Wednesday's Sportsday as it happened

1. Newcastle confirm McClaren appointment
2. West Ham sign Spanish midfielder Obiang
3. Messi faces tax fraud trial
4. GET INVOLVED #bbcsportsday

Goodbye

Newcastle United

And we will leave it there for today, and it has been a big day for Newcastle United.

We will be back at 08:00 BST on Thursday morning so, as always, thanks for all your comments. We will see you again tomorrow. Bye for now.

'The squad is not good enough'

Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey has been talking on BBC Radio 5 live about the changes at Newcastle

On Steve McClaren's appointment as head coach, Howey says: "He did well at Middlesbrough, at FC Twente and in the first season at Derby. Last season they were five points clear and didn't even make the playoffs so that was disappointing. I think he's a good appointment. He's got vast experience. He would need a lot of help because the squad at the moment is not good enough."

On Mike Ashley (pictured) stepping down from the board, Howey adds: "We all know there's no love for the owner. It has been rumoured that he would be putting more money into the club so the new manager could make some quality signings. So whatever steps he's taken is obviously a step in the right direction."

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On the board

Steve McClaren has not only become Newcastle United's new head coach, the 54-year-old has also been named on the club's board.

Mike Ashley has left his position on the board but remains the club's owner.

Can McClaren fare better?

BBC

McClaren's career: Always the bridesmaids

He replaced Nigel Clough at Derby in 2013 and led the Rams to the play-offs in his first season - though they lost in the final at Wembley to QPR and Bobby Zamora's last-minute winner.

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Topped the table on three occasions last season, and reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, but McClaren's Derby suffered a dramatic slump in form towards the end of the campaign and missed out on a play-off place on the final day when they were hammered at home by Reading.

McClaren was sacked a few days later.

McClaren's career - Forest flop

He succeeded Billy Davies as manager of Nottingham Forest in June 2011.

It didn't go well, is the polite way of putting it - McClaren resigning after Forest only won eight points from his first 10 league games in charge.

Then again, if you start taking phone calls halfway through a game it's no surprise when it all goes wrong.

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Very shrewd appointment - Barton

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Former Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton thinks Steve McClaren is the right man for Newcastle.

Barton writes on Twitter: "Very shrewd appointment by Newcastle. Great coach Steve. He has all the qualities needed to succeed there."

McClaren's career - European glory

McClaren headed to the Netherlands after his England failure, and successfully rebuilt his career at FC Twente, leading the club to the Dutch title for the first time in its history in 2010.

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In the process, McClaren became the first Englishman to manage a team to a top-level European domestic league title since Bobby Robson with FC Porto in 1996.

He left to take over at Bundesliga side Wolfsburg - but was sacked after just seven months in charge.

McClaren becomes Newcastle boss

Sam Tomkinson: Why would you want to manage Newcastle? Absolute poison chalice. Owner content with mediocrity and fans expecting the world.

Myles Warwood: As a Newcastle fan I don't understand others disappointment in McClaren, who were you expecting? Klopp?

Andrew: Steve McLaren did a great job at Middlesbrough and I have high hopes for Newcastle! A northern manager through and through.

McClaren's career - national service

Who can forget this iconic image, possibly the low-point of Steve McClaren's management career?

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McClaren's England suffered a miserable 3-2 defeat to Croatia that cost them qualification for Euro 2008 - and cost the manager his job.

As the rain poured down during the game, McClaren sheltered under an umbrella. The next morning's papers dubbed him the 'Wally with the brolly'. Because it would have been more more dignified to get a soaking...

BreakingBREAKING NEWS

Swansea City

Swansea City sign Ghanaian forward Andre Ayew on a free transfer from Marseille, subject to Premier League and international clearance.

The 25-year-old, who attracted interest from a number of Premier League and big European clubs, has signed a four-year deal at the Liberty after his contract expired at the French club.

Ayew, who will wear the number 10 shirt, will bolster Garry Monk's attacking options as he can play anywhere along the front line and behind the striker.

Woodrow stays with Fulham

Fulham striker Cauley Woodrow has signed a new three-year contract with the Championship club.

The 20-year-old, who has represented England at Under-21 level, will remain at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2018, while the Whites have the option to extend the deal for a further year.

McClaren's career - a trophy and a European final

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In 2001 Steve McClaren became manager of Middlesbrough. In 2003-04 they won the League Cup and then two seasons later he took them to the Uefa Cup final, where they were beaten 4-0 by Spanish side Sevilla.

Despite that defeat, it was still enough for him to get the interest of the Football Association and he became England boss in May 2006.

Caught in the middle

Ian Dennis

BBC Radio 5 live commentator

"Wish Steve McClaren well at Newcastle. Not his fault he's caught in the middle of club stance towards media but will overshadow his appointment."

It is being suggested that only selected media outlets were invited to speak to McClaren.

McClaren's career - Success as Man Utd number two

So let's look back at Steve McClaren's career in football. A very young McClaren is pictured during his time as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United.

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McClaren enjoyed great success during his two years as Fergie's right-hand man from 1999 to 2001, which including United winning the treble - Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup - in 1999.

McClaren becomes Newcastle head coach

Alex Mays: Appointment of Steve McClaren doesn't really fill me with confidence, opting for Vieira would have shown a lot more ambition.

Rob Thornton: Doesn't matter who Newcastle appoint as manager, they wont be allowed to manage anyways, so Ronald McDonald would do just fine.

'Is it a toxic job at Newcastle?'

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has offered his opinion on Steve McClaren's appointment.

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"He did well during his time in Holland, less spectacularly in Germany but I think he's proved himself to be a fantastic coach, a very good manager," Hislop told BBC World Service.

"My only concern with that job is that Newcastle's biggest problems are elsewhere. You have to look higher up the food chain for that.

"You just wonder how toxic a position it is. I continue to believe that maybe the problems are with the ownership of Mike Ashley."

Track record

BBC Sport

McClaren targets Newcastle trophies

This will be music to Newcastle fans' ears.

"This club has waited far too long to win a trophy. That's one of my primary objectives here," says new boss Steve McClaren.

"I've already won trophies as a manager, and a club the size of Newcastle United should be winning cups and finishing in the top eight in the Premier League.

"I'm determined to give the supporters of Newcastle United a team they can be proud of. "The hard work starts now."

'The supporters are some of the most passionate in the world'

Some quotes from new Newcastle boss Steve McClaren. "This is a big club with a wonderful heritage," says McClaren.

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"St. James' Park is like a cathedral on a Saturday afternoon, a symbol for the city and I am excited to be given this opportunity. I know how important Newcastle United is to the city and the region.

"The supporters are some of the most loyal, passionate and devoted in the world. Despite everything they maintain their faith. We owe it to them to do everything we can to reward them with success.

"There's a lot of work to do, but the club has made it clear about wanting success, and I would not have come here if I didn't believe they were serious."

BreakingBREAKING NEWS - McClaren appointed new Newcastle head coach

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Steve McClaren is confirmed as Newcastle United's new head coach. It is a three-year deal at St James' Park for the ex-England boss, with an option for a further five years.

Northants and Essex play out draw

All-rounder Jesse Ryder completed a final-day century for Essex at Wantage Road before their County Championship Division Two game against Northants petered out to a draw.

