Sportsday - rolling football news

1. Five Premier League news conferences
2. Mourinho to be in dugout for Liverpool game
3. Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty? #bbcsportsday

Good evening

Well, that's it from us for another Sportsday.

But we'll be seeing you again tomorrow, bright and early from 08:00 GMT. 

Have a good evening!

Can West Ham finish in the top four?

Well Hammers joint-chairman David Sullivan definitely thinks so. 

"In football, we're here to dream," he said.  

"We're very, very optimistic. I'm not talking it down. I want to talk it up.

"I mean look at what's gone wrong with Chelsea - that looked an impossibility - so why shouldn't the opposite happen to us?"

West Ham go into Saturday's match away to Watford in third place, two points behind leaders Manchester City.

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Australia recall Sio for final

Australia have recalled prop Scott Sio in their only change for Saturday's World Cup final against New Zealand.

Sio is fit after missing the semi-final win over Argentina with a damaged elbow and replaces James Slipper.

Full-back Israel Folau, who has been battling an ankle injury and only lasted an hour against Argentina, has been cleared to play.

Veteran inside centre Matt Giteau, who hurt his groin playing against the Pumas, is also able to start.

Reuters

Williamson on Carver comments

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Earlier we heard Newcastle defender Mike Williamson has joined Championship club Wolves on a one-month loan deal.

He's since been talking about the now ex-Magpies boss John Carver suggesting he'd gotten himself sent off on purpose as an "easy way out" of a 3-0 defeat by Leicester last season.

"It's in the past, it was a difficult time and there was a lot of pressure on people's shoulders. People react in different ways," Williamson said. 

"It's gone now though. Now it's an opportunity to play football. My chances have been limited and it's frustrating but is part of the job. It's a fresh challenge."

Ex-Rangers owner Whyte declared bankrupt

Former Rangers owner Craig Whyte has been declared bankrupt in the wake of losing an £18m damages claim.

Ticketing firm Ticketus successfully sued the 44-year-old for damages in 2013 over his part in the takeover of the Ibrox club in 2011.

The bankruptcy petition was filed at the High Court in London after Mr Whyte did not pay a judgment debt, plus costs and interest, currently worth £20.8m.

Mr Whyte also faces criminal charges over his part in the Rangers takeover.

PA

Target practice

Evidence to suggest why Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney might be struggling in front of goal?

What are you telling us Jose?

Jose Mourinho. Sometimes the man seems a seething enigma. Who can know what stormy seas he's navigating?

Professor Geoff Beattie of Edge Hill University has been analysing the Chelsea manager's body language. 

Beattie explains how Mourinho's real emotions are often betrayed by his facial expressions, blinking and shaking his head...

AP

Watford news conference

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Watford head coach Quique Flores believes confidence is a major factor in why his team have performed well after 10 games in the Premier League. 

“I always work positively. I expect me and my team to do well. I am confident," he said. 

"It’s very important to be positive and it’s important the players feel that. I’m happy. This is about the whole club. We are a family.”

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Can Watford record consecutive wins?

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Watford news conference

Don't forget we're expecting to hear from Watford manager Quique Flores soon. 

Interesting fact about Flores? His aunt was a celebrated Flameno singer.

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Not Flores's auntie but Estrella Morente - she's a really good Flamenco singer

World Cup vote 'a busted flush'

Reuters

Fifa should repay the money spent by Australia on itsfailed 2022 World Cup bid,according to a whistleblower who worked on the campaign.

Suspended Fifa presidentSepp Blatterhas suggested there was a pre-vote agreement for the USA to host the 2022 event before voting swung to Qatar.

Bonita Mersiades, former head of communications for Australia's bid team, called the vote a "busted flush".

Australia spent more than A$45m (£20.9m) of public money on its bid.

17-year-old scores 40-yard wonder goal

Raith Rovers Ladies and Girls FC

Tiegan Clark from Kirkcaldy, scored in style for Raith Rovers Ladies and Girls FC under 17's at Edinburgh’s Easter Road stadium.  

In fact the goal was so good that the video's gone viral...

Watch for yourself here.

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

Ryan Hooper: For me it's gotta be Ronnie O'Sullivan. Cool under pressure and never misses.

James Dexter: I'd pick Ross Kemp, he'd deliver a Julian Dicks rocket and the keeper would feign a save.

'Big players behind the Fifa curtain'

Asked if it was fair on Russia's rivals that Blatter and the "big players" had agreed to choose Russia before the vote, Stohlker replied: 

"That is a good question - but there is a saying that fairness is only between equals. 

"I think the rivals of Russia,  including England are not content with this pro-Russia decision." 

'Big players behind the Fifa curtain'

PA

Another day, yet more incredible revelations at Fifa. 

Yesterday we had Sepp Blatter suggesting the decision to choose Russia as hosts of the 2018 World Cup was decided in advance of any vote. 

He also said a late swing in voting undid a similar agreement to hand the 2022 staging to the USA.

Today, his spokesman Klaus Stohlker has been speaking to Martyn Ziegler at Press Association sport, and this is what he is quoted as saying.

"Before the decision was taken, in the case of Russia and the USA, there were 'behind-the-curtain' talks. 

"It was not everyone in the Fifa executive committee but it was the big players that had these talks."

Scholes 'wouldn't enjoy' Van Gaal's United

BBC Radio Manchester

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Former Manchester United midfielderPaul Scholessays he "would not enjoy" playing in Louis van Gaal's side.

Scholes said their defence is "coached brilliantly" but bemoaned the team's style of play.

"There's a lack of creativity and risk," said Scholes, who played 718 games for United. "It's a team now you wouldn't want to play against because they're tightly organised.

"But it seems he [Van Gaal] doesn't want players to beat men and it's probably not a team I'd have enjoyed playing in."

Head to head - the South Coast derby

Bayern targeting Real's Carvajal?

The latest word from Spanish sports daily AS suggests Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola (formerly of Barcelona of course) is looking to sign a Real Madrid player.

The man in question? Right-back Dani Carvajal, 23, who spent the 2012-13 season in the Bundelisga with Bayer Leverkusen.

