Sportsday - rolling football news

1. Nine Premier League news conferences
2. Eddie Jones close to England job
3. Ian Bell dropped for England tour of South Africa
4. Who are the current sporting greats? Use #bbcsportsday

Goodnight and goodbye

That brings to an end 11 hours of red-hot Sportsday action. It all starts again at 08:00 GMT tomorrow morning - make sure you join us.

Five of the best

Reuters

You probably know that Roger Federer continued his supreme form at the ATP World Tour finals by beating Kei Nishikori earlier.

But you may not have seen five of the best shots of the match. You can do it right here.

I've called my baby Bermondsey

Getty Images

If you missed this earlier, it's worth flagging it up again.

If you didn't miss it earlier, it's worth reminding yourself.

A cracking story from the Southwark News.

Millwall fan Mike Bloomfield has named his newborn son 'Bermondsey Millwall Den Bloomfield’ – without telling his wife.

On a side note, his dog is named after Lions legend Barry Kitchener.

Crolla crowing

Getty Images

Anthony Crolla is convinced it will be second time lucky when he challenges WBA lightweight champion Darleys Perez in Manchester on Saturday.

Home fighter Crolla boxed his Colombian rival to a draw in July, although many observers thought he won the fight

"Since the first fight I have developed as a boxer and a fighter and I have no doubts I'll bring that world title home. I know I have all the answers."  

'Macho' referees get it in the neck

Getty Images

Speaking of wrestling, this story reminded me of the late, great Macho Man Randy Savage.

Dundee United midfielder John Rankin says referees' "macho" attitudes sometimes get in the way of developing good relationships with players.

Ohhhh yeah!!!

The Man That Gravity Forgot

wwe

WWE superstar and big Newcastle united fan Adrian Neville hastaken on Mark Lawrenson with his Premier League predictions.

Proud Geordie Neville - known as The Man That Gravity Forgot for his high-flying style - name checks a few well-known Newcastle names. But also has this little gem.

"Then there was big Pav Srnicek, our rock in goal for many years, who lived near my estate when I was a boy. I used to ride to his house on my bike just to see his car's number plate 'Pav 1'."

Ben Foden = Clever boy

Sucking up to the guy who's about to become the new England boss, Ben?

Don't blame you one bit.

England and Northampton back Foden has not played for his country for two years.

'Far from what I want at Watford'

More from Watford boss Quique Flores from today's news conference:

Getty Images

'When he tackled you, the lights went out'

PA

We highly recommend you have a read of former England and Lions centre Jeremy Guscott'stribute to Jonah Lomu.

The legendary New Zealand wing died this week at the age of 40.

Watford v Manchester United (Sat 12:45 GMT)

The football might not be thrilling but it's been effective for Manchester United so far and they have the chance to go top with a win over Watford on Saturday.

Or will the Hornets continue to impress? Play our BBC Sport Predictor.

BBC Sport

'De Gea top three in the world'

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Getty Images

"Watford boss Quique Flores say Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is in the top three of best keepers in the world.

"Flores gave De Gea his debut at Atletico Madrid and comes up against him on Saturday. 'He was amazing. Then, we used to say - he will probably be the best goalkeeper in the world.

"'You could see then. He has everything you need. He can control their style of play, control with the ball, in the air, under the goal, in front of the goal. For me he is in the top three best goalkeepers in the world'."

Go-faster stripes?

Here's a picture of Lewis Hamilton wearing a zebra hat. Just because.

Cobblers problems continue

Getty Images

Northampton Town are having a complete nightmare.

Under an administration petition from the local council over a £10.25m loan and a winding-up petition from HM Revenue & Customs, they could now see a potential takeover collapse.

Kelvin Thomas' deal to take over League Two side from current chairman David Cardoza is in doubt.

There future of the club is in genuine peril. We feel for you Cobblers fans.

Aussies taking over?

Press Association rugby union correspondent Duncan Bech, referencing Eddie Jones potentially becoming the new England boss, tweets...

Asking Haskins

BBC

You can take the boy out of Bristol...

