Sportsday - rolling football news

1. Sky and BT Sport to share 5.136bn Premier League TV rights from 2016-19
2. Van Gaal denies FA misconduct charge
3. Build-up to Tuesday's four Premier League games
4. Van Gaal brandishes leaflet to deny long-ball claims
5. Nigel Pearson will not face FA charge over behaviour
6. GET INVOLVED: What's your most embarrassing sporting moment? #bbcsportsday

Farewell

BBC Radio 5 live

And that's where we leave you for today on Sportsday, many thanks for your company. In just over half an hour Mark Pougatch will present tonight's 5 live Sport live from the Emirates, where Arsenal are playing Nigel Pearson's Leicester. The big commentary match, however, is at Anfield and Alan Green will be your commentator with John Hartson alongside him for Liverpool against Spurs.

The ever industrious Tom Rostance has begun his live text on the BBC website, which will keep you up to date with all tonight's football action. Sportsday will return at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday. Cheerio now.

Liverpool v Tottenham

@LFC

Anfield awaits as the top two teams in the Premier League form table, Liverpool and Tottenham, meet in tonight's 5 live commentary match, which kicks off at 20:00 GMT.

Challenge to Fifa ban

The Spanish and Portuguese professional soccer leagues have filed a legal challenge over Fifa's decision to ban third-party ownership (TPO) of players.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter announced last year that football's world governing body had agreed to ban TPO, when the transfer rights of players are wholly or partially owned by a footballer or a company instead of a club.

Missives from the mailbag

Sean the Ironman writes: "So 5.1billion? Just confirms why I go and watch FC United of Manchester. Looking forward to tonight's game #workingmansgame."

Tonight's 5 live commentary match

BBC Merseyside Sport: Tonight's Liverpool team likely to be: Mignolet, Can, Skrtel, Sakho; Markovic, Gerrard, Henderson, Moreno; Ibe, Coutinho; Sturridge.

New Premier League TV deal

Labour's shadow sports minister Clive Efford demanded that a significant portion of the extra income should go to grassroots football.

"These are incredible sums of money and it would be nothing short of criminal if none of this extra money goes to expand participation at the grassroots of football," he said.

Get involved - worst sporting experience

Many thanks for your sporting horror stories, we have all identified with your pain.

Stephen: In two seasons with local footy team I was only ever a very late sub. Only game I started I suffered sprained wrist. Sigh.

Joel Brooks: Formed a five-a-side team. Spent big money on kits. Opposition turned up in an assortment of footy gear and thrashed us.

Hookey: We lost 16-0 at home in a cup match in heavy rain. I was in goal and got the man of the match award out of sympathy.

Missives from the mailbag

MrBlueBurns writes: "Great news at the Royal & Ancient re women members. And only 40 years after the Sex Discrimination Act became law as well. Well done."

Van Gaal denies FA misconduct charge

The Football Association confirms Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has denied a charge of misconduct in relation to media comments and requested a personal hearing on a date to be confirmed.

New Premier League TV deal

BBC Sport

New Premier League TV deal

BBC Sport

New Premier League TV deal

Daily Telegraph football correspondent Henry Winter has joined a number of other journalists on Twitter in calling for some of the increased Premier League bounty to be invested in grass roots.

Henry Winter

New Premier League TV deal

BBC Sport

New Premier League TV deal

Will the increase in the TV deal aid clubs lower down the pyramid?

"The beneficiaries will include the Football League who for the first time ever are linked with solidarity payments which are linked to our success at the Premier League," says Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore.

Will the extra money end up in the pockets of players and agents?

"Clubs by virtue of the last TV deal, took an average of around an extra £25m a season and we put in a cost control so it could not all end up in players' pockets. What we have seen is that short term cost control measures bite and have some meaningful effect."

Get involved - worst sporting experience

Keep your worst sporting experiences coming to #bbcsportsday and the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Brave Front: A girl on our volleyball team once served the ball so hard into her own face that it knocked her over.

ToEllAndBack: 100m final at school, and my shoe came off.

Saxon Axe: We needed to draw our last game to win the league, I played in goal, shot came off the bar, I turned around and it hit me in the head, went in, lost 2-1.

Tim MacNab: Given out lbw for first ball duck. Thought I'd nicked it, so called back. Next ball demolished stumps. Can still hear the sniggering.

Tonight's Premier League commentaries

BBC London's Murray Burnell: "QPR fans have travelled 2,573 miles this season to see their team lose every match. Is tonight the night? Full commentary on BBC London Sport."

Missives from the mailbag

Steven McNamara writes: "With TV rights et cetera and the billions involved surely clubs can pay their matchday staff and other employees better wages?"

New Premier League TV deal

It would seem former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who has put an erroneous letter o in his previous tweet, may put coaching aspirations on hold as a result of the lucrative new Premier League TV deal...

Jamie Carragher

Carragher is currently a pundit for Sky Sports.

New Premier League TV deal

Jamie Carragher Twitter

New Premier League TV deal

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore admits he is "surprised" by the increase in the value of the Premier League's TV deal from 2016-19.

The deal for 2013-16 generated a shade over £3bn, but the 2016-19 package will generate £5.136bn.

Scudamore will not disclose if there were more than just Sky and BT bidding for the seven packages, of which Sky have won the rights to five.

"Sky have bid and done well in an open and transparent process," says Scudamore. "BT surprised people last time. Only Sky can value what Premier League rights are worth to them as a business and we know from this process that there are many interested parties who would like to get their hands on them."

New Premier League TV deal

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore is hopeful clubs will work hard to keep ticket prices down as increased TV revenues flow into them.

"The clubs are very aware that part of our product is to keep the stadia full and they will have to address the issue going forward to keep the stadia full," he says. "Our number one strategic priority is to keep the product the best it can be to keep the stadia full.

"I read a stat the other day that Burnley are bigger economically than Ajax. Of course this will make our clubs even more competitive than their European counterparts. One cannot escape the fact it will also make them more competitive with one another."

