Image source, Getty Images

The first qualifier to win the World Snooker Championship, Terry Griffiths (1947), celebrates his birthday today, as does former South Africa cricket all-rounder Jacques Kallis (1975).

Fly-half Frederic Michalak (1982) will be hoping to celebrate tomorrow when his France side take on New Zealand in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Some gossip as we wait for boss Tim Sherwood to address the press.

Aston Villa are on the trail of Real Madrid striker Jese Rodriguez, according to the Birmingham Mail., external

Image source, Getty Images

The 22-year-old came through the ranks with the Bernabeu club and has scored 12 goals in 59 appearances.

Villa are said to have made an enquiry for him in the summer and could could go back in for him after his lack of playing time for Real Madrid so far this season.

As well as your personal favourites, we would like to see your own designs.

No need to go mad on Photoshop (other design programmes are available), a scrap bit of paper and your kids' crayons will do.

Send them in using #bbcsportsday and we will publish the best.

Chris McLaughlin
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, Getty Images

As Scotland fans continue to look for pain relief following the hurt of missing out on another major competition, the Scottish FA could provide a tonic of sorts later on Friday with the expected news that Gordon Strachan will stay on as manager for another qualifying campaign. 

To suggest that Strachan has the complete support of the Tartan Army would be wrong but the majority seem to accept there is simply no better alternative. He himself wanted time to think. It's understood he'll now sign on the dotted line and hope it's 10th time lucky. 

Can Chelsea get back to winning ways? Will Aston Villa be able to climb out of the relegation zone? You can predict the results of this weekend's matches.

Click here to play

Image source, BBC Sport

Britain's Heather Watson is currently in action in the quarter-final of the Hong Kong Open against Australia's Sam Stosur. She won the first set 6-4, before losing the second set 3-6 and is now 0-2 down in the third. Can she turn the match around?

An extended lunch break at the cricket today because of Friday prayers and England are in a comfortable position. They are 400-3 on the fourth day against Pakistan, with captain Alastair Cook 204 not out.

Follow the live page here

That Manchester City story got us thinking about badges... 

What are the best and worse club badges, in football or any other sport? And, if you're feeling creative, send us your badge designs.

Get involved at #bbcsportsday or on the BBC Sport Facebook page., external

Andy Giddings
Sports Editor, BBC Sheffield

Doncaster Rovers chairman David Blunt is speaking at the presentation of news manager Darren Ferguson. He says the club had over 70 applications for the job but that Ferguson was the "outstanding candidate."  

Blunt says the immediate ambition is to reach the play offs this season.  

Nottingham Forest's injury worries have worsened with Michael Mancienne and Kyle Ebecilio ruled out for six weeks.

Versatile defender Mancienne has a knee problem and midfielder Ebecilio has a hamstring injury.

Image source, Empics

Forest boss Dougie Freedman, who is already without several first-team players, told BBC Radio Nottingham: "We have an unbelievable injury record."

Forest face Bristol City in the Championship later today. Follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website from 19:30 BST.

Image source, Getty Images

Match of the Day pundit Chris Sutton, has his say over Tim Sherwood's future at Aston Villa.

"There is a lot of talk that Tim Sherwood is close to being sacked by Aston Villa but I cannot understand why they would even contemplate getting rid of him at this stage of the season".  

Read more here...

Image source, Getty Images

The wicket is flatter than a a flat pancake but England captain Alastair Cook won't mind. He's just brought up his double hundred.

England now 393-3 and now trail by just 130 runs against Pakistan.

Follow the live page here

Richard Wilford
Presenter, BBC WM

The first news conference of the day is under way.

West Brom boss Tony Pulis says defender Jonny Evans, midfielder James Morrison and striker Saido Berahino are 50/50 for tomorrow's game with Sunderland with knocks. Also waiting to gauge Salomon Rondon's freshness as he only returned from South America late on Thursday.    

Manchester City are to settle an argument that has been raging for decades...

Apparently, they will ask for their fans' opinion on the club's badge. 

The current badge was adopted in 1997 because the previous one was ineligible for registration as a trademark.  

Read more below., external

Our lovely colleagues at BBC Radio 5 live have a smorgasbord... a plethora if you will, of sporting podcasts, downloads and clips for your entertainment... 

Here are a few for you to peruse... 

Rugby Union - Matt Dawson has called O'Brien's ban "harsh"

Matt Dawson, Bob Skinstad and Shane Horgan disagree with the punishment handed down to the Irish flanker.

Cricket - Kevin Pietersen has revealed one of his "biggest regrets" during an interview with 5 live's Eleanor Oldroyd

Pietersen explains his occasional psychological turmoil at the crease and why he often seemed to throw his wicket away.

Football - There is also more on the story Arsene Wenger is said ‘to leave Arsenal by 2017’

The Mirror’s John Cross, who was present at the Arsenal AGM at which Wenger spoke, believes the Gunners manager will walk away when his contract expires in 2017.

Enjoy.

Andy Giddings
Sports Editor, BBC Sheffield

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed former Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson as their new manager. He will be assisted by Gavin Strachan, the son of Scotland manager Gordon.

England's Sarah Taylor is to make history by becoming the first woman to play Australian first-grade cricket.

Taylor, 26, will make her debut for Northern Districts in the West End Premier Cricket Competition on Saturday against Port Adelaide Magpies. The two-day event is the highest level of cricket played in South Australia outside first-class cricket.

Image source, Reuters

"I had no idea I'd be the first woman but I'm sure I won't be the last," the wicketkeeper-batter said. "It's a completely unexpected opportunity."

Read more on Taylor here.

There is also live cricket now on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra as England take on Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. 

Spare a thought for the family of goalkeepers Jak and Ben Alnwick, who will be on opposing sides for the first time on Saturday when Port Vale play Peterborough in League One.

 "My dad goes to the game closest to Newcastle, so for us to be on the same pitch he'll be delighted," 22-year-old Jak told BBC Radio Stoke.

 "My mum won't be coming as she gets too nervous. She'll have a heart attack with both of us on the same pitch."

Image source, Rex Features