Sportsday live - rolling sports news

1. League Cup quarter-final: Southampton v Liverpool build-up
2. Lord Coe appears before DCMS committee over athletics doping scandal
3. Wladimir Klitschko takes up contractual option to fight Tyson Fury again
4. VOTE: Who will win the rematch?
5. Gary Neville to coach Valencia until end of season

Goodbye

That's all from Sportsday for today, thanks for joining us. 

Our live text coverage of the League Cup quarter-final between Southampton and Liverpool is just getting under way here. Join Andy Cryer for all the action.

Make sure you come back from 08:00 GMT tomorrow for the latest breaking sports news. Until then, goodbye.

Match facts

• Southampton have made the quarter-finals for the second successive season, but they lost at this stage to Sheffield United in 2014-15. The last time they went beyond this stage was in 1987, losing to opponents Liverpool in the semi-final.
• Eight-time winners Liverpool are looking to reach the semi-final stage for the third time in five seasons.
• Southampton have lost their last two home games (in all competitions) v Liverpool, having won the previous three in a row.
• The Reds have progressed in three of the last four League Cup ties against Southampton, most recently on their way to winning the trophy in 2002-03.

What the managers say

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman: "It's very important because Southampton only have two opportunities to win a title - the FA Cup and the League Cup - so it's important because we want to reach the semi-finals.

"It's a great game to play. It's sold out and Liverpool are doing well under a new manager.

"We know Liverpool like to press and if you beat the press then you have a lot of options and possibilities. We showed that in the second half against Manchester City."

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: "The biggest fault you can make is to think about the next round. Only Southampton. They're pretty hot on this game, they've lost their last two games and they want to strike back.

"The quarter-finals is still far away from the final. But I'm excited and looking forward to the game. I can't say yet what team I'll play.

"I hear Southampton and Liverpool are not the best friends, so it will be a feisty game."

Team news

Reuters

Southampton are missing captain Jose Fonte after he injured his knee against Manchester City on Saturday.

His replacement in that match, Steven Caulker, is set to deputise, while Saints manager Ronald Koeman has no other injury concerns.

Philippe Coutinho (hamstring) could return to the Liverpool squad and Adam Bogdan is likely to start in goal.

Lucas Leiva is back from suspension and Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson are both available after foot injuries.

We're now going to look ahead to tonight's League Cup tie between Southampton and Liverpool...

Fury gets the decision - again

Thanks to all of you who have taken part in our Sportsday vote over who will win the rematch between new world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and the man he deposed, Wladimir Klitschko.

The vote is now closed and, like their fight at the weekend, there wasn't much in it.

It's Briton Fury who is favoured - garnering 53% of the votes to Klitschko's 47%.

Read our story about the rematch, announced today,here.

Mary Evans Picture Library

British pair pick up silvers

British duo Adam Peaty and Hannah Miley have won silver medals on the opening day of the European Short Course Championships in Israel. 

Triple world champion Peaty missed out on gold in the men's 50m breaststroke by just one hundredth of a second to Damir Dugonjic of Slovenia.

And Commonwealth champion Miley claimed a hard-fought second in the 400m individual medley behind Hungary's Katinka Hosszu, who had set a new world record in the heats earlier on Wednesday.

Bevan refuses to give up on Rio

Teenager Brinn Bevan believes he still has a "slim chance" of being part of the British team at the Rio Olympics despite breaking his left tibia and fibula last month.

The 18-year-old suffered the injury after landing on a concrete floor while vaulting.

"I don't think the Olympic Games is fully out of reach, it is going to be tough, but there is still a small chance I can push for a place in that team," he told BBC Look East.

PA

Sweden coach looks to home comforts

Sweden coach Erik Hamren has named a squad of almost entirely domestic-based players for upcoming friendlies against Finland and an as-yet undecided opponent.

Twenty players from the Swedish league and three players from the Danish league have been picked, none of them with more than five caps.

"It's a good chance for players who haven't been here so much to show what they can do and fight for a place," Hamren said. "It the same as it is for everyone else - they have to perform."

Matty James to return

Jason Bourne

BBC Radio Leicester Sport

Leicester City midfielder Matty James is set to make his comeback from long-term injury in tonight's U21 clash against Villarreal in the Premier League International Cup.

James has been out of action since May when he injured his knee in a win over Southampton.

Ben Hamer, Yohan Benalouane and Nathan Dyer are also set to feature in the "must win" game if they're to reach the quarter finals.

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Frustration a 'positive' for Taylor

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Batsman James Taylor says three years of receiving phone calls about his omission from England's Test team inspired his push for a recall. 

Taylor, 25, featured in the third Test against Pakistan last month - his first cap since playing against South Africa in 2012. 

