Sportsday: Champions League build-up

1. Sporting predictions #bbcbacktothefuture
2. CSKA Moscow v Manchester United (19:45 BST)
3. Manchester City v Sevilla (19:45 BST)

Signing off...

Thanks as ever for your company and contributions, particularly your #BBCBackToTheFuture predictions for how the sporting landscape will lie in 30 years' time. But for this Sportsday, we're Outtatime (points for the film reference).

We're back at 08:00 BST on Thursday morning. For now, I'll send you towards our live text and radio commentary of CSKA Moscow v Manchester United and Manchester City v Sevilla.

Enjoy...

BBC

Manchester United team news

Jesse Lingard gets the nod from Louis van Gaal tonight...

Celtic news conference

Alasdair Lamont

BBC Sport Scotland

The Celtic manager Ronny Deila says he expects Molde to get a lift from the reappointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager.

"It's always like that, it was the same at the weekend [against Motherwell under new manager Mark McGhee]. When you get a new manager in you get more energy and belief," he said.

"He's coming back and the same principles are here as when he left. The club is in a good condition and I don't think he'll revolutionise it or do anything very different. 90 per cent of the players played under him last time."

Reuters

The state of play...

That's the trouble with stats, there's always another to disprove whatever you're trying to say. Tonight's result between Manchester City and Sevilla is anyone's guess if these two are to go by...

Desperate dash

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Ian Poulter made a last-minute journey from Florida to Hong Kong in an attempt to save his European Tour card - and perhaps his 2016 Ryder Cup chances.

Poulter, 39, dropped out of the world's top 50 on Sunday, meaning he would be unable to complete the 13 events required for European Tour membership.

But former US PGA champion Rich Beem gave up his place in the Hong Kong Open to allow Poulter to compete.

Beem, 45, said he "did what any other professional would do".

No plans to pack it in - Rooney

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney says he feels fitter than ever and has many more years left in him ahead of his 30th birthday on Saturday.

"I have been playing football a long time and for me, age is a number," Rooney said ahead of tonight's Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow.

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"In terms of me and football, I still feel I am young enough, and that I have a lot of years ahead of me. I feel fitter and fresher than I ever have done really

"I have had no major muscle injuries and us players now have all the support of sports science, and in terms of preparation, training and games, so I think it's still a fairly young age and hopefully I have got a lot of years to come."

Stronger together?

Bill Rice

BBC Radio Manchester

Ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby between United and City, I’ve decided to look at both teams current squads and try and pick a combined XI.

The Reds just edge my line-up with six United and five City players but, as you’d expect with two of the Premier League’s current top three, there were difficult decisions to make in every position...

I explain myself in this video

What do you think? Send your combined United/City XI to @BBCMancSports

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We can cope with injuries - Vertonghen

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Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen is confident Spurs can cope with a growing injury list when they face Anderlecht in the Europa League on Thursday.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino is without Nacer Chadli (ankle), Nabil Bentaleb (ankle), Ryan Mason (knee), Alex Pritchard (ankle) and Son Heung-min (foot).

But Vertonghen insisted: "We have enough players who can play. We have a couple of injuries now but I think our squad is big enough to face the games."

Tottenham Hotspur news conference

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Fairly quiet in Anderlecht at theTottenham Hotspurnews conference, however defender Ben Davies has said the team's Belgian players could give them an edge over their opponents on Thursday night.

"The Belgian lads will give us the local info and tell us what to expect so it should be good," he says.

Injury-hit Spurs have a clutch of Belgians in their side, namely Nacer Chadli, Mousa Dembele and Jan Vertonghen. Speaking of whom...

Contrasting tales

Mangala ready for action

Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala is poised for Wednesday's clash with Sevilla.

We'll have live text and radio commentary of that match from 18:30 BST approx.

Read the preview here.

Trials of first transgender fighter

This pretty fascinating interview with Fallon “The Queen of Swords” Fox is well worth a listen.

She is the first transgender MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter and tells how she has had to put up with some pretty bad abuse - including facing a fighter who walked to the ring accompanied by the song Dude Looks Like a Lady.

Reds' top headline skills

Football fans would make excellent tabloid sub-editors, such are their punning skills. Case in point from Manchester United fans at a bar in Moscow for Thursday's Champions League tie against CSKA...