Fernandes tweet prompts speculation

Twitter

An intriguing tweet from QPR owner Tony Fernandes. Does this mean Tim Sherwood is not going to be the replacement for Harry Redknapp?

Missives from the mailbag

Tim Durrans writes: "So TV rights go through the roof, again. Subscriptions will go up, players wages will go up, will average Joe's salary?"

New Premier League TV deal

Some more detail on exactly what this complex bidding process means:

Sky Sports will show matches from:

Package A (Saturday 1230 Kick-off), Package C (Sunday 1330 kick-off), Package D (Sunday 1600 Kick-off), Package E (Monday evening and Friday evening), Package G (Bank Holidays and some more Sunday games).

BT Sport will show matches from:

Package B (Saturday 1730 kick-off) and package F (midweek and some Saturday fixtures).

Missives from the mailbag

Dan Deakins writes: "£5.136bn!!! Cue the 'you could buy this many of these for this' stats from the media."

Premier League TV deal

More on the Premier League announcement, Sky has secured packages A, C, D, E, and G totalling 126 matches, while BT has secured packages B (Saturdays at 17:30) and F and eight on Saturdays totalling 42 matches.

New Premier League TV deal

Sky and BT Sport will pay £5.136bn to share live UK TV rights to Premier League matches from 2016-2019, a 70% increase on the current deal.

'I can cope with Johnson' - Ali

Moeen Ali is confident he can cope with what England expect to be a barrage of short-pitched deliveries at the World Cup - starting with Mitchell Johnson on Saturday.

Getty Images

Word has quickly spread around the international scene about the England opener's perceived weakness against the short ball and he was most recently out fending at a well-aimed Johnson bouncer in the tri-series final in Perth.

He said: "There have been times when I've been bounced out, especially against India [in the summer] when I didn't play the short ball very well.

"But I just felt that was a good ball [from Johnson]. I didn't feel like it was too quick, it was just right on the money. Before that I was playing him quite well so I'm not too worried about the short ball."

Missives from the mailbag

Paul Collins writes: (Re 16:40) "Jason Talbot is lucky he's only got a two-game ban. That 'tackle' is ridiculous."

Waldouck joins Exiles

Staying with union and London Irish have signed Dominic Waldouck from Northampton Saints. The 27-year-old began his career at Wasps, where he made 114 appearances, scoring 17 tries.

'I'm feeling good' - North

Twitter

George North has posted this on Twitter - pointedly thanking the Welsh medics, who have come under some fire for allowing North to play on despite the fact he appeared to be unconscious after a clash of heads in the 61st minute of Friday's Six Nations match against England.

World Rugby accepted the Wales medical staff's explanation that they did not see North's second head injury of the game, but says it could expand TV replays to monitor head injuries in the light of the incident.

Talbot accepts two-match ban

SNS

Livingston captain Jason Talbot has accepted a two-match suspension for his challenge on Hearts winger Sam Nicholson. Probably the correct thing to do wouldn't you think?

'Coleman should stay'

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has emphasised that he feels it will be best for Seamus Coleman to stay with the Toffees.

Coleman, the Republic of Ireland right-back, has been heavily linked with Manchester United in recent transfer windows.

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Martinez said: "I still think Seamus Coleman can develop and progress with Everton.

"At the moment he is enjoying his football, I think he has an important role in our side and I think this is the best place for him to develop and fulfil his potential."

Wiggins claims third-place

Sir Bradley Wiggins finished third on the short time-trial stage of the Tour of Qatar on Tuesday.

Getty Images

The Olympic time-trial champion, riding for Team Sky and wearing the world champion's rainbow jersey he won last September for the first time in competition, finished the 10km Lusail Circuit course in 14 mins 12 secs - nine seconds behind stage winner Niki Terpstra (Etixx-QuickStep).

Get involved - worst sporting experience

Keep your worst sporting experiences coming to #bbcsportsday and the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Emma Sanders: Was having a shocker of a hockey game. Had a strop and my stick went flying out of my hand into an opposing player. Got carded.

Eliot Hutton: On my cricket debut I tried to dive to avoid being run out, bat flies out my hand and run myself out. Diamond duck.

Jospeh Bird: Playing in goal for the last game of my u16 season and being lobbed by the opposition keeper by a kick out of his hands.

Daniel: Leading a 800m county final race only to pull a hamstring after 700m and limp home in seventh.

Donington cancels

Donington Park has been forced to cancel this year's British round of MotoGP due to the failure of Circuit of Wales (CoW) bosses to fulfil funding obligations.

Last year MotoGP rights holders Dorna signed a five-year agreement with CoW from 2015, despite the fact construction work had yet to commence on the troubled Ebbw Vale facility.

Goal can be turning point - Okore

Aston Villa defender Jores Okore says scoring the team's first Premier League goal for nearly 11 hours was a relief and hopes the side can now kick-on.

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Okore's 48th-minute header - his first goal for the club - in their 2-1 home defeat by leaders Chelsea on Saturday was Villa's first for 659 minutes.

Bayern look to Asia

German champions Bayern Munich will tap into a growing demand for their brand in Asia with a tour of China in July as the Bundesliga looks to accelerate growth in the world's most populated continent.

Bayern, who last year opened an office in the United States eyeing the American market, are Germany's richest club with a turnover of more than half a billion euros in the previous season.

Hamilton talks ongoing

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff is hopeful of persuading Lewis Hamilton to sign a new contract before the start of the new Formula One season.

Getty Images

Tentative talks between Hamilton and Wolff are under way with both driver and team making it clear they have every intention of continuing to work together beyond the expiry of Hamilton's current deal at the end of this campaign.

Ideally, Wolff would like the matter to be done and dusted ahead of the opening grand prix in Australia on March 15, but said: "You want to get it right as well, so it needs time."

Get involved - worst sporting experience

Keep your worst sporting experiences coming to #bbcsportsday and the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Dan: Bowled last over for Little Houghton CC. Opposition needed 20 or so to win. I got the yips and bowled 18 wides. We lost.