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty and why?

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Segun: Definitely Boris Johnson.

Pini Berger: Cardiothoracic surgeon, pretty high stakes stuff - they could handle the pressure.

Ryan: Jeremy Kyle.

We'd love to know your thinking on that one, Ryan...

Turkish ref locked in ground

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English referees, you don't know how good you've got it, being shouted at by two different sets of fans and players every week. Lovely. 

On Wednesday a Turkish match official was locked in Trabzonspor's stadium for several hours after making a controversial late penalty decision.

Cagatay Sahan and his assistants were held on the orders of club president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu after failing to award the hosts a late spot-kick in their 2-2 draw with Gaziantepspor.

Haciosmanoglu claims he only allowed the officials to leave after a call from the country's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Turkish Football Federation has launched an investigation.

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty and why?

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Harv AFC: MS Dhoni because he's an iceman.  

Gavin: Has to be Floyd Mayweather. Don't like the guy, but he always gets the job done! Thunderbolt up the middle...

William Baxter: Alastair Cook. Penalties 5% skill, 95% composure. Goal is large; battle is in the mind. And he is good at that.  

Ramires signs new Chelsea deal

The 28-year-old, who has made 241 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Benfica in 2010 said: "My family and I are very happy here in London and in the past five years the club has lifted every major trophy. 

"I hope to be an important part of many more successes in the next four years."

BreakingRamires signs new Chelsea deal

Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Ramires signs a new deal with the club, extending his contract until June 2019. 

Reuters

Union or League - Take the quiz

PA

England centreSam Burgesshas beenlinked with a return to rugby league, less than a year after switching codes to rugby union.

But what would you do in the Bath player's shoes? 

Move back to Sydney to revitalise your rugby league career? Or plough on in the world of union?

Try our quiz and see what decision you would come to.

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty and why?

AP

Jason Lea: Jackie Chan. Do some backflips on his run up as well.

Andrew R Miles: Me. I won a pen shootout at AFC Wimbledon whilst wearing a Brechin City shirt. 4-3. 

Lee Allen: Jenson Button, calm under pressure.

Poyet appointed AEK boss

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Former Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is appointed new manager of Greek club AEK Athens. 

The 46-year-old Uruguayan has agreed a deal until the end of the season with the option to renew for another two years.

He replaces Traianos Dellas, who resigned last week following a 4-0 derby defeat by league leaders Olympiakos. 

AEK are third, eight points behind.

GB silver 'an unbelievable feeling'

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Max Whitlock says helping Great Britain's male gymnasts win their first ever World Championship team medal with silver in Glasgow is "an unbelievable feeling".

"I think we all really pulled together brilliantly. Going in there, we knew we had the potential to try to push for the medals," Whitlock told BBC Essex.

"To actually do it is an unbelievable feeling."

You can watch Whitlock's floor routine, which clinched second place for Great Britain, here.

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

Naweed Patel: Easy, Dan Carter.

Mundy Carroll: Has to be Welsh rugby player Dan Biggar. The little jig beforehand would make it all worthwhile.  

Trevor Hawkes: The ever reliable Jonny Wilkinson would have my vote. A cool head with buckets of penalty experience.

Seeing a rugby theme here...

Carneiro's lawyers serve notice on Chelsea FC

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According to the Press Association, former Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro's lawyers have served notice on the club that she intends to seek a claim for constructive dismissal.

Carneiro left Chelsea last month after criticism from manager Jose Mourinho.  

It is understood that legal papers were served on the club this week and these will trigger an employment tribunal unless an out-of-court settlement can be agreed before a hearing takes place.

Carneiro's lawyer served the papers this week after failing to agree a settlement with Chelsea so far. The three-month period in which a claim must be notified ends on November 8.

New on Thursday...

Lionel Messi or Neymar?

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Can't we just keep both?

Can you imagine Barcelona without Lionel Messi? No, course not. But without Neymar? Manchester United fans can hope...

A former Barca president has suggested the Spanish club may be forced to sell key players because of "mismanagement" by senior directors. 

In an interview with French broadcaster RMC, Joan Laporta said forward Messi, 28, would never leave the club, but claimed 23-year-old Brazilian striker Neymar could well be moved on....

It must be election time...

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AP

Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

Ged Lynam: Bruce Lee could do a one inch punch so he could probably take a penalty without even needing a run up!  

Ex-coach Lyle returns as player

Less than a week after quitting as Swindon Wildcats head coach, Steve Lyle has returned to the club as a player.

"Stevie is a great goalie and is a massive part of our club," said Wildcats manager Steve Nell.

Accrington approve takeover proposal

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Accrington Stanleyhave accepted investment from local businessman Andy Holt toclear £1.2m of debtand take a controlling stake in the League Two club.

Shareholders voted to accept a proposal that will see Holt become a director and provide £600,000 of extra funds.

Holt, whose company What More UK sponsor Accrington's Wham Stadium, will take on 75% of the club's shares.

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Kevin Ellen: Niklas Lidstrom.  

For the uninitiated, Lidstrom was a ice hockey defenceman for the Detroit Red Wings.

Gloucester 'did not break salary cap'

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Gloucester have become the latest Premiership club to confirm they were not involved in a "settlement" over salary cap "issues".

Premiership Rugby had said "confidential agreements" were reached following "certain issues" with some clubs over last season's £4.76m limit.

But Gloucester have now joined Wasps, Harlequins, Sale, Newcastle and Worcester in saying it was not them...

Tomkins out of New Zealand series

PA

England full-back Sam Tomkins has been ruled out of the three-Test series against New Zealand after failing to recover from a knee injury that has kept him out of the game since August.

The 26-year-old, who will rejoin Wigan for the 2016 season after homesickness ended his two-year stint with the NRL's New Zealand Warriors, will not be replaced in the England squad.

"It is a great shame, but it wasn't to be" said coach Steve McNamara.

"Sam is devastated to miss out."

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Rory: If Pierluigi Collina took a penalty, he would just stare at the keeper until they moved out of the way & he could tap it in.

Can you tell who it is?