The New Zealander hit two sixes and 10 fours in his 124 before being caught at cover point off Ollie Stone. Tom Westley added 15 to his overnight unbeaten 164 before Rory Kleinveldt (5-138) ended their 258-run stand.

Essex declared on 506-9, 339 ahead, and Northants were 115-3 when a halt was called, with Richard Levi 53 not out.

More success for Bouhanni

Time to pose and show your muscles.

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French rider Nacer Bouhanni of the Cofidis team has won the fourth stage of the Criterium du Dauphine in Sisteron, his second stage victory in the race.

Australia's Rohan Dennis of BMC retained the overall race leader's yellow jersey after the longest stage of the race, a 228-kilometre ride from Anneyron, although his team-mate Tejay van Garderen has the same time.

"I am very happy with my condition. I must have five or six second places since the start of the season but this was also my fifth victory," said Bouhanni, who won the points classification at last year's Giro d'Italia.

Agnew's view on record-breaking England

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"There were some mitigating factors in England's record-breaking effort - a fantastic pitch, a lightning fast outfield and a mediocre New Zealand attack without the retired Daniel Vettori and rested Tim Southee.

AFP

"But that takes nothing away from a very different England attitude, one that was tested when the home side found themselves 0-1 after only one ball of the match."

Read BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew's latest column as he reflects on England's remarkable one-day victory over New Zealand.

We stay positive - Duggan

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England women's striker Toni Duggan writes on Twitter about her side's 1-0 defeat by France in their first Women's World Cup match.

She says: "It was a tough shift yesterday, its never a nice feeling when you lose but we stay positive & our goal doesn't change."

Coetzer added to T20 squad

Kyle Coetzer has been added to Scotland's squad for July's World T20 qualifiers following the withdrawal of Freddie Coleman.

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Northamptonshire batsman Coetzer, 31, was "hugely disappointed" at initially being left out. But Cricket Scotland insists it acted in Coetzer's "best interest" by "allowing him to concentrate on securing his future in county cricket".

Coleman has pulled out of the 15-man squad "due to personal circumstances".

McClaren for Newcastle?

We are expecting to hear that Steve McClaren is to become the next Newcastle manager. Here are some more of your thoughts.

Shingy Wan: Steve McClaren. Worked with good managers in good sides, knows how to win. Not the glamour signing but could be good for both. No manager is going to enter NUFC without assurances they are going to go somewhere next season. McClaren has ambition.

Snafu: Still not sure where S.McLaren gets his reputation from. What's he done to suggest great things to come at Newcastle United?

Diaby's Arsenal career set to end

Abou Diaby's injury-scarred nine-year stint at Arsenal is set to finish after he was included on a list of players to be released by the club on Wednesday.

Diaby, 29 and capped 16 times by France, broke an ankle shortly after joining Arsenal from Auxerre in January 2006 and has suffered injury problems ever since.

The midfielder's Arsenal tenure has been a succession of lengthy absences followed by aborted comebacks, with a cruciate knee ligament injury restricting him to just two appearances over the past two seasons.

O'Neill plays down car crash

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill said he is "fine" after returning to the training ground hours after being involved in a car crash.

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O'Neill, his assistant Roy Keane and three other management team members suffered minor injuries after Tuesday's smash on the M50 motorway in Dublin.

"We just got shunted from the back, said O'Neill. "I speak for myself, but I'm feeling not too bad."

Asked if the incident had been scary, O'Neill added after a pause: "Yeah, but listen, we're fine."

Ebanks-Blake eager to rediscover best form

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Sylvan Ebanks-Blake hopes his move to League One side Chesterfield will help him recapture the form that saw him twice finish as the Championship's top scorer during his time at Wolves.

The 29-year-old struggled for regular football during spells at Ipswich and Preston over the past two seasons.

"I'm as hungry as ever to get back to those heights," Ebanks-Blake told BBC Radio Sheffield. "This is the right move at the right time to get back to that level."

Dixon denies charge

Former Chelsea and England centre forward Kerry Dixon knocked a drinker off a bar stool and punched and kicked him on the ground, a court has heard.

South Beds News Agency

Luton Crown Court was shown footage of the attack at The Nags Head in Dunstable last May after the man allegedly called Mr Dixon a "fatso".

Mr Dixon, 53, who lives in the town, denies causing actual bodily harm.

The court was told Mr Dixon will be claiming he struck out in a "pre-emptive strike" in self defence.

McClaren to Newcastle?

So there is speculation that Steve McClaren is set to become Newcastle United's manager in the next hour. Here are some of your thoughts on the former England boss.

Barry King: McClaren's not the right man for Newcastle United. He's a Yorkshire Pardew for me but great for the Ashley regime. He's another yes man.

Ross Arnett: I want McClaren to prove me wrong and bring excitement back to SJP. But I'm not holding out much hope. His appointment doesn't scare me in comparison to Pards in 2010. But it is not the exciting appointment the fans wanted.

Michael Laverton: Steve McClaren can do well for Newcastle but Mike Ashley needs to put his hands in his pockets to support him.

Mistaken identity

David Gold

Perhaps not West Ham joint chairman David Gold's finest hour. The player pictured is, in fact, Juventus' Italian defender Angelo Ogbonna...

Gold has since deleted the tweet and added: "I've just spoke to Pedro and he sounded very excited to be here. He promised me that he'd learn to sing Bubbles in less than a month."

Messi faces tax fraud trial

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Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has moved a step closer to being tried for tax evasion after a Spanish high court rejected his latest appeal.

The Argentine and his father Jorge are both accused of defrauding the authorities of more than €4m (£3.1m).

The court ruled that Messi should not be granted impunity for not knowing what was happening with his finances.

The pair, who deny the charges, are alleged to have withheld the money between 2007 and 2009.

Pearson offered Leicester deal - reports

The Premier League are reporting that Leicester City youngster James Pearson has been offered a new contract.

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Pearson, the son of manager Nigel Pearson, and fellow development squad members Tom Hopper and Adam Smith were accused in May of appearing in a racist sex tape during the club's post-season tour to Thailand.

The trio apologised and Leicester have since refused to confirm if the contact offer to Pearson was made before the claims emerged.

Both Hopper and Smith are still under contract.

Adams to carry flag

Olympic champion boxer Nicola Adams has been selected as Team GB's flag-bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the Baku 2015 European Games on Friday.

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"To be representing Team GB at the first ever European Games is a great honour and being selected as the flag-bearer will be a truly unforgettable experience," said Adams.

"I know that carrying the flag will be a very proud moment not only for me and my family but also for everyone who has supported my career up to this point."

McClaren to Newcastle?

So Steve McClaren may well be announced as the next Newcastle United manager in the next couple of hours.

Is the former England boss the right man to take over at St James' Park? What consists a good season for Newcastle in 2015-16?

Send us your thoughts on Twitter, using #bbcsportsday or leave a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Steel in the Irons' midfield

Premier League referees may get to know West Ham's new signing very well if this statistic is anything to go by...

BBC

Sport in winter weather

Christopher Baigent: Blackburn v Brighton, Dec 2012, cancelled. Waterlogged pitch. Accrington, six miles away, played their game.

Simon Soothill: York City 1-0 Arsenal FA Cup. Fan power to clear snow-bound pitch. Keith Houchen penalty. Legend.