Lee Haskins talks 50 Cent and Denzel Washington as he faces 60 seconds of questions.

 The 31-year-old defendshis interim IBF bantamweight world title fight against Randy Caballero in Las Vegas on Saturday.

20 years of Buffon

Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon made his Serie A debut 20 years ago today, keeping a clean sheet for Parma in a 0-0 draw with AC Milan.

Buffon, 37, joined Juventus in 2001 for £32.6m, a world-record fee for a keeper, and has since won six domestic titles and the 2006 World Cup with Italy.

'Dropped like a hot potato'

Getty Images

Two bits of interesting information from this piece on Isabelle Wallace.

1. The 19-year-old has switched her allegiance back to Australia because she believes she did not get enough LTA support.

2. Her dad, Alan, is a family baker.

Remembering the Best

Getty Images

Wednesday, 25 November will mark 10 years since the death of the late, great George Best.

The Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend will be remembered by fans at Old Trafford in the seventh minute of the Champions League game against PSV. Supporters group Stretford End Flags are urging fans to switch on the torches on their mobile phones.

"Old Trafford will be lit up on the 25th of November in fond memory of an ordinary man with an extraordinary talent. Thank you to the Manchester United supporters for this beautiful gesture," said Best's sister Barbara McNarry.

Fearless Federer

Reuters

Roger Federer is looking on tip top form at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The Swiss has beaten Kei Nishikori 7-5 4-6 6-4 to maintain his 100% record in the group.

He's sailed through to the semi-finals, where he will be joined by either Novak Djokovic or Tomas Berdych.

'They've got an agenda'

PA

Swansea City manager Garry Monk believes speculation about him facing the sack is caused by people outside the club with an

"Of course I've been disappointed with some of the things which have been written. A lot of it has been irresponsible," he said.

Spanish athlete banned

AFP

Spanish middle-distance runner Marta Dominguez Azpeleta has been stripped of her 2009 World Championships gold and 2010 Europeran Championships silver in the 3000m steeplechase after a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling.

The 40-year-old was found guilty of an anti-doping rule violation and has been banned fr three years following abnormalities in her Athlete Biological Passport (ABP).  

Rotherham sign Kelly

Championship side Rotherham United have signed Republic of Ireland international defender Stephen Kelly on a deal until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old has been without a club since leaving Reading at the end of last season.

'Difficult to asses how good Vettel is'

Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton is used to burning rubber but the F1 champion has tried his hand at burning bridges by criticising three fellow drivers in one go.

"I have a lot of respect for Sebastian Vettel, but it's difficult to assess how good he really is," Hamilton told German magazine Sport Bild.

"He's never been in a team with someone like Fernando Alonso, but always with people like Mark Webber, who was not on his level, and Kimi Raikkonen, who is no longer at the peak of his performance."

So that's Seb, Webber and Kimi he's possibly offended there then.

Who is Matty Foulds?

Fair to say this is one for the future from Everton.

There's not much to tell you about the 17-year-old, Bradford-born, left-footed central defender.

In fact, that's probably everything.

Oh. He's placed twice for Bury - in the League Cup and in the Football League Trophy.

Everton sign youngster

Ferrari ordered to stand trial

Lance Armstrong's former doctor, Michele Ferrari, has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly helping a biathlete to dope.

Getty Images

Ferrari was banned for life by both the Italian Cycling Federation in 2002 and the United States Anti-Doping Agency in the 2012 case that saw Armstrong stripped of his seven Tour de France titles.

Italian biathlete Daniel Taschler and his father Gottlieb - a vice president of the International Biathlon Union - were also indicted by a preliminary judge in Italy, where doping is a crime.

Both Ferrari and the Taschlers deny any wrongdoing.

Kenny takes a hit

Getty Images

Thanks for that Paddy.

Former Republic of Ireland keeper Paddy Kenny, 37, has left Bury 13 days into his short-term contract after suffering a hamstring injury.

"He had guaranteed money there but he has said he can't take money off the football club, which is quite a unique circumstance," said Bury boss David Flitcroft.

