Sportsday - Lancaster reaction & rolling news

1. Stuart Lancaster leaves England post
2. "Not all the players wanted Lancaster to go"
3. "No individuals contacted yet about job"
4. GET INVOLVED #bbcsportsday: Have England made the correct decision?
5. Sepp Blatter in hospital
6. "Exciting times for England" - Sterling
7. Lewis Hamilton misses flight to Brazil with illness

Thank you and goodnight

We are done here on Sportsday for today. There is currently a live text commentary for England's first ODI against Pakistan taking place elsewhere on this site. Although, I warn you that visiting it will not make pleasant reading if you are an England fan.  

Don't forget that 5 Live Sport will be covering all things RFU and Stuart Lancaster from 19:00 GMT.

Sportsday will return tomorrow from 08:00 GMT.

British anti-doping "even worse" than Russia

Reuters

Moving away from rugby union and back to this week's other big sport story...

Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko has said Britain's anti-doping system has "zero value" and is "even worse" than Russia's.

A World Anti-Doping Agency commission report has accused Russia of running a "state-sponsored" doping programme.

The report also accused the country of "sabotaging" the London 2012 Olympics.

But Mutko said: "We're hearing that medals won by our athletes in London must be taken away. But it's the British system of doping control that operated there."

To read more on this story, click here.

Reaction to Lancaster's departure

BBC Radio 5 Live

For all the reaction to Stuart Lancaster stepping down as England coach, tune in to BBC Radio 5 Live from 19:00 GMT tonight.

Mark Chapman will be hosting and introducing a host of voices to offer their opinion on the situation.

In the meantime, BBC Sport has taken a look back at Stuart Lancaster's three-and-a-half-year tenure as England rugby union coach, through the medium of video.

Lancaster and England: What went wrong?

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"He looked as straight-laced as the PE teacher he used to be. White polo shirt, buzz-cut, navy tracksuit bottoms, trainers. In the black diary habitually carried under one arm came the funkier stuff."

Just a small snippet of our chief sports writer Tom Fordyce's piece on Stuart Lancaster. You can read the rest here.

Happy birthday

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Among those celebrating on Wednesday are World Cup-winning Germany and Bayern Munich full-back Philipp Lahm (32). 

Just what do you buy a man who has won pretty much everything there is to win in football?

Get Involved - RFU news conference reaction

The RFU news conference following Stuart Lancaster's departure as head coach is over. Your reaction to it has begun...

Kevin Stephens: Ritchie says overseas players not being selected is not an impediment on the team’s performance. He's learnt nothing.

AndyMac: "Ritchie 'qualified to recruit new coach'?" Only in Ritchie's own head!

Non-league Vardy demanded England clause

BBC Radio 5 Live

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The man who brought Jamie Vardy to Leicester City reveals how confident the striker was even when playing in non-league for Fleetwood.

'Root has all the attributes to captain England'

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More from Stuart Broad on BBC Radio 5 live earlier: "I think Joe Root is probably the next England captain. He has all the attributes to do that. Early in his career he is right up there. He has no weaknesses and has the ability to score. It is a sign of quality that he does not change his style of play too much from Test cricket to ODIs. He has a great hunger to improve. 

"The records of a lot of England captains, they score less as captain. The pressure is tough but I think he has a head on his shoulders to deal with that. Joe is being groomed but I think it is great that Cooky [Alastair Cook] has taken on the responsibility for the foreseeable future."

Pakistan in charge

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Right, where are we at in the cricket? Well, it is not looking too good for England. They are defending 216 and, after a dodgy start, Pakistan are now 138-4, thanks largely to Mohammad Hafeez's 72 not out.

To follow that game through to its conclusion through the medium of live text commentary, click here.

Sterling's goals

Ian Dennis

BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter

"England train this evening in Alicante and Raheem Sterling was in a relaxed mood ahead of Friday's friendly with Spain."

"He was quietly spoken during our chat in the team hotel but has a real sense of determination still to succeed and further improve his game.

"He made no secret what area: 'goals, goals, goals and more goals'." 

'Overseas restrictions remain'

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RFU CEO Ian Ritchie: "I am not going to say or not whether I have spoken with [2003 World Cup winning coach] Sir Clive Woodward.

"The current situation on overseas players not being selected unless in exceptional circumstances is not, in my view, an impediment on the team’s performance at the World Cup. That will remain in place for the new head coach."

Ritchie on the chances of Andy Farrell taking over: "You can never say never, but we are looking for an international coach with international experience and proven ability."

'No embarrassment over Burgess'

RFU CEO Ian Ritchie: "I don’t find the Sam Burgess situation in any way embarrassing. We had one of the world’s leading league players wanting to come and play rugby union. We did not pay any money to bring him to England and there was no insistence on our part that he was picked. He was coached perfectly while with England and he has made his decision for factors that our outside our control.

"Everyone can have a view about whether it was right or wrong to select him, but there is no embarrassment on the RFU’s part."

'Nationality of new coach not important'

RFU CEO Ian Ritchie: "If we can get someone engaged, they will take that decision on an EPS squad. We will take it one step at a time. We will be looking for a coach without inhibition – the nationality is not important, getting the right coach is.”

'No individuals contacted yet about job'

PA

RFU chairman Bill Beaumont: "Lancaster was awarded a new contract because his current deal ran out at the end of this World Cup and we did not want the coaching team to be distracted, but his new deal expected the same break clauses."

RFU CEO Ian Ritchie: "We have not contacted anyone. There has been no communication with Michael Chieka. I will go back to the board with a recommendation. There is not an advisory group on this, but I will talk to a number of people within the game on the appointment."

Vote result

Earlier, we asked you if Stuart Lancaster's departure was a good thing for England. And here's the result...

YES: 58% 

NO: 42%

'Global search'

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RFU chairman Bill Beaumont:"The process of finding a new coach began at the end of yesterday’s board meeting. We will search globally to find a new coach. We cannot dictate on who they want to bring in as an assistant coach."

'Clean break for Stuart'

RFU CEO Ian Ritchie: "If you go back to the priority of recruiting a new head coach and it is very difficult for the new head coach to have the old head coach still in the organisation in some role. It will be a clean break for Stuart."

RFU chairman Bill Beaumont: "At the moment we felt it was in the best interests of the union and the new coach that Stuart left."

