan of the Christmas jumpers Manchester City's players are sporting...

Now onto the back pages...

Before we get going, what are the top headlines so far?

Fifa crisis: US charges 16 more officials after earlier Zurich arrests.

New QPR manager?: Hasselbaink set for QPR

Cycling: Chris Froome hopes released blood data answers doubters.

If you are a fan of Premier League managers being put through the ringer, you are in the right place. Twelve news conferences ahead...

08:45 GMT Norwich, 09:00 Arsenal, 09:00 West Brom, 12:00 Chelsea, 12:00 Everton, 12:15 Man Utd, 12:45 City, 13:45 Palace 14:00 Liverpool, 14:00 Southampton, 14:30 Stoke.

They may not be strictly on time... you know what these managers are like...

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Welcome.

Anyone got that Friday feeling? 

In a few hours time, for many the working week will be over, a weekend of fine sport looms large and the weather will be glorious (maybe I made the last bit up).

But if you weren't 'feeling it' before, stick with us and you soon will be.

Premier League news conferences, FA Cup build-up, gossip, sporting breaking news, the best of social media and plenty of debate. What better way to gear up for the weekend?

Today is heading in one direction... Upwards.