"It was frustrating. The phone calls I had thinking I had been picked for a tour and it was 'no, sorry James you haven't been picked again'," he said. 

"But I used it as a positive. I tried to use it as kick up the backside."

Ribery nears comeback

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery took part in training today after nearly nine months out with an ankle injury.

The 32-year-old hopes to make his comeback on 12 December in a league game at Bavarian neighbours Ingolstadt.   

"It's a super day for me and very emotional," said Ribery. "It was the first long injury of my career and was a difficult situation for me.

"But that's football and that's life, it's important to always keep your head up and to work hard.

"It's a good feeling to be back in the team. I have felt much better in the last two weeks, I can do anything with the ball."

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Coe grilled by parliamentary committee

Patrick Cowling

BBC News, Westminster

How does this committee session compare to most?

At three hours this committee meeting was not exactly a walk in the park for Lord Coe, but when compared to what leading bankers were put through during the financial crash or when public officials are caught with their hand in the till, this was not one for the record books.

There is sometimes a sense in committee sessions that MPs can smell blood at points and go in for the kill on exposed witnesses. We didn't see much of that today although there were some frosty moments during the questions about Lord Coe and Nike.

Lord Coe was asked some very blunt questions about his competence and ability to lead world athletics, and how well he answered those questions is for the committee and the viewers to decide.

Coe grilled by parliamentary committee

And with that, the session draws to a close. Jesse Norman thanks Lord Coe for his attendance, and the IAAF president departs.

Coe grilled by parliamentary committee

There is a serious disagreement between Coe and head of the committee Jesse Norman over the report by the University of Tubingen that found one-third of athletes surveyed at the World Athletics Championships in Daegu in 2011.

Coe says the IAAF will not disclose the entire document until they can be sure that "the methodology is sound".

"I don't find that at all satisfactory," says Jesse Norman. "If you're not disclosing it, you're withholding it."

Coe grilled by parliamentary committee

Coe is very bullish on his (now terminated) relationship with Nike: "I chose not to maintain my relationship with Nike because I didn't want it to become a distraction. I don't think that I could possibly be any more transparent."

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Coe grilled by MPs

The MP for  the City of Chester Christian Mathesonsays he had never heard of Eugene, Oregon, until it was given the World Athletics Championships in 2021, and says that being a city with no international airport it is not really a credible host for the competition.

Mr Matheson adds that Chester has a similar population to Eugene and asks what chances his city has of winning the Championships.

Lord Coeresponds that Eugene has a "rich history" of track and field in the USA and says the city "was a perfectly credible city" to hold a World Athletics Championship, "and frankly with more athletic tradition than most cities" he adds.

BBC Sport

Coe grilled by MPs

Coe grilled by MPs

Patrick Cowling

BBC News, Westminster

What does this have to do with blood doping in athletics?

As president of the IAAF, Lord Coe has been asked to attend this committee hearing to tell MPs exactly what he knew about the scandal, as well as what his plans are to deal with it.

Questions like the one about potential conflicts of interest with Nike are relevant both because of their topicality but also because it calls into question Lord Coe's judgement as president of the IAAF.

In an inquiry into poor governance in world athletics, the committee is entitled to ask such questions of the man who will be taking the IAAF forward to deal with the doping scandal.

BreakingCahill signs new contract

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has signed a new four-year contract.

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Neville appointed Valencia coach

Former England striker Gary Lineker was at Barcelona for part of Terry Venables' stint as manager of the Spanish club...

Get Involved

Tony: New York Yankees... leading in final inning of game 4, already 3 games up in a best of 7 series, they lost the series...

Tim Stubbs: '93 Jana Navotná 3rd set 4-1 up in Wimbledon final vs Stephi Graf but loses. I recall tears on the Duchess of Kent's shoulder

Elwyn Evans: Paul Bodin. Cardiff Arms Park. Heartbreaking.

Keep the suggestions coming in on Twitter at #bbcsportsday

Klitschko v Fury II

Who do you think will win the rematch? Have your say by voting above. 

Full terms and conditions are available here.

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Klitschko v Fury II

Mike Costello

BBC Radio 5 live boxing commentator

Klitschko tweeted couple of days ago how he was still suffering, and that sentiment explains why he as committed to the rematch only four days after his defeat. 

The setback against Fury ended an unbeaten run for Klitschko, stretching back 11 years and 22 fights. 

At this stage, there's no mention of date or venue for the return. They'll be decided with a view to maximising the purse for each boxer. 

Although Klitschko turns 40 in March, the contest against Fury was the first in a new 5 fight deal with the German broadcaster RTL. 

So, as he said in another online posting this week, 'the story will continue'.