Ritchie 'qualified to recruit new coach'

RFU CEO Ian Ritchie: "I think I am still qualified to recruit the next coach. I am chief executive. 

"There is not one single aspect, there were a variety of factors [for Stuart Lancaster's departure], but you look at the totality of the situation and our position. But lets be clear there were a lot of positive things that people said in the review, but you look at the overall situation and you come to the conclusion you do."

'Not all the players wanted Lancaster to go'

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RFU CEO Ian Ritchie:"No, not all the players wanted Stuart Lancaster to go. There were a whole variety of opinions. It is important that the players views are heard and put into perspective.

"You need to get the best possible coach – this is not a matter of financial considerations, it is about getting the best possible coach for England and we will do that without inhibition."

'Looking for international experience'

RFU CEO Ian Ritchie: "The review took in 100 pieces of information from different people and Stuart and I took a joint view that a change was needed. I think that was the right conclusion.

"I think the most important thing is to get the right person. It is very important we get a person of proven international experience."

RFU chairman Bill Beaumont: "Ian has the full support of the board in going out to get the best coach that we can."

'England rugby future in safe hands'

RFU chairman Bill Beaumont: "The future of English rugby is in safe hands. Our Under-20s have been in the last three Junior World Cup finals and we have delivered the biggest and the best World Cup."

RFU news conference

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Following Stuart Lancaster leaving his role as England head coach, the RFU are conducting a press conference. Here are RFU CEO Ian Ritchie's opening words...

"I think we all know elite sport is about fine margins, but it also about winning in a highly competitive environment.We conducted a comprehensive review in the World Cup and the panel saw 29 people and I met another 30 and gave those views back to the panel. We have had extensive feedback from the players – all have had the chances to take part in the review and their feedback has been important. We have seen all of the coaching team and all of the Premiership’s directors of rugby.

"At the conclusion of the panel and spent several hours with Stuart and together we decided it was time for a new head coach. The decision was unanimously approved by the RFU board.

"We are looking for a coach of international experience."

Stuart Lancaster factfile

1969: Born October 9 in Penrith, Cumbria.

2008: Appointed the head of the Rugby Football Union's elite player development. Goes on to take charge of England Saxons, with whom he wins the Churchill Cup.

2011: It is announced in December that Lancaster will head up an interim England coaching team for the Six Nations.

2012: March 17 - England finish second in the Six Nations behind Wales. March 29 - Lancaster is appointed England head coach.

2013: Lancaster's England are pipped to the Six Nations crown by Wales after losing 30-3 in Cardiff.

2014: March - England again miss out on the Six Nations title by the narrowest of margins, with Ireland taking the plaudits this time. October 1 - Lancaster contract extended to 2020 by the RFU, taking him beyond the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

2015: March - England finish second once again in the Six Nations, level on points with winners Ireland and third-placed Wales.

October - England crash out of their own World Cup after just three matches, having lost to Wales and then Australia. Finishing third in their pool behind those two nations, it is the first time England have failed to reach the knockout phase and the worst performance by a host nation in eight instalments of the global showpiece.

November 11 - Lancaster steps down as head coach of England. 

'Change the rules'

The Scottish FA's team doctor says football's authorities should look at changing the rules of the game to prevent concussion.

However, the Scottish FA won't follow the US authorities and ban heading the ball for players under the age of eleven.

The US Soccer Federation brought in the ban - both in games and training -  for young players because of concerns over head injuries. 

Talking about how concussion could be prevented in the game, the SFA's national team doctor John McLean told BBC Scotland: "I think that would need to be rule change. So it would be trying to limit, as rugby has done as American Football, any non-contact injuries. 

"Football is a contact game. We’re not going to stop people clashing heads. But if we can limit the traumatic stuff out-with that, the illegal stuff in the game, then we’ll move forward."

You can hear more by clicking here.

RFU press conference

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Coming up from 16:30 GMT, we will bring you quotes from the RFU press conference about Stuart Lancaster leaving his role as England head coach. RFU chairman Bill Beaumont and CEO Ian Ritchie will be speaking.

Salford v Hartlepool on the BBC

Some televised sport news for you now and Salford City's home match against Hartlepool United in the FA Cup second round will be broadcast live on BBC Two on Friday, 4 December from 19:30 GMT.  

Northern Premier League Premier Division side Salford, who are part-owned by five former Manchester United players, beat Notts County to reach the second round proper for the first time.

League Two Hartlepool defeated non-league Cheltenham in the first round.

Younus departs

England have struck and it is the end of Younus Khan, not just in this game but in one-day cricket. The Pakistan batsman - playing his 265th and final ODI - is caught by Adil Rashid for 9 to give Reece Topley his third wicket. Pakistan are 41-3 chasing England's 216.

You can follow our live text commentary here.

Salford signing 'nearly joined WWE'

New Salford Red Devils signing Daniel Vidot nearly moved to WWE wrestling before joining the Super League side. 

The 25-year-old Samoa international joined Salford on a two-year deal this week after leaving Brisbane Broncos. 

Vidot has previously spoken about considering a career in wrestling. 

"We'd actually spoke about him and then three weeks later we were told that he was going to be signing for the WWE," Salford head coach Ian Watson told BBC Radio Manchester.

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Toffee heads to Fleetwood

David Henen, a 19-year-old Belgium youth international, signed for Everton from Olympiakos in July.

Out for a stroll

The Brazil GP takes place on Sunday. There will, needless to say, be live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Simple for reason for lack of wins

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Admirable honesty from double major champion Martin Kaymer, who hashas admitted his winless 2015 is down to lack of practice.

Kaymer tees off in the BMW Masters in Shanghai on Thursday still searching for his first victory this campaign.

When asked why he had endured the barren run, his answer was: "I practised less."

Kaymer added: "Last year was very special and for me it's very important that if you have big wins you enjoy them, so they have a meaning to you. Some say it's right, some say it's wrong. For me, it's the best way to enjoy."

Make that two!

Reece Topley strikes again, trapping Bilal Asif lbw to reduce Pakistan to 15-2. Game on!

Follow our live text commentary here.

Breakthrough

The latest from the first one-day-international between Pakistan and England.

Remember that earlier England were all out in the 50th over for 216, Eoin Morgan top scoring with 76 and James Taylor hitting 60. Dread to think what the total would have been without those two...