Amrit Elixir Gautam: US v Costa Rica, 2014 World Cup qualifying. Can't imagine how they can play in this pitch (pictured).

Amrit Elixir Gautam

Who is Pedro Obiang?

• The midfielder is 23 years old
• He has signed a four-year deal with West Ham after helping Sampdoria finish seventh in Serie A in 2014-15
• During that season he scored three times in 34 games
• He has represented Spain at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level
• He was brought up in Madrid and was on Atletico's books until he was 16 when he joined Sampdoria

'I'm very excited to play in the Premier League'

West Ham United

New West Ham signing Pedro Obiang tells the Hammers' club website: "We have been talking about this for a long time and now I've finally got the chance to come here.

"I think Slaven Bilic is a manager that can do very well here. He is a manager that likes to play good football and I really like that so I am sure that we will get along very well."

BreakingWest Ham sign Obiang

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West Ham United confirm the signing of Spain under-21 midfielder Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria for a fee thought to be in the region of £4.4m.

Newcastle to confirm McClaren - reports

Word is reaching us that Steve McClaren could be confirmed as Newcastle manager before the day is out.

David Coverdale, the Sun's north-east football reporter, has tweeted the following...

David Coverdale

Firepower

Want to see the moment Brazil's Marta became the all-time leading goalscorer in Women's World Cup history?

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You can do by clicking here.

The 29-year-old netted her 15th finals goal in the 2-0 win over South Korea, her second-half penalty taking her clear of former Germany striker Birgit Prinz.

Sport in winter weather

Norman Rides: Newcastle v Setubal in Fairs Cup 1969. Poor Portuguese had never seen snow and had to play in five inches of the stuff. 5-1!

Bernie Waine: Bolton v Everton at Burnden Park, New Year's Day 1979. Match abandoned at half-time because of snow.

Adam Drake: Golf's WGC Matchplay 2013. Held in the desert of Arizona when snow stopped play.

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Wigan set for London home game?

SWPIX.COM

Super League side Wigan Warriors plan to play one of their home games in London as they attempt to expand their presence in the city.

The Warriors plan to open an office in London and play one home game per season at a neutral venue.

"My personal passion for Wigan and rugby league in London makes this initiative an obvious one," said Wigan owner Ian Lenagan.

Question of Sport teaser

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You might remember we asked you which six players have scored more than 10 Rugby World Cup tries.

The answers? Jonah Lomu, Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko (all New Zealand), Vincent Clerc (France), Chris Latham (Australia), and Rory Underwood (England)

'Boardrooms need more women'

Dundee United director Justine Mitchell believes Scottish football needs more women at boardroom level.

"I think I was the only female director of a Scottish Premiership club this season, out of 12 clubs," she said.

"If you take an average of five directors per club if not more, one woman out of a minimum of 60 it's not good at all."

Wood embarrassed at World Cup failure

Keith Wood has described Ireland's failure to progress beyond the World Cup quarter-finals as "a horrible and embarrassing statistic".

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With 100 days to go before this year's competition kicks off at Twickenham, former Ireland captain Wood said: "There are times when we should have gone beyond the quarter-finals, but I think as a team and country in the professional era, we are probably more mature at this stage.

"I think the structures are probably right for us to have a bit of a tilt at it this time."

Draw on the cards at Northampton

Essex have finally declared at Wantage Road, leaving Northants a theoretical target of 338 from a minimum of 42 overs in their County Championship Division Two match.

After Tom Westley (179) and Jesse Ryder (124) were dismissed during the morning following a stand of 258, Ryan ten Doeschate extended Essex's lead with an unbeaten 76.

South African Rory Kleinveldt was the most successful bowler for Northants, claiming 5-138.

BreakingFellaini out of Wales test

BBC Sport Wales

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots confirms Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini is out of Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Wales with a groin injury.

Sport in winter weather

Scottish football clubs say they would considermoving the season to the summer to avoid winter conditions causing fixture chaos. So we are asking for examples of when the play continued, despite wintery weather.

This one will take some beating...

Christopher Bartlett: Nothing beats the Detroit Lions v Philadelphia @Eagles a few years ago in the NFL in Philly #Snowbowl

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Keep sending your entries in to us using #bbcsportsday on Twitter or leave a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Lancashire extend lead at top

Lancashire move 31 points clear at the top of the County Championship Division Two table after completing a 91-run win over Gloucestershire at Bristol.

Paceman Kyle Jarvis, the competition's leading wicket-taker, took 5-39 as the home side collapsed from 113-2 to 160 all out, having been set a target of 252.

Australian James Faulkner provided the main support with 3-18, while Chris Dent top scored with 54 for Gloucestershire.

Great videos

Here are some of the best videos to watch on the BBC Sport website at the moment...

BBC

Tennis / basketball: Former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray tests his basketball shooting accuracy with the NBA's half-court challenge.

Formula 1: Watch an alternative take on the weekend's Formula 1 action as we pick out some of the lighter moments as Lewis Hamilton secures a comfortable win in Canada.

Tennis: Germany's three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker tells BBC's Breakfast that he will apply for British citizenship having established a home in Wimbledon.

Football: Daniela Montoya scores a great goal for Colombia against Mexico in the Women's World Cup.

BBC

Sanchez unhappy with Gunners campaign

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez says the FA Cup winners' failure to win more trophies this season is "disappointing".

The £35m signing from Barcelona scored 25 goals and feels he grew as a player.

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But the 26-year-old, who is on international duty with Chile at the Copa America, said Arsene Wenger's team could have achieved more.

"I would have liked to be in the Champions League final or to have won the Premier League title," he said. "We have a bunch of skilful players so to not achieve more is disappointing."

Sport in winter weather

More of your memories of sport being played in wintery conditions...

Matt

Matt: Walsall v Swindon last season. At one point we could barely see the away stand opposite us.

Dave Lindsey: In the 70s, couldn't postpone match because of fixture congestion. Played a game with three inches of water over the whole pitch.

Iain Hepburn: Arbroath 1 Thistle 2, Scottish Cup, Dec 98. Three reds, snow stacked on the terraces, and a pitch invasion on ice.

Dutch withdraw Euro Games bid

The inaugural European Games starts on Friday in Azerbaijan but events in Baku will be overshadowed by the news that Holland has withdrawn its interest in staging the event in 2019 despite having already been unveiled as the next hosts.

The Dutch had claimed to be the only bidders when they were granted the event last month but European Olympic Committee president Pat Hickey insisted five other cities have since expressed an interest in staging the event.

"I have no doubt that we will be able to present a strong host for the 2019 European Games," he said.

Leeds sign Motherwell's Erwin

Leeds United have completed the signing of Motherwell striker Lee Erwin on a three-year deal.

The 21-year-old, who scored six goals last term, is perhaps more widely known for this...

SNS

Erwin clashed with Rangers Bilel Mohsni after the final whistle of the Scottish Premiership play-off final

Headlines at 3

Here's a round-up of what's happened in the football world so far today:

The bidding process for the 2026 World Cup has been postponed amid allegations around the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Aston Villa "will offer striker Christian Benteke a new deal" this summer, says chief executive Tom Fox.

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Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston has been banned from all football activity for six weeks and fined £40,000 for sending abusive texts to a fan.

