Summary

  • West Ham sack boss Julen Lopetegui after days of speculation

  • Hammers have held talks with Graham Potter about replacing Lopetegui

  • EFL Cup semi-final first leg: Spurs host Liverpool (20:00 GMT)

  • Get Involved: #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

Live Reporting

Joe Rindl, Ben Ramsdale, Tasnim Chowdhury and Alex Brotherton. Edited by Frank Keogh

  1. Wait, have Scotland won a niche trophy more recently than England?

    Kirin CupGetty Images

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    We can't talk about niche trophies without mentioning Scotland's famous Kirin Cup win in 2006. Securing the trophy in typical Scottish fashion by battling to a 0-0 draw with the hosts, Japan.

    Ryan

  3. FT: Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle

    Since 1987-88, this is the ninth time an away team will have held a two-goal advantage after a semi-final first leg, with all eight previous occasions seeing the side progress to the final.

  4. The Borg Warner trophy is just under 5 feet 4 inches apparently.

    We still haven't found a taller trophy than the Sheriff of London Shield.

    This must be music to any Tottenham fan's ears.

    What a record to boast! "Biggest trophy" winners.

    TrophyGetty Images

  5. When is the EFL Cup semi-final second leg?

    It's a bit of a wait. February 5 is when Newcastle host Arsenal.

    They've got an FA Cup tie and four league matches to focus on before then.

  6. Get Involved - Your favourite niche trophies

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    On the subject of niche trophies, the magnificent Borg Warner trophy presented to the winner of the Indy 500 - also the oddest celebration toast ever, namely a bottle of milk the winner almost always pours half over their head.

    Paul, Herne Bay

  7. Isak on fire

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle

    Alexander IsakGetty Images

    Alexander Isak, a striker long linked with a move to Arsenal, showed the Gunners what they were missing with an excellent performance which got him a goal and an assist as he provided constant problems for Gabriel and Saliba.

    Isak scored his 14th goal in 15 games to set Newcastle on the way to their seventh successive win.

  8. Newcastle take cup advantage

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle

    Before we jump down the niche trophy rabbit hole again...

    Newcastle took a huge step towards reaching the EFL Cup final last night by beating Arsenal 2-0 in their semi-final first leg in London.

    The in-form Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scored the goals, with the Magpies looking to reach the final for the second time in three seasons.

    Should Eddie Howe's side reach the final and win, they will end the club's 56-year wait to win a major trophy.

  9. It's time to do some digging!

    The Stanley Cup has been measured, many times, and is just under three feet tall...

    Stanley CupGetty Images

    The Sherriff of London Shield Trophy appears to be, roughly, the same height as Tottenham player Albert, Bert, Gosnell (top right).

    Wikipedia says he's 5ft 10in.

    Large Tottenham trophyGetty Images

    So Tottenham win this one, by some way.

    It'll be another niche accolade for their trophy cabinet.

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    Looking at that Sheriff of London Shield trophy, the only question I have is, is it bigger or smaller than the Stanley Cup in the NHL? As that's a bigun too.

    Anon

  11. What are we talking about today?

    Hello to everyone just joining us!

    We've got a bit carried away and today's live text has turned into your niche trophy memories. We're not complaining though, keep them coming!

    Earlier, West Ham cancelled their manager's press conference, fuelling rumours Julen Lopetegui is set to be sacked today.

    We'll be across that if it happens, and later we'll also build up to Tottenham's EFL Cup tie with Liverpool.

  12. Get Involved - Your favourite niche trophies

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    Surprised the famous Walter Tull Cup has not yet been mentioned. Spurs are the current holders.

    My beloved Baggies [West Brom] lost in the final of the 1971 Watney Cup, to Colchester United, in the first penalty shootout I ever saw.

    Ipswich won the Innsbruck Cup as recently as 2023, a pre-season tournament against RB Leipzig and Werder Bremen, winning both 60 minute matches 1-0 on the same day. Having tried to Google it, I think it was the first and last time that the cup was contested.

    Chris

  13. Get Involved - Your favourite niche trophies

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    The Ibiza Cup was probably just a bar crawl competition. See who could party the longest.

    Anon.

  14. Palace have interest in Millwall forward Esse

    Alex Howell
    BBC football news reporter

    Crystal Palace are interested in Millwall forward Romain Esse.

    The 19-year-old is being tracked by the Eagles this window along with Liverpool loanee Ben Doak.

    Sources around Millwall believe that there is interest from multiple clubs in Esse who signed a new deal with the Lions in August.

    According to one source, Esse has a release clause in his contract and it will take that to be triggered for the attacker to make a move this month.

    The England U20 international has five goals and one assist in 25 games in all competitions for Millwall so far this season.

    Palace are looking to sign a left wing-back and an attacker during this transfer window to bolster the options that manager Oliver Glasner has.

    Romain EsseGetty Images

  15. Wait, hang on.

    Upon closer examination, it appears that Scunthorpe won the San-An Cup in Ibiza in the summer of 2006.

    The Iron recorded a 1-0 win over Stockport County before defeating Carlisle on penalties after a scoreless final.

  16. Struggling to find a winners list for the Copa de Ibiza. Anyone able to help?

  17. Get Involved - Your favourite niche trophies

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    Wolves winning the United Soccer Association in the USA, only time it was staged, 1967. Beat Aberdeen 6-5 in added time. Frank Munro got a hat-trick for the Scots and Wolves signed him a year later, turning him into a centre-half !!

    Anon.

    Scunthorpe United won the Ibiza cup can't remember who was in it but was in 2009/10 before promotion again to championship

    Anon.

  18. 'We need a plan if we achieve European football'

    Craig Beazley of the 'Up The Cherries In All Departments' podcast believes Bournemouth need to have a plan in place for their short-term future if they do achieve European football this season.

    You can hear what he had to say in full below.

    The Football News Show: Why Bournemouth should approach European qualification cautiously

  19. Wow.

    Cup of Traditions trophyGetty Images

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    Aston Villa have won some great niche trophies in the last few decades including the 'Peace Cup' in 2009 and the 'Cup of Traditions' in 2017. The latter is worth a look online, the trophy is... quite something.

    Matt, Birmingham