Coe grilled by parliamentary committee

Lord Coe is asked about ending his 38-year ambassadorial paid role with US sportswear giant Nike following conflict of interest claims over the 2021 World Championships going to Eugene, Oregon, where Nike is based.

"Ive had a long relationship with them," said Coe. "I made the judgement given the level of noise around the relationship. 

"This had become a monstrous distraction. Reality and perception had become horribly entangled and I didn't want anything to distract from changes I have implemented.

"In hindsight, if I thought the noise would have escalated would I have got rid of it beforehand, yes I would have."

Coe grilled by parliamentary committee

Lord Coe praises the risk taken by whistleblowers, both within and outside the IAAF, before he is asked about how he felt about allegations of corruption over his predecessor Lamine Diack. 

"Shocked, suffused with sorrow and anger," says Coe.

"Lamine Diack had been president since 2000 and he became a council leader in 1976. I said he would be seen as a spiritual leader for the sport. Clearly, if I was sitting with a charge sheet in front of me I would not have said that.

"No," answers Coe when asked if he had heard any whispers about Diack's conduct.

Klitschko v Fury II - who will win?

After Wladimir Klitschko announced he was going to take up the option of a rematch with Tyson Fury, we want to know - who do you think will win? 

Have your say by clicking above. Voting opens at 16:30 GMT. Full terms and conditions are available here.

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Coe grilled by MPs on doping

When asked by MP Julie Elliott about the 'no start' rules, Thomas Capdevielle, the Anti-Doping Senior Manager/Acting Operations Director at the IAAF says that the regulations were in many ways "a permit to dope" as they allowed athletes to treat the threshold as a "limit they could not cross, but anything below the red line they were free to dope".

The 'no start' rule allowed the use of data from biological passports to keep athletes with abnormal values out of competition for a certain period of time.  

BBC

Coe grilled on doping

Lord Coe says he has not spoken to the Russian Athletics Federeation (Araf) as it is suspended and the IAAF is waiting on the "new structures" it puts in place.

"The night that they got suspended my council colleague made the presentation to the council. The council decided evidence in Wada report was enough for suspension yo be upheld."

Selby sees off Poomjaeng

Mark Selby has beaten Thailand's Dechawat Poomjaeng 6-1 in their fourth round match at the UK Championship and then took time out to take a selfie with the BBC sport team at the Barbican in York.

You can currently watch the action on BBC Two or here on the website...

German player to referee girls' game as punishment

A German football player could be made to referee a girls' match as punishment after making sexist remarks to a female referee.

Fortuna Dusseldorf's Kerem Demirbay told German FA (DFB) referee Bibiana Steinhaus that "women have no place in football" after she sent him off for a second yellow card late in his side's 2-1 win at FSV Frankfurt last weekend.

But Fortuna's interim CEO said: "It would be a good thing, if he really wants to prove his true opinion of women, if he goes to a girl's football match -- as a referee."

Fury and Wilder trade verbal blows

Meanwhile, a war of words has erupted on Twitter between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, who holds the other version of the heavyweight world title.

Fury called out Wilder, tweeting:"How about a unification fight for all the belts? I'll destroy you."

Wilder responded: "Your horrible singing after the fight was more impressive than the fight itself. I'm ready whenever fat boy..."

PA

Coe grilled on doping

MP Andrew Bingham says that reputation-wise, Coe was 'king of the world' after the London Olympics, but that his reputation is "back on the line."

"Do you really think you can break this culture?"

Once again, Coe repeats his line. "Yes, I have to. Because if I don't, there are no tomorrows for this sport. 

"We have to get back to the belief that we have coaches, athletes, team doctors, everyone believing that it is possible to compete cleanly.

"My father would have killed someone who suggested that I took anything that enhanced my performance."

Coe grilled on doping

MP Andrew Bingham takes his turn now, and asks whether the blood data of all athletes should be published, after some athletes' data was released via the media. 

Lord Coe is unequivocal. 

"No. The way that some of those profiles have been used has damaged the reputation of clean athletes. The issue for us is clear - we need systems in place that can follow up on suspicions. We do - we've just taken medals away from some athletes from the 2005 world championships. 

"Just putting data out into the public domain as raw data is not good for clean athletes."

Coe grillde on doping

You can watch Lord Coe's appearance in front of a Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee by clicking on 'live coverage' above. 

Coe grilled on doping

Coe is asked whether he regrets taking up his role...

"Not for one moment. The sport has been very good to me. I started life as an athlete. Athletics will always define me."

BBC Sport

Coe grilled on doping

Asked if there is an acceptance with the IAAF that doping is acceptable, Lord Coe rebuffs that accusation.

"If I go back to the immediate challenge we have there is Russia's ban and allegations made about some people in the IAAF.