Andy: Most embarrassing moment was running into a rugby post when try line was beckoning as a school boy, trying to impress a girl.

AndyK: Playing football at 13, the ball spun across an open goal and I did a Ronny Rosenthal by hitting the crossbar from five yards.

Paul Skinback: Playing cricket and I got a golden duck. We only had 10 men so they sportingly invited me to bat again. Another golden duck.

Stoke news conference

Mark Hughes wouldn't mind a repeat of the result at the Etihad earlier in the season - a 1-0 victory for Stoke, which stunned the Blues.

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"We played very well at their place," said the Stoke boss.

"We had a gameplan and on the day, in fairness to City, they were very gracious after defeat. They acknowledged on the day we were the better side and that doesn't often happen when you go to top clubs and take points off them."

Stoke City news conference

By contrast, Man City are - by their standards - on a miserable run of form.

They have failed to win any of their last five games, a run which has left them seven points behind Chelsea at the top of the table.

"It's always dangerous to say maybe it's a good time to meet them," warns Mark Hughes.

"Maybe they are having a few problems with their home form, when teams come and get plenty of people behind the ball. But you still have to respect the ability they've got.

"Usually good clubs and top players bounce back very quickly so we will have to be ready for that."

Stoke City news conference

Mark Hughes seems in very buoyant mood, and is clearly happy with how his team have been performing of late (one defeat in nine - and that was away at Arsenal).

"We're playing really well at the moment and I am really pleased with what we are producing. Despite the fact we've lost key personnel, the group is strong enough to cope," he says.

"We're looking forward to the City game. You want to be going into games against the top teams with lost of confidence and that's what we are doing."

Stoke City news conference

Over to our final news conference of the day... and it's to Stoke City, where Mark Hughes is chatting about tomorrow's Premier League clash with Man City at the Britannia Stadium.

Getty Images

First up, it's injuries and things don't look too good.

"We seem to be going through a little period where we are picking up injuries," explains the boss.

"Steven Ireland has picked up a hamstring injury, so he won't be available. Marc Wilson has been carrying a bit of a groin strain. We've had it scanned and he has a little tear so he's not available either.

"Ryan Shawcross is progressing well but won't be ready.

"The squad is a little stretched, the depth is being tested."

Women become R&A members

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club has announced that seven women are to become honorary members of the club.

They are The Princess Royal, Dame Laura Davies, Renée Powell, Belle Robertson, Lally Segard, Annika Sorenstam and Louise Suggs.

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In September, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club's members voted by an 85% majority to admit women as members for the first time in its 260-year history.

"This is an historic day for the club," said club captain George Macgregor OBE.

Missives from the mailbag

Robert Duncan: "Depressing thought of the day. In less than seven years I will be allowed to play walking football."

'Bale will be fine' - Coleman

Wales manager Chris Coleman says Real Madrid's Welsh winger Gareth Bale can handle the "unfair" criticism he is getting.

Welshman Bale, 25, has been jeered by fans of the Spanish club in recent weeks.

Getty Images

He was also criticised by some sections of the media following Saturday's 4-0 defeat by local rivals Atletico Madrid.

"He can handle that no problem at all," said Coleman.

5 live Sport

BBC Radio 5 live

Tonight's 5 live Sport with Mark Pougatch comes from the Emirates where there will be news of Arsenal's game with Leicester and football discussion with Daily Mirror correspondent John Cross, but the commentary match comes from Anfield as Liverpool take on Tottenham.

Alan Green is your commentator with summaries from former Wales international John Hartson. After the match there will be a Football Social where you can air your views.

Blackpool sign Owls striker Madine

Blackpool have signed Gary Madine from Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday on loan until the end of the season.

Getty Images

Madine recently returned to Wednesday from a loan spell with League One side Coventry, where he made 13 appearances.

"As soon as I heard Lee Clark was interested, I couldn't say no really to my chance to play in the Championship again," he told the club website.

Missives from the mailbag

James Hand: "I've put together a dossier to prove dossiers are pointless and it's better to actually just win matches."

Get involved - worst sporting experience

Keep your worst sporting experiences coming to #bbcsportsday and the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Ian Megennis: Most embarrassing was a 4-4 draw against a team from Seaham. They only had seven players and we got a last minute equaliser.

Tim Collingwood: Being the Co founder of CHT Northampton Sunday league. Lost every game in season but got a free ticket for the Cobblers as sympathy.

Chris Knights: Being at fault, as keeper, for six out of eight goals conceded in a top of the table clash. Beat them the next week, without me.

Kenny Wheeler: Throwing up on the pitch after heading a ball following a particularly heavy night out the night before.

Liverpool to wear special charity kit

@LFC

Liverpool will wear a special one-off kit for tonight's game against Tottenham in support of the Seeing is Believing charity.

This will be the fourth consecutive year that the Merseyside club will join forces with their main sponsor by trading their usual logo with that of the charity in order to generate support and funds for Seeing is Believing.

Five of the Liverpool jerseys will be signed by players and put onto a week-long eBay auction to help raise money for the charity, with all donations being matched by main sponsor Standard Chartered.

Southampton news conference

Koeman says striker Emmanuel Mayuka will need an operation on his groin injury and is likely to be out for the rest of the season.

Southampton news conference

Koeman confirms new midfielder Filip Djuricic has his work permit and will be in the squad for tomorrow's home match against West Ham.

Matt Targett will not be involved after leaving the field at QPR in a neck brace last weekend. "The risk is too high after what happened last Saturday."

Southampton news conference

Plays down rumours he may leave the club: "There's no reason to be nervous about that. I like to respect my contract. I'm very happy in my job."

Royal and Ancient announce first women members

The Princess Royal, Dame Laura Davies and Annika Sorenstam have been named amongst the first seven honorary women members of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

Wigan sign Hull's Maguire on loan

Championship strugglers Wigan Athletic have signed Hull City defender Harry Maguire on a one-month loan deal.

The 21-year-old, who has made six appearances this Tigers this season, could make his Wigan debut in Wednesday's trip to Nottingham Forest.