Someone has too much time on their hands...

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty and why?

Daniel Spooky Name: John Cena as he never loses...

Sportsday has just discovered he's one of these grown men who dresses up in lycra and grapples with other men...

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'Mind the gap'

Reuters

If you are in London on the 29 October and hear a familiar french accent on the tube, here is why...

On London Poppy Day, a host of famous voices including Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, will encourage commuters to donate to The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal via the tannoy system on the undergrounds and busses. 

Other celebrities include Brian Blessed, Danny Dyer, Jo Brand, Trevor Nelson, Ian Lavender, John Terry and Harry Kane.

Do you know a star of the future?

Do you know a young person who has achieved something outstanding in the world of sport in 2015? 

Are they on track for Rio 2016 or competing at a level above their age group, against senior athletes?

Have they proved themselves on a world stage?

If so, they may deserve to be named 2015's Young Sports Personality of the Year, much like a wee Andy Murray did back in 2004.

BBC

Nominate someone by filling in a Word or PDF document and sending it...

by email to:

[e-mail] 

or by post to: 

YOUNG SPOTY 2015, 3rd Floor, Quay House, MediaCityUK, Salford Quays, M50 2QH.

(nominees must have been 17 or under on 1 January 2015) 

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

Nathan James Bartlett: Harold Bishop from Neighbours - even falling off a cliff didn't bother him, so a penalty would be no problem.

OK...

Chamberlain and Walcott ruled out

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Confirmation from 'Le Prof'. 

Arsene Wenger says Alex Oxlade-Chamberain and Theo Walcott have been ruled out with injury "until after the international break" (that's around 17 November).   

As to who could play on the right side against Swansea on Saturday, the Frenchman puts forward Joel Campbell and Alex Iwobi. 

"Santi [Cazorla] can play there as well but he has become very important centrally," he adds.

'Blade Babe' sets new record

Elizabeth Hudson

BBC Sport at IPC Athletics Championships, Doha

BBC Sport

The woman known as 'Blade Babe' - Dutch sprinter Marlou van Rhijn - was in celebratory mood after winning the T44 100m in a new world record time of 12.80 seconds in Doha.

The 24-year-old double amputee, who also won her 200m event earlier in the programme, beat the 12.81 she set in Switzerland earlier this year with Britain's Sophie Kamlish fifth in 13.51.

Di Maria on why he left Man Utd

EPA

How do you feel about Angel Di Maria Manchester United fans? Would you have him back one day? 

Speaking to Spanish sports daily Marca, the Paris St-Germain midfielder went some way to explaining his departure from Old Trafford.

"I started very well, then I had problems with people in the club," he said. 

"Then I started being put on the bench, things like that happen in football. After the robbery at my house, everything made ​​me want to leave."

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

BBC

Lee Smith: John Cleese with his funny walk as the run up.

Jack Doyle: Sebastian Vettel. Can't beat a German taking pens. 

Scotty Ind: Roger Federer. Cold as ice.

High praise from POTUS

instagram.com/abbywambach

In case you missed it, POTUS, aka President of the United States - Barack Obama, has welcomed the World Champion US Women's Soccer Team into the White House and has praised them for changing the meaning of the term "playing like a girl". 

He has said that the victorious team has "taught all America’s children that playing like a girl means you’re a badass."

Another silver for GB

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Scottish teenagerMaria Lyleran a lifetime best of 13.92 seconds in the T35 100m at theIPC Athletics World Championshipsin Doha but it was only good enough for silver behind Australian 14-year-old Isis Holt who broke her own world record with 13.63.

"I need to go back and work on my start over the winter," the 15-year-old told BBC Sport. "I wobbled a bit out there but I am delighted with my time."

Whyte declared bankrupt

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

Matt Claypole: Chuck Norris. The ball would become sentient in his presence and fly into the net for him.  

Swansea news conference

In succinct fashion, Garry Monk has rounded up his news conference with a word on his own team's form.

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"Each team will have a period where they will suffer and its about how you deal with that. Winning games obviously breeds confidence but this group is very strong.

"Our effort and commitment is always there and its about continuing to do the right things and working hard on the training ground."

That's all he has for us today. 

Australia confirm final team

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Premier League predictor

That's your lot from Mark Hughes, but can his Stoke side build upon their League Cup win over Chelsea?

Let us know what you think on our predictor

Stoke news conference

BBC Radio Stoke

Mark Hughes has moved on to talk about Saturday's hosts...

"They made a significant investment in the summer - around £50m. It takes a little bit of time for those guys to integrate and maybe that hasn't happened as quickly as they would have hoped. 

"We are only 10 games into the season, though, and it may be a case of them going through a transitional period. But you need points on the board and they will be looking to get wins under their belt."

Swansea news conference

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Swansea manager Garry Monk has said his side will have to be at their best for the match against Arsenal on Saturday. 

"They have had a fantastic start to the season. But we've had some good games against them in recent years and had two good results against them last season.

"We know that when we are at our best we can give anyone a game in this league and we'll need to be at that level on Saturday. If we do that we are in with a chance of getting the result we want."

Stoke news conference

BBC Radio Stoke

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Mark Hughes is now talking about forward Jon Walters, who has yet to agree a new deal with his current contract expiring in the summer...

"There is a danger that we could lose Jon, but that isn't what I want and it isn't what he wants. There is scope to sit back down, I would have thought. 

"Jon is capable of making an impact as he is right now. We would love to come to a satisfactory conclusion."

Stoke news conference

BBC Radio Stoke

Mark Hughes is now giving an injury bulletin. It sounds like an episode of Casualty...

"Marc Muniesa has quite a serious hamstring injury, so he will be out for three or four weeks minimum. Glen Johnson has trained and hopefully he will be available on Saturday. Geoff Cameron will need another four or five days so he is out too. Ryan Shawcross looked fine, which was pleasing.

"Mame Diouf is sore and stiff, as is Jon Walters, who had a dead leg and had to come off. Bojan is OK and will be available."