Newcastle United have confirmed caretaker manager John Carver and coach Steve Stone have left the club.

Sport in winter weather

We are after your memories of sport being played in winter weather. Here are some of your comments.

Andrew Murphy: Ipswich beating Leicester 3-0 in the snow, after every other game in the country had been snowed off.

Dan Carter: Dempsey's equaliser for Spurs against Man United during snowy "Fergie Time".

Lee Scott: Middlesbrough away with Hull in 2010 (pictured) -10, arctic winds, non-stop snow.

Lee Scott

Fellaini struggling

Belgium forward Marouane Fellaini is a doubt for Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Wales in Cardiff.

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Reports say the Manchester United player, 27, is struggling with a groin injury and has sat out training.

Centre-back Jason Denayer has also left training early, while Belgium are definitely without suspended Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.

Wales have the same points - 11 from five matches - but Belgium have a better goal difference and top Group B.

'We have to improve'

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has challenged his bowlers to up their game after the World Cup finalists' colossal 210-run defeat by England in the first one-day international.

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It was England's biggest winning margin ever and Hesson said: "We've got things to work on: our decision-making, trying to block off parts of the park where we could look to defend.

"There were too many balls down 'main street' where you can hit both sides of the wicket.

"Fail to execute well and you go the distance. We need to look at our decision-making under pressure."

Is summer football a good thing?

Patrick Dewing: Surely at amateur level some cricket teams would share a ground with football teams - how would that work re summer football.

Phil O'Potes: Winter break in the football? Won't somebody think of the drop in Bovril sales?

Martin McHugh: Summer football is bad. Period. Summer is for going away and forgetting the horrors your favourite team slammed on you.

Saints to keep transfer business private

Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger says the club will not lower themselves to others' standards by conducting their summer transfer business in public.

Krueger is keen to avoid a repeat of last summer, which featured constant speculation about their star players, and the club have already rejected a £10m from Liverpool for England full-back Nathaniel Clyne.

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"We just aren't a gossip club. We don't play games," Krueger told BBC South Today. "We're very open in our communication and in our style. There's no need to play this out on the public stage.

"What's best for the club is to do our business professionally, do it openly and if clubs don't match and players don't match our expectations and our principles, we move on."

Winter wonderland

With all this talk in Scotland about switching to summer football, we're trawling through the archives and coming up with some of the best photos from winters gone by.

This is from January 1926 as the ref tosses the coin prior to kick-off in a match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Highbury.

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Those players look frozen before the game's even started.

Tevez to Spain?

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has said his club's representatives are in talks with Juventus striker Carlos Tevez over a potential summer move.

The Argentine told Spanish newspaper AS that his compatriot would be an "ideal" signing for the La Liga club.

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Tevez, 31, has reportedly told the Italian club he wants to leave.

"I haven't spoken with him but I know people at the club are talking to his agent. It's exciting to be linked with players like Tevez," said Simeone.

Lancs on course for win

Having been homing in on victory at 104-2 at lunch - which left them needing only 148 runs to complete victory - Gloucestershire have now collapsed in dramatic style to 119-7.

Full coverage here.

Swansea close in on Ayew

John Bennett

BBC World Service Sport

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Andre Ayew to Swansea getting very close to being completed now. Free transfer for the Marseille and Ghana winger. Would be a great deal for the club. I've heard one or two top-six Premier League clubs took a long look at him but felt he needed to prove himself in the division first.

Diaby released by Arsenal

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Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby is among the most notable names on the Premier Leagues list of released players.

The list includes out of contract players available on a free transfer, although all could still be offered new deals by their current clubs.

Ron Vlaar of Aston Villa and Sunderland's Wes Brown fall into that category, but the likes of Sylvain Distin (Everton), Paul McShane (Hull), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Gerhard Tremmel (Swansea), Gareth McAuley (West Brom) and Guy Demel (West Ham) have been freed.

Numbers game

The BBC 2 viewing figures are in for Tuesday's meeting of England and France in Moncton...

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Essex extend lead over Northants

A draw appears the likeliest result at Wantage Road after Essex added 133 to their overnight score on the final morning.

Tom Westley (179) and Jesse Ryder (124) were the two batsmen dismissed after extending their fourth-wicket partnership to 258.

Ryan ten Doeschate and James Foster were not out at lunch, with their side 265 ahead and a minimum of 68 overs remaining in the day.

Konta gets ready

Delyth Lloyd

BBC Radio 5 live

Delyth Lloyd

Britain's Johanna Konta is out on the practice court ahead of her second-round match at the Nottingham Open against Monica Puig from Puerto Rico.

Listen to commentary here

Watch Super League for nothing

Salford Red Devils are offering free entry to fans for their Super League game against Catalans Dragons on Sunday, 5 July.

"We can only be a big club if we have strong support," Salford owner Marwan Koukash, 56, told the Manchester Evening News.

Winter wonderland

But don't fret, it won't stop us using photos of winter sporting scenes from years gone by, mainly because we're rather enjoying it.

SNS

Here's a shot from the Scottish Championship meeting between Rangers and Hearts in January - abandoned after 25 minutes because of snow.

Sport in winter weather

Right, let's move the goalposts a little bit...

Having talked about summer football for a few hours, and established that 52% of you don't fancy it, we want your memories of sport being played in winter weather.

It could be anything from football in the snow, golf while thunder rolls or tennis in a blizzard. The stranger the better.

Let us know via #bbcsportsday, text 81111 (UK users only) or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

Wigan or London?

Wigan have announced ambitious plans to build a presence in London - including playing a home game in the capital.

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The Warriors are to launch a business club in Pall Mall later this month and an office in Buckingham Palace Road.

Chairman Ian Lenagan - a former owner of London Broncos - said: "The expansion into London is a core element of Wigan's growth strategy.

"It will see a wide array of activities over the coming months and years including at least one Wigan home game per year and rugby league camps run by Wigan staff."

New offer for Benteke

Aston Villa chief executive Tom Fox has confirmed Christian Benteke will be offered a new contract this summer to try to stave off interested clubs.

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Benteke's current contract has two years left to run and Villa manager Tim Sherwood has revealed the terms contain a buyout clause thought to be £32.5m.

"There has been a lot of speculation and I'm not going to contribute to it or play any of our transfer strategy out in the press," said Fox.

"But we will offer Christian Benteke a new deal this summer, of course we will."

India in control

Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay shared a record-breaking unbeaten partnership as India moved into a commanding position on a rain-affected first day of the one-off Test against Bangladesh.

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Only 56 overs were possible at Fatullah due to the weather but India made the most of them, racking up a record first-wicket partnership of 239 against their opponents with Dhawan (pictured) leading the way.

The recalled opener reached 150 not out at the close from just 158 balls, with Vijay alongside him on a more pedestrian 89 from 178.

Is summer football a good thing?

Jason Whitley: With participation of cricket low as it is, so having football in the summer will finish it. It's not just about the football.

Alex: Football's a great excuse to spend weekends in on grim winter days & none in summer means we can go out into nice(?) weather.

Seamus in Warsaw: Doesn't England already get summer football every other year? Usually fairly short and bitter, with 18 months of aftertaste?

Winter wonderland

Another winter sporting scene - Basel v FC Dnipro in the Champions League in 2013.

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That's possibly the brightest ball I've ever seen.