'The game had moved forward quicker than the team'

More from Stuart Broad on BBC Radio 5 Live, about England's failed Cricket World Cup campaign: "What is amazing about sport is that we had such an awful feeling after going out of the World Cup and then six months later we have the elation of winning the Ashes. 

"Frustration was the biggest feeling after the World Cup. We knew we didn't do things to the best of our ability. We didn't get our plans right. The game had moved forward quicker than our team had. 

"Eoin Morgan has come in and set a new formula. Last summer was incredible watching. The New Zealand series will be remembered as one of the best."

One hell of a career

Take a bow Kazuyoshi Miura (though watch you don't pull a muscle).

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The Japanese striker will extend one of the longest careers in football when he signs a new 12-month deal with his club, Yokohama FC.

"I’ll continue to give everything I have and strive," Miura is quoted as saying in The Guardian.

Miura made his professional debut in 1986, some 29 years ago,and is believed to be the oldest active professional player.

Lewsey steps down from Wales role

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The Welsh Rugby Union’s Head of Rugby Josh Lewsey has announced his resignation and will be leaving his post from January 2016.

A statement from the RFU said: "Lewsey was approached to take the position in 2013 and, having worked as a management consultant leading strategic change projects across various industries, set about reviewing and then addressing some of the key challenges in the game."

Explaining the reason for his departure, Lewsey - who played for England and Wasps - said: “To avoid speculation and be entirely honest ... there have been some developments over the last year relating to personal matters, meaning that I couldn’t continue to be in Wales on a full time basis."

Toure will return to international duty

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Yaya Toure says he will play for Ivory Coast again.

The Manchester City midfielder, 31, hasn't represented his country since they won the Africa Cup of Nations in February and is not in the squad for the two-legged World Cup qualifier against Liberia this month.

But he told BBC WorldService reporter John Bennett that he will return eventually: "My future is there. When the time is going to come, everyone will know it.”

Stuart Broad interview

BBC Radio 5 Live

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England cricketer Stuart Broad is speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live and has been talking about the 8-15 he took against Australia at Trent Bridge.

"Mum got to the seats early and my step-dad had nipped off to get a coffee," said Broad.

"He was in the queue when the first wicket fell and was still there for the second. He didn't want to move after that in case it changed, being superstitious."

The blind faithful

BBC Radio 5 Live

.

Jennie Gow explores the lives of fans, commentators and journalists who love sport, but cannot see.

Listen to the podcast here

England all out

England are done. All out. For 216. Here is the scorecard...

England 216 all out (49.4 overs) - won toss

Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Roy 0), 7-2 (Root 0), 14-3 (Hales 10), 147-4 (Morgan 76), 148-5 (Buttler 1), 161-7 (Moeen 7), 180-8 (Rashid 7), 213-9 (Willey 13), 216-10 (Woakes 33)

Not out batsman: Topley 0*  

Bowling figures: Irfan 10-2-35-3, Anwar 6-0-32-2, Malik 10-0-45-2, Yasir 10-0-38-1, Wahab 9.4-1-29-0, Bilal 4-0-32-0.

Follow the game via live text here.

Giddy up Dave

If you were German, a World Cup winner, you played for Bayern Munich and you got your wife a horse, what would you call it?

We're no experts but we're guessing you didn't come up with 'Dave'.

However, that appears to be the name Thomas Muller has given to his...

Instagram

He has posted the picture above on Instagram with the caption: "My wife Lisa and our horse Dave in the Olympic Stadium Munich".

Maybe it's named in honour of David Beckham, maybe the TV comedy channel, or perhaps he's an Only Fools and Horses fan and liked Trigger's nickname for Rodney.

Have England made the right decision?

Tom Hiles: He rebuilt our reputation off the field but came up short on it unfortunately. Many thanks but I'm pleased we can move on!

Fat Boyd Slim: I do think this is the right decision, need a new leader and direction.

Mark Melbourne: its a shame Lancaster has gone. We may have a better England side to beat now. Come on Wales!

We're not sure you're taking this seriously, Mark...

'We need a plan'

More from former England international Andy Goode on England'sparting of ways with Stuart Lancaster.

Talking to BBC Radio 5 live, Goode said: "English rugby needs to be back at the top of the tree. We are a powerful union but we are not performing on the pitch.

"We need a plan going forward towards the next World Cup and that starts in the Six Nations.

"Some rugby coaches get a second chance but there has been too much in the press for his position to be tenable going forward,

"He is a proud man and accepted the blame. Questions need to be asked of Ian Ritchie and others at the RFU who put Lancaster in the role."

US GP in doubt

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Formula One's commercial supremoBernie Ecclestonehas expressed concern for the future of the US Grand Prix in Austin following the reduction of a Texas state subsidy.

"If it's changed, it's going to be difficult to continue the race in Austin," the Briton told theAustin American-Statesman from Brazil, where the sport holds its penultimate race of the season this weekend.

The newspaper said the governor's office had confirmed that state payments to support the 2015 race would drop by more than 20%.

'Part of the next chapter'

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Mark Robinsonhas beenappointed head coach of England's women cricket team and he has been speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live...  

"It is international sport and leading your country," he said. "It is an excellent time right now. It is great to be part of the next chapter and be part of the momentum behind women's cricket. To got o World Cups and pit your skills against other coaches is fundamentally why you do it.

"I have just started and I have a lot of catching up to do. But you have to back your skills. The South Africa tour is a good way to prepare for the World Cup in March.

"We set out to win but there has to be something bigger. I see my role to create a pipeline of players and develop them and continue the growth of women's cricket."

UK's anti-doping laws 'worse than Russia'

Lancaster leaves England post

Jamie McDonnell: Lancaster should be proud of the young talent he's established. Correct decision though, as he's taken the team as far as he can.

Michael Veasey: Lancaster rightly gone, now his myopic faith in Robshaw can go too. Not a test no 7 & awful leader who cost us dear.

Hanisa North: Does having the biggest player base matter? I'd take 15 perfect players over 150 avg ones.Forget Lancaster, it starts w/the RFU.

Adebayor wants to play again in England

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Former Spurs striker Emmanuel Adebayor still has a future in English football, says Togo boss Tom Saintfiet.