"If you say IAAF has acceptance that doping is acceptable, I don't accept that."

Klitschko takes rematch option

Tyson Fury hasn't yet responded to the news, but his camp had confirmed that a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko was written into the contract.

“I want to be a great champion,” he said after Saturday's fight. “And I’d like to do it all again. One thing I can say about the rematch is that it’s going to be explosive.”  

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His promoter Mick Hennessey said: “Wembley Stadium would be very appealing at the right time of year, definitely. It was close to 55,000 in Düsseldorf. It would easily do 80,000 at Wembley. But it would have to be at the end of the football season.”  

Coe grilled on doping

Coe is asked about recent allegations concerning Kenya, and whether he has suspicions about other federations? 

"Dick Pound, the chair of independent commission, has made it clear this is not simply about Russia, and not simply about athletics. People tend to forget this is not simply about athletics. I will await with interest the second report. It may throw more light on other areas that we need to be concerned about."

Is there more to come from the second part of the Wada report?

"I don't know. I genuinely don't know the answer to that. There's a lot of speculation around it, but we have no prior knowledge of what is in the report. If it shows there is systematic failure, we will address it."

Coe points out that Russia has been suspended, "making sure that clean athletes in Russia can re-enter competition when we are satisfied that that criteria has been met'. It's not for any other organisation on when they return. That power rests with the IAAF."

Coe grilled on doping

Having been an Olympic goal medal-winning athlete in his athletics career in the 1970 and 1980s, Lord Coe is asked if there as there a period when Russia, who have been banned by the IAAF, was clean?

"I genuinely don't know the answer," he says. "We have to recognise it is have a global problem. 

"In the 1960s and 70s the Eastern Bloc countries would have said they were only doing what was going on in American campuses.

"This is a lot more enlightened environment. I would not be coming to a select committeee. I don't know the prevalence. Have to assume fewer systems."

Klitschko takes rematch option

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More on the news that Wladimir Klitschko has decided to exercise the option of a rematch against Tyson Fury.

Klitschko says: "I couldn't show my potential at any time [in Saturday's fight]. This is what I want to change in the rematch - and I will. Failure is not a option."

There is no indication of a date for the prospective rematch, and Fury's camp are yet to comment.

BreakingKlitschko takes rematch option

Wladimir Klitschko has decided to exercise the rematch clause in his contract for the fight against Tyson Fury.

Klitschko was dethroned as world champion on Saturday, but says: "I want to show that I am much better than my performance on Saturday."

Coe grilled on doping

Asked about how much the IAAF spends on catching cheats, Lord Coe says it is about four million dollars (£2.67m)

"I'll do whatever it takes to make sure we have systems in place," says Lord Coe. 

"The integrity unit will come with more cost, we'll double it if we have to."

BBC Sport

Coe grilled

MP Christian Matheson now takes his turn to grill Lord Coe. 

He asks what he's done to improve governance of the IAAF since taking over as president. 

"I've brought in an independent chaired audit committee to make sure that contracts and procurement is done appropriately. I've amended ethics code - the fact insiders can now discuss in more detail investigations is because I lifted confidentiality clauses. I created a platform for whistleblowers."

Coe grilled on doping

Lord Coe is asked again on his role as IAAF president and how much he knew.

"I am happy to conceded there was too much power invested in too few people," he answers.

"Can those structures be changed, yes. We have to lower the walls. Will I put the systems in place, yes. Can I put in systems quickly, yes. 

"Can i regain trust, that will take longer."

You can watch Lord Coe's appearance by clicking 'live coverage' above. 

Coe grilled on doping

Lord Coe speaks about what he has done since becoming IAAF president and says: "Every thing I have done since becoming president is bringing in more internal and external scrutiny."

Asked why he thinks he is the right man to clean up the sport, he says: "I have the experience to do that and I have the support of the sport. Have there been failures? Yes. Will I fix them? Yes.

"If I don't do that I know there will be no tomorrows in our sport. 

"I want a responsible and accountable sport. I want a sport people can trust."

Athletics

Hughes wants regular semi-finals

PA

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes says he wants reaching cup semi-finals to become "the norm" for the club.

They reached the last four of the League Cup by beating Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday - a trophy they won back in 1972.

"We're very much in the mix and whoever gets us will understand it'll be difficult for them to get to the final," the Welshman told BBC Radio Stoke.

Coe grilled on doping

Lord Coe is asked the same question many times by Labour MP Ian Lucas, and then followed up the head of the committee Jesse Norman MP. 

"Has action been taken fast enough following you going into the IAAF as Vice President in 2007 to deal with doping?"

Coe concedes that more could have been done in the past, and that there were failures, but the right work is being done. 