Summer football - the vote

You've been voting in your absolute droves, and now we can reveal the result (so stop voting now).

We asked if you would like summer football? And 47.9% of you said yes, 52.1% said no.

So really we're non the clearer on that issue. Glad we got it sorted though.

Republic of Ireland news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

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Republic of Ireland manager is Martin O'Neill "fine" after he and his coaching staff were car crash on Tuesday.

O'Neill and his staff were in a car that was shunted from behind on a motorway outside Dublin yesterday.

"We trained this morning and we're okay," said O'Neill. "I'm feeling not so bad, it's fine."

Both Robbie Keane and John O'Shea trained with the squad in Malahide today, but Harry Arter is a doubt after suffering a hip and groin problem.

'No rift' in Scotland squad

Cricket Scotland insists there has been no fall-out with batsman Kyle Coetzer after he was belatedly handed a call-up for their ICC World T20 qualifying tournament squad.

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The former Saltires skipper was originally left out of Grant Bradburn's 15-man group for the competition, with Cricket Scotland bosses saying they thought the Northamptonshire man wanted a break from national team duty.

But they have now accepted there was a mix-up and have called up the 31-year-old.

"Both parties will now move forward and wish to state that there is no rift between the player and the organisation," Cricket Scotland said in a statement.

Onward and upwards

Forward Eni Aluko, who started in England's 1-0 defeat by France on Tuesday, is already looking ahead of Saturday's meeting with Mexico...

Eniola Aluko

Winter wonderland

More winter sporting scenes... Uruguay's Diego Forlan falls in the snow during a friendly against Estonia in Tallinn.

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Hope he was wearing thermal underwear.

Scunthorpe sign non-league international

Scunthorpe United have signed England non-league international defender Charlie Goode from Hendon FC on a free transfer.

The 19-year-old has agreed a two-year deal, with an option for a third.

On this day

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In 1981, Sebastian Coe set a new 800m world record of one minute 41.73 seconds in Florence. The mark stood for 12 years.

Level playing field

Steve Wilson

BBC Match of the Day commentator

Enjoying what I've seen of women's World Cup so far: England lose and manager says they were excellent - equality has truly arrived.

England head coach Mark Sampson said his side produced a "strong" performance as they lost 1-0 to France in their opener.

Question of Sport teaser

It's the time of day you've all been waiting for - quiz time.

Today's teaser from our colleagues at Question of Sport is this:

It is 100 days until the start of the 2015 Rugby World Cup but can you name the six players to have scored more than 10 World Cup tries?

Answers in a couple of hours.

Messi to face trial

Spanish newspaper El Pais is reporting that Lionel Messi is to face trial for alleged 4.1m euro (£3m) tax fraud after a Barcelona court turned down an appeal made by his lawyers aimed at avoiding him having to sit in the dock.

Is summer football a good thing?

Robert Lowndes: Good call. Better weather and bigger crowds over all. Good financial gains to be had. All round 100% agree. No brainer.

Brian Hay: And the grass will repair itself in the winter I suppose?

Hughes to consider move abroad

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Hughes has played in the Premier League for Newcastle, Aston Villa and Fulham

Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes says he could join a foreign club.

The 35-year-old, who is in the squad for Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier after Romania, was released by Brighton at the end of the season.

"I've played in England my whole career so it might be a nice change to go somewhere," he told BBC NI. "I'm quite open to any option.

"Getting the chance to play somewhere different, somewhere new, getting a chance to maybe learn a new language, is something I've kept trying to do and been too lazy to actually get round to doing it."

Winter wonderland

Saint-Etienne v Montpellier in February 2013. Looks more like an ice hockey match.

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They even had to stop the game halfway through to clear the snow as it fell.

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Is summer football a good thing?

Gregory P: It'd be terrible for clubs in Europe, especially Europa League. Knockout rounds right in the middle of the off-season break

Si Smith: What on earth would I do all winter if I didn't have football to go and watch? Nightmare.

AJPS: Summer football? And lose the four games in a week madness over the Christmas holidays from Premier League teams?

Sheringham to change Stevenage style

PA

New manager Teddy Sheringham will look to change Stevenage's style, according to his assistant Kevin Watson.

Former England striker Sheringham replaced Graham Westley, who had been criticised for a long-ball approach, at Broadhall Way in May.

"We're going to try to play a little bit of a different way, and that's no disrespect to Graham because he had a very successful time," Watson told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"It's difficult at times to play the way we want to play in League Two, which will be to pass it out the back."

Diet of champions

Barry Douglas

"Home, sweet home," tweets Scottish defender Barry Douglas, who has just won the Polish top flight with Lech Poznan.

For the uninitiated, that is battered sausage and chips, pickled onion and a tin of ginger alongside his winner's medal. Nothing like fuelling a stereotype, Barry...

Japan injury blow

Japan striker Kozue Ando has been ruled out of the women's World Cup in Canada after fracturing an ankle in the holders' opening 1-0 win over Switzerland.

The 32-year-old has won more than 100 caps for her country.

Winter wonderland

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It might not be association football but the American version of the sport has produced some phenomenally winterous matches.

Maybe most memorable in recent years was Philadelphia Eagles' 34-20 NFL win over Detroit Lions in a snow storm back in December 2013.

You can watch highlights of that on the BBC Sport website (UK only).

Welsh talks over Oxford exit

London Welsh are "seriously considering" leaving Oxford's Kassam Stadium, BBC Radio Oxford reports.

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London Welsh have played their home matches at the Kassam Stadium since 2012

Talks are understood to be under way between the club and "third parties" about staging matches in next season's Championship away from the city.

Welsh, who signed a three-year contract to play in Oxford in April 2014, were relegated from the Premiership last season after failing to win a game.

Republic train for Scottish showdown

BBC Radio 5 live's Juliette Ferrington in Dublin

BBC

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill and assistant Roy Keane were back on international duty with the Irish team following yesterday's car accident.

The pair were involved in an motorway shunt in Dublin when the car they were travelling in was rear-ended.

It was Robbie Keane's first training session with the squad since flying in from LA ahead of the crunch Euro 2016 qualifier with Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Summer football - the vote

We've been talking about summer football for the last few hours and now it's time to put it to the vote.

Would you like summer football?

You can vote on the right if your on desktop, or by clicking the tab at the top of the page if you're using a mobile device.

You've got until 13:00 BST to have your say.

Usual terms and conditions apply

Is summer football a good thing?

Warwick Curtis: Go for it. Summer rugby league greatly enhanced the attendances at their games, so why not?

Alan Dempsey: Bad idea, doesn't work in Ireland. Cup finals in the winter, poor crowds on sunny days with so many other attractions, fans on holiday, fatigue level with football on all year round. Steer clear of it.

James Hyde: It's a great idea. Once the EPL has finished the SPL could start. They could make more money from TV rights as Sky has pretty much nothing to show after May. This works in America so why cant it work over here?

Give us the job, boss

Chris Smalling says he and Phil Jones have proven themselves capable of being Manchester United's long-term defensive partnership.

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After the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic last year, Smalling, 25, and Jones, 23, ended 2014-15 as Louis van Gaal's first-choice centre-back pairing as United finished fourth.

The Red Devils also had the Premier League's fourth-best defensive record.