“I think he is very motivated to prove, after what happened in Tottenham, that he is still a player who can add something to any team in England," Saintfiet told BBC World Service football reporter John Bennett.

Adebayor has been without a club since his release from Tottenham in September.  

Rashid out

Another wicket in the cricket and Adil Rashid has gone, caught at mid-on off Mohammad Irfan. England are 180-8. Pakistan firmly in charge.

You can follow live text commentary of the game here.

Hostile atmosphere awaits

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Juliette Ferrington

An intense, hostile atmosphere awaits the Republic of Ireland at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica, where Wales secured their place at France 2016.

"The manager has mentioned it once in his team meeting, that was it," said Ireland's Robbie Keane. "I actually prefer to play in that kind of stadium, the atmosphere will be hostile but you have to enjoy these moments and take advantage of it. We've all played in stadiums where it's very, very small and the atmosphere is electric and it will be no different on Friday night."

Guess who's back?

Here's an interesting one.

Remember Craig Joubert?

He was the official who, you may recall, was at the centre of rather a large dollop of controversy during and after the World Cup quarter-final between Scotland and Australia.

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Well, it's been announced that Joubert wll take charge of England v Wales at Twickenham in next year's Six Nations.

It will be interesting to see what kind of a reception he gets...

Robbie says relax

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Juliette Ferrington

"There's a definite relaxed mood in the Irish camp," says Robbie Keane ahead of Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 play-off first leg in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

"You can feel it in the players. It's no over confidence, it's just having the belief. It's about how we approach it and how we play. If we can play to the best of our ability and we work together as a team, I'm fairly confident with this group of players we can get something out of the game."

More bad news

And another one bites the dust...

Latest score is 172-7.

Republic of Ireland news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

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There could be some positive news for the Republic of Ireland on the Shane Long front in the next few hours. 

Martin O'Neill has told a news conference ahead of Friday's play-off showdown with Bosnia-Herzegovina: "Our training here is coinciding with some work that [Long] is doing at this minute. I would probably be able to give you a better picture in the next couple of hours." 

Long is still part of O'Neill's plans for this Euro 2016 Play-Off. The Southampton striker certainly didn't want to be ruled out of the squad for the games against Bosnia-Herzegovina despite his ankle injury. 

O'Neill added: "If news comes through that Shane is perfectly alright then that's a big bonus for us."

England news conference

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More from Raheem Sterling on England: "It is good to have Jamie Vardy in the national team. Hopefully he can keep up his form and his goals can help us win games in the future.

"I've been doing alright for my club. I have scored in some important games. Hopefully I can keep doing that and continue my development.

"We need to focus on what the manager [Roy Hodgson] has been telling us. You don't get remembered if you are not winning football matches. We need to focus on these games against Spain and France and then against Germany and Holland."

Taylor gone

England are in danger of throwing away all their hard work following a disastrous start.

James Taylor has now gone, caught by Azhar Ali off Shoaib Malik for 60 to leave England 157-6.

England news conference

More from Raheem Sterling: "We had a good run in qualifying but this is the real challenge now, against some of Europe's best teams. It is a good test to see where we are.

"It has been a good year. The new players have done well. It is exciting times for England. Hopefully, we can take our club form into the tournament."

England news conference

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Let's turn away from the rugby for a few moments (though rest assured it is a case of 'to be resumed').

England play Spain in Alicante on Friday, the first of two friendlies against high-profile opposition - they follow it with a game against France at Wembley on Tuesday.

There's a news conference currently taking place in Benidorm ahead of the Spain match. The manager isn't there but England forward Raheem Sterling is.

"It is a young squad. A lot of the lads know each other from the U21s. We are young but learning and it is good to get together again," Sterling tells the media.

"The players here have played club football and have games under their belt. This week, we will be trying to work hard and fight for places."

'He takes the hit'

Have England made the right decision?

Hey It's Alex: Lancaster was a great manager but just winning games isn't good enough they need to be at least challenging for silverwear.

The Wolf: Has to be Eddie Jones for England now. Insanely experienced. Been in every scenario possible, many times.

Simon Edmonds: I feel for Lancaster, but I wonder when the likes of Rob 'teflon' Andrew are likely to front up? Not holding my breath.

Keep it English

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Former England and Bath hooker Lee Mears has told BBC Radio 5 live he would like to see an Englishman replace Stuart Lancaster.

"I’m a proud, patriotic Englishman. We're the richest nation with the biggest playing base and one of the top leagues in the world yet we are looking around at a Southern Hemisphere coach," said Mears.

"I would much rather have an Englishman. That's where our identity comes from. That's what everyone got behind with Stuart. He made everyone go back to being proud to be English."

And on Lancaster, Mears added: “I wonder if they could have kept him in the RFU somewhere. You can't waste all that experience. It's very reactive and causes a load of havoc."

Setbacks for England

England have recovered superbly from 14-3 against Pakistan in the first ODI between the sides. However, they have had a setback, losing two wickets in quick succession. Captain Eoin Morgan has gone for 76, caught by Sarfraz Ahmed off Shoaib Malik. And Jos Buttler's nightmare continues as he is run out for just 1, to leave England 148-5.

You can follow live text commentary of the game here.

Have England made the right decision?

Andrew Marriott: Can't help sympathising with Lancaster as such a likeable man. Admire him for taking responsibility.

Adam Goldsmith: Whoever replaces Lancaster will still face same issues - 1st thing RFU need to do is get rid of this 'overseas player' rule.

Donald Lockhart: Lancaster had a wealth of talent available and failed badly, showed poor judgment over Burgess ... should have gone sooner. 

Track record

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Stuart Lancaster's record as England coach:

Games 46: wins 28, losses 17, draws 1

Win ratio: 60.9 per cent

Biggest win: 60-3 v Uruguay, World Cup, City of Manchester Stadium, October 10, 2015

Biggest loss: 30-3 v Wales, Six Nations, Millennium Stadium, March 16, 2013

'Clock is ticking'

More from BBC rugby commentator Alastair Eykynon Twitter...

Hamilton delays flight to Brazil

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It's all happening... Triple Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton is unwell and has delayed his flight to Brazil on medical advice but will compete in this weekend's penultimate race of the season.

A Mercedes spokesman said the 30-year-old Briton had a fever but would be flying to Sao Paulo later on Wednesday, a day later than planned.