Broad on Bell

Stuart Broad says that Ian Bell has got what it takes to get back into the England Test team. Bell was dropped for the tour of South Africa, but speaking to BBC Nottingham Sport, Broad said "he's a world class player he'll be really disappointed, but he'll be very determined to work hard and get back in. 

"We know that opportunities do arise - he won't see this at the end of his career. He'll be working hard after a bit of break to improve and put runs on the board. He'll be very determined to get back to his best - that starts by breaking it down and getting back in the nets."

Getty Images

BreakingFederer beats Nishikori

Roger Federer has beaten Kei Nishikori 7-5 4-6 6-4 at the ATP World Tour Finals. 

You can get reaction on BBC Two, on BBC Radio 5 live, or on our live text page. 

'Not long now'

Getty Images

Liverpool club captain Jordan Henderson has posted on Instagram about his recovery from a broken foot. Earlier we brought you news from Jurgen Klopp who said the England midfielder would be back in training next week.

"Feeling better everyday, Thanks to all the medical/fitness staff! And thanks for all your support. Hopefully not to long now

Federer v Nishikori

It's 4-4 in the deciding set. Which way will it go? Enjoy the conclusion right here...

EPA

'Two more games' for Warnock at QPR

Getty Images

Neil Warnock expects to be in charge of Queens Park Rangers for two more games, BBC Radio London reports.

The 66-year-old was placed in interim charge of the R's after Chris Ramsey was sacked on 4 November. 

He oversaw the 0-0 draw with Preston on 7 November and has brought in Kevin Blackwell to assist him at Loftus Road. Warnock, who was boss of QPR from March 2010 to January 2012, returned to the Championship club in an advisory role in October. 

QPR's next two matches are at Middlesbrough on Friday and home to Leeds next Saturday, suggesting an appointment before their trip to Reading on Thursday, 3 December.

Rodriguez may need surgery

Getty Images

Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez may require surgery on a foot injury, according to manager Ronald Koeman.

The England striker last played for the Saints in the 2-2 draw with Leicester on 17 October.

"Jay is not good, it's now a long time and we have to make now a really tough decision how we have to do the treatment.

“Maybe it will be a surgery next week. Still his feet is a problem, it gives a lot of pain. We did everything and now, the final call, maybe it will be surgery next week.”

Rodriguez missed the whole of last season with a knee injury, only returning in August.

Dodoo goes on loan

Leicester City forward Joe Dodoo has joined League One side Bury on a one-month loan.

The 20-year-old scored a hattrick for Leicester against the Shakers in the second round of the League Cup in August.

Get Involved

Getty Images

In light of Richie McCaw's retirement, we're asking who the all-time greats are who are still taking part in sport. 

Carl Harrison: South Africa winger BryanHabana. No question.

Staino Chisom Austine:The only one Zlatan Ibrahimovic! Be careful or he will retire you before you know it!

James Clarky: It's gotta be Jimmy Anderson. He is England's best bowler at the moment, the master of swing. Truly brilliant. 

Get involved by using #bbcsportsday or on the BBC Sport facebook page.

Federer 7-5 4-6 Nishikori

We spoke too soon - Roger Federer blows a 4-1 lead as Kei Nishikori hits back to take the second set 6-4.

Watch the deciding set live on BBC Two, listen on BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra or follow our live text here.

Poulter playing through the pain

Reuters

Ian Poulter shares a four-way lead with fellow Englishman Andy Sullivan, German Martin Kaymer and Australian Marcus Fraser after the opening round of the World Tour Championship in Dubai.

Poulter has been struggling with a foot injury though, and took a pain-killing injection before the round.

Eddie Jones 'an awesome human being'

With Eddie Jones expected to become the next England coach, former South Africa second-row Bakkies Botha has given his thoughts on the potential appointment.

Jones was a consultant with the Springboks when they won the World Cup in 2007.

AFP

"I think it will be a good step and a positive step forward for English rugby if Eddie Jones is announced coach," he said.

"He’s an awesome human being and a coach. When you play against a team that Eddie Jones coaches you know you will get a surprise package in the game. 