Missives from the mailbag

Sean Macleod: "All LVG did was confirm they are a long ball team, but just made more successful long balls."

Sharma on song in India warm-up rout

AFP

Opener Rohit Sharma hit seven sixes in his 150 as India thrashed Afghanistan by 153 runs in their final World Cup warm-up match at the Adelaide Oval.

Ajinkya Rahane added an unbeaten 88 off 61 balls as India made 364-5 and Afghanistan were restricted to 211-8, Nawroz Mangal top scoring with two sixes in 60 from 85 deliveries.

Sherwood still favourite for QPR - reports

The Daily Mail reports: "Queens Park Rangers will push on with plans to appoint Tim Sherwood as their new manager on Wednesday.

"Sherwood is the No 1 candidate to replace Harry Redknapp at Loftus Road, with talks ongoing."

West Brom news conference

@BBCWM

West Brom boss Tony Pulis has taken his customary standing role and we will hear from shortly ahead of his team's home league match with Swansea tomorrow.

Get involved - worst sporting experience

A selection of your comments from the BBC Sport Facebook page:

Wassim Kabbani: I missed two penalties in cup final once, thankfully we won in extra time.. but was very embarrassed when I received the man of the match award!

Peter Fry: Junior 20 over cricket match we were chasing 116 and were all out for seven. I was the only one not bowled and four of my runs came off my head!

How's stat?

@Spursofficial

Manchester United are not the only team who are favouring a diagram today. How about this from Tottenham's twitter detailing Harry Kane's heroics this term. Resembles the old opening credit sequence on BBC hospital drama Casualty doesn't it?

Young echoes LVG no long-ball claims

Blimey, Ashley Young is getting in on the long-ball act now.

Talking to BBC Sport's Simon Stone, the Manchester United winger has defended the club's style of play after West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said United employed "thump it forward and see" tactics to net an injury-time equaliser in Sunday's draw between the teams.

Getty Images

Former Hammers and Arsenal striker John Hartson said he had never seen a United team "just hoofing the ball".

"Lots of people are saying it's not our style, but we're happy with how things are going," said Young, 29.

"The boys have fought back at West Ham and showed the team spirit to get the point."

Swansea seek to buy Liberty

Swansea have begun talks to buy the Liberty Stadium.

The Premier League club currently share the council-owned stadium with rugby union side Ospreys through a 50-year lease.

Getty Images

Swansea were a third-tier side when the stadium opened in 2005 but they have since established themselves in the top flight and are keen to increase the capacity of the 20,800 venue.

"Positive, exploratory discussions with the Swans have now started about selling the Liberty Stadium to them," Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart told the South Wales Evening Post.

Get involved - worst sporting experience

Keep your worst sporting experiences coming to #bbcsportsday and the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Paul Phillips: Aged 8, getting lapped during an 800m race after my Dad told me to "pace myself". Took it too far I think!

David Murphy: Playing for the local u-14's CC. It was my first ever game and I was opening and we were bowled out for 16. I made all 16....

George Fisher: Number 11 batsman for my school cricket team, come in needing one run to win. I got stumped on the first ball. Not a good day.

Nic: Goal kick out of my hands, over my head and into the net for an own goal. I got some stick for that.

We're assuming you didn't go on to become a professional goalkeeper Nic..?

Man City news conference

A last snippet from Manuel Pellegrini, who is asked about the fact that City - due to their FA Cup exit at the hands of Middlesbrough - have 10 days off following tomorrow's match with Stoke.

"We have ten days after this, but it's important to think game by game. We have to win against a strong team tomorrow," he said.

Man City news conference

City have been stuttering a little of late and are now seven points behind Chelsea at the top of the table.

Getty Images

Asked about his side's current form, Manuel Pellegrini said: "If we win tomorrow, we have only one less point than at the same point last season. I don't feel any pressure."

Man City news conference

Over to Manuel Pellegrini's media conference now, where we are assured there are absolutely no A4 sheets of paper with long ball stats on them.

Instead there's just a bit of talk about Stoke and how tough tomorrow's game might be.

"They are a very good team. Especially playing at the Britannia," says the City boss. "Last season we just won 1-0 at home and drew away.

"The whole squad is fit. We are going to go and try to win three points as we always do away from home."

Get involved - worst sporting experience

Keep your worst sporting experiences coming to #bbcsportsday and the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Dom Smith: In goal during house football - conceded a 40 yard volley which nutmegged me! Went straight up into the sun and didn't see it.

Charlie Newman: Wirral cricket club were all out for three against Haslington. The top 10 batsmen got ducks with no. 11 getting 1, and 2 leg byes.

Zebra: Being goal keeper for a 20-0 loss and getting sympathy man of the match.

Dominic Farr: Playing cricket for Hockley CC. I was bowling and went for 30 in an over (last ball should've been a wide too)

Philippa Dasher: Worst sporting moment? Got told I couldn't play because I'm a girl.

Chelsea news conference

Back to Chelsea, where there's not a long-ball in sight... Jose Mourinho is asked about the seven-point gap over Manchester City at the top of the table.

If the journalists assembled were hoping he'd say, 'yeah it's brilliant, we've got the title in the bag', they are severely disappointed.

"We are in the driving seat but seven points with 14 matches to go ... if it was 14 points with seven matches to go we'd be almost there. But seven points with 14 games left is a long way to go," Mourinho responds.

"It's better than a zero point-lead but in England seven points isn't much. In another country it would be a big lead because in every other country the top teams only lose points when they play each other. Here they can lose points to anyone."

Simon Stone, BBC Football writer at Man Utd's news conference

It would be fair to say Louis van Gaal is irked by suggestions he has turned Manchester United into a long ball team.

The four A4-sized stats sheets he was carrying as he entered the press conference room at Carrington this lunchtime was confirmation he knew the questions about United's style were coming.

The answers were long and detailed.