Stoke news conference

BBC Radio Stoke

BBC Sport

Mark Hughes has arrived and starts by talking about his side being drawn against Sheffield Wednesday in the quarter-finals of the League Cup...

"We are up against a team from a lower division but, having seen the highlights of their game against Arsenal, there is absolutely no chance that we will be underestimating them. It will be a really difficult night for us."

Mourinho expected to be in dugout

PA

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is expected to be in the dugout for Saturday's game with Liverpool - despite facing a misconduct charge.

The Blues boss faces disciplinary action after being sent off during last weekend's 2-1 defeat by West Ham.

But those matters are not expected to be dealt with before the 12:45 GMT kick-off at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho, 52, has also lodged an appeal with the Football Association against a separate suspended stadium ban - he received that one for comments he made about match officials after the 3-1 home defeat by Southampton on 3 October...

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

Colin Cross: Sylvester Stallone just so I could hear his speech after his scored.

Test of knowledge

Earlier on we asked...

The answers? Danny Purvis, Louis Smith, Kristian Thomas, Beth Tweddle and Max Whitlock.

Women's Sports Personality of the Year

BBC

Only 13 of the 61 winners of BBC Sports Personality of the Year, have been female. 

So, Glamour magazine have taken matters into their own hands and are running a competition for women only. 

See who they have nominated here. 

Do the rules of rugby baffle you?

Would you like to look like you know why you are shouting at the telly during the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday?

Fear not. 

Follow our guide to the basics of rugby union here.

BBC

Football Daily Podcast

BBC Radio 5 Live

Mark Chapman brings you reaction to Wednesday's League Cup matches, John Hartson and Danny Millls share their thoughts on the opportunities being given to young English players by Premier League clubs, and Sepp Blatter suggests that the decision to award Russia 2018 World Cup was 'agreed before vote'.

Listen here

Ole!

League Cup fixture news

League Cup fixture news

League Cup fixture news

On this day...

League Cup fixture news

Ranieri good for his word?

Unconfirmed reports that Claudio Ranieri has reneged on his promise to buy his Leicester players pizzas as a reward for keeping clean sheets...

Looks like he's bought them ingredients to make their own pizzas instead, which is clearly not the same at all.

@kschmeichel1

BreakingGleneagles to host 2019 Solheim Cup

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Can Swansea replicate their win over Arsenal from last term?

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Swansea news conference

We'll bring you Mr Monk as soon as we have him...

Swansea news conference

Rob Phillips

BBC Wales Football Correspondent

Ready to speak to Swansea City's manager Garry Monk, who has had a much quieter week following Saturday's victory at Aston Villa.

Arsenal are the visitors to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, with the Swans having completed a double over the Gunners last season.

Swans striker Bafetimbi Gomis scored in both wins last season. Sure his name will crop up in proceedings...

The life of an Olympic athlete...

British steeplechaserEilish McColgansuffered a few problems during training on Thursday...

No second gold for Cox

Elizabeth Hudson

BBC Sport at IPC Athletics Championships, Doha

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There will be no second gold medal at the IPC Athletics World Championships for Britain'sKadeena Coxafter she was disqualified from the heats of the T37 200m. 

The 25-year-old, who is making her GB debut here, was adjudged to have been late to the call room prior to her race.

British Athletics appealed the decision but the appeal was unsuccessful and she will not be reinstated.

Head coach Paula Dunn said: "I am absolutely gutted for Kadeena and this is an incredibly difficult situation for the athlete and her support team. Whilst we feel this is an unduly harsh decision we will learn from this experience and move on."

Mascherano admits tax fraud

Barcelona's Javier Mascherano has admitted two counts of fraud totalling just over 1.5m euros (£1.1m).

The Argentine failed to declare 1.5m euros in earnings in 2011 and 2012, state prosecutors said.

He admitted to the charges in a court appearance near Barcelona which lasted less than five minutes.

Former Liverpool defender Mascherano - who has played for Barcelona since 2010 - is the latest high-profile footballer to come under scrutiny from Spanish tax authorities.

His Barca team-mate Lionel Messi is set to stand trial alongside his father for tax fraud totalling 4.16m euros (£2.9m).

AP

Catch up on the cup

PA

Watched the highlights of Celtic's 2-1 Scottish League Cup victory over Hearts?

You can do, over here now. There's a cracking opener from Leigh Griffiths.

A nightmare own goal...

Picture the scene. It's 0-0 in the cup, the 95th minute, your team is holding on. 

Deep free-kick. The last one to defend. Dirk Kuyt's all over you, seconds left against your fierce rivals... the ball comes in, you swing a right boot to clear, but something's wrong... horribly wrong.

The ball seems to go through you, it hits your left, trickles over the line, your team beaten... pandemonium as Dirk wheels away with an enormous grin.

That's what happened to Joel Veltman last night, as Feyenoord claimed a 1-0 victory in the Dutch Cup over Ajax. 

Also, there was this absolutely massive banner in the ground before kick-off - have you ever seen anything like it?

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty and why?

Alexander Sprague: An opera singer. Bright lights, watched by thousands. One difficult 'money note' that your evening's work is judged by.

Williamson to Wolves

And the Championship club have confirmed it...

Williamson to Wolves

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Another transfer for you! 

A word of warning though; it's not Paul Pogba to Manchester City, Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United,or Karim Benzema to Arsenal...

The Chronicle are reporting that Newcastle defender Mike Williamson has joined Wolves on loan.

Doncaster sign Everton's Grant on loan

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Doncaster Rovers sign Everton midfielder Conor Grant on a one-month loan deal.

The 20-year-old, who is yet to make his competitive debut for the Toffees, ended last season on loan at Scottish Premiership side Motherwell.

He could make his Rovers debut in Saturday's League One fixture against Colchester.

'I didn't have a drugs habit; I just took drugs'

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BBC Scotland have been asking a series of quick questions of former Celtic and West Ham striker Frank McAvennie...

Which manager does he describe as "hopeless", which one did he lock in a hotel room so he could go to a party, and why he doesn't he regret turning down Arsenal?

Find out here...

Barca in not being brilliant shock

They were without Lionel Messi, without Neymar, without Luis Suarez, but still. 