"He coached the Japanese team and they outplayed the Springboks through cleverness, not brutality or strength and that’s the type of coach Eddie is."

Boxing 'trash talk has thin line'

Leon McKenzie says boxers need to keep "trash talk" professional after he felt comments about his depression by John McCallum "went below the belt".

Getty Images

McKenzie, who has previously revealed that he attempted to take his own life while suffering from depression, defeated McCallum in October.

"There's trash talking and trying to sell tickets, and then there's going below the belt by mentioning personal issues," the 37-year-old told BBC Radio Norfolk. "There's a thin line in regards to keeping it professional and he didn't."

Answer Time

A Question of Sport Teaser

Earlier we asked: Richie McCaw and which four other players have won 130 or more international caps?

The answers are:

• Richie McCaw (New Zealand) - 148
• Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland and Lions) - 141
• George Gregan (Australian) - 139
• Keven Mealamu (New Zealand) - 132
• Ronan O'Gara (Ireland and Lions) - 130

Tough one today so congratulations if you got all those answers.

BreakingLa Marseillaise to play in the Premier League

The Premier League have confirmed that the French national anthem will be played ahead of all of this weekend's matches. 

Premier League Chief Exec Richard Scudamore said: "Given how close we are as well as the long-standing relationship that exists between the Premier League and France, playing La Marseillaise as an act of solidarity and remembrance is the right thing to do.

There are currently 72 French players currently in the Premier League, making France the second-most represented nation after England.

Getty Images

Fans of both sides sang La Marseillaise at Wembley on Tuesday night ahead of England's friendly with France

Clubs are also advising fans to arrive earlier than usual at matches, as there will be increased safety checks at grounds. 

Federer 7-5 Nishikori

Roger Federer is looking good at the O2 as he takes the first set 7-5 against Kei Nishikori.

Keep up with our live coverage of the ATP World Tour Finals here.

Sunderland need points before 'tough' December

Sunderlandneed to pick up points in November's Premier League matches, with a "tough" December to come, says striker Fabio Borini.

Crystal Palace host the Wearsiders on Monday, before Stoke City visit to the Stadium of Light on 28 November.

Reuters

Manchester City and Arsenal, the current top two, plus champions Chelsea among their opponents in December.

"We have to get something from these games because December is a tough month," Borini told BBC Newcastle.

"Not just because it is Christmas, because in England you don't stop so you play every three days, it's tiring for the players but also the quality of the opponents."

'He knows what is important to win'

Australia captain Stephen Moore has shared his thoughts on prospective England head coach Eddie Jones.

Jones, who has held talks with RFU boss Ian Ritchie, handed Moore his debut when in charge of Australia in 2005.

Getty Images

"He's very thorough," said Moore. "You get a lot of attention to detail with Eddie. 

"He would certainly be looking at many different sports and many different teams and what they are doing, and make sure that whatever team he is in charge of is right at the forefront of whatever teams are doing around the world in every area.

"So he's a very professional coach, and he knows what is important to win and how to prepare teams to win."

Southampton v Stoke (Sat 15:00 GMT)

WillSouthamptonextended their Premier League unbeaten run to seven games against aStokeside that beatChelsealast time out?

Play our BBC Sport Predictorand boost your team up the leaderboard.

BBC Sport

Newcastle v Leicester (Sat 15:00 GMT)

Leicester could go top of the table this weekend if results go their way, while Newcastle could drop into the relegation zone.

Which is more likely? Test it out on our BBC Sport Predictor.

BBC Sport

'He broke his nose in two places but he's fine'

Hughes concludes by praising opposition boss Ronald Koeman and reveals Erik Pieters is available despite breaking his nose in two places last time out against Chelsea.

Leicester news conference

Leicester are third in the Premier League on 25 points but Claudio Ranieri is still targeting the magic 40 point mark.

"We are fighting for another 15 points. Every match is a trap. Newcastle are a good team with good fans who push their players, but we are ready."

And the secret formula for the Foxes' success...

“Italian tactics and English spirit. I want to work hard to improve both with Leicester."