He fundamentally disagreed with Sam Allardyce's view at West Ham on Sunday. He claimed most of United's long passes were sideways, in an attempt to switch play and he had only reverted to a more direct approach when it became obvious a change in tactic was required.

As he left the room, he advised all journalists to take a copy of the stats - and "show them to Big Sam".

Man Utd news conference

And here is exactly what Louis 'don't call me long ball' van Gaal handed out to journalists...

BBC Sport

And another...

BBC Sport

Oh, and another....

BBC Sport

Are we all clear about this? United are not, we repeat not, a long-ball team. Good. Now someone go and tell Sam Allardyce sharpish.

Man Utd news conference

Louis van Gaal is going to town on these accusations of long-ball football.

"I am sorry, you are saying what is not happening," he tells the journalist asking the questions.

"We are playing ball possession play and after 70 minutes (at West Ham) we did not succeed, in spite of many chances in the second half - so then I changed my playing style.

"Then, of course, with the quality of Fellaini, we played more forward balls and we scored from that, so I think it was a very good decision of the manager.

"But, when you see overall the long ball, and what is the percentage of that, then West Ham have played 71% of the long balls to the forwards and we 49.

"I give it you these stats," he says, handing out his stat sheets. "You can copy it and then maybe you can go to Big Sam and he will get a good interpretation."

Fair to say the Dutchman is less than impressed with Big Sam's long-ball comments...

Everton news conference

Getty Images

Roberto Martinez on the knee injury to full-back Leighton Baines that kept him out against Liverpool: "Leighton hasn't been able to train so it's difficult at the moment to see him involved. We'll assess him today and make a final decision closer to the game.

"Christian (Atsu) will come back into the group on Friday and from that point on will be available."

Man Utd news conference

You may remember that West Ham manager Sam Allardyce accused United of playing a long-ball game during Sunday's Upton Park draw.

It doesn't seem to have gone down well with Louis van Gaal, who, when the subject is raised, whips out a sheet with lots of stats on to refute Allardyce's comments.

"When a colleague of mine is saying this kind of thing then you have to see the data," says Van Gaal.

Getty Images

"You have to look at the data and then you will see that we did play long balls, but long balls wide, rather than to the striker.

"I have to say that it is not a good interpretation from Big Sam."

Chelsea news conference

Nice try from a crafty journo at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho is asked what he makes of the FA's decision not to charge Nigel Pearson.

But any hopes of a juicy answer involving a tirade against the FA and the unfairness of the system (Mourinho was charged last month for claiming there was a campaign to influence referees' decisions against his Chelsea side) are quickly dispelled.

"I have only thoughts about myself. I don't have thoughts about managers. No comment," says Mourinho.

Everton news conference

On playing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, Roberto Martinez says: "We'll have to stop them playing and get on the ball, we can't allow them to have the ball, we have to break them down and score goals.

"Against Chelsea at home (when they lost 6-3 in August), we started the game with our heart rather than our head and conceded two early goals. They are the best team on home soil but we'll go there with a clear mentality of wanting to be ourselves and our intention is to try to win."

Man Utd news conference

Over to Old Trafford where Louis van Gaal has been addressing the media.

First he revealed defender Paddy McNair has signed a new contract, which ties him to the club until June 2017.

"We have seen a lot of young players in the first part of the season. He has a great future at Manchester United," said the Reds boss.

Chelsea news conference

'You seem in a better mood today, Jose?' a brave hack says.

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The Chelsea boss shrugs, pulls that not-bothered face only he can do, and responds: "I was in a good mood the other day. I just needed a bit more time to understand why my player was suspended (Costa) and why some people are punished and others aren't.

"I needed a bit more time to process that. I had a lot of attention last weekend."

Chelsea news conference

Romelu Lukaku, a player allowed to leave Stamford bridge by Jose Mourinho, returns in an Everton shirt tomorrow.

A lot of the news conference is dominated by how fired up Lukaku will be and whether he has a point to prove.

Mourinho says: "He proves every weekend he is a good player. Nobody has any doubts at Chelsea that he is a good player.

"Why was he allowed to go? That's football, that's life. Players move on. He wanted to play all the time so I think he will be happy now."

New deal for McNair

Manchester United defender Paddy McNair signs a new contract until June 2017.

Chelsea news conference

Mr Jose Mourinho is in the building, which is a good start given he's not managed to turn up on a couple of occasions recently.

First thing he does is confirm Cesc Fabregas will be in the squad to face Everton. "We coped with the situation (while he was out) but to have him back is important," said the Blues boss.

"Injured we have only Mikel with a little problem in his knee. He is the only one not in condition to play tomorrow."

Everton news conference

Team news for Chelsea tomorrow: "Tim (Howard) is fully fit now. (Steven) Naismith has been declared fit and available. Aiden (McGeady) will not make the squad."

Everton news conference

On only one shot on target against Liverpool: "You want to see goals but from a tactical point of view both teams played a really smart game. We were very aware of the opposition and sometimes shots on target don't tell the whole story. I felt the performance was full of maturity."

Everton news conference

On speculation linking full-back Seamus Coleman with a move: "I think Seamus Coleman can progress and develop with Everton. At the moment he is enjoying his football and this is the best place for him to develop."

Reus signs new deal

Marco Reus, who has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs according to Borussia Dortmund, has signed a new contract with the Bundesliga club.

Twitter

Reus, who posted this photo on Twitter, has extended his contract until 30 June, 2019.

Ibrahimovic at the double

AFP

Paris St-Germain's Sweden international striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made many a defender look like a dummy, but here he is with his own waxwork.

"I took the opportunity to take a selfie with myself at the Grevin Museum in Paris. The one to the right is made of wax and the one to the left is made of steel," he wrote on Instagram.

Sterling ruled out

Ben Smith

BBC Sport

Raheem Sterling is out of tonight's Liverpool-Tottenham match with the foot injury which caused him to come off against Everton on Saturday.

Appeal over right Royal hammering

A follow-up to the story we bought you about the Belgian top-flight rugby team crushed 356-3 ... they are seeking to have the result annulled because the referee arrived more than an hour late.