Up in the air

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Incidentally, there was no mention of Stuart Lancaster's backroom staff in the RFU statement, leaving the futures of Graham Rowntree, Andy Farrell and Mike Catt up in the air.

The coaching team, like Lancaster, signed new deals last year which are due to run until the end of the 2019/20 season.

Ian Ritchie and RFU chairman Bill Beaumont will appear at a press conference at Twickenham at 16:30 GMT.

Have England made the right decision?

Keep your thoughts coming...

Rob Chapman: With Burgess leaving Union It sealed Lancaster fate, his gambled on him could of work but Burgess gave up before he started.

Anthony Murray: What would've happened if Woodward pushed out after first major disappointment?! Too soon for Lancaster. Wore rose proudly.

Ben Pathe: Stuart Lancaster is a good honourable man who always fronted up for press interviews every time but fell short at top level.

Name me a better coach?

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More from BBC rugby commentator Ian Robertson on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Stuart Lancaster is a very good coach.

"Name an England qualified English coach who could take over and do a better job, I can't name you one. If for the first time ever England go for a foreign coach the obvious answer is Eddie Jones, who took Japan to three wins out of four - including beating South Africa.

"I can't name one who would be better in England than Stuart Lancaster."

Blatter in hospital

Sepp Blatter's spokesman confirms to BBC he is in hospital and is likely to be treated for the next few days..

The BBC understands the Fifa president suffered what has been described as “nervous shock”.

He is said by friends to be recovering and able to communicate.

The 79-year-old is said by friends to be “fully fighting against the ethics committee decision” and has told them “no committee can put me out of the game.”

He is expected to make a full recovery and the initial  medical issue has now past.

Have England made the right decision?

More please, to #bbcsportsday

Tom Cross: On reflection,fell short on selections.It would've been so much different if allowed Hartley, Burrell, Armitage to participate..

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Tom Heath: England need a coach to stop keeping it in the forwards & gets the ball to the backs like the best teams they have the talent.

Guthrie Fenton: Lancaster transformed the ethos surrounding England rugby, players and fans. He built a legacy that will echo in years to come.

Burns on Lancaster

Twitter is reacting to Stuart Lancaster's departure, including this from Leicester Tigers and England player Freddie Burns...

Blatter in hospital

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It was announced five days ago that Sepp Blatter had undergone stress-related health checks in hospital.

Blatter, 79, who has led football's governing body Fifa for 18 years, wasprovisionally suspended for 90 days last month amid a much-publicised corruption scandal.

After his hospital checks, Blatter's lawyer Richard Cullen said: "He is fine and expects to be home shortly."

Blatter has been told to "stay cool and relax for a few days", according to his spokesman Klaus Stoehlker.

BreakingBlatter in hospital

Suspended Fifa chief Sepp Blatter has been admitted to hospital, the AFP news agency is reporting.

'Desperately disappointing World Cup'

Ian Robertson

BBC Rugby Correspondent

And the BBC's voice of rugby has now been talking to 5 live.

"He knew as soon as draw for pool was made it was going to be very difficult. Most people expected England to beat Wales and they failed. They could have had a draw but captain Chris Robshaw made a bad decision at the very end of the match.

"England had a desperately disappointing World Cup. Lancaster had done very with england in his three-and-a-half years in charge. They lost one match in each Six Nations to stop them winning the Grand Slam three times. 

"He had lots of highs but the World Cup was a bitter disappointment for him, the England team and its followers.

"The manner in which they went out was desperately disappointing and there is no hiding from it. There are recriminations and players blaming other players but Stuart Lancaster is a totally honourable man, he did his level best."

Who replaces him?

Ian Robertson

BBC Rugby Correspondent

Name an England-qualified English coach who could do better? I can't name you one.

Vote now

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We have a vote up and running with the simple question, is Stuart Lancaster's departure a good thing for England?

If you're reading on mobile, click the vote tab.

'A proud man who has accepted blame'

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Former England international Andy Goode, speaking to BBC News about Stuart Lancaster's departure: "We were all excited pre-World Cup. But it was obviously a failure and as he said it was his responsibility.

"I am not surprised by the decision. It is probably the right one. There are some great coaches in the setup, who need to be looked at.

"It is a sound decision of the back of a disappointing world cup but now we need to look to the future."

Have England made the right decision?

Keep them coming.

Chris Adams: Real shame Stuart Lancaster's fresh approach in 2011 didn't result in better rewards 4 years on, but right time for change.

Steve Searle: Lancaster is nice guy but had to go. Never picked a settled team & no foreign player rule was catastrophic.

Phil Keeling: According to bbc data, he's had the best win record of the last 4 coaches since Clive Woodward.

Indeed Phil, that's why not everyone will agree with the decision.

Lancaster leaves England post

What happens next?

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So what now for England. The short-term World Cup legacy is bleak but grassroots reform is the way to a brighter future, says Ben Dirs.

Read his article here.

Have England made the right decision?

More of your thoughts.

Chris Lawton: Sad to see Lancaster go as Eng head coach. Hope senior men in RFU will have guts to do the same for their part in RWC shambles.

Paul Smith: Sad day for Stuart Lancaster, but the World Cup and the Burgess bungle meant this was always on the cards, Ian Ritchie should also go.

Matt: With Lancaster gone, might the door open for Burgess to assume control.

Hmm, possibly not Matt.

'I would like to thank everyone'

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More from Stuart Lancaster: “I would like to thank the players, coaches, management and everyone at the RFU for their commitment, support and hard work in my time as head coach. 

"But most of all, I would like to thank the England rugby fans, who have always backed us and given us amazing support. The team feels a close connection with everyone across the grassroots game, which has been important to us all.”

Recovery

Very quickly to the cricket, where things are finally going a bit better...

'He has much to be proud of'

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Ian Ritchie, RFU CEO, speaking about Stuart Lancaster's departure from the England job in the governing body's statement: ''The Rugby World Cup was hugely disappointing for everyone associated with the England team and the subsequent review into the team’s performance was always intended to be extremely comprehensive, which it has been. 

“On behalf of all fans of the England team and the RFU I would like to express our gratitude to Stuart for all he has done for England Rugby since taking the role in 2012. Despite the results during this World Cup he has much to be proud of, and has embedded a new group of players that will be representing England for a long time to come. Looking forward, we will leave no stone unturned to ensure England achieves sustained success in the future.”