Tottenham Hotspur news conference

The news conference ahead of Tottenham's trip to Anderlecht in the Europa League is under way, too. Updates from there if and when they drop right here at Sportsday.

Celtic news conference

Reuters

Deila says he doesn't expect Solskjaer to make too many dramatic changes to Thursday's opponents Molde because "the club is in a good condition". 

There's praise for the Norwegian side (mind games?) as he says they will believe they can beat Celtic after a 1-3 victory against Fenerbahce. 

He adds: "They have a lot of players with international experience and are good on counter attacks."

Celtic news conference

Celtic boss Ronny Deila is speaking ahead of the match against Molde, where former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has just taken the helm.

He says: "I know a lot about him [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer]. We have played against each other several times and he’s a good manager.

And on his opponents getting a boost from the new manager, he says: "It’s always like that. It was the same at the weekend when you get a new manager in."

Celtic news conference

Tomkins out of France clash

PA

Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins will miss England's rugby league international against France on Saturday after failing to overcome a knee injury.

However, he is expected to be fit for the series of three matches against New Zealand, beginning on 1 November.

"Sam's really close, but we don't want to push him," said coach Steve McNamara. "We want a fully-fit Sam Tomkins to push himself into contention for next week."

'Man City's time has come'

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Yaya Toure believes Manchester City are at last ready to make a major impact in the Champions League. 

City have so far failed to advance beyond the last 16, but ahead of Wednesday's game with Sevilla, Toure told BT Sport that the squad's attitude cannot be faulted this season.

 "I'll be honest it's one of the few times that I have seen the players all commit and focus because they all want something and they all work for something," he said.

For more Manchester City gossip, read this

Giants boss plays it cool over One Direction

PA

More developments on the story that the ice hockey match between Sheffield Steelers and Belfast Giants has been postponed because of a rescheduled One Direction concert at the SSE Arena.

The arena's promoters made the decision after Tuesday night's gig by the band was called off when singer Liam Payne fell ill. They will now play on Friday.

But Giants head of operations Steve Thornton is being a gentleman and says he understands the reasons for the change.

Watch an interview with him here.

Louis' love for versatile Martial

If versatility is a crucial part of Louis van Gaal's infamous football philosophy, he's got a new muse.

The Manchester United boss reckons Anthony Martial can slot into four different positions on any given occasion, upfront, both wings and as a number 10.

Things are a bit tougher for Jesse Lingard, however. Van Gaal told MUTV: "Lingard's competitor is Juan Mata and his competitor is also, for example, Ander Herrera or Wayne Rooney or, when he is played on the left... his competitor was Memphis [Depay]. So it's not easy to come in."

We have live text and radio commentary of Thursday's Champions League action from around 18:30 BSTright here.

Reuters

Get Involved

Edward Turck: USA will win the World Cup and be a major footballing side.  

One Sportsday writer has a relative willing to put decent money on that, Edward. True story.

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Stephen Crowther: £2m a week.

Short and to the point, Stephen. Are we adjusting for inflation?

Keep your predictions for what sport will look like in 30 years' time to #BBCBackToTheFuture or post on the BBC Sport and BBC Match of the Day Facebook pages.

Man Utd 'made £139m Neymar bid'

Manchester United offered Barcelona £139m for Neymar during the summer, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

And any hopes that the apparently impending arrival of Ezequiel Lavezzi at the Nou Camp would tempt Barcelona to sell in January has been quashed by the Mirror.

Furthermore, the Star is reporting that another target - Edinson Cavani - has no interest in making a £50m move to Old Trafford. 

Meanwhile, Portuguese newspaper A Bola is reporting that United pulled out of a £22m deal to sign Benfica winger Nico Gaitan last summer.

More from all that can be found here

'No change' in Fox-Pitt's condition

PA

Eventer William Fox-Pitt remains sedated and under constant observation in a French hospital after being injured in a fall.

The dad-of-four was thrown from his horse during the cross-country stage of the World Young Horse Championships on Saturday.

In their latest statement, British Eventing said there had been "no change" in his condition overnight, and added: "We ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this time; his family and support team are very grateful for all the concern expressed."

McCarthy 'worried' by Ipswich form

Rex Features

Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has admitted he is concerned by his side's current winless run of six games. 