BBC Sport

Coe grilled on doping

Ian Lucas MP asks Lord Coe what he knew on doping in his role as IAAF vice-president.

"I was aware that we had a problem but not the specific numbers," says Coe.

"If you're asking specifically about names and numbers, I would not have known that."

"Every six months the anti-doping unit would deliver its progress, that was the extent of information we were given. Was I aware the problem was escalating? Yes."

You can watch Lord Coe's appearance by clicking 'live coverage' above.

Athletics

Patrick Cowling

BBC News, Westminster

MPs on the committee collect evidence from witnesses in sessions like this or in written form from interested and relevant parties in the inquiry - all of which goes towards a report setting out the committee's findings and recommendations to the government.

The government must respond to each of the report's recommendations within two months of publication.

Whether or not this will result in direct action by the government is hard to tell until we see the committee's report and recommendations.

BBC Sport

Coe grilled on doping

Asked if more could have been done to follow up on suspicions of doping, Lord Coe says: "Is one to many? Yes. 

"It would be wrong to say we did not follow up on these, we have. I'm dragging these out from the back of my head but I think there have been about 80 prosecutions from biological passports."

You can watch Lord Coe's appearance by clicking 'live coverage' above.

Coe grilled on doping

MP Damian Collins commends Lord Coe for taking questions from the committee and then asks if he regrets using the term 'declaration of war' when referring to allegations of widespread doping in athletics.

"It probably expressed my frustration and anger at the time," said Coe. "I was being contacted by clean athletes and coaches at how they were having their reputations imperiled. 

"Paula Radcliffe is a very good example of that."

BBC Sport

"We welcomed press intrusion. This was never about a attack on the media. It was specifically aimed at my frustration.

"I stick by the sentiments, but I might have chosen other language."

You can watch Lord Coe's appearance by clicking 'live coverage' above.

Coe grilled on doping

For anyone wondering why the committee room is so full while Parliament debates whether or not to extend UK aerial bombing to Syria, MPs who were present at the start of the debate at 11:30 GMT this morning are allowed to leave the Commons chamber for committee meetings and other important engagements.

MPs in this committee room can return to the Syria debate later.

BBC

Culture, Media and Sport Committee

You can watch Lord Coe's appearance by clicking 'live coverage' above. 

Coe grilled on doping

Lord Coe is asked about his comments that anti-doping allegations were a "declaration of war". Was he wrong?

Coe says he was talking about the "selective use of data to imperil the reputation of clean athletes", not the media in general.

"What I took exception to was the way that clean athletes were being traduced, and Wada themselves described that as improper use of data," he says.

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Coe grilled on doping

Coe is asked if doping defrauds clean athletes.

He says: "If there are failures in the anti-doping protocols, the biggest losers are the clean athletes. They may well be having medals taken off them. 

"But I have a concern about criminalising the athletes, because I have a concern about putting a civil system alongside a criminal system. I think it's best for it to be a sporting sanction."

Coe grilled on doping

An easy one for Lord Coe first up. He's asked what his view is on blood doping.

He says: "That's a very simple concept for me. I joined an athletics club at the age of 11 and have competed at pretty much every level. It is a non-negotiable concept that athletes must compete with integrity. 

"This is about trust - the trust that spectators have in what they're watching taking place at the stadium. If a sport shows any ambivalence at all towards doping, people will find other sports. It is the cornerstone of all my beliefs."

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Doping in athletics

The Culture Media and Sport Committee is taking evidence this afternoon from Lord Coe, President of the IAAF and Thomas Capdevielle, the Federation's Anti-Doping Senior Manager/Acting Operations Director.

This is part of the committee's inquiry into blood doping in athletics.

The committee is able to undertake inquiries into areas of current interest that come under its remit.

The committee's inquiry page and evidence collected so far can be found here.

Coe grilled on doping

Lord Coe is just about to appear in front of a committee of MPs, who will question him over the doping in athletics scandal. 

We'll bring you the latest, or you can watch by clicking 'live coverage' above.

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Would Guardiola exit be good for Bundesliga?

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Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola's future is the source of plenty of debate with his contract with the German club expiring next summer and the Spaniard being linked with Manchester City.

Former Arsenal keeper Jens Lehman believes that, while it would be good for Bayern if Guardiola extended his spell with them, it would not be great for the rest of the Bundesliga. 

"It would be good for Bayern, because finding an adequate successor would be tricky," Lehmann told German daily Bild.

"For the rest of the league it would be better when he goes and perhaps it will become a bit more exciting." 

Fury celebrates...with 10,000-calorie Nando's

Heavyweight boxing. It's all about endurance. Twelve rounds, soaking up punch after punch, and then when it's all over, noshing your way through a 10,000-calorie Nando's.