SurelyBarcelonashould be beating a third-tier side all the same?

The Spanish, European (and soon to be World?) champions struggled to a 0-0 draw atVillanovensein the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-32 tie last night. 

Luis Enrique's side managed just three efforts on target, as five players made their first starts of the season.

Villanovense had eight efforts on goal and even had a a Javi Sanchez header come back off the bar.  

The second leg is at the Nou Camp on 2 December.

EPA

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Whichy non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

John Bowes: Keira Knightley. .. she bends it like Beckham.  

Test of knowledge

Remember you can watch coverage of the ongoing World Championships in Glasgow live on BBC Two and online from 19:00 GMT.

Aston Villa confidence 'a big issue'

Confidence is becoming a "big issue" at managerless Aston Villa but it remains a great job for the right person, says caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald.

PA

MacDonald, 54, was put in temporary charge after Tim Sherwood's sacking on Sunday and oversaw their 2-1 defeat by Southampton in the Capital One Cup fourth round.

"Confidence is a big issue. Nobody likes being bottom of the league," MacDonald told BBC Sport. "The players are hurting for Tim but we can't wallow in self pity."

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Kerron Cross: Which non-footballer would you get to take a penalty? Postman Pat. First-class delivery, always looking for the postage stamp.

Round of applause for Kerron...

The Rooney debate

While we're on the topic, just how do you solve a problem like Wayne Rooney? Is there even a problem to solve?

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen thinks there is - he says   Louis van Gaal's tactics are failing to get the best out of the 30-year-old captain and striker.

He told Talksport: “Wayne is an adventurous player who likes to have freedom on the pitch, to roam around and get involved and find his own way to get into the game.

“I think at the moment he’s a little more restricted, he doesn’t always get the ball when he wants it and where he wants it."

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FA to investigate laser incident

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The Football Association is investigating a laser being shone at Manchester United's Wayne Rooney during the League Cup defeat by Middlesbrough.

Television footage showed a green light appearing on Rooney's face as he prepared to take his penalty.

The striker's effort was saved by Boro goalkeeper Tomas Mejias and United were beaten 3-1 in the shoot-out after the game finished 0-0 following extra-time.

The FA say it is aware of reports of the incident and is looking into it.

Star in the making?

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Crystal Palace will not want to see precocious 19-year-old Nigerian Kelechi Iheanacho again in a hurry. The striker's first City goal came at Selhurst Park earlier in the season and on Wednesday he scored one and set up another.

What was impressive about both key moments was the composure. 

For Kevin De Bruyne's goal, Iheanacho looked up and directed a ball into the path of the Belgian instead of fizzing a hit-and-hope across the six-yard area. And for his own strike, he controlled De Bruyne's firm cross before firing a low drive past Wayne Hennessey.

It seems the teenager could confidently fill in the gap caused by the injury to Sergio Aguero. 

Scottish Cup third round draw...

...has been made. All ties will be played on the weekend of 28 November.

Stranraer v Buckie Thistle, Queen's Park v Forfar Athletic, Formatine United v Fort William/Cove Rangers, Dumbarton v Alloa Athletic, East Fife/Stirling Albion v Cumbernauld Colts, Albion Rovers v Greenock Morton, Falkirk v Turriff United/Fraserburgh, Nairn County/Wick Academy v Linlithgow Rose, Peterhead v Livingston, Huntly v Lothian Thistle /Montrose, Elgin City v Raith Rovers, Airdrieonians v Brechin City, Ayr United v Dunfermline Athletic, Inverurie Loco Works v Annan Athletic, Stenhousemuir v East Kilbride/Forres Mechanics, Cowdenbeath v Arbroath

Keighley player given four-year ban

SWpix

Keighley Cougars centreDaley Williamshas beengiven a four-year banafter testing positive for anabolic steroids.

Williams, 29, tested positive for drostanolone and a metabolite of stanozolol in an out of competition test by UK Anti-Doping on 5 March 2015.

He has been released by the third-tier club and has been banned from all sport until 7 April 2019.

Howard Kendall funeral

Just a reminder that our colleagues in Merseyside are covering the funeral of legendary Everton player and manager Howard Kendall and would love to hear your memories.

Get in touch using #kendallmemories and visit their special live page

Lunch break/ time wasting/ procrastination penalty shoot-out quiz

CBBC

We have been talking about penalties all day but how good is your penalty shoot-out knowledge?

How about testing it with CBBC's quiz all about the fear inducing game deciders...

On this day...

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In 1985, jockey Lester Piggott rode one winner at Nottingham before going into retirement - only to make a successful comeback five years later, aged 54.

Get Involved

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

Chris Andrews: Russian president Vladimir Putin. Cool as a cucumber, and no keeper would dare attempt a save.

Help needed

A Commonwealth Games judo medalist is looking for your help...

'Rooney? Finished? Ridiculous'

Bill Rice

BBC Radio Manchester

Wayne Rooney has again come under fire from Manchester United fans, after another subdued performance in which his penalty was saved in their shootout defeat by Middlesbrough last night, but former United player and coach Phil Neville is backing him to come good.

He told BBC Radio Manchester’s Red Wednesday the England captain has “sacrificed himself for the team throughout his career” and “for people to say he is finished is ridiculous”.

You can hear the full interview or download the podcast here.

AP

Get Involved

Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

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Mathusan Arum: Maybe Daniel Radcliffe would take the winning penalty, I'm sure you are allowed magic in football!   

Well Mathusan, if we are being pedantic, Daniel Radcliffe, who has admitted to being terrible at sport,may not be as good at taking a penalty as the character he plays would be.

And anyway, as the seeker on the Gryffindor Quiddich team, Harry Potter would probably be better at saving the penalty - Clearly, a football is much larger than the golden snitch, which is about the size of a walnut giving the boy wizard a massive advantage...

New Zealand name unchanged side

BBC

‘Duel in the Pool’

Nick Hope

BBC Sport, Olympic Sport reporter

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World champion James Guy headlines a seven-strong British contingent who will form part of the European line-up for the biannual ‘Duel in the Pool’ event against the USA.