Tuesday's 3-0 defeat at Hull saw the early Championship leaders drop to 11th in the table. 

"There's nothing that anybody can say to me that's going to make me feel any better," he told BBC Radio Suffolk. 

"We're having a real tough time and it's a worry, but the only thing we can do is get back at it, get to Nottingham Forest and see if we can beat them."

Evans gets warm welcome at Walsall

Rex Features

George Evans only met his new Walsall team-mates for the first time when he boarded the coach for Tuesday's League One game at Barnsley.

It proved a memorable away day for the on-loan Manchester City midfielder as he hit the opener on his debut in the Saddlers' 2-0 win at Oakwell.

"It's a good start - one to remember," he told BBC WM. "I'm happy with any goal and the team played very well."

Watch Football Focus Forum

BBC

We're on countdown to Thursday's Champions League action now. T-minus three hours, seven minutes, or thereabouts. 

So, to get you in the mood, have a look at this Football Focus Forum featuring the learned opinions of Dan Walker and Jermaine Jenas, who have been discussing Manchester City's prospects against Sevilla and Manchester United at CSKA Moscow.

Watch it here and remember we'll have live text and radio coverage of the night's proceedings from around 18:30 BST here.

Europe heads to Breeders Cup

Cornelius Lysaght

BBC Sport horse racing correspondent

Twenty-nine European horses have been entered at America's two-day Breeders Cup, the self styled world championship of horse-racing, being staged on 30 and 31 October, this year at Keeneland in Kentucky.

Heading the 13 British challengers is the Epsom Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Golden Horn in the Breeders Cup Turf, the star colt's final career start. Amongst the Irish entries is dual 2000 Guineas winner Gleneagles, in the Classic, while France's Karakontie is due to attempt to repeat last year's success in the Mile.

Cook one of the best - Flintoff

Reuters

Andrew Flintoff has been singing Alastair Cook's praises ahead of the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai.

The England captain shone with the bat in the first Test, and Flintoff said it is "laughable" that he has faced criticism in the past about his ability. He added: "Alastair Cook is the type of guy who gives nothing away

"He came into the side back in 2006, and there was something impressive about him then. We’re seeing now he’s one of the best we’ve ever produced."

Flintoff also picked out James Anderson as a "world great" but was less gushing about his own captaincy of the national team, saying: "I think it was one job too many for me, batting and bowling was enough without being captain as well."

On this day

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In 2014, South African athlete Oscar Pistorius was jailed for five years for shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp dead on Valentine's Day 2013.

'I want to play' - Defoe

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Jermain Defoe has reminded Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce he did not join the club to sit on the bench. 

The 33-year-old striker was used as a second-half substitute in the new manager's first game in charge, Saturday's 1-0 defeat at West Brom.

Defoe told the Chronicle: "Obviously, I can understand the manager coming in and saying he's not too sure if he wants to play 4-4-2. He might want to be more solid in midfield so you don't concede goals.

"But at the age of 33, you want to play football. I didn't come here to sit on the bench. You want to play football and score goals."

Get Involved

BBC Sport athletics commentator Ed Harry has gone back in time to London 2012 to show us his notes from the men's T44 100m at the Paralympic Games. Kudos for the Back To The Future reference, Ed...

For those who haven't seen the film (I won't name the Sportsday member who hasn't) Grays Sports Almanac is a list of sporting results that is taken back to the 1950s where its potential to clean up at the bookies is boundless. Not that we're suggesting Ed would do that.

Remember to keep your predictions for what sport will look like in 30 years' time to #BBCBackToTheFuture or the BBC Sport and BBC Match of the Day Facebook pages.

Famous faces

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is keeping up appearances with the A-listers of Hollywood.

“One of the most inspiring, genuine and wisest people you'll ever meet - Will Smith#Miami#Legendary,” posts the Formula 1 world champion on Facebook.

Record-breaker

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It's all Back to the Future stuff today ... so why not use it as an excuse to look back at a memorable day for British athletics 30 years ago, when Steve Cram smashed mile world record in Oslo.

Cram says he is proud to have set a record that lasted more than eight years from 1985 before it was beaten by Algeria's Noureddine Morceli in 1993.

The 'Jarrow Arrow' set a time of 3:46.32 which still stands as a UK record.

Watch it here.

1D 'unacceptable'

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Hang on, things are getting interesting.