'He wants more game time'

Hughes discusses striker Peter Crouch's plea for more game time before turning his attentions to Saturday's game against an in-form Southampton.

Leicester teams news

Claudio Ranieri says all his players bar Jamaican defender Wes Morgan have returned from international duty.

"All our other international players are fit. I’m just waiting for the captain (Wes Morgan), he should be landing now."

Stoke news conference

Stoke manager Mark Hughes starts by addressing football's reaction to the attacks in Paris and striker Jon Walters' heroics in sending the Republic of Ireland through to Euro 2016.

Leicester news conference

Getty Images

Claudio Ranieri has been talking about England striker Jamie Vardy, who will equal Ruud van Nistelrooy's Premier League record of scoring in 10 straight games if he scores at Newcastle on Saturday.

Vardy missed England's friendlies against Spain and France with injury.

"Vardy rained today a little, I hope he can continue to train. If he's fit he plays. I hope he's available."

"I speak to the doctor, if he's 100% he plays. I don't want to risk a player for a match then lose him for a month."

“I’m not thinking about [who takes] penalties or records, I’m thinking about Newcastle, It will be a tough match. Not easy."

Leicester news conference

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri references the Paris attacks at his news conference.

“We must continue to play football because sport brings people together. Always we are united. We are very confident in our staff, Premier League staff."

Latest on Eddie Jones

Chris Jones

BBC Sport rugby reporter

Getty Images

"The former Australia and Japan coach Eddie Jones is in London today as he finalises the details of his appointment as England head coach. 

"Barring any late complications, Jones could be confirmed in the role by the end of the week. 

"It's understood Bristol are prepared for an approach from the RFU for their forwards coach Steve Borthwick, who has worked with Jones at Saracens and Japan."

Saints have 'different ways to attack'

AFP

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman on his side's versatility: "We have different ways to attack. With Graziano Pelle we can play the long ball. We have offensive full-backs and we are strong in our set-pieces."

Leicester news conference

Everyone's favourite bespectacled Claudio Ranieri has arrived for his news conference...

Saints to show Paris support

Koeman 'surprised' Long played for Ireland

Getty Images

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is speaking to the media.

He says he was surprised to see striker Shane Long play a part in the Republic of Ireland's Euro play-off win this week, after a lay-off with an ankle injury.

"I was very surprised he played 40 minutes. OK if the player is fit, but he had not trained for five or six weeks."

Federer v Nishikori

Our coverage of the ATP World Tour Finals continues with Roger Federer against Kei Nishikori.

The Swiss has already qualified for the semi-finals after his victory over Novak Djokovic, while Nishikori must win here and hope Tomas Berdych downs Djokovic this evening.

Keep across the live reporting right here.

Headlines

You're probably just getting back to your seat after a hearty lunch. So you may want to know what are the top stories so far today:

• England drop Bell for South Africa tour.
• New Zealand captain McCaw retires.
• Eddie Jones expected to become England rugby boss.
• Leyton Orient players ordered to stay in a hotel.

Velodromes to autodromes

Olympic track cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy will replace injured MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo in this weekend's Race of Champions.

Getty Images

Lorenzo sustained second-degree burns on his leg in Mallorca last week while celebrating his recent title win.

Hoy, who took up motorsport competition after retiring from professional cycling in 2013, will take the Spaniard's place in the All-Stars team with Lotus Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean.

The Race of Champions takes place at London's Olympic Stadium on 20-21 November and pits the world’s best drivers against each other in identical cars to see who is the fastest of them all.

Bermondsey the baby?

Getty Images

A gem of a story from the Southwark News.

A Millwall fan has named his new-born baby ‘Bermondsey Millwall Den Bloomfield’... without telling his wife.

Mike Bloomfield, who grew up in Bermondsey justified his decision by saying: “If David Beckham can name his son Brooklyn, then I can name mine Bermondsey. I just love Millwall and this is a good way to get the next generation involved.