Have England made the right decision?

Some of your early thoughts. Keep them coming.

Adam Young: Some good moments, but poor selection and a lack of success in the major tournaments ultimately told for Lancaster.

Joseph Whiteaker: Stuart Lancaster leaving is two years too late. Now we need to act and Get Shaun Edwards in to the coaching staff asap.

Niall Davey: Please get Eddie Jones in! Worked wonders for Japan just imagine what he could do with the resources available with ENGLAND.

Six reasons for Lancaster's failure

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Lancaster’s tenure was fatally wounded by the group-stage exit at a home World Cup.

What were the six main reasons for that abject performance?

You'll find out in this article.

'A good man'

From the BBC's chief sports writer Tom Fordyce.

Have England made the right decision?

So then, there's the big news of the day.

But we want to know this: have England done the right thing in parting company with Stuart Lancaster?

Let us know your views now. Do you have sympathy for the departed coach or did he have it coming after England's disastrous World Cup?

Let us know now at #bbcsportsday

'I leave a strong foundation'

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More from Stuart Lancaster: “I took on the role in difficult circumstances and it has been a huge challenge to transition the team with many hurdles along the way. However, I am immensely proud of the development of this team and I know that there is an incredibly strong foundation for them to progress to great things in the future. 

"We have played some excellent rugby and it was always going to be tough to get the right level of experience into them in time for 2015. 

"It is a young group of players with the huge majority available for the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019, where I believe their recent experience will make them genuine contenders.”

Lancaster leaves England post

How Stuart Lancaster compares in terms of wins to other recent England coaches.

1

Lancaster leaves England post

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Now former England head coach Stuart Lancaster, quoted in an RFU statement: “I am obviously extremely saddened to finish the way we did in this World Cup and to step down from the role. 

"As I have always said, I ultimately accept and take responsibility for the team's performance and we have not delivered the results we all hoped for during this tournament. I did, however, want to take part in the review to ensure I understood the views of others before making a decision. 

"The reality is that, while many aspects of the review were very positive, we didn’t achieve success on the field when it mattered and we all have to take responsibility for that but me especially as head coach.”

Lancaster leaves England post

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England became the first host nation to be eliminated in the group stages when they lost matches to Wales and Australia in Pool A.

It was the first time an England side had failed to reach the knockout stages in their eight World Cup campaigns.

Lancaster, 46, was made permanent coach in 2012 and won 28 of his 46 games, but failed to win the Six Nations.

BreakingLancaster leaves England post

The Rugby Football Union have confirmed that Stuart Lancaster has, by mutual consent, stepped down as England head coach.

Question time

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

BBC Sport

Ireland manager Martin O'Neill and striker Robbie Keane are facing the media shortly ahead of Friday's game.

And we'll bring you the best of it soon...

Injury woes for Irish

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

With just over 48 hours to go before their first leg Euro 2016 qualifying play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, it's as you were on the training ground at FAI HQ in Abbotstown. 

Still no Shane Long, Rob Elliot, John O'Shea - who's suspended for the game in Zenica - Paul McShane and Alan Judge. Assistant manager Roy Keane said yesterday that it would be a 'fantastic bonus' if the players became available over the next day or two, but refused to rule anybody out with the second leg of the tie taking place in Dublin on Monday.

'Barca would struggle at Stoke' - Pique

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There's a good article well worth reading in today's Daily Telegraph.

It has an interview with Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, who says his club - generally regarded as the best team in the world - would not win the Premier League.

"I think that if Barcelona or Real Madrid goes to the Premier League then the first year of playing there, there is no chance of winning it," said Pique.

"If you go to Stoke, or other types of teams, then it will be really tough."

So Barcelona are fearful of Stoke. You may never read that statement again. Ever.

Get Involved - Sporting animal tales

Following on from our request for sporting animal tales, we've had this Tweet...

Ftbllrs with Animals: An owl invaded a Euro 2008 qualifier between Belgium and Finland. Wing play was great...

Ftbllrs with animals

More problems at Chelsea

It isn't only Jose Mourinho under pressure at Chelsea, according to today's Sun.

The club's technical director Michael Emenalo is also coming under scrutiny because of Chelsea's poor record in the transfer market.

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The paper points out that Mo Salah, Juan Cuadrado and Filipe Luis are all big-money buys that have flopped.

O'Neill to stay on as boss?

Martin O'Neill has hinted he is ready to extend his reign as Republic of Ireland manager.

The 63-year-old will send his team into Euro 2016 play-off battle with Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday with the two-year deal he signed in November 2013 drawing to a close.

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O'Neill told the Times: "I'm quite happy at this moment in time. It ends when the campaign ends.

"There are friendly games in March, I think, so it will be time to discuss things before those.

"If the FAI are happy with the progress, I think it is something they want. If the games against Bosnia don't go well, they might change their mind, but they have been very supportive."

Can we start again?

It is a cricket update so what else is it going to be other than an England wicket. Alex Hales has gone for four after he edges to Younus Khan at first slip off Anwar Ali. That'll be 14-3.

Follow the horror here.

No charges

Frank Keogh

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Four people arrested after jump jockey Aidan Coleman was allegedly punched by racegoers will face no charges.

Coleman, 27, suffered minor injuries, including two chipped teeth, when two people burst into the riders' changing room on 29 September.

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police told BBC Sport that no further action would be taken.

It is understood Coleman was happy to put the matter behind him, regarding the incident as a one-off.

Well, this is going swimmingly

Oh dear. England have lost another, with Anwar Ali hitting Joe Root in front. Big shout, up goes the finger. Root reviews but it doesn't save him.

Follow the match here.

Heard the one about the square boot?

Ever looked at your football boot and thought, 'hmm, I really wish that it was square-toed'?

Us neither. But for those who did, your luck is in.

Serafino 4th EDGE

The Serafino 4th Edge boot - unveiled in London on Tuesday, reports The Guardian - is a conventional boot in every way except one - the front is squared off to make striking the ball with the toe easier.

Former Premier League boss Harry Redknapp and BBC pundit Garth Crooks are among those who have endorsed the boot.

You can read the full, slightly weird story here.