Remember how we just told you (15:48) that the ice hockey match between Belfast Giants and Sheffield Steelers on Friday had been postponed so a rescheduled One Direction concert could take place?

Well, Houston we have a problem.

The unhappy Steelers have hit out at the "unacceptable" late postponement, with the club as well as the supporters now facing the prospect of being left out of pocket.

Steelers owner Tony Smith said: "This is unacceptable and not the end of the matter."

One to keep an eye on.

That's what you call an exclusive club

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One of the UK's most exclusive golf clubs is to start charging £125,000 to new joiners.

Wentworth, which was bought by the Beijing-based Reignwood Group in September 2014, has told existing members they must stump up £100,000.

Annual fees at the Surrey club are also to rise from £8,000 to £16,000. James Wyatt said he and other members faced having to pay "an enormous amount".

The golf club said membership pricing "is a private Wentworth club matter".

Wilson extends Newcastle contract

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England Saxons prop Scott Wilson has agreed a new three-year contract with Newcastle Falcons.

Tight-head Wilson, 21, has made 49 appearances for the first team since progressing from the Premiership club's academy set-up.

Changed days?

Ice hockey off, 1D on

Fans of One Direction will be in pop heaven on Friday - but spare a thought for supporters of the Belfast Giants.

The Elite League ice hockey side have postponed their match against Sheffield Steelers at the SSE Arena in the Northern Ireland capital to allow the boy band to reschedule a concert.

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Hundreds of fans were left devastated when One Direction postponed Tuesday's gig after singer Liam Payne fell ill. But now they get to see their heroes - at the expense of the ice hockey.

"We are extremely grateful to the Belfast Giants and Sheffield teams and apologise to their fans for the inconvenience caused," said SSE Arena general manager Neil Walker.

Klopp angered by FA

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

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Jurgen Klopp is far from happy with the FA over Jordan Rossiter's hamstring injury picked up playing for England's Under 19s. The Liverpool midfielder played three full matches in five days. 

"Rossiter is a special story. I've never heard of an 18-year-old playing three games in five days," Klopp said. "That is why he is injured. I don't know who I have to talk to about this but I will find a way because it is not okay."

Boro 'will turn form around'

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Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka insists they have the quality in their squad to halt their current slump in form.

Boro have not won, or scored a goal, in their last three games and have slipped to sixth in the Championship.

"They're the players who I wanted, who I believe in and I believe 150% in them. This is going to change, we have very good players," the Spaniard told BBC Tees.

Fun and games

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Well that was fun. Never seen anything like it for a Europa League press conference at Liverpool's training ground. 

It was standing room only for Lucas Leiva and Jurgen Klopp, and between them they held court for 33 minutes in front of two banks of cameras and a packed media room. 

There was a question Klopp didn't like and refused to let his midfielder answer it; he also apologised to the the Russian interpreter for his answers being too long.

Finn leaves Tigers for Wakefield

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have signed Ireland international half-back Liam Finn from West Yorkshire rivals Castleford Tigers on a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old played two Super League games during a previous spell with Wakefield in 2004.

"I want to put right a few wrongs from last time," he told the club website.

Rex Features

Get Involved

Karl Cooper: All games will last for a full day due to the different amounts of video technology and reviews used during play.

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Joe Wedgwood: Daniel Sturridge will still be injured...

Simon Cotton: Statue of (Sir) Mike Ashley stands outside St.James Park. NUFC FA Cup winners. (The cup is sponsored by Sports Direct)

Beckenbauer & Villar Llona investigated

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Fifa ethics committee says cases against former Spanish FA president Angel Maria Villar Llona and former official and Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer passed to adjudication committee. 

Villar Llona is currently the most senior executive at Uefa with Michel Platini suspended and is a senior figure at Fifa.

The committee have not confirmed why they are under investigation but it has been widely reported it is for their conduct during the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup. 

Secretary general Jerome Valcke being investigated "related to the suspicion of misuse of expenses and other infringements of Fifa’s rules and regulations".  

Awkward

BBC Tees

BBC Tees Sport

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Why did you lose the game? "Because we conceded one goal and we didn't score".

BBC Tees spoke to a very frustrated Middlesbrough captain Grant Leadbitter after Tuesday's 1-0 loss to Cardiff City.