“One of the women at the registry office was a Millwall fan and she loved it when she saw what we are going to name him. I threatened to do it but I don’t think my wife believed me! I’m not sure how she’s going to react.”

According to the report his wife Kelly was surprisingly forgiving.

Their dog is also called Kitchener after the Millwall legend Barry Kitchener.

Klopp over and out

Getty Images

That's it from Jurgen Klopp's news conference. Have a look down the page for the best bits.

'I spoke to Gerrard'

More from Jurgen Klopp on Steven Gerrard...

'Very difficult for Can'

Liverpool midfielder Emre Canwas one of the Germany players who spent most of Friday night inside the changing rooms at the Stade de France.

'Man City are not bad'

A bit more from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's news conference...

Liverpool injury update

Getty Images

Some tidbits of news coming from Jrgen Klopp's news conference.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson (foot) could be part of training next week. Defender Mamadou Sakho (knee ligament) is progressing better than first thought, but Klopp said it was too soon to put a time frame on it.

Gerrard can train at Liverpool

Sturridge 'not 100%'

Chilwell joins Huddersfield

Huddersfield Town have signed Leicester City defender Ben Chilwellon loan until 3 January.

The 18-year-old could make his debut for the Terriers in Saturday's trip to Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

Crolla v Perez

Bill Rice

BBC Radio Manchester

Bill Rice has been a busy boy. Fresh from Bolton Wanderers duties, he's just been to speak to Manchester's Anthony Crolla.

The 29-year-old will have a second go at beating Colombian Darleys Perez for the WBA wold lightweight title when the two meet at the Manchester Arena on Saturday.

BBC

"Just grabbed a quick chat with Anthony Crolla ahead of the press conference for his WBA world title fight with Darleys Perez on Saturday night in Manchester. The lightweight from New Moston says his preparation has been better this time, with less questions about the fractured skull he suffered confronting burglars before his return to the ring in their first fight -  which ended in a controversial draw in July."

Is Neymar better than Messi and Ronaldo?

Reuters

Neymar's good. Really good. But is he better than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

General wisdom is that Messi and Ronaldo are your top two picks in world football.

But have a read of Andy West's compelling argument to the contrary. 

Chelsea out of Champions League

Chelsea Ladies were knocked out of the Champions League with a 4-1 aggregate defeat by Wolfsburg in the last 16.

Rex Features

The Blues trailed 2-1 after the first leg and fell further behind after Swiss international Vanessa Bernauer's sublime 25-yard strike.

Eniola Aluko went close but an own goal from Claire Rafferty ensured two-time champions Wolfsburg progressed to the quarter-finals.

'No money' left at Bolton

Bill Rice

BBC Radio Manchester

Getty Images

 "Bolton boss Neil Lennon revealed the extent of the club's financial difficulties today, admitting the Wanderers have no money to spend on players. The club appointed Trevor Birch to lead talks with potential investors interested in a takeover this week, with chairman Phil Gartside seriously ill.

"Lennon told BBC Radio Manchester the club could be facing administration if the process isn't hurried along, and also said he's hoping Gartside makes a speedy recovery, as his own job as manager has been made more difficult with the chairman absent."  

Get Involved

PA

Following Richie McCaw's retirement, we want to know which current sports stars can be considered all-time greats.

Lee O'Neill: Got to be Sir Bradley Wiggins

Simon Wyatt: Roger Federer should be the first name on the list of all-time tennis great

Warind: The greatest distance runner of all time, Mohamed Farah. He ain't no 'bolt', but he's a storm on his own

Football League signings

A couple of loan moves to tell you about...

Brighton and Hove Albion's 20-year-old goalkeeper Christian Walton has joined Plymouth Argyleon loan until January.

And Burnley defender Kevin Long has joined League One strugglers Barnsleyfor a month.

'Je suis Paris'

This is shirt that Paris St-Germain will wear on Saturday for their match against Lorient.

Its carries the words 'Je Suis Paris' to honour the city following the attacks on Friday.

Tony Pulis on life and football

Getty Images

West Brom boss Tony Pulis has used the international break to sit down for an extended chat with BBC WM's Paul Franks.