A substitute official was found but Soignies club secretary Stephan Carnol said. "By that time some of our players had gone so we only had 17 available rather than a full squad of 22.

Royal Kituro Rugby Club

"We will be appealing to the rugby federation saying that the match was not played in optimal conditions given the absence of the referee."

The loss, to Brussels-based rivals Royal Kituro, eclipsed that of French rugby side Vergt, who were defeated 350-0 by third division opponents Lavardac in 1984.

Scotland lay down World Cup marker

Matt Machan scored a century and Alasdair Evans took four wickets for 17 runs as Scotland romped to a 179-run victory over Ireland in a World Cup warm-up match.

Ireland have caused huge upsets at both their previous World Cups but it was Scotland, who have yet to taste victory in two tournaments, who won this battle with 23 overs to spare.

Get involved - worst sporting experience

Keep your worst sporting experiences coming to #bbcsportsday and the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Wassim Kabbani: I missed two penalties in a cup final once. Thankfully we won in extra time, but I was very embarrassed when I received the man of the match award!

Alex Corman: We once set a up an under-16 football team, with the very apt name of Kimberley Storm. Made up of school friends that really should have never been allowed on a football pitch, the result was the same drumming every week. Usually 15-0.

William Appleton: Having my shorts and undershorts pulled down, then being at the bottom of the scrum with my bare behind exposed in front of about 100 people.

Chase for defender

Arsenal are are set to pip Manchester United to the £1m signature of 16-year-old Valenciennes defender Dayot Upomecano, reports The Mirror.

Buttler continues England vice-captain role

Adam Mountford

BBC Test Match Special

AFP

"The England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed that Jos Buttler will be England vice-captain at the World Cup, continuing the role he began at the start of the recent tri-series with Australia and India.

"Skipper Eoin Morgan chose Buttler in the position ahead of the T20 captain Stuart Broad, the most experienced player James Anderson and Joe Root who has been tipped as a future England captain"

Nigel Pearson latest

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The Football Association says Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson will not face any disciplinary action over the incident with Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur.

But the FA has written to Pearson to remind him of his responsibilities.

Get involved - worst sporting experience

Keep your worst sporting experiences coming to #bbcsportsday and the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Monish: Running 200m in school sports day. In first place with 10m to go. Then buckle and fall. Was favourite to win.

Berry Fen: I played rugby league as a teenager and we made a three-hour trip to a team in Yorkshire to get beaten 89-0. That hurt.

Bill: Under 8s league. Played 26. Won 0. Drawn 0. Lost 26. Goals for 5. Goals against 96.

Jean-Paul Breyer: We were 9-0 down and had eight players left. I was told to fake an injury so we could forfeit and sprained my knee in the process.

Ouch, but then again cheats never prosper Jean-Paul...

Death of Forfar defender

Some sad news to bring you from overnight. Forfar Athletic have said they are "saddened and distressed" after the death of young defender Jack Syme.

The 20-year-old who had played for Forfar's under-19 team, was found at Kinnoull Hill, near Perth, on Monday.

He had previously been reported missing. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

A development league match between Forfar and Raith Rovers, due to take place on Tuesday evening, has been postponed as a mark of respect.

Hull's Maguire in Wigan loan move

BBC Humberside Sport: Hull defender Harry Maguire has joined Wigan on loan until 17 March.

Chelsea monitor striker Icardi - reports

The London Evening Standard reports that Chelsea are considering making a move for Inter Milan's Argentina international striker Mauro Icardi.

Chelsea scouts saw the 21-year-old score a brace last weekend to take his tally to 13 goals in 22 Serie A matches this term, and representatives from Manchester City and Liverpool are also believed to have watched him.

West Ham news conference

A final note from Sam Allardyce's chat with the media. The Hammers boss has revealed he is hopeful of signing former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra after confirming the France international is training with the Hammers.

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Diarra, 29, has been without a club since leaving Lokomotiv Moscow in August but is not too far away from match-fitness and could be turning out for West Ham inside a fortnight if the expected deal is completed in the coming days.

"He is training with us," Allardyce said. "I'm not so sure whether we have finalised a deal yet but he is doing a little bit of training with us.

"The deal is very close to being finalised and on the basis of where we are with our squad and the injuries, once we have him fit he will be a very good addition based on his previous record as a footballer."

Get involved - worst sporting experience

Keep your worst sporting experiences coming to #bbcsportsday and the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Scott Dickson: Junior football game where we lost 12-0. Our goalkeeper spent the first 10 goals talking to the central defender and central midfielder on the goal-line. We only got the ball into the opposition box once, and when we did, the opposition cheered.

Paul Atkinson: Not long after I made myself a midfield regular in the school team at my secondary school, I asked if I could have a game in goal against our local rivals when our usual goalkeeper couldn't play, as I really fancied a go between the sticks. We lost 10-1 - never kept again.

Greg Lloyd: Losing 21-1 in an under-18 hockey cup game. Worst part was we had an hour's training before the game which we spent practising penalties... so we'd know the order of our penalty takers if it came down to a draw.

Moyes in plea to British players

Real Sociedad manager David Moyes says Burnley's Danny Ings is a striker "anyone would like to have" as he urged more British players to move to Spain.

Ings, 22, is out of contract with the Clarets in the summer and can move abroad on a Bosman free transfer.

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Moyes did not comment on rumours Ings has signed a pre-contract agreement with Sociedad but admires the player.

"Danny is someone who I think has done really well, and who anyone would like to have," he told BBC Radio 5 live.

Wales explanation accepted

An update on the George North-concussion story...

World Rugby has announced that the Wales winger should not have remained on the field after a clash of heads with team-mate Richard Hibbard - but it accepts the Welsh Rugby Union's explanation surrounding the incident.

North appeared to suffer a momentary loss of consciousness in the Six Nations opener against England on Friday.

North 'should have been replaced'

Wales wing George North should have been replaced because of suspected concussion in the Six Nations defeat by England, according to Wales medical manager Prav Mathema.

