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. 'Bournemouth's recruitment has been fantastic'

    Former Bournemouth player and manager Harry Redknapp believes the Cherries have "pushed on to another level" this season with the help of impressive recruitment."

    "I do think they want to kick on, they’re very ambitious. But if a Liverpool, Man United, Man City or Chelsea want to pay crazy money for one of your players, it becomes difficult," said Redknapp.

    Hear more of what he had to say below.

    The Football News Show: How Bournemouth's recruitment impresses former boss Harry Redknapp

  2. Could Bournemouth finish in a European spot?

    On the latest edition of The Football News Show, Ben Croucher looks at Bournemouth’s impressive season so far and whether finishing in a European spot become a reality for the Cherries.

    You can watch the full episode here.

    As Bournemouth sit seventh in the Premier League, is a European spot realistic?

  3. Get Involved - Your favourite niche trophies

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Has anyone mentioned Spurs’ Audi Cup yet? Before Kane took his curse to Bayern we were the last team to beat Bayern in a final…

    Louis

    Our Sherpa Van Trophy win in 1988 against Burnley at Wembley gave me one of my best days as a Wolves supporter. Sadly I missed the second Wolves goal as I was still having a half-time comfort break. Doh!!

    John Newark

    West Ham last played in the Anglo Italian cup in the early 90s. Who could forget our chant of "We're wild, we're crazy, we're going to Cremonese"?

    Rick, Wales.

  4. The Curlett Cup

    A bit more on the Curlett Cup 'won' by Liverpool in 1964, as mentioned by Steve.

    Bill Shankly's side secured the top flight title by beating Arsenal 5-0 in the final home game of the season. But in those days, trophies weren't presented to the champions unless they had clinched the title before kick-off.

    Two Liverpool fans, Terry and Teddy Curlett, had a plan. They made a trophy out of their mother's vase and the wooden cap that goes on top of a bannister. Shankly invited them to bring it to Anfield and the players paraded it around the pitch at full-time.

    Liverpool players with the Curlett CupGetty Images

  5. Get Involved

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    Another game last night where Arsenal had six players capable of playing left-back in the squad and not one person on the bench you can guarantee will make a creative/goal threat difference. The Jesus hot streak could be over already. He seems to score in flurries when windows open and staves off a new signing. Pulling the wool over managers eyes. I just don't understand how Arteta and the powers above don't see the lack of firepower?! Everything hinges on how the first 11 must be fit and firing. Otherwise we look blunt and tired.

    Johnny

  6. Get Involved - Your favourite niche trophies

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    I saw the Isle of Man national team beat Burnley in Isle of Man Steam Packet Festival in 2000. The final was between Bury and Oldham. Bury and FC IOM are in the same division now.

    Declan, Isle of Man

    The strangest trophy Liverpool ever paraded at Anfield is The Curlett Cup in 1964 and 1966.

    Steve, Italy

  7. Get Involved

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    Arsenal have scored 11 goals in the 3 other EFL Cup games this season but the ball was the problem last night? Arteta needs a day off, another season that he won't win any trophy in. You can only be 'in the race' for so long before you become a failure, and let's be honest he isn't far off that!

    Matt, Kent

    Mikel ArtetaGetty Images

  8. #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Anyone who knows an Alex in Nottingham who hasn't replied to you on Messenger since January 1, the best way of getting in touch with him is by texting us on 81111 or using #bbcfootball

  9. Get Involved

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    I deleted social media for the new year, BBC Sport Get Involved is far more entertaining!

    Alex, Nottingham.

  10. Get Involved - Your favourite niche trophies

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Swindon won the Anglo Italian Cup in 1970 and it was never played for again. Must still be in their trophy cabinet, gathering dust.

    Anon

    Celtic also won the Polar Bear Trophy in 1975. Cool eh!

    Derek, Nottingham

  11. My favourite trophy is the one they give out to the cyclist who wins the Giro d'Italia.

    It's called the Endless Trophy and each year they keep extending it to add on another name.

    Looks cool but I don't think they've thought it through. What if the Giro lasts a millennium?

    It'll reach the moon.

    Tadej PogacarGetty Images

  12. My word!

    Newcastle with a giant trophyGetty Images

  13. What? Now this I've got to see...

  14. Get Involved

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    People debating whether Newcastle have ever won a big trophy. I urge you to look at the Sheriff of London Charity Shield, which we proudly won in 1907. Just look at the size of that thing…

    Mickey, Newcastle

  15. I'm sure that won't be a controversial take at all...

  16. Get Involved - Your favourite niche trophies

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Can we all agree that that the thing West Ham won wasn't major, but the thingy the Toon won generations ago was the majorest? Cool, that settles it.

    VB again, still Whitley Bay

  17. English coaches abroad

    That's a good question Chris. In fact, we've got an article we think may interest you.

    From Pakistan to Jamaica, Grenada to the USA, England-born coaches are working all over the world. Have a read here.

    Stephen ConstantineGetty Images

  18. Get Involved

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    After Kluivert taking the Indonesia job and Robbie Keane at Ferencvaros, who are the biggest names in the most surprising places? Gus Poyet is still managing in Korea, Owen Coyle in India! Was wondering if anyone knew any more surprising ones?

    Chris

  19. 'It would be incredible to lift a trophy in March'

    FT: Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle

    BBC 5 Live Breakfast

    Newcastle fan Jon Lane speaking about the victory over Arsenal: “There were some real questions around can we turn up for every game? We absolutely have been doing that.

    "Eddie Howe’s found the answers but the players have managed to consistently turn up and do what they need to do.

    "Not in my lifetime, not in the lifetime of many Geordies have we seen them lift anything of significance. It would be incredible if we could do that in March."

  20. Get Involved

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    Julen LopeteguiGetty Images

    Lifelong Hammer. Appalled by Lopetegui’s treatment by our club this week. Wrong man for the job, but worked hard enough to earn a more respectful exit than this. Unprofessional and undignified from the board. Embarrassed as a fan.

    Tom, London