You can listen to the slightly awkward interview here.

Haskins ready for 'hellish' fight

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Britain's Lee Haskins says he is "prepared to walk through the fiery depths of hell" to win the title when he challenges IBF bantamweight champion Randy Caballero on 21 November.

Haskins will be making his first appearance in "magical" Las Vegas and told BBC Radio Bristol: "It's a place where every boxer wants to fight at least once."

He will head for Nevada on 3 November and added: "The amount of training to do is very daunting to me and I still have got a lot of work to do before I see light at the end of the tunnel."

Proud record

QPR boss Ramsey understands criticism

Queens Park Rangers head coach Chris Ramsey says he can understand the fans' frustrations as they seek an immediate return to the Premier League.

PA

Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday left Rangers 10th in the Championship table after 12 games.

"When you have got a club like QPR, which has had its successes in the past, fans sometimes live for those successes," Ramsey told BBC Radio London.

"Part of being a manager of a club like this is taking the criticisms when they are not happy."

Bumpy ride

Alasdair Lamont

BBC Sport Scotland in Molde

BBC Sport

Celtic have landed in Molde in western Norway following a less than smooth flight from Glasgow. 

The Europa League has been a similarly turbulent affair so far for the Scottish champions as they have twice surrendered leads in their opening fixtures to trail Thursday's opponents by two points. 

But the big talking point is Molde's reappointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager just a day before the game. We'll have Celtic manager Ronny Deila's thoughts on that and much more across BBC outlets later today.

Warm welcome

It's gone fairly quiet at the Liverpool news conference, we'll bring you any more if and when it arrives. For now though, here's the man himself on the front of Thursday's programme.

Jurgen Klopp news conference

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Klopp turning his attention to any dramatic changes in the way Liverpool will play, specifically whether they will play a more pressing game.

He says: "The biggest misunderstanding in my life is people asking me if it's possible to play like this.

"But this is just the start. You don't have to run 150km, you just have to be prepared to."  

The wait goes on...

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

The wait for Fifa's Ethics Committee to name some names interrupted in Zurich by the sonic boom from a passing plane... Back to waiting.  

If Richard is getting weary with this story, you know it's dragging on...

Jurgen Klopp news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

BBC Sport

The manager got a good laugh after he apologised to the Russian interpreter because his answers were too long!  

Klopp on #LFC tomorrow night against Rubin Kazan: "I hope no-one is waiting for 4-0 after three minutes and is disappointed."  

Jurgen Klopp news conference

Klopp has had to wait for the magic of the Kop but he is preparing himself for the reaction at Anfield, saying: "I can't say much about the atmosphere at Anfield but I want to go there and see it and feel it." 

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Get Involved

Hassan Anfield: In 30 years time, Jurgen Klopp will win his 17th EPL title as LFC boss.   

B19 UMR: In 30 years Liverpool still not won the league & printed on shirts "its our year".

Dan Bexfield: Liverpool are still waiting to win the league.   

Anyone seeing a theme here?

Jurgen Klopp news conference

BBC Merseyside Sport

Europa League football "is a big chance to get a good feeling and confidence," says Klopp.

Confirmation from BBC Merseyside Sport too that Daniel Sturridge will not play on Thursday but has been earmarked for Sunday's Premier League tie against Southampton.

Reuters

Jurgen Klopp news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Some more encouraging news in terms of squad selection as Klopp confirms that Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Dejan Lovren are back in training.

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Jurgen Klopp news conference

Nice line from the Press Association's man at Melwood...

Jurgen Klopp news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Klopp on #LFC injuries: "Sturridge is getting better and better, the target for him is Sunday."

Jurgen Klopp news conference

BBC Merseyside Sport

Lucas Leiva is first to the mic. He tells the assembled media that the team is adjusting to Klopp's style.

He says: "We have a very honest group and want to improve. We are trying to take on [Jurgen's] ideas as soon as possible."

BBC Merseyside Sport also reports Leiva saying: "There's no pressure on the team at the moment in terms of achieving things. We're taking it game by game."

Getty Images

Jurgen Klopp news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

BBC Sport

And we're off...

Solskjaer makes Molde return

A message of congratulations from the Stretford End for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following his move to take the helm of Molde in his native Norway.

More on that story here.

And the answers were...