In an hour-long special to be broadcast on BBC WM at 18:00 GMT on Thursday, the 57-year old discusses how the game has changed, modern players and life at home.

If you can't catch the interview as it goes out, you can always listen again afterwards.

It's worth listening to just to hear Tony Pulis talk about Tony Pulis in the third person: "If I had not adapted, then Tony Pulis wouldn't be in football."

Graeme Smith joins TMS

It's not just the England squad that's been announced today... former South Africa captain Graeme Smith will be joining the Test Match Special team for England's tour of South Africa. 

Smith will be joining Jonathan Agnew, Michael Vaughan, Geoffrey Boycott, Graeme Swann, Henry Blofeld, Simon Mann, Neil Manthorp and Alison Mitchell in the commentary box for the Test series which begins on Boxing Day. 

'Dream to represent England'

Getty Images

Surrey left-arm seamer Mark Footitt has been speaking to BBC Radio 5 live after being selected in the Test squad to face South Africa.

“I’m over the moon I’ve been picked. It’s every cricketer’s dream to represent your country. It’s a massive honour to be selected. Hopefully if I do get the nod to play in a few matches I can do my country proud," he said.

Roy Keane 'not awkward'

Getty Images

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill says working with Roy Keane has not been awkward.

Keane, renowned for possessing somewhat of a fiery temper, is O'Neill's assistant. The pair achieved qualification for Euro 2016 this week.

Hardcourt haircut

Unlike Samson, Andy Murray's hair probably isn't the source of his power but a mid-match trim didn't help as he was well beaten by Rafael Nadal in the ATP World Tour Finals.

Getty Images

The Scot cut off a wayward strand of his locks while 2-1 down in the first set before falling to a 6-4 6-1 defeat.

Murray plays Stan Wawrinka in his last group match on Friday and can still progress to the semi-finals.

‘Fans will show defiance and go to Euro 2016’

BBC 5Live

Getty Images

Mark Pougatch is joined by journalists Henry Winter, Shaun Custis and John Cross to discuss whether the events in Paris have changed the way we’ll attend sporting events in future.

You can listen again or download the podcast here.

No QPR approach for Hasselbaink

Burton Albion have not received an approach from QPR to speak to manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, says Brewers chairman Ben Robinson.

Empics

Hasselbaink has been linked with the Championship side after winning the League Two title with Burton last season and taking them to fourth in League One this term.

But Robinson said: "We have not had an approach from QPR. The team and the manager have done fantastically well and that inevitably means that there will be speculation."

Seventh boss in 30 months...

That's right. National League strugglers Southport have appointed former striker Dino Maamria as their new manager to make it seven bosses in 30 months.

The 44-year-old Tunisian has replaced Paul Carden who left by mutual consent on Monday. 

Maamria kept Northwich Victoria in the fifth tier as manager in 2008 and has worked under Graham Westley at Stevenage and Preston. 

He takes over a side that sit in 22nd place in the league and have won once in their last six games.

'Ridiculous and pathetic'

I wonder who might have a strong opinion on England dropping Ian Bell...

Mmm let me think.

Oh would you believe it, Kevin Pietersen has something to say, that's unlike him.

The exiled-England cricketer thinks the decision to drop Bell for the tour of South Africa is "ridiculous" and "pathetic."

AFP

Pietersen said: "How can you take somebody who has played over 100 Test matches and with the biggest Test series of the year coming up, against the number one team and you can drop him.

"You have to take him for his experience.

"I do not get the thinking, Cook can go two years without a Test hundred yet he plays every single game.

"It is pathetic, Bell has been hard done by."

Baines close to return

Getty Images

Martinez says England left-back Leighton Baines is close to a full return after ankle surgery but Tom Cleverley should make his comeback against former side Aston Villa.

On the challenge of facing Remi Garde's Villa, Martinez said: "I went to watch the game when they drew against Manchester City and they were very impressive.

"The new manager has come in with a very clear idea of the way he wants to see Villa playing and has really good experience of the British game from his time as a player.