England 0-1

Good start from England. Jason Roy has gone second ball, bowled by Mohammad Irfan. 0-1 then. Excellent.

You can follow that match (if you can stomach it) by clicking here.

Stopping at the cricket

Time to remember

Sportsday will now pause to observe a silence to remember those who have lost their lives in service of the country.

Fordham targets Lakeside return

Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Andy Fordham is hoping for at least one more chance to play in the BDO World Championships. 

The 2004 winner, who has battled health and alcohol problems for several years, has not played at Lakeside since 2006 and will not feature there in 2016. 

Fordham, 53, qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts for the first time but went out of the tournament on Tuesday. 

"A few people have said about trying to get into the PDC but I'd love to get to Lakeside once more," he told BBC Sport.

We will remember them

Arsenal'sAaron Ramsey and Tottenham's Ben Davies are among the many sports people to tweet about the two-minute silence at 11am to remember the sacrifices millions have made in the service of our country.

Sportsday will, of course, be observing the silence.

Brown extends Quins deal

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England full-back Mike Brown has signed a new contract with club side Harlequins. The 30-year-old is a one-club man and it appears he has no signs of changing that any time soon. 

“I am delighted to sign a new contract with Harlequins," said Brown.

"I believe we have some exciting times ahead of us with the new guys coming into the Club this season and the young talent coming through from the Academy. I feel we can compete at the highest level and push for silverware. "

England team v Pakistan

England win the toss

England have won the toss in the first ODI against Pakistan. They are going to have a bat.

You can follow the match via live text commentary here.

LL loves the Giants

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Ever wanted to know why rapper LL Cool J follows the New York Giants? Of course you have! It's the reason you even got up this morning.

Check out this video as... LL? Mr Cool J?... explains why he is a huge fan of the side and talks about growing up watching his hero Lawrence Taylor.  

Younus to retire from ODIs

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Pakistan batsman Younus Khan is to retire from one-day international cricket after the first match of his country's series against England, which starts today at 11:00 GMT.

The timing does seem a bit odd. However, the 38-year-old was a surprise selection in the squad for the four-match series. 

"I am proud to announce that, after playing for Pakistan for 15 years, I am announcing retirement," said Younus, who will make his 265th ODI appearance today. "I consulted my close friends and family members before taking this decision. As a batsman, I have played a positive role in the team's wins in one-day cricket - and now I realise that its time to keep myself away from limited overs cricket." 

Get Involved - Animal sporting tales

We asked for your tales of animals involved in sport, be it horses interrupting football games, sheep fielding at extra-cover or sharks playing darts (especially that last one)...

Liam Bane: I think #bbcsportsday needs to be informed about #DogsInBristolRoversShirts

Well, you can consider us fully informed now Liam. Informed... but also quite freaked out. If the rest of you have no idea what we're talking about, just have a quick look on Twitter.

Dear Mr Schneiderlin...

Here's a story that, if true, is rather heartwarming.

Manchester United's £27m summer signing Morgan Schneiderlin replies personally to all his fan mail.

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A source at Old Trafford told The Sun: “Morgan takes his responsibility to fans very seriously.He gets dozens of letters a week and because he is at Manchester United and is from France he gets more than most.”

The paper says Schneiderlin, 25, "personally reads each letter, replies including a signed photograph and even hand-writes the envelope ready for postage".

Then again, given footballers work about two hours a day, the lad has plenty of time on his hands.

Baines steps up recovery

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England and Everton defender Leighton Baines will begin his comeback from injury in earnest today when he plays in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

The 30-year-old has yet to play this campaign after suffering an ankle injury on the eve of the new season.

Baines told Everton TV: "Hopefully this game will be another box ticked towards getting some more football fitness and some more confidence back in the ankle."

Get Involved - Animal sporting tales

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You may have seen, on this site, the story involving Oakland Raiders player Ray-Ray Armstrong and his run-in with a police dog. In case you haven't, he basically got himself in a bit of bother by barking and pounding his chest in the direction of said dog, which, as it turns out, is a third degree felony in Pennsylvania.

So, what we would like to know are your own personal sporting animal tales. Maybe a horse interrupted your football match? Perhaps some sheep decided to set up shop at extra-cover in your cricket game? Or possibly a fox dressed as a stork won your local archery contest? Actually, scratch that last one. That's Disney's Robin Hood.

Send your tales to us via Twitter (#bbcsportsday) or text us on 81111 (UK only).

Diack stands down from IOC role

Dan Roan

BBC Sports editor

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Following his suspension, former IAAF president Lamine Diack has now resigned as an honorary member of the IOC.

Back in action

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And while we're talking cricket, a reminder that England are in action today, up against Pakistan in the first of three one-day-internationals between the sides.

Pakistan won the Test series 2-0 so this is a chance for England to gain a measure of revenge.

There will be live text coverage on the BBC Sport website and we'll ring you regular updates here on Sportsday too.

'The pressure is on'

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

Mark Robinson has pedigree and is a well respected coach within the English game, having won two County Championships at Sussex. But they were relegated last season.

He has no international experience - that was something that Clare Connor said was a key attribute for any successful candidate.

But Robinson led an England Lions tour to South Africa at the start of 2015, apparently impressing the ECB during the trip.

This is a step up for the England women with a coach with vast experience at a high level in the men's game, but the pressure is on with success expected at next year's Twenty20 World Cup.

New man in charge

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Mark Robinsonhas been appointed head coach of England women.

He takes over from Paul Shaw, who stepped down as England women's head of performance in September.

Robinson, 48, is first-team coach at Sussex and scheduled to start his new role at the end of the year, in time for the South Africa tour in February.

"To have the chance to play a part in the next chapter for the England women's team is a great honour," the former right-arm seam bowler said.

Growing number

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All quiet at the moment

However, BBC Sport understands that, as yet, Paul Lambert has had no contact with Blackburn.

That's not to say it won't happen though - watch this space.

Lambert to return to management

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Paul Lambert is Blackburn's number one target as they search for a replacement for Gary Bowyer, reports The Sun.

Bowyer was sacked on Tuesday with Rovers 16th in the Championship. Assistant boss Terry McPhillips, and coaches Craig Short, Tony Grant and John Keeley have also left the club.

Lambert, 46, has been out of work since being axed by Villa last season.

Toshack deserves credit

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It's not often John Toshack is given credit for Wales current success but he's been praised by defender Chris Gunter.