A Question of Sport Teaser

Earlier we asked you: In 1985, who were the four men to win a Grand Slam in tennis?

And the answers were: Stefan Edberg, Mats Wilander, Boris Becker & Ivan Lendl.

'Emotional' Klopp good for Liverpool - Houllier

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Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier believes Jurgen Klopp is a good fit for Anfield because of his passion for the game.

He told beIN Sports: “Leadership is a transfer of emotion, and in that case I would say [Klopp] will be good. Jurgen is a very emotional man whether he wins or loses, and I think his style of management will fit in well with this squad.

“It will also match, I would say, the values and probably the enthusiasm of the fans there.”

Jurgen Klopp's news conference is due to take place at around 14:00 BST. Stay here for updates.

Amputation was my best decision - Browne

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Paralympic sprinter Richard Browne has told BBC World Service that having his leg amputated was the best decision he ever made. 

The American T44 100m star, who will take part in the IPC Athletics World Championships this week, endured 13 surgeries and a three-year battle to save his leg following an accident that saw him slide through a plate glass window. 

But when the pain became too much he told his doctors they had to amputate. He said: "One Monday afternoon - it was February 9th - I called my doctor and told him I couldn't deal with the pain anymore."

Watch the video here.

Get Involved

Oomar Jaunmohamud: Mistreated zombies start a revolution and take over the world...they even create the ZPL...zombie premier league...

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Dan Rozzell: Alan Curbishley will still be a bookies favourite for every job in football.

Steven Gordon: In 30 years: Italian Serie A results for 2145 accidentally leaked. Cipriani resigns as England boss for conservative approach.

Monk reports rubbished

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Remember the earlier reports that Garry Monk had missed training at Swansea?

Well, the club has - according to the South Wales Evening Post - "rubbished" those reports.

The paper says: "Stories in the national press suggested the Swansea boss did not arrive for this morning’s session due to personal reasons.

"But the club confirmed he put the squad through their paces as normal and stressed there was no substance to stories to the contrary."

Liverpool news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

BUSY! A massive scrum of cameras and media waiting for the press conference to start at Liverpool's training ground.

We''ll be bringing you the best of what Jurgen Klopp has to say a little after 14:00 BST...

BBC Sport

Luzon unworried about job

PA

Charlton head coach Guy Luzon insists he is not concerned about his position despite a run of eight games without a win in the Championship.

"I need to worry only about the next game, how I pick the team and how I encourage the squad to bring the result on Saturday," he told BBC Radio London.  

The 40-year-old Israeli has been in charge since January, but the Addicks are currently 22nd in the table.

Get Involved

Football League

The Football League have fired up their flux capacitor and given us a glimpse of life in the top-flight in 1985. 

The usual suspects are in there, but it's tough reading for Sheffield Wednesday fans, who were riding high in third. 

Tweet your predictions for what sport will look like in 30 years' time to #BBCBackToTheFuture or post on the BBC Sport and BBC Match of the Day Facebook pages.

Meyer's on Hansen's case

AFP

Down in one?

Off licences in Twickenham, this is for you.

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer has said he will buy New Zealand boss Steve Hansen a crate of beer if the Springboks triumph in their Rugby World Cup semi-final on Saturday.

It follows a tradition that the Kiwi began some years ago when Meyer lost in his first game against the All Blacks. That time, Hansen handed him a beer to cheer him up. Meyer is going the whole hog though.

He said: "Hopefully... I can give him a full case of beers. 

"That's what's great about the game... we also learn from each other."

Get Involved

James Boal: Sepp Blatter wins re-election becoming the first posthumous president of Fifa.

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Tom Jackson: Ibelieveinmiracles2 is released, the sequel showcases how Nottingham Forest again were twice Euro Champs with Nigel Clough in charge.

Dan Pinchy: 2045 and Liverpool come close to winning their 1st title since 89-90 after losing on the last day to Shrewsbury…

Can't work out whether you're a Liverpool fan or not, Dan..

Bayern won't hike prices up

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Arsenal fans will not face inflated prices when they go to Germany, after Bayern Munich supporters protested against Champions League ticket costs at the London club.

Arsenal visit Bayern for the return group match on 4 November.

Coach Pep Guardiola said after the game: "I will speak with Arsene Wenger for next time to make it cheaper for our fans.

"We will take care of Arsenal fans in Munich with a good price. They can travel."