"You're going to see a team based on attacking football and the fighting spirit they had against City is a really good starting point."

South African reaction to England Test squad

Ian Bell being dropped has caused quite a stir, not least among two South African greats... 

Everton news conference

Getty Images

Roberto Martinez was also asked about a move for ex-Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar, who is a free agent but recovering from knee surgery.

"In Ron Vlaar you're talking about a player who has really good experience in the Premier League, he's unattached but at the moment it's not for me to mention any other players not in the squad."  

Get Involved

With Richie McCaw calling time on his career, we want to know which currently active sports stars can be considered all-time greats?

Talha: Scored the fastest century in ODIs ever on debut in 1996 & is 3rd on the T20 rankings in 2015. Afridi is an all time great

Darren Cook: Alastair Cook. Leading English run maker of all time & most 100s, still going, only 30 yrs old. On par to match/beat Sachin  

Parul Sharma: Messi and Federer. And his current form is spiraling downwards but in golf it has to be Tiger Woods

Everton news conference

Getty Images

Roberto Martinez was asked about reports defender John Stones is now a target for Barcelona in the January transfer window.

"From our point of view the window in January will be to see if there is anything that could help the squad in place but we don't look to be really involved in this window, both to buy or sell players," he said.

"Our best players will not be leaving in January - the focus is clearly on trying to be strong together and having real continuity in the group.

Anyone want to hang out with Roy?

PA

It didn't go down well with Premier League clubs first time around, but England boss Roy Hodgson wants to rekindle plans to get his squad together over the winter.

"I would like an afternoon or early evening with the players," he said.  

Ten-pin bowling maybe? Qasar? Catch the new Bond movie perhaps?

What could Roy and the boys get up to on their get-together?

Everton news conference

Roberto Martinez has also spoken of the challenges facing his squad in the busiest period of the season.

"It's such an incredible block of fixtures right now - at the start of the season you get periods of a lot of football then the international breaks.

"We've gone through this international break with real feelings of satisfaction because we haven't picked up any injuries and the group look very strong.

"We're now facing a period of 19 Premier League games and obviously involved in three competitions with the League Cup and the start of the FA Cup before the next international break."

Everton v Aston Villa (Sat 15:00 GMT)

Can Aston Villa move off the bottom of the table with a win away at in-form Everton?

Play our BBC Sport Predictor to test out how Remi Garde's Villains get on.

BBC Sport

Everton news conference

Getty Images

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has given his thoughts on potential plans to sing the French national anthem La Marseillaise before this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures.

"We all experienced the feelings surrounding the game between England and France," he said.

"It was a fantastic vehicle of showing solidarity, showing what the game of football can do for humanity in such difficult circumstances.

"This weekend is going to be exactly the same, it's a perfect way to show the game of football has got a strong role in getting humanity together.

"We've not been spoken to about any security concerns, the only job we have to do is prepare for the game."

O's players check-in... for a week

BBC

It's may not be the Linton Travel Tavern, but Leyton Orient have confirmed the story in today’s Daily Mail is true.

Owner Francesco Becchetti ordered his players to spend the week in a hotel following their defeat at Hartlepool on Sunday.

The players have been allowed to visit their families but have been eating and sleeping at the Marriott Hotel in Waltham Abbey.

The club are seventh in League Two and play York City on Saturday.

We just hope the corby trouser presses are still in tact...

A Question of Sport Teaser

Tricky one is this... Answers later on.

'Compton, Ballance and Root to compete'

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"Alex Hales will open, leaving Nick Compton, Gary Ballance and Joe Root to compete for the now vacant position at number three. Mark Wood and Steve Finn are both ruled out of the Tests, unless Finn can prove his fitness and earn selection later. Mark Footitt has been preferred to Liam Plunkett. And rather than kicking his heels, Adil Rashid will gain experience playing in the Big Bash."

England close to Jones appointment

Chris Jones

BBC Sport

“England are set to appoint former Japan and South Africa coach Eddie Jones.

"There are other creditable candidates, Jake White fits the bill with vast international experience but my understanding is that Jones has always been top of the list.