North, 22, appeared to be knocked out after clashing heads with team-mate Richard Hibbard in Cardiff.

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Mathema said Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) medics will have access to video replays at future matches.

"Having seen it since, he should definitely have been removed," he said.

Brentford play down Warburton rumours

Brentford's response to reports in the Times (subscription required) that Mark Warburton would be replaced by Rayo Vallecano coach Paco Jemez.

"The club is aware of some press speculation about the future of our manager, Mark Warburton.

"It would not be in the club's interests to disclose any of those discussions, but Brentford FC do want to confirm that Mark Warburton remains our manager.

"At this critical stage of the season, we don't propose to make any further statements in relation to these rumours."

Get involved - worst sporting experience

Keep your worst sporting experiences coming to #bbcsportsday and the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Marc Cranfield-Adams: My most embarrassing sporting moment? 13 consecutive ducks as an opening batsman.

Peter Collins: Too many to count... Probably the 9-1 we took in a school match. I was in goal, and man of the match. Says it all really.

Dave: Losing 26-0 in hockey and that was a good performance.

Marney out for season

Bad news for Burnley fans - midfielder Dean Marney will miss the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.

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Marney, 31, picked up the injury during Sunday's 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion at Turf Moor and scans have since revealed the extent of the injury

Brentford management news

Brentford FC: "A club statement regarding recent press speculation over the future of manager Mark Warburton will be on the website shortly."

West Ham news conference

"We've got 14 games left of the season and we want to maintain our level of performances. We'd like to turn our draws into wins.

"Southampton played on Saturday, they've had an extra day's rest. It's all about our grit and determination that we showed on Sunday (in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United)."

West Ham news conference

Team news for tomorrow's league match at Southampton: "Out of the injured players Andy Carroll is the only player who might make it, it's touch and go. We'll see how he is tomorrow.

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"James Tomkins broke his nose on Sunday but he should be available to play."

Get involved - worst sporting experience

Ben: We won 29-0 and broke the league record! Got in the paper, record still stands as well.

He's even included the newspaper cutting - Ben, we salute you and your 29-0 victory (even though we actually asked for your worst beatings...)

Newspaper

European back pages

As

Spanish newspaper AS report on Real Madrid president Florentino Perez conference with under-fire boss Carlo Ancelotti, whose team were beaten 4-0 by Atletico Madrid last weekend.

The paper reports: "Phrases like 'we must again be the team before the Christmas break,' 'follow leaders and win the Classic of March 22 to take a giant step' or 'we must be united' were heard."

Hewitt to play Queens

Former Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt has been given a wildcard entry to the Aegon Championships at Queen's in what will be his last grass-court season.

The Australian former world number one, 33, said last month he would retire after next year's Australian Open.

The 2001 US Open champion has won Queen's four times. "Lleyton is one of our greatest champions," tournament director Stephen Farrow said.

To celebrate here's an arty shot of Hewitt in action.

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Get involved - worst sporting experience

We want your worst sporting experience. Some belters so far, keep them coming to #bbcsportsday or to the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Sam Hodges: Losing an U-14's cup match 0-20, despite playing with four defenders and three sweepers. I volleyed in their 16th.

Thomas Gibbs: Under 14 cricket tour to Barbados. First game of the tour. They scored 315-2, we were bowled out for 16... all extras.

Michael Cuthbertson: In Croatia with the school 1st XI, 3-0 down after five mins to Rijeka U21s. They sub their entire team for the U17s and win 11-1.

Joe Hills: I lost 33-1 on my Sunday League debut, scoring an own goal and conceding six goals while in goal myself.

Team news

BBC Cambs Sport: Peterborough team news - Gaby Zakuani is yet to return from international duty, while Jon Taylor, Ben Alnwick and Kyle Vassell remain out injured.

West Ham news conference

@whufc_official

The media are waiting for big Sam Allardyce, who is the first manager we will hear from on another busy day of conferences, featuring Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and Manuel Pellegrini.

Greatest ODI XI team

The votes are in, they have been counted and BBC Sport can now reveal the greatest one-day international XI of all time, as voted for by our viewers.

Greatest ODI XI: Chris Gayle (West Indies), Sachin Tendulkar (India), Brian Lara (West Indies), Sir Viv Richards (West Indies), AB de Villiers (South Africa), Adam Gilchrist (Australia, wicketkeeper), Jacques Kallis (South Africa), Wasim Akram (Pakistan), Shane Warne (Australia), Brett Lee (Australia), Glenn McGrath (Australia).

There is an edition of Tuffers and Vaughan available as a 5 live podcast in which Michael Vaughan, Ashley Giles and Jason Gillespie discuss the team, and look ahead to the World Cup, which is now only a few days away.

Get involved - worst sporting experience

We want to know your worst sporting experience. Here are a few early responses from the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Neil Walker: Highton Pres U16 Cricket - We were all out for 11 and one player scored five. I was third in a double hat trick.

Jackson Costa: A second division team in Namibia thrashed 25-0, in a Football Association Cup. One player scored 15 goals in that game to earn a Guinness record

Sam Ebilatei: The game between Manchester City and Manchester United when it ended 6-1.

Former England man heads to Japan

Here's a good quiz question. Can you name against whom Jay Bothroyd made his only England appearance? We'll answer in a moment.

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But first the reason for mentioning Bothroyd - the much-travelled forward has signed for Jubilo Iwata, a club in the Japanese second tier.

Bothroyd had been without a team since leaving Thai side Muangthong United last year.

The 32-year-old begun his career with Arsenal before joining Coventry City, then Perugia in Italy but returned to England and played for various sides including Charlton Athletic, Queens Park Rangers and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Oh, and the answer to the question - it was against France in 2010, when Fabio Capello was in charge. Did you get it right? Thought not.

Dan Walker on Twitter: Let's do a self-indulgent #InjuryXI for #TuesdayTeamNews. Get #InjuryXI & #TTN in that reply. You may fire when ready.