The competition – dubbed swimming’s answer to the Ryder Cup – takes place in Indianapolis, USA, 11-12 December and will feature a 36-strong US team which includes Olympic champions Ryan Lochte and Missy Franklin.

The US team have won every edition of the competition, which initially saw them take on Australia between 2003-2007, but has been exclusively between the USA and Europe since 2009. 

Get Involved

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

Iain Aitchison: Clint Eastwood never misses.  

Taft's Cambridge loan cut short

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Defender George Taftreturns to Burton Albion after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament while on loan at League Two Cambridge United.

The 22-year-old left-back played 13 times for the U's after joining on a six-month loan deal in July.

Taft was taken off injured after 22 minutes of Saturday's 3-2 victory at Yeovil, and a scan revealed a tear.

When Root met Vaughan

PA

The Daily Telegraph has got a pretty good interview with Joe Root today - conducted by former England captain Michael Vaughan. 

In it, the England batsman comes across as being pretty serious about his cricket... 

He doesn't sleep at all during Test matches, for example, and says he first thought about the international stage at age 14... 

Get Involved

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

FK: I'd pick Michael Jordan. Always came through when the chips were down. Could probably score the penalty with his eyes closed.

Bournemouth's Arter relieved to return

Meanwhile, his team may have lost 1-0 but Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter was thrilled to return to action in the League Cup at Liverpool after five months out with an ankle injury.

Reuters

Republic of Ireland international Arter, 25, made his first start of the season at Anfield, playing 70 minutes.

"You appreciate playing football so much when you're injured. You take it for granted when you're playing regularly," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"When my number came up on the substitutes' board, I was quite happy to come off," Arter added. "I'd hit the point where I felt I'd probably done enough. The gaffer realised that and took me off."

Boro fans support local steel workers

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Obviously the big story in football world last night was Middlesbrough's victory over Manchester United, but you may have missed this about the game: 

The 10,000 travelling Boro fans at Old Trafford shone their mobile phones lights in a show of support for Teesside steel workers.

SSI's Redcar plant was mothballed, with the loss of 2,200 jobs, after its Thai-based owner went into liquidation.

The closure of the coke ovens and blast furnace ended 98 years of production.

Get Involved

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

King Zorba: David Brent to take the pen. Confidence, skill and master of the mind games with the keeper.   

Goals, goals, goals

It was another massive win for Borussia Dortmund yesterday. Thomas Tuchel's side beat second-tier Paderborn 7-1 in the German Cup. 

Jurgen who?

Dortmund have now scored 66 goals so far this season, and they've only been beaten once - 5-1 by Bayern Munich (which tells you all you need to know about the Bundesliga right now).

And If you were wondering who the Paderborn manager was by the way, it's former Germany midfielder Stefan Effenberg.

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'Mil Por Ciento Guapo'

And if you were wondering who Sportsday's favourite Mexican wrestler is, it's this man. 

@guaposhock

Mr 'Mil Por Ciento Guapo', which roughly translates from Spanish as 'one thousand percent gorgeous'...

It's a good message.

'Hello? Is this Lewis Hamilton's insurance company?'

Now that he has the F1 Driver's World Championship title in his hand, it looks like Lewis Hamilton is not afraid of injury...

Hamilton has taken part in a tag-team match in Mexico, even performing a "running cross-body" on his masked opponent.  

Watch the full video here.

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Scholes on Rooney

Bill Rice

BBC Radio Manchester

Paul Scholes has just told BBC Radio Manchester Wayne Rooney is more than capable of playing in central midfield, but it is a stop-gap and he’s not certain he could play there for the rest of his career.

The former Manchester United midfielder also says the current style of play under Louis van Gaal isn’t what Sir Alex Ferguson would have adhered to, and although they are coached brilliantly to defend, they are a team you wouldn’t want to play in.

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Is that Bryan Robson in the background?

Funeral of Howard Kendall

EPA

The funeral of legendary Everton player and manager Howard Kendall takes place in Liverpool later on Thursday. 

BBC North West would love to hear your memories of him, using #kendallmemories as they are running a special live page during the funeral. 

Shouldn't you be in school?

EPA

Donnarumma was born on 25 February 1999!

I can think of quite a few 16-year-olds who'll be waking up to another day of their half-term break right about now, GCSEs on the horizon...

Not so Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma - he's AC Milan's goalkeeper, and last night he kept a clean sheet as the Rossoneri beat Chievo Verona 1-0.

Wednesday's victory was his second senior appearance, after becoming the youngest ever goalkeeper to start in Serie A as Milan beat Sassuolo 2-1 on Sunday.

He's keeping Spaniard Diego Lopez on the bench...

Get Involved

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Which non-footballer would you choose to take a penalty?

Dominic Lisboa: James Bond, I don't think anyone has a cooler head.

But which James Bond, Dominic? Sean Connery was a decent player in his youth, wasn't he?

On this day

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Speaking of Rio Ferdinand...

29 October is not an auspicious day in his career. 

In 2003, the former England and Manchester United defender was charged with misconduct by the FA and later banned for eight months after missing a drugs test. 

Then, while at QPR in 2014, he was suspended for three matches and fined £25,000 for comments he made on Twitter.

Happy birthday

As Rio Ferdinand has ruined the game, we thought we would give you the answer to today's birthday teaser early...

The former Manchester United player who turns 45 on Thursday is Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

Also celebrating the same milestone is his former Netherlands team-mate - and current PSV coach - Phillip Cocu.

Former Arsenal and France midfielder Robert Pires is 42, former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan is 41, former Australia opening batsman Matthew Hayden is 44 and American seven-time swimming Olympic medalist Amanda Beard is 34.

Get Involved

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James Offer: Diana Ross, easy

Someone had to reference this incident...

West Ham news conference

Vicki-Jane Edwards

BBC London

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Spirits are high at West Ham following an emphatic win against Chelsea last week and sitting two points behind the top spot in third place in the Premier League. 

The Hammers travel to newly promoted Watford on Saturday who themselves had a strong 2-0 win over  Stoke City last weekend. 