"We have proven we can fill the gap," said England international Smalling. "When you consider the outgoings at centre-back, players had to step in and luckily I've been one of those who has had a good run, especially in the second half of the season."

Winter wonderland

Quite how they managed to complete this World Cup 2014 qualifier between the USA and Costa Rica in Colorado is anybody's guess.

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Spare a thought for the fans too. Definitely a day for a flask of Bovril.

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Under-20 World Cup

Mali produced a stunning performance to beat much-fancied Ghana 3-0 and reach the quarter-finals of the Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

The Black Satellites, champions in 2009, went into the game as favourites, having beaten Argentina and won Group B.

Diadie Samassekou, Diedonne Gbakle and Aboubabacar Doumbia scored the goals. Mali will face either Germany or Nigeria in the quarter-finals.

Nottingham Open

Delyth Lloyd

BBC Radio 5 live

Delyth Lloyd

The net is just going up as the Nottingham Open enters its third day.

British number two Johanna Konta takes on Monica Puig from Puerto Rico in a few hours.

Commentary of the second round action began here at 11:00 BST.

Is summer football a good thing?

Steve from Cardiff: Summer football, although a good idea, I prefer the cold nights of winter to be warmed by football. Something traditional about the Christmas fixture list!

Sam: Moving football to summer would more or less kill off cricket. Hard enough trying to get people to play cricket these days without football. Football needs to think of the wider implications for other sports and not just itself.

Simon Holmes: Is summer football a good thing? No - it already encroaches on the cricket season & other sports, which are struggling for spectators & participants!

Winter football

How about for a winter football scene, taken during Wolves' third round FA Cup tie against Fulham in January.

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Makes us feel cold just looking at it.

Are you a huge World Cup fan?

Empics

The BBC are looking for Women's World Cup fans.

Are you following the tournament in Canada? Have you decorated your house in support of your team? Are you holding a World Cup party? Email [e-mail] with your stories and photos.

If you would be happy to speak further to a BBC journalist, please include a contact telephone number. You can also tweet your stories to @BBC_HaveYourSay or text 61124. If you are outside the UK, send them to the international number [phone].

Or WhatsApp us on [phone].

Read here for more details.

Shiver me timbers

Given we are debating the merits of summer football - something being pondered in Scotland at the moment - it gives us the perfect excuse to trawl our archives and print some of our favourite winter footballing scenes.

Let's start with this, taken during a French top-flight match between Metz and Nice. There is a game taking place somewhere within this snowstorm. We think.

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Is summer football a good thing?

Tony Healy: Fantastic idea, a lot easier for fans travelling and enjoying the game.

Craig Perkins: Certainly an interesting debate to have. Certainly significant pros and a few cons to the argument. Better weather, less cancelled games hence less inconvenience to travelling fans. It works in Scandinavia.

Derek McLaughlan: Going by the amount of folk in England questioning if we even get a summer, I'm going to move down there because their climate is totally different from ours. Must have great weather down there on the equator.

Man records himself catching ball

.

Ever wondered if you should wear a camera on your head to a match? What do you mean no?

Well baseball fan Micah Graves will be glad he did as he made an amazing crowd catch whilst watching minor league side Biloxi Shuckers.

Watch the recording on the BBC Sport website here.

Anyone got any ideas why someone would have had a camera on their head at a baseball game?

Oyston banned and fined

The FA has confirmed that Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston is to serve a six-week ban from all football activity for using abusive and insulting language during a text-message exchange with a fan.

The ban will run from on 8 July until 18 August and is the same length former Wigan chairman Dave Whelan served at the start of the year for his comments about Jewish and Chinese people.

Oyston has also been handed a fine of £40,000, ordered to attend a mandatory education session and warned about his future conduct.

The suspension prevents him attending any Blackpool FC match during the period, either competitive or friendlies.

Konta on song

Britain's number two Johanna Konta is through to the second round of the Nottingham Open after beating Magdalena Rybarikova in straight sets.

The 24-year-old, ranked 147 in the world, won 6-3 6-3 against the Slovakian, who is 88 places higher.

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"I was expecting a tough match and that's what it was," said Konta. "I was just taking it one point at a time and trying my best."

Konta, who qualified for the French Open before losing to Denisa Allertova of the Czech Republic in the first round, has made it to the semi-finals in Nottingham for the last two years.

On this day

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In 1829, the first Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge took place over a course from Hambledon Lock to Henley Bridge.

Is summer football a good thing?

Thomas Robert Peter Ashworth: It's a great idea. The standard isn't the highest but as someone who hates the summer because of the lack of football I would definitely take an interest in games shown live on TV. Beats watching Egypt vs Iceland on Eurosport.

Sean Rafferty: The League of Ireland has been playing summer football since 2003 and it has worked well. Pitches are in better condition, less games called off and clubs are better prepared for European competitions. Season starts in March and ends in November.

Jonathan Rudd: Yes a very practical idea for Scotland because of the winter weather and they have no real cricket or rugby league seasons to compete with.

Stadium gets the green light

Windsor Park has received final clearance to stage Northern Ireland's vital Euro 2016 qualifier against Romania on Saturday.

All 10,000 available tickets have been sold but the Irish FA was still awaiting health and safety clearance.

Press Eye

Cracks in the West Stand were spotted following Northern Ireland's Euro qualifier win over Finland in March.

The stand had to be demolished although the IFA continued to insist that the Romania game would go on.

Is summer football a good thing?

Colin Gaffney: I've said it for years... crowds are down and nobody wants to watch it when the Premier League is on so summer football is a no brainer. No football on tv in the summer so we could be a smash for football hungry people all over.

Scott Urquhart: Excellent idea bring it on. Better for the Scottish game plus we can have football all year round.

Mathew Wright: Kids football should also be a summer league due to the amount of abandoned matches. Good idea from the Scots.

Good point, Matthew. Would anyone else like to see youth football move to the summer months?

Redfearn to stay at Leeds

Neil Redfearn will return to his former role as the head of Leeds' academy after being overlooked for the head coach's role.

The 49-year-old guided Leeds to Championship safety last season but despite that was labelled 'weak' and 'a baby' by owner Massimo Cellino, who then appointed Uwe Rosler as the club's boss.

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it was thought Readfearn would leave but he told today's Yorkshire Evening Post he would be going back to his former job on July 1.

"My contract had said that if I wasn't offered the [head] coaching job, then I will go back to being the academy manager," he said. "That is what will be happening as it stands at the moment."

Time for Walcott to produce - Redknapp

Another day, another Harry Redknapp intervention on social media...

Today, the former QPR manager is musing on Arsenal and, particularly, Theo Walcott.

"He's got to start producing, Walcott," Redknapp said. "I keep reading about new contracts, this that and the other, what he has to do is start producing on the field. We need Walcott to show us now and realise that great potential."

'We can win it'

It is sad that Manu Tuilagi and Dylan Hartley will miss the Rugby World Cup due to disciplinary issues, says Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie - but he maintains England are capable of winning the tournament.

Leicester centre Tuilagi and Northampton hooker Hartley have been ruled out due to off and on-field incidents.

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"I think it's sad that some of the players are going to miss the opportunity of a lifetime but I don't think there's an underlying [disciplinary] problem," said Ritchie.

"As far as the England team are concerned, we are in an extremely good place. What I think gives us an advantage is we are the hosts."