Watch Flintoff on the Today programme

BBC

Andrew Flintoff has stared down some fierce interrogators in his time, but how did he fare against John Humphreys (that's Garry Richardson in the picture, but Mr Humphreys was there) on BBC Radio 4's Today programme?

The former England captain has explained how he turned down scholarships at public schools as a teenager so he could get home at 3pm to watch Dallas. Didn't hold him back, though, did it?

Watch the full interview here.

Flying high

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland

BBC Sport

Coming in to land at Molde with the Celtic team ahead of their Europa League meeting with the Norwegian champions.    

Job done

Nice image of the Barcelonasquad in fine spirits after their Champions League win in Belarus on Tuesday, courtesy of defender Gerard Pique...

On this day

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This is a significant date in Middlesbrough’s recent history…

In 2009, the club sacked Gareth Southgate as manager, then Tony Mowbray suffered the same fate in 2013.

Bolton lacking quality - Lennon

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Bolton Wanderers' lack of quality is one of the reasons they sit bottom of the Championship, according to manager Neil Lennon. 

The Trotters lost their unbeaten home record on Tuesday as Birmingham City won 1-0 at the Macron Stadium. 

It means Bolton, the division's lowest scorers with nine goals, have lost three straight matches and won just once in all competitions this season. 

"I think it is apparent that there is a lack of quality at times," Lennon, 44, told BBC Radio Manchester.

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Keep those sporting predictions coming for what you think will be happening in 30 years time...

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Will Barber: In 30 years time Lionel Messi will have gained a lot of weight and will be Real Madrid manager.

Richard Todd: West Ham win Worldwide Prem League and European Intercontinental Super Cup, beating Real Madrid 5-0 with Reece Oxford Jr with five goals.

Put a fiver on it at the bookies right now, it's bound to come in...

R El Jumaili: Roy Hodgson with an emaciated face- not from age but sheer amount of frustrated face rubs.

Fifa to name names...

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Fifa ethics committee to release names of those currently under investigation in next few hours. Is this the calm before the next storm? 

Monk reportedly misses training

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The Mirror is reporting that Swansea manager Garry Monk did not go into training at the club today.

According to the paper, the Swansea boss missed the session because of personal reasons.

Of course there could be a very good reason for the above, so perhaps best not to read too much into it at this stage...

Tardy Pierre dropped to bench

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Grenada international Aaron Pierre - seen above winning a header in WWF-stylee - paid the price for turning up late for a tactical meeting by finding himself dropped for Wycombe's League Two game against Newport County on Tuesday evening.

"We pride ourselves on work ethic and discipline here and you can't be late for an important meeting like that," said boss Gareth Ainsworth, who left Pierre on the bench.

"I'm sure he'll be one of the first in next week."

Van Persie to Barca?

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Here's an odd one. The Daily Star claims Barcelona are sending a scout to watch Fenerbahce striker Robin van Persie and five Ajax youngsters in the Dutch club's Europa League meeting on Thursday.

Happy birthday, Geoffrey

Also celebrating today is former Australia rugby captain David Campese, 53, while, one-time England, Manchester United, Liverpool and Inter Milan midfielder Paul Ince is 48,

Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni is 34, as is former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic.

Enjoy your cake fellas.

Welcome back

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Struggling Heerenveen have persuaded veteran coach Foppe de Haan to return to the club after 11 years away.

The 72-year-old De Haan was at the club for 19 years and took charge of more than 500 matches in the longest spell by a coach at any Dutch club.

He will lead the team again for the first time since 2004 when they play at Willem II Tilburg on Saturday.

De Haan has agreed to a short period in charge to allow Heerenveen to look for a new coach following the resignation of Dwight Lodeweges.

Forest move for Trotter 'dead' - Freedman

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Nottingham Forest boss Dougie Freedman says a deal for Bolton Wanderers midfielder Liam Trotter has fallen through because of a "technical issue".

Forest looked set to sign the 27-year-old on loan last week but Freedman told BBC Radio Nottingham: "We cannot get a deal over the line so it's dead."

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It's nice, Maria. But it's not a DeLorean. Speaking of which, here are some more of your #BBCBackToTheFuture predictions for what sport will look like in 30 years' time...

Nicola Jade: The cloning process is perfected & managers can finally pick an 11 of their ideal player.