Bilic spoke highly of Watford's form this season and their manager Quique Flores and is not surprised they're doing well in the Premier League since being promoted.

He says he has a positive headache in terms of selection this week. Winston Reid has been back training with the team but the manager will see today whether any other players are suffering from knocks or fatigue. 

Get Involved

Which NON-FOOTBALLER would you choose to take a penalty and why?

West Ham news conference

On the London derby: 

"We look forward to playing London teams but there are no favourites in a London derby. We look forward to all games."

That's your lot from West Ham and from Slaven Bilic for now. Vicki-Jane Edwards has provided some analysis on the goings on which will follow.

Next presser is their opponents, Watford at around 13:30 GMT.

West Ham news conference

Vicki-Jane Edwards

BBC London

Bilic on West Ham's recent form:

"Our position in the table motivates the players by itself because they are enjoying it and they want to enjoy it longer."  

Bilic also has some vague team news for us:

"We'll see today with some players who missed yesterday's session with small knocks or fatigue. We should be alright for Saturday, almost fully fit for Saturday. Winston Reid has trained with us for a few days now too."

West Ham news conference

Vicki-Jane Edwards

BBC London

Bilic is full of high praise for opponents Watford...

"It will be a tough game on Saturday because they are a hard team to beat. They are also a new team who are improving week by week. They look a very organised team, and we have to be on top of our game if we want to continue our good run."

West Ham news conference

Vicki-Jane Edwards

BBC London

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Right on cue, West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is speaking to the media ahead of their match against Watford on Saturday. The Hammers are currently third in the Premier League table.

"It's only still the start but we are confident. There's going to be ups and downs results wise but I don't see why it should drop.  

"Our goal is to try and win as many football games as we can & to play as attractive football as we can. It's still early days."  

Leicester news conference

BBC Radio Leicester

And with that, he was away. 

We'll be hearing from Slaven Bilic at West Ham shortly too...

Leicester news conference

BBC Radio Leicester

Any team news of note?

"I think Leo Ulloa will be available. I didn’t want to risk him at Hull but I think he'll be available. I will check today."

On Gokhan Inler: "It's not easy to change mentality from Italian football. Now he's getting better but he must improve again."

Ranieri adds he is not looking to send Ben Chilwell and Joe Dodoo out on loan - but does not ruling the prospect out completely.

And finally on Chilwell: "He played very well on Tuesday. Solid. I'm very pleased. Maybe not ready yet for the Premier League. Slowly, slowly." 

Leicester news conference

BBC Radio Leicester

And what chances of a victory for your side, Claudio? 

"All the Premier League matches are tough. It’s good though – it’s an interesting season.

“West Brom close all the space well, press well and counter attack well. We must be careful if we want to win the match.

“Tony Pulis has done a fantastic job and the team has a fantastic spirit.” 

Leicester news conference

BBC Radio Leicester

Ranieri's team were beaten in the League Cup on Tuesday though, going out on penalties to Championship club Hull. 

"I'd like if the players show good character. Leicester lost Tuesday but now to react. There's a good spirit. 

"Our life is good because we do what we want to do. There is a lot of adrenaline."

Leicester news conference

BBC Radio Leicester

Here he is, everyone's favourite bespectacled Italian is in the building. 

First on the agenda? Pizza, naturally. You may remember Ranieri promised to buy his players pizza and (maybe) hot dogs if they kept a clean sheet.

It seemed to have worked, as the Foxes beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Saturday. Ranieri isn't taking all the credit though... 

"The fans are the tomato - without them there is no pizza," he says.   

Blatter v Platini

PA

In the meantime, if you still haven't read the interview Sepp Blatter gave to Russian news agency Tass yesterday, do it. Even by his standards, it's eye-widening stuff... 

The outgoing suspended Fifa president suggested Russia was decided as 2018 World Cup hosts before any vote took place, that his own Fifa ethics committee was out to get him, and he launched a few cannons at Michel Platini for good measure, too. 

Platini, who is still hoping to replace Blatter at world football's governing body, has spoken in reply, to Matt Scott in the Telegraph.

The Frenchman says he is still "the most able to run world football", and reiterated his innocence over a £1.35m sum he was paid by Fifa in 2011... 

Reuters

Leicester news conference

I know, we told you to expect Claudio Ranieri's latest pearls of wisdom about half an hour ago now, but they are on their way, honest.

Stay tuned, Tinkerman fans... 

Get Involved

Imagine you're a football manager. Imagine it's a penalty shootout. Imagine that you need to pick someone to take your fifth spot-kick but cannot choose any of the players in your team...

Which NON-FOOTBALLER would you choose to take the decisive penalty and why?

Who has a cool head under pressure? Who would revel in the spotlight? It could be a celebrity or it could be wee Davie who played in the school team with you.

Let us know at #bbcsportsday or on the Match on the Day Facebook page.

West Ham news conference

Vicki-Jane Edwards

BBC London

Can West Ham make it three wins in three weeks against London clubs? Slaven Bilic's thoughts ahead of Watford to come shortly after 09:30 GMT...   

An update from Doha

Elizabeth Hudson

BBC Sport at IPC Athletics Championships, Doha

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It's been a mixed morning session for Great Britain at theIPC Athletics Championshipsin Doha.

T37 100m gold medallist Kadeena Cox (pictured) was a late withdrawal from the 200m heats but team-mate Jenny McLoughlin has reached this evening's final.

Elsewhere, Sophie Kamlish qualified second fastest behind Dutch star Marlou van Rhijn for the T44 100m decider but Laura Sugar missed out, while Australian Isis Holt and Britain's Maria Lyle will continue their rivalry in the T34 100m final after the pair won their respective heats.

And wheelchair racer Mo Jomni is into the T53 800m final with the evening session starting at 13:00 GMT.

Burgess saga 'another dirty chapter'

BBC Radio 5 Live

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Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson has described reports that Sam Burgess could soon return to rugby league in Australia as another dirty chapter' in his short-lived union stint.

The former World Cup-winner said it was 'delusional' to expect Burgess to have an instant impact.