Is summer football a good thing?

Should football authorities consider switching the game to the summer? Three quarters of Scottish top-flight clubs would consider it.

Craig Rothwell: I'm all for it, more matches to put bets on when normally there's not much knocking around.

Mike Yost: Defo be worth doing! Less cancellations, warmer to play in. More evening games (for non-league without floodlights).

Iain Stin Anderson: An absolute no brainer in my opinion. We live in a country with miserable weather and short summers.

JTS: Personally I don't know how I would cope without football during the dull winter season.

Bad weather disrupts Test

Bad weather has washed out the post-lunch session on the opening day of the Test between India and Bangladesh in Fatullah.

India were 107 for no loss after winning the toss when rain stopped play 25 minutes before the scheduled lunch break. Shikhar Dhawan was unbeaten on 74 and Murali Vijay was on 33.

Butt's Red return?

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Daily Telegraph: Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt is favourite to take over the club's academy team following Brian McClair's departure to the Scottish Football Association.

Becker could become Brit

BBC

Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker tells the BBC's Breakfast he will "eventually" for British citizenship, having established a home in London.

As Novak Djokovic's coach, Becker feels that the world number one's heavy workload in the second week of the French Open might have cost him the title.

Becker will coach Djokovic at Wimbledon with the Serb looking to equal the German's record of three wins at the All England Club.

Watch the full interview here.

Summer football

Shaun: Scottish clubs in favour of move to summer football. So are they all going to relocate to the south of France?

Andy Leighton: I live in Norway now, Summer football is a must for SPFL. Norway still has a summer break of a month for holidays

Mark Judic: Summer football in Scotland would be the best thing to happen. Increased TV interest and a second club for fans south of the border

County Championship day four preview

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The majority of this week's County Championship games ended yesterday, with champions Yorkshire and leaders Durham amond the winners in Division One.

There are two Division Two matches about to enter their final day. Gloucestershire will resume on 26-1 as they chase a target of 252 to beat Lancashire, while Essex are 300-3 in their second innings and lead Northants by 132 runs.

Listen to live ball-by-ball commentary on desktop, tablet and mobile devices here.

Cabaye to come back?

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Paris St-Germain's France midfielder Yohan Cabaye, 29, would consider joining Alan Pardew - his former boss at Newcastle - at Crystal Palace, according to reports in French newspaper LeParisien.

World Cup 2026 campaign postponed

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Bidding process for 2026 World Cup is postponed in light of current allegations around other tournaments, says Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke.

The decision was due to be made in Kuala Lumpur in May 2017 at the Fifa congress.

Get involved - England the real deal?

After England scored 408-9 to beat New Zealand by 210 runs, we're asking whether this is yet another "new dawn" for the one-day team...

BTripz: Good win but one swallow a summer does not make.

Nick Hebross: World Cup champions 2019! Get on board!

Peter Collins: If we accept that sometimes we will be 200 all out, and don't kill our players for it, then we can become the real deal.

Murray doing 'unbelievable job'

BBC Radio 5 live

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Boris Becker, the three-time Wimbledon winner who is now Novak Djokovic's coach, has been impressed by Andy Murray in 2015.

Briton Murray, 28, won at SW19 in 2013 but lost in the quarter-finals last year. He was beaten by Djokovic on Saturday in the French Open semi-finals.

"Andy Murray is doing an unbelievable job this year," German Becker told BBC Radio 5 live. "He really came back from his back surgery. He's playing like a man possessed.

"He was awfully close in Melbourne, he was awfully close now in Paris. He won Wimbledon two years ago and he's definitely one of the big favourites to win it again. But I put my money on Djokovic."

Is summer football a good thing?

Billybunter3rd: The advantage Scotland have for summer football is that they don't participate in the summer held European or World Cup finals.

Andrew Neill: Well summer football would certainly work 2022/23.....

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be held in the winter, meaning most major European leagues will need to change their schedules. If it's held there at all...

Bilic eyes transfers

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New West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will be given the funds to bring in Chelsea striker Loic Remy, 28, and teenage Barcelona midfielder Alen Halilovic, reports the Guardian.But according to the Daily Mail, the Hammers' first signing under Bilic will be Spanish midfielder Pedro Obiang, 23, from Sampdoria for £4.4m.

Is summer football a good thing?

Robert McCluskie: Of course summer football would be better. I would rather sit in the summer watching football than in freezing temperatures in the winter. If football was a new game I don't think to attract customers they would play in the winter.

James Deason: Misnomer really. The season funs from July to end of May. Maybe not playing loads of games in winter would be a better idea?

Mike Thomson: Apart from weather causing cancellations and freezing when watching your team - summer football might be attractive to sponsors and tv companies bringing much needed investment into the game.

On this day

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In 2006, England beat Paraguay 1-0 in their opening match at the World Cup in Germany, thanks to an own goal by Carlos Gamarra.

Derby want Ince

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New Derby County boss Paul Clement wants to sign £6m-rated Hull City forward Tom Ince, 23, according to The Mirror. Ince joined Derby on loan in February, scoring 11 goals in 18 games and being voted the Championship side's Young Player of the Year.

Is summer football a good thing?

SNS

So then, three-quarters of Scotland's top-flight clubs have told BBC Scotland they would consider a move to summer football but we want to know what you think of the idea.

What are the pros and cons of summer football in Scotland and beyond?

Let us know via #bbcsportsday, text 81111 (UK users only) or post on BBC Sport Facebook. Should be interesting this one.

Football in June?

SNS

There could be a revolution afoot in football north of the border, after three-quarters of Scotland's top-flight clubs told BBC Scotland they would consider a move to summer football.

A survey of all 42 senior clubs found 27 would be in favour of examining the possibility, including nine from the 12-team Premiership.

Only seven clubs said such a move would not interest them, with eight not offering a view.

The Scottish Professional Football League says it is open to debate on "a complex matter".

LeBron the main man

One for basketball fans... LeBron James' 40 points saw Cleveland Cavaliers beat Golden State 96-91 to go 2-1 up in the NBA play-off finals.

Former Miami Heat small forward James also contributed 12 rebounds and eight assists in game three of seven, with Matthew Dellavedova adding 20 points.

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The 30-year-old, playing in his fifth successive finals series, now has 123 points from the three games.

The Cavs survived a fourth-quarter fightback though, with Stephen Curry landing 27 points for the visitors.

Death of former Olympic champion

Fred Anton Maier, an Olympic, world, and European speedskating champion in the 1960s, has died at the age of 76, the Norwegian Skating Association has announced.

Get involved - England the real deal?

Are England about to become a great one-day side, or is it another false dawn? And does it spell the end for Kevin Pietersen?

Larry Renggon: The problem with the England team is that there get easily carried by an upcoming star.

Jack Rutter: We had a good day, lets not get ahead of ourselves...

Mark Sutherland: One match, will the media ever learn?

Roxy Ahamed: How much more new dawn are England gonna see?

Oyston facing lengthy ban

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The chairman of Blackpool, Karl Oyston will be banned from all football activity for six weeks, reports BBC Lancashire.

The FA have decided his punishment for sending abusive text messages to a supporter will come into effect in four weeks time.

Oyston admitted five charges of breaking FA rules.