Tuesday's back pages

The Mirror

In The Mirror, West Ham defender James Tomkins accuses Manchester striker Robin van Persie of a 'malicious' elbow during Sunday's Premier League match between the clubs

Arsenal prepare for summer move

The Sun: Arsenal are planning a £25m move for Lyon forward Nabil Fekir in the summer, although Paris St-Germain are also interested in the 21-year-old, who has scored eight goals in 20 starts this season.

Get involved - worst sporting experience

Our debate today is inspired by our Belgian rugby friends and is pretty simple really - what is your worst sporting moment?

Come on, we've all got one. I. for instance, played for an under 11s football team in Bury which lost 24-0 to Boundary Park Juniors on a freezing January day in the mid-1980s. It was so cold, four of our players left the pitch in tears, complaining - a tad melodramatically - of frostbite in their hands. At 23-0, with two minutes remaining, my dad asked the ref to end the game early. 'Can't do that,' the official said, 'FA rules'. My fingers have never worked the same since...

But enough about my heartbreaking tale, what's your story? Let us know your worst sporting experience right now at #bbcsportsday or at the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Hammered

Now if you're the kind of cold-hearted person who likes to watch other suffers, this video could well make your morning.

BBC Sport

Belgian top-flight rugby team Royal Kituro beat rival team Soignies by the incredible scoreline of 356-3.

Royal Kituro ran in 56 tries and kicked 38 conversions, while Soignies managed a solitary drop-goal.

Soignies did have a decent excuse for the beating though. The referee was more than an hour late for the game, and the Soignies coach and most of the players returned home assuming the game was off.

Most remarkable of all, despite the result, Soignies still sit above the Kituro in the league by a point.

Bruised Broncos

Brisbane Broncos will bring just 18 players to England for their World Club Challenge clash with Wigan on Saturday, 21 February.

Missing from the Brisbane squad are Matt Gillett, Jack Reed, Dale Copley, Jarrod Wallace, David Stagg, Corey Oates and Darius Boyd, who are all recovering from injury,

Tuesday's back pages

The Independent

Nigel Pearson's criticism of Gary Lineker hits the headlines in The Independent, while there are also quotes from Brendan Rodgers suggesting his Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is better than Tottenham's Harry Kane.

United eye up Lloris?

Tottenham fans can't be very impressed by some of the gossip in today's papers.

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We've already brought you the reports that told Real Madrid are monitoring Harry Kane ... and the Daily Express says Manchester United will look to sign Tottenham's 28-year-old goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in a £25m deal if Real Madrid complete a move for their current stopper David De Gea, 24.

Spurs fans, stay calm - it's all only speculation at this stage.

Tuesday's back pages

The Guardian

Let's take a look at a few of the morning newspapers, beginning with The Guardian. It features a warning from Brendan Rodgers to the agent of Raheem Sterling. There is what Rodgers describes as "an incredible contract" on the table, waiting for Sterling to sign. There's also a story about Nigel Pearson and his unhappiness with the BBC's Match of the Day, accusing presenter Gary Lineker of focusing too much on the Leicester manager's shirt-pulling exchange with Crystal Palace's James McArthur at the weekend.

Madrid monitor Kane

Getty Images

Real Madrid have watched Tottenham striker Harry Kane three times this season and will continue to monitor his progress, even though the 21-year-old has just signed a new contract at White Hart Lane, reports the Daily Mail.

Sterling to stay?

Liverpool have a huge game against Spurs tonight, with big ramifications about who may or may not finish in the top four.

But of almost as much concern to Reds' fans is the future of Raheem Sterling.

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Manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed Sterling has been offered an "incredible" new contract, but will not get "too much too young".

The winger's current deal runs until 2017, but a new contract has been on the table for more than a month.

The ball is in Sterling's court and with Real Madrid among the clubs said to be keeping an eye on the 20-year-old, it will be interesting to see what happens next.

Premier League's bumper deal

BBC Sports editor Dan Roan has revealed that the Premier League is due to announce its latest bumper domestic TV deal today, worth a slightly staggering £4.4bn.

"Experts predict a 45% increase on the current £3bn contract, with the cost totalling a remarkable £4.4bn for the three years from 2016 to 2019," writes Roan.

"That will make it the second most valuable league in the world behind the NFL."

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Roan adds: "All 20 Premier League teams now feature in football's 40 highest-earning clubs, with even the relegated teams pocketing around £60m in broadcast revenue."

The full story is here - it's fascinating and well worth a read.

Dowson on the move

First, though, a little breaking news from the rugby world... Championship club Worcester have announced the signing of England international back-row forward Phil Dowson from Premiership champions Northampton.

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Dowson, 33, will move to Sixways at the end of this season following six years at Northampton.

Tonight's action

We'll also bring you all the build-up to tonight's four Premier League fixtures.

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Liverpool-Tottenham at Anfield seems the standout game on paper but Arsenal's Emirates clash with Leicester should be pretty intriguing - Arsene Wenger needs to bounce back from defeat in the North London derby, while Nigel Pearson ... well, who knows what will happen if his team lose (or if an opposition player takes him out with a slide tackle in the technical area ... could be another shirt-gate).

Elsewhere Hull and Aston Villa, two teams who desperately need a victory, meet at the KC, while Sunderland host QPR.

Who's talking when

That list of Premier League news conferences in full:

West Ham 09:30 GMT, Everton 12:00, Chelsea 12:30.

Man Utd 12:30 GMT, Man City 12:45, Burnley 1:15.

West Brom 13:15 GMT, Stoke 14:30, Southampton 14:30.

We'll bring you the best of what the managers say.

Morning

Good morni... Actually, forget that, No time for pleasantries today, there's too much to do.

We have nine Premier League news conferences to bring you through the course of today. Among the many places we'll be reporting from is Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs, with Jose Mourinho, Manuel Pellegrini and Louis van Gaal all speaking to the media.

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We'll also have every breaking story from the sporting world, plus we'll bring you the best of what's on social media.

Told you we were busy. But let us do the work - you sit back and enjoy.