Nick Barnett: The billion pound striker will be signed.

Matt Parry: Lewis Hamilton Jnr wins the Galactic Pod Race on Tatooine in the latest Mercedes.

Plenty of space-based predictions this morning. We think you've been watching that Star Wars trailer too much.

Tweet us at #BBCBackToTheFuture or post on the BBC Sport and BBC Match of the Day Facebook pages.

'Sabotage'

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Fifa presidential contender Chung Mong-Joon has accused the organisation of failing to provide a "reasoned decision" for his ban,  after a Swiss court rejected his request to lift it temporarily.

The South Korean tycoon has been banned for six years by Fifa's independent ethics committee, which also suspended FIFA head Sepp Blatter, secretary-general Jerome Valcke and UEFA president Michel Platini for 90 days.

Chung said: "Fifa continues to sabotage my candidacy.

"As of now, I still do not know the exact basis on which they imposed a six-year ban on me, which I must have in order to appeal the unjust sanctions imposed on me."

Listen up

BBC Radio 5 Live

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Bored at work? Looking to skive off for a few minutes?

Of course you are. So why not check out BBC Radio 5 live's Football Daily podcast.

Today it's about Arsene Wenger's 'animals' putting Bayern to the sword, with one caller saying, 'Tonight has shown why Guardiola is not the man to take over at Arsenal.’

Based on one 90 minutes? Anyway, let's not get into that - you can listen to the podcast here.

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Jack Wilkinson: Gerrard manages #LFC to two straight Champions League titles.

Not a bad shout that one, Jack...

Callum Bannister: Totti to retire.

Come on, Callum. Be sensible...

AFP

Burnett gets 18-month ban

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Former world darts champion Richie Burnett has been banned for 18 months after testing positive for cocaine.

Welshman Burnett, 48, won the British Darts Organisation (BDO) title in 1995 but was removed from the 2015 PDC World Championship for "personal reasons".

It can now be revealed Burnett failed a drugs test and had an appeal against an 18-month ban, which runs from 3 November 2014 to 2 May 2016, dismissed.

He tested positive for cocaine at a PDC Grand Slam qualifier in Wigan.

Albion winners 'special' for Zamora

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Brighton striker Bobby Zamora says scoring a second winning goal in as many games was a great moment. 

The 34-year-old came on as a late substitute to seal victory at Leeds on Saturday, netting his first strike for the Championship leaders in 12 years. 

Zamora repeated the feat on Tuesday, scoring the decisive goal in Albion's 2-1 win over Bristol City. 

"Two goals in two games coming on as a sub is special, especially for myself at Brighton," he told BBC Sussex.

Can I have another strudel, Mr President?

Sounds like South African tennis player Kevin Anderson has had a pleasant morning...

The results are in

A quick reminder of Tuesday night's Champions League winners and losers.

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Game of the night was at Bayer Leverkusen where Roma threw away a two-goal lead late on as the sides battled out a 4-4 draw. Javier Hernandez scored twice for Leverkusen, while the result leaves Roma bottom of Group E.

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Meanwhile a dominant Barcelona had 74% possession and 21 shots in Belarus, where Ivan Rakitic scored twice as the holders beat BATE Borisov to go top of the same group by three points. 

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Eric Yeung: Offside tech established. Foul tech on penalty decisions etc.

There may be more chance of intergalactic football by then, Eric (see 10:43).

John Dane: Partick Thistle will be in the Champions League by then. They won't win it, probably runners-up.  

Don't dream too hard, John.

Some great #BBCBackToTheFuture predictions coming in, very creative stuff. If you're late to the party, we're asking you to described what the world of sport will look like in 30 years' time. Tweet or post on theBBC SportandBBC Match of the Day Facebookpages.

AP

Safe hands

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Iker Casillas, now between the posts at Porto, created a little bit of history last night.

The keeper kept his 51st clean sheet in the Champions League as Porto beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-0.

That takes Casillas - who won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid - ahead of the previous holder, Edwin van der Sar.

Double blow for Royals

Reading duo Stephen Quinn and Hal Robson-Kanu are facing several weeks on the sidelines.

Midfielder Quinn is set to be out until the new year after undergoing knee surgery while winger Robson-Kanu suffered an ankle injury on international duty with Wales.