Blackpool finished bottom of the Championship last season and have just appointed former West Ham number two Neil McDonald as manager.

Date set for Blatter exit?

Not sure how many will shed a tear at this news but it has emerged today that Sepp Blatter's 17-year reign as boss of crisis-hit Fifa could come to an end on 16 December.

The BBC has learned that is the likely date for an emergency meeting in Zurich to decide his successor.

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Representatives from all 209 member associations will be invited to the Swiss city to vote in a new presidential election.

Blatter, 79, quit as president of world football's governing body just four days after being re-elected last month.

Get involved - England the real deal?

Are England about to become a great one-day side, or is it another false dawn? And does it spell the end for Kevin Pietersen?

Adam: Getting carried away. Wait until they actually do something. Our national teams always disappoint us.

James Western: Does KP have to be talked about again BBC. Yes England looked very good yesterday but is it a one-off or have they got it

Scare for Irish team

The Republic of Ireland management team, including manager Martin O'Neill and his assistant Roy Keane, have been involved in a car crash in Dublin.

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It happened on the M50 motorway between the Blanchardstown and Finglas junctions.

In a tweet, the Football Association of Ireland said: "The ROI mgmt team were involved in collision on M50 earlier. Vehicle was rear ended in traffic."

It said they had returned to their hotel and were seen by the team doctor.

United target

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Daily Mail: Manchester United could move for Paris St-Germain right-back Gregory van der Wiel, 27, after missing out on Barcelona's Brazil international Dani Alves, who has decided to stay at the Nou Camp.

Happy birthday

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Celebrating today are former Real Madrid, Paris St Germain and Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti, who will likely raise an eyebrow and lazily blow out his 56 candles.

Also filling their face with cake will be former England captain David Platt (49), Scotland coach and former Rangers manager Stuart McCall (51), 2010 Tour de France winner Andy Schleck (30) and Estonian tennis player Kaia Kanepi (30).

Get involved - England the real deal?

Are England about to become a great one-day side, or is it another false dawn?

Ben Wire: Great result with several new(ish) faces. Let youth have its fling.

'A privilege'

Outgoing Newcastle boss John Carver says it was "a privilege to serve this great football club".

He added: "The fans and the region deserve a successful team and both myself and my support staff worked very hard with the squad that was available to us.

"I would like to thank all of the staff at the club for their dedication. I wish the club every success for the future and steeled with the experience of the last six months, I am eager and ready for the next challenge."

Former England and Derby manager Steve McClaren is the favourite to become Pardew's permanent successor when he returns from holiday later this week.

Magpies confirm dismissals

In the last couple of minutes, Newcastle United have released a statement confirming caretaker manager John Carver and coach Steve Stone have left the club.

BBC Sport learned on Tuesday that the pair had been sacked after the club narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.

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Newcastle's managing director Lee Charnley said: "After discussions with John it was mutually agreed that in the best interests of the club moving forward, and to enable the new head coach to build his own coaching team, we would go our separate ways.

"John loves Newcastle United and no one could have worked with more passion and enthusiasm than he did.

"He has always put the club first and the recent discussions we had only re-affirmed this."

Action replay

If you missed England's opening World Cup game, good news - we have highlights for you.

BBC Sport

Click here to see how the match panned out.

Bad start

Well blow me, turns out watching England's women in a World Cup match is much the same as watching England's men.

Mark Sampson's side slipped to defeat in their opener against France, though in fairness they were up against strong opponents - France third in Fifa's world rankings.

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Eugenie Le Sommer's strike proved the difference, beating goalkeeper Karen Bardsley at her near post from 20 yards for her 45th international goal.

A bad start for England then, but with group games to come against Mexico and Colombia - who are both ranked below them - there is plenty of time to put things right.

Match report here.

On this day

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In 2007, Lewis Hamilton won his first grand prix, the then McLaren driver finishing ahead of Nick Heidfeld and Alexander Wurz in Canada.

Garcia on the move

A spot of breaking rugby league news for you.

Second row forward Benjamin Garcia will join his Catalans Dragons team-mate Elliott Whtehead in Australia next season after signing a two-year deal with Penrith Panthers.

Garcia, 22, who joined the Catalans from Brisbane Broncos' reserves two years ago, has caught the eye this year after making his mark with 12 Super League appearances.

Get involved - England the real deal?

Which leads us nicely to our first talking point of the day.

Is England's new-look one-day team, full of exciting young talents and big-hitting batsmen, capable of achieving something special - or should we not get too carried away about one performance against New Zealand, no matter how stunning it was?

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And does it put the Kevin Pietersen debate to bed? KP wouldn't exactly fit into a side of emerging young talents would he?

Let us know your opinions at #bbcsportsday or on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Record-breakers

England broke eight records en route to victory. The list in full:

Biggest winning margin (210 runs) in ODIs; Highest ODI total (and 10th highest of all time); Highest ODI total in England.

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Highest ODI score by a number six batsman for England; Most sixes scored in an ODI innings by England (14); Highest seventh-wicket partnership in ODI history.

Buttler's 100 is the second-fastest in England ODI history; he already holds the record for the fastest, scored off 61 balls.

Root's 100 is the fourth-fastest for England.

'It was outstanding'

So to the cricket and the news that England can, it turns out, be a pretty good one-day side when they put their minds to it.

Eoin Morgan's side hammered their highest ever score - 408 - in a 210-run thrashing of World Cup finalists New Zealand.

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It was sensational stuff and captain Eoin Morgan was understandably rather chuffed.

"It was outstanding, as close to the perfect performance in an ODI game that you'll find," said the skipper. "For a long time we've talked of an aggressive brand of cricket and today we produced it."

Read the full report here.

Wednesday's papers

The Sun

Something a little different inthe Sun, who say Manchester United want Atletico Madrid's Mario Mandzukic, despite the fact that the striker only joined the Spanish club from Bayern Munich for £18.5m 12 months ago.

Wednesday's papers

The Guardian

The start of the Slaven Bilic era at West Ham leads the way in the Guardian, with obligatory photo of Jos Buttler (along with a nice headline - good work) and the latest on Mo Farah's coach Alberto Salazar, who denies doping claims.

Wednesday's papers

Independent

John Carver's Newcastle exit and Steve McClaren's impending arrival dominates in the Independent, along with a spot of cricket too - which means a pic of who else but record-breaker Jos Buttler.

Wednesday's papers

Daily Express

Steve McClaren will be appointed Newcastle United manager and intends a wholesale shake-up of the squad, according to the Express. Jos Buttler's batting heroics get a deserved mention too.

Wednesday's back pages

Daily Mail

It's all about the cricket in the Mail and the records that tumbled as England's new-look ODI team gave New Zealand a spanking. And given how rarely an England one-day side wins a match and breaks records along the way, then quite right too that we should make a fuss about it.

Off we go

Bet this chap has sore arms this morning.

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Man of the moment Jos Buttler played a major part in England's record-breaking victory over New Zealand, blasting a rather impressive 66-ball hundred.

But it wasn't all good news for another England team. Despite putting their heads in where it hurts...

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...England's women got off to a disappointing start at the World Cup in Canada, beaten 1-0 by France.

More of that in a moment, plus the day's breaking sports news and a couple of debates for you to get involved with. What more could you desire on a Wednesday.

First up, the papers...