Yes, the Sun reports that after beating Wladimir Klitschko on Saturday night, Britain's new world champion treated himself to 16 double chicken wraps, six portions of chips, and five corns on the cob. Cost? £201. Total calorie intake? 9,936 - four times the daily recommended amount.

Now that really is cheeky.

PA

Gary Neville to coach Valencia

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Could all Premier League matches be screened live?

That's the suggestion of Virgin Media chief Tom Mockridge, who says it is wrong that only 40 per cent of Premier League matches are shown live and that elsewhere in Europe every single match is available to be watched by television viewers.

He says the Premier League could follow the example of the NFL in the USA where regional blackouts operate to protect attendances - for example viewers in the Manchester area could not watch live home games involving the Manchester clubs.

Vince to captain Lions for T20 series

Hampshire batsman James Vince will captain England's second-string Lions side in their T20 series against Pakistan - despite being named man of the series in the senior team's T20 series.

Sam Billings, Reece Topley and Stephen Parry - who also impressed in the main series - are also named in the Lions squad.

Danny Briggs, Liam Dawson, Tom Curran and Jamie Overton have all been promoted to the Lions from the England Performance Programme.

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Get Involved

Vince: Has to be Guillermo Coria in the 2004 French Open final surely. Two championship points and still lost.

Dave Walker: Worst choke? Greg Norman in the 1996 Masters, had a 6 stroke lead and then carded a 78 to lose to Faldo who shot a 67.

El Barrio: Man Utd surrendering a 15 point lead to Arsenal in the 97/98 season. Much worse than Newcastle in 95/96.

Keep the suggestions coming in on Twitter at #bbcsportsday.

'Door will always be open'

Gary Neville has won plenty of plaudits for his insight and analysis during his time as a Sky Sports pundit since 2011 but he will leave the role after taking over as Valencia head coach until the end of the season.

"We wish Gary all the very best as he returns to football with our blessing and begins his managerial career with Valencia,” Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis told the Guardian.

“He will always be a friend of Sky Sports and we look forward to following the next chapter of his career closely, not least during our weekly La Liga coverage. And of course, the door will always be open should he wish to return.”

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Gary Neville appointed Valencia head coach

Budapest rejects Games referendum

The Hungarian city of Budapest has decided not to hold a referendum on the city's Olympic bid.

Budapest is one of four remaining candidate cities for the 2024 Olympics. Former candidate city Hamburg withdrew on Sunday after its citizens voted against hosting the Games in a referendum.

City councillors voted 16-14 against the proposal to hold a referendum, which had been put forward by Hungary's opposition party. Budapest mayor Istvan Tarlos described the motion as "political demagoguery".

Neville named Valencia head coach

Former England and Manchester United right-back Gary Neville will hold a news conference at 15:00 GMT on Thursday at Valencia after being announced as the club's new head coach until the end of the season. 

Get Involved

After Thepchaiya Un-Nooh's black-ball miss for a 147, we're asking you for your examples of the worst sporting chokes... .  

Finn Blake: Gavin Hastings missing from in front of the posts against England in the semi-final of RWC 1991

Simon Richardson: Biggest choke? How about every time South Africa play in the ODI World Cup?

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South Africa throw away victory in the last over of the 1999 World Cup semi-final against Australia

Jack Berry: Newcastle United spurning a 12-point lead in the 95/96 season to gift the Premiership to Man Utd. Cue Keegan's 'Love it' rant! 

Flemming Jensen: Nothing comes really close to Jean van de Velde's melt-down. Honourable mention to Jana Novotna at 1993 Wimbledon, though. 

Keep sending us your thoughts using #bbcsportsday on Twitter.

Watch live

The fourth round of the UK Championship is taking place at the barbican in York and you canwatch live hereor by turning on to BBC Two.

The matches are:

Peter Ebden v David Grace

Dechawat Poomjaeng v Mark Selby

PA

How have British managers fared in Europe?

.

Gary Neville has been named Valencia head coach and, from Sir Bobby Robson, Roy Hodgson and Terry 'El Tel', BBC Sport looks back at other British managers who have worked abroad.

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Gary Neville to Valencia

Keep sending us your thoughts on Gary Neville's appointment as Valencia manger until the end of the season. 

Charles Davis: I reckon Phil Neville's interview for the Valencia job didn't last very long. First question "Whats your brother's number?" 

Shane Long: Good luck to Gary & Phil Neville at Valencia.Stepping stone perhaps for the big job at Manchester United one day

Stephen: One thing is for sure, there won't be any slackers during rest of season for Valencia, thanks to Gary Neville 

Nul Points: Gary Neville to Valencia? Should surely have been Neville to Seville

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'Lyon must-win for Valencia'

Valencia are ninth in La Liga and play Barcelona in the Spanish top flight on Saturday the day before Gary Neville takes over as the Mestalla club's head coach.