"He put a lot of faith into a lot of young players," Gunter said.

"He got the ball rolling and you're always grateful to mangers that hand you debuts, certainly at a young age.

Toshack gave international debuts to Gunter, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey and others during his time in charge, with Gunter is set win his 64th cap in Friday's friendly against the Netherlands.

'How serious is sport?'

'Anti-Yorkshire'

You can't beat a good row - and ladies and gentleman, we have one here.

Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon has branded outspoken Sky Sports pundit Bob Willis as being "anti-Yorkshire".

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Former England captain Willis honed in Adil Rashid and Jonny Bairstow in the wake of England's 2-0 series defeat to Pakistan, calling Rashid "useless" and describing Bairstow as a "rabbit in the headlights".

Moxon told the Yorkshire Post: "I think the criticism is brutal. I just can't watch it any more, to be honest.

"I think Willis is anti-Yorkshire, I'll be honest. "Any chance he gets to have a dig, he will."

On this day

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In 2008, Dutchman John Metgod was unveiled as Portsmouth's first-team coach. Both he and manager Tony Adams were dismissed less than four months later.

Legal action?

Two weeks ago, suspended Fifa president Sepp Blatter suggested there was an agreement in place for Russia to host the 2018 World Cup - before the vote took place.

And now England, the Netherlands and Belgium are seeking legal advice over whether to claim compensation for the cost of their respective failed bids.

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The Dutch and Belgian bid, which cost 10m euros (£7m), went up against another joint venture from Portugal and Spain, as well as individual entries from England and Russia.

England were eliminated after the first round of voting, while the Dutch-Belgian bid finished third in the second round, and Russia went on to be declared winners.

'It's like The Archers'

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Strong words from Football Association chairman Greg Dyke, who has questioned whether any World Cup has been won without "a pile of bungs".

Wolfgang Niersbach quit as president of the German football federation (DFB) amid claims payments were made to officials at world football's governing body Fifa during the bidding process for the 2006 World Cup.

Germany beat England, South Africa and Morocco to host the 2006 event.

"It is like The Archers. Every week something is happening," said Dyke. "You begin to be convinced almost no World Cups have been allocated without a pile of bungs."

Eye-watering deal

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Pep Guardiola will be offered a staggering £17m-a-year to stay as Bayern Munich's manager, and snub a move to the Premier League, according to The Mirror.

But former Bayern defender Willy Sagnol - now coach at Bordeaux - has told the Manchester Evening News that Manchester City would be the perfect place for Guardiola to start a new project.

'Who doesn't miss their mum?'

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Told about Ford's comments at the news conference after his arrival in Sydney, Burgess said: "Mike might be a bit upset and that's fine.

"What did he say? That I missed my mum? Who doesn't miss their mum? I'm not afraid to say that.

"Fordy is entitled to what he wants to say. It is more a reflection on him than me."

Burgess has, of course, re-signed for former club Sydney Rabbitohs, where he said he would remain "for a long time now".

Burgess 'didn't have the stomach'

And the first thing he was asked about was criticism from Bath head coach Mike Ford, who claimed Burgess "didn't have the stomach" to fight for his future in rugby union.

"For me this was the time to roll his sleeves up and become the player that I thought he could be and he chose not to," said Ford.

"I spoke to him about what a fantastic player he could be, and about the investment the club and the players had made in him, and that it was time to repay that.

"But he chose differently."

Burgess back Down Under

Sam Burgess is back in Australia ahead of resuming his rugby league career and has been facing the media.

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From mortgage advisor to the Premier League

BBC Radio 5 Live

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Tyrone Mings reveals how he quit his job as a mortgage advisor to become a professional footballer. However, after getting injured in a trial game his career in the game was nearly over before it began.

'Hey dog'

We'll have more on the athletics - because there will inevitably be more - as the day progresses, but now let's turn our attention to a dog and one of the more bizarre stories you'll read today.

American football player Ray-Ray Armstrong is under police investigation for barking and pounding his chest at a police dog.

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The 24-year-old - that's Armstrong, not the dog - reportedly lifted his shirt and taunted the animal shortly before the start of Oakland Raiders NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday..

The linebacker could be charged with taunting a police K-9, a third degree felony in Pennsylvania.

Police deputy Maria Watts said Armstrong was shouting "hey dog, hey dog" after leaving the locker room before the game.

"No-one in the department, from the sheriff down, is happy about this," added Watts.

Disciplinary proceedings against athletes

Russian athletes accused of doping should have disciplinary proceedings brought against them, according to the International Olympic Committee.

The IOC has requested the IAAF take action after a damning report into widespread doping was released.

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Mariya Savinova, who won gold in the 800m at London 2012, and Ekaterina Poistogova, bronze medallist in the same race, are among five athletes who should be given life bans, according to the independent report commissioned by Wada.

Meanwhile, Lamine Diack has been provisionally suspended as an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee.

And Russia is not the only country with systemic doping problems, according to UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner. "This iceberg spreads in two different directions," he said. "I suspect there are probably four, five or six nations that athletics has a problem with."

'Dereliction of duty'

In the Independent, marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe has a pop at Wada.

Independent

The fall-out continues...

Let's start with the athletics because, to be honest, it's what everyone is talking about.

You know the script right? Wada - that's the World Athletics Doping Association - asked an independent commission to examine allegations of doping, cover-ups, and extortion in Russian athletics.

It did and what they found was dynamite.

Russia was accused of running a "state-supported" doping programme and the commission recommended the country be banned from athletics competitions.

Since then, as you'd expect, it's all been kicking off big-style. Here are the latest developments...

Wednesday's paper

Daily Star

Wednesday's papers

Daily Express

Wednesday's papers

The Times

Wednesday's papers

The Sun

Wednesday's papers

The Mirror

Morning

England play Spain in Alicante on Friday and today there's a news conference ahead of the game (I'd have said big game but it clearly isn't, just a bit of a friendly kickabout so both coaches can fine-tune a few things ahead of the Euros).

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That's scheduled for 13:00 GMT - we'll bring you it as it happens.

We'll also have the continuing fall-out from the athletics scandal - and trust us, there's loads of it - plus all the breaking news throughout the day.

Welcome to Sportsday, let's have a shufty at the papers...