Listen to what Dawson had to say here

GB take silver at World Championships

PA

Great Britain's men gymnasts have won silver in the team final at the World Championships in Glasgow.

The floor routines of Daniel Purvis and Max Whitlock put Britain in with a chance of gold but they narrowly missed out to Japan, as China came third.

Two of Japan's gymnasts slipped off the high bars but they managed to score well enough to take their first gold medal in the event for 37 years.

Japan finished on 270.818 points, while GB achieved 270.345 and China 269.959.

Bronze at London 2012, Silver at Glasgow 2015... Can they take Gold at Rio 2016? 

Leicester news conference

Ronnie - out of UK Champs

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Bad news for snooker/ Ronnie fans - They are the same thing really aren't they?

Ronnie O'Sullivan will not be defending his UK Snooker Championship title in York in November.

The deadline to enter the tournament, which begins on 24 November, was 28 October, but the 39-year-old five-time world champion has declined to enter.

He has not played in a competitive match since losing 13-9 to Stuart Bingham in the quarter-finals of the World Championship in April.

Read more here.

Burgess 'staying at Bath'

Today Programme

BBC Radio 4

.

England centre Sam Burgess will stay at Bath and continue in rugby union, according to his coach Mike Ford.

The 26-year-old has been given time off to consider his future and has been in talks with his former rugby league side South Sydney Rabbitohs, less than a year after switching codes.

Burgess was controversially picked for England's dismal World Cup campaign.

Serena's milestone...

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Lukaku leaving Everton?

PA

The Daily Mail are reporting Everton striker Romelu Lukaku's agent, Mino Raiola, claims Toffees manager Roberto Martinez says the 22-year-old Belgium international can leave if a "good offer" comes in for him. He has been linked with Paris St-Germain.

GB a force to be reckoned with...

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They were the stars of the London 2012 Paralympic Games and they are doing it again at the2015 IPC Athletics World Championshipsin Doha.

Hannah Cockroftled home a British 1-2-3 to win gold in the T34 800m. 

Paralympic champion Cockroft, beat team-mate Mel Nicholls into second with 14-year-old Kare Adenegan in third.

Fellow BritonsAled DaviesandRichard Whiteheadalso won gold to make it 10 golds in total in Doha.

Middlesborough were 'lucky' - Van Gaal

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More on Middlesborough's win agaisnt Manchester United on Wednesday evening and manager Louis Van Gaal has said it was a "lucky" win for the Championship side.

They won the shootout 3-1 to progress to the last eight after a goalless 120 minutes at Old Trafford.

"It is more like the casino, red or black," Van Gaal said. "We trained yesterday on penalties, but it is like that. I cannot take them."

Andreas Pereira scored his but England trio Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young all missed from the spot.  

Read more here.

Happy birthday to who?

Way to cause an awkward dressing room...

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Chelsea forward Pedro, has apparently told friends he regrets moving to the club from Spanish giants Barcelona in the summer and according to the Express, would be happy to return to the Nou Camp.  

(We can empathise. We think we would prefer to live in Barcelona too, Pedro... If anyone asks, blame the British weather).

Scottish football update

PA

Some football news from Scotland now and we are taking no credit for the opening line of Richard Wilson's match report...

Leigh Griffiths broke Hearts with a match-winning display as Celtic reached the Scottish League Cup semi-finals with victory at Tynecastle.

The striker opened the scoring in the second half and then quickly created the second for Tom Rogic.

Hearts were defensively strong in the opening period but could not cope with Griffiths' skilful enterprise.

Read Richard's report here.

Gymnast Beckie Downie on CBBC now

Manchester City 5 - 1 Crystal Palace

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More from last night's League Cup action...

Kevin De Bruyne scored his sixth club goal in nine games to help Manchester City beat Crystal Palace to reach the League Cup quarter-finals.

Wilfried Bony put the Premier League leaders in front when he powered in a header, before Belgian De Bruyne slotted home a second at the far post.

Read the full match report here.

Russia 2018 World Cup 'agreed before vote'

AP

Another day another Fifa scandal. Technically this one was from yesterday but it's quite a biggie so we will bring you up to date...

Suspended Fifa president Sepp Blatter has suggested there was an agreement in place for Russia to host the 2018 World Cup - before the vote took place.

The 79-year-old told Russian news agency Tass of a "discussion" in 2010 about future World Cups.

Listen to the interview with Mr Blatter here.

Klopp's first win as Liverpool manager

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Better news for Liverpool fans (in case Manchester United losing wasn't enough for them),Jurgen Klopp earned his first win with the Reds on Wednesday evening.

Nathaniel Clyne's maiden Merseyside goal saw off Bournemouth in the League Cup fourth round.

Reds keeper Adam Bogdan stopped Junior Stanislas's close-range shot with his legs as Bournemouth started brightly.

Read the full match report here.

The big news from last night

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In case you missed it at the top our the BBC Sport home page, Middlesbrough shocked Manchester United on penalties to reach the quarter-finals of the League Cup.

England trio Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young all missed in the shootout, as the Boro players celebrated in front of their jubilant 10,000-strong travelling support.

Are Middlesbrough the new Germany?

Read the full report from the match here.

Thursday's papers

And the Mirror carried a line on Chelsea's under pressure manager Jose Mourinho...

Mirror

Thursday's papers

Others concentrated on Fifa, and FA chairman Greg Dyke's comments to politicians...

Sun

Thursday's papers

Many, instead, focused on Jurgen Klopp's first win as Liverpool manager, Nathaniel Clyne's goal earning a 1-0 win over Bournemouth.

Express

Thursday's papers

Most of the newspapers failed to feature Middlesbrough's penalty shootout win over Manchester United on the back pages of their first editions because of how late the tie finished, but the Independent managed to knock together this...

Independent

It's Thursday... and that means it's nearly Friday

Good morning and welcome to Thursday's edition of Sportsday. 

We have loads going on this morning including five Premier League news conferences today - Leicester and West Ham before 10:00 GMT. 

Better get started then. 

Here is a selection of this morning's back pages to kick off...