However, as BBC Sport's Spanish football writer Andy West points, they face a more important game in the Champions League at home to Lyon in his first game in charge on Wednesday. Valencia are third in their group and must beat Lyon in their final game to stand a chance of progressing to the last 16.

The Peter Lim connection

The owner of Valencia is Peter Lim, who tried to buy Liverpool, bought a 50% stake in Salford City in September 2014.

Lim bought a share in Salford shortly after ex-Manchester United quintet Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt took over the club.

Neville named Valencia coach

Hodgson on Neville

More from Roy Hodgson on Gary Neville: 

“Gary’s commitment to The FA’s preparations for Euro 2016 will not be in any way affected by the fact that he will be coaching abroad during the next five months. 

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"As someone who has spent a large part of my coaching career working abroad, I salute his decision and hope he gains as much from his time in Spain as I have done from the various countries in which I have worked."

"Like the rest of the England coaching staff, Gary will be fully committed to preparing for the Euros in France and our friendly matches which begin in March against Germany and Holland. 

"I wish him and his brother Phil the very best of luck as they prepare for their first match versus Lyon in the Champions League." 

Hodgson "100% behind" Neville decision

Roy Hodgson has given his backing to Gary Neville's appointment as Valencia head coach until the end of the season. 

In an FA statement, Hodgson says “I'm delighted that Gary has decided to take this excellent opportunity. It's the right moment in time for him and I'm 100 per cent behind his decision"

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Neville joined Hodgson on the England coaching staff in 2012, signing a four-year contract. 

Hodgson said “As far as I’m concerned, this will be an extra string to his bow and the experience he will gain working in the Spanish league can only be beneficial to our work together with the England team."

'Neville hugely respected'

Former England and Manchester United right-back Gary Neville will take his first job in management after being appointed head coach at Valencia until the end of the season.

"We are delighted to have secured Gary so quickly," said Valencia president Layhoon Chan.

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"He combines top level coaching experience through his role as a senior coach with the England national team and a world-class playing career with England and Manchester United.

"Throughout his career Gary has always shown great leadership both on and off the pitch. 

"He is hugely respected in English football and it was his personal qualities which persuaded us that he was the right choice to lead Valencia until the end of the season."

Gary Neville named Valencia coach

It seems Neville's Sky Sports colleague is going to miss him...

Neville to stay with England

PA

Gary Neville is part of England manager's coaching set up and he will combine his role with being Valencia head coach.

He will stay in his England role until the end of Euro 2016, while his brother Phil Neville will remain on coaching staff at Valencia.

Neville named Valencia coach

Gary Neville will take over from Nuno Espirito Santo, who resigned at the end of last month.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity with Valencia," said Neville, whose brother Phil is assistant coach at the La Liga outfit.

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"Valencia are a huge football club of immense standing and I know from my time as a player the passion and dedication of the Valencia fans.

“I am really looking forward to working with the club’s talented group of players and am excited about the challenge ahead.”

Neville named Valencia coach

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Neville's first match will be the Champions League clash with Lyon on 9 December.

He will take charge on Sunday and will not be involved in Saturday's match against Barcelona.

Neville named Valencia coach

Gary Neville takes charge at a club where his brother Phil is already on the staff as assistant manager.

Gary Neville has been working as an assistant coach to England manager Roy Hodgson since 2012, and has also won praise for his insightful punditry work.

Neville named Valencia coach

Gary Neville has been named the new Valencia head coach, the club have confirmed.

"Valencia CF have today appointed Gary Neville as head coach until the end the season," said a statement from the Spanish club.

"He will officially take charge of the first team on Sunday, 6 December ahead of the Uefa Champions League match against Lyon at Mestalla on Wednesday, 9 December."

Terry in the festive mood

Now we're into December, Sportsday makes no apologies for exposing you to as much Christmas-related content as possible.

To that end, here's a heartwarming snap of John Terry helping his son to decorate the tree, posted on the Chelsea skipper's Instagram.

All together now...aaaaahhhh.

John Terry/Instagram

BreakingHasselbaink free to go - Burton

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Burton Albion have confirmed that they will allow Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to speak to QPR about the vacant manager's role, the club have confirmed on their website. 

Earlier on Wednesday QPR made an official approach for the Dutchman, who has guided Burton to the top of League One. 

Earlier defender Damien McCrory told BBC Radio Derby "We are hopeful that we can keep hold of him,"

"But none of the lads will hold grudges against him if he does decide to move on because it is great opportunity."

Question of Sport Teaser

It's teaser time. Here's today's offering from the team at Question of Sport:

We'll bring you the answers this afternoon.

Colchester name Brown as caretaker

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Colchester have appointed Wayne Brown as caretaker manager, with John McGreal assisting the former U's defender. 

The League One club have been without a manager since Tony Humes left by mutual consent last week.

Get Involved

Ben Smith: Biggest sporting choke has to be Lindsey Jacobellis at the winter Olympics in 2006. Threw gold away showboating in snowboard X

Not a bad shout at all, Ben. For those of you who don't remember, Jacobellis had a big lead in the final of the first ever women's snowboard cross. She decided to grab her board on the final jump, but fell, eventually ending up with silver.

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Hareide to quit Malmo amid Denmark rumours

Malmo coach Age Hareide has announced he will step down from the Swedish club amid speculation that he will take charge of Denmark.

Norwegian Hareide, 62, will quit after Malmo's Champions League game against Real Madrid on 12 December.

If appointed, he will be only Denmark's fifth coach since 1979. Morten Olsen stepped down last month after 15 years at the helm.

EPA

Get Involved

After Thepchaiya Un-Nooh's black-ball miss for a 147, we're asking you for your examples of the worst sporting chokes... A Devon Loch moment...

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Jockey Dick Francis gets up after Devon Loch fell when leading the 1956 Grand National.

Jamie Pragnell: Jimmy White's missed black in the 1994 World Snooker final against Stephen Hendry still haunts me to this day!

Chicken Talha Masala: 2007 T20 World Cup final. 6 needed from 4. 1 wicket remained. Misbah on strike. Next ball straight scoop up and out. India win

Send us your thoughts using #bbcsportsday on Twitter

Steyn out of fourth India Test

South African pace bowler Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the fourth and final Test of the series against India with an ongoing groin injury.

Steyn, the world's number one ranked bowler, has bowled only 11 overs in the series, while South Africa also lost fellow paceman Vernon Philander after the first Test. 

India have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series ahead of the final game which begins in Delhi tomorrow. South Africa's next Test series is against England, beginning on December 26.

AP

Fulham consider Warburton move

Richard Wilson

BBC Scotland

Championship club Fulham have identified Rangers manager Mark Warburton as a candidate for their vacant managerial role.

Warburton refused to be drawn on the speculation, saying: "We're into a long-term project at Rangers and we're in a good place right now."

BBC Sport understands that there is recognition from Fulham that they may have to wait until the January transfer window before the situation is resolved. 

PA

Stoke City legend says current side are better

Stoke City legend Denis Smith says he thinks the current side under Mark Hughes are better than the 1972 League Cup-winning side he played for.

The Potters progressed to the last four of this year's tournament with a 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday last night.

And Smith told Radio 5 live: "This is the best squad they've had since the 70s. It's a better squad than the 70s because it's got more depth. They could get into Europe through the league this year."

Hughes targets League Cup glory

The last time Stoke made it to the semi-finals of the League Cup was in 1971-72 when they went on to win the competition.

Having beaten Sheffield Wednesday to reach the last four of this year's competition, does manager Mark Hughes believes his side are capable of winning it again?

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"Yes, I think so," he said. "Southampton we beat a couple of weeks back, last season we did the double over Everton and beat Manchester City, and Liverpool, I seem to recall, we beat in the last game of the season, so we have got a chance.

"It's the first time we have got to a League Cup semi-final in 40-odd years, so it's been a long time, but now we're there it's a case of trying to get to the final."

Un-Nooh unaware about £44,000

Thailand's Thepchaiya Un-Nooh fluffed a maximum 147 break by missing the final black - and said he did not know he had squandered £44,000.

Un-Nooh had been set for the cash prize in the sixth frame of his third-round tie with 2013 champion Neil Robertson at the UK Championship in York.

But the 30-year-old world number 36 said: "£44,000? I wish you'd told me before the black.

"There was too much pressure," said Un-Nooh, who was knocked out 6-2.

"I am so disappointed. I have never done a 147 in a big tournament like this before."

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Get Involved

Well done Viktor. Not quite what we were after, but this picture of Duncan Ferguson and Steffen Freund fits the bill....

Ford unsurprised by Hatley link

Bath rugby head coach Mike Ford says he is unsurprised the club's forwards coach Neal Hatley is being linked to a role with England.

New England boss Eddie Jones is in the process of recruiting his backroom staff, with Hatley linked to a role as scrum coach.

"Our scrum is one of the best in Europe," Ford told BBC Points West.

"So no, it does not surprise me he is being linked with an international position."

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Martinez hails Deulofeu 'maturity'

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has praised Gerard Deulofeu after the winger scored one goal and set up the other in the 2-0 win over Middlesbrough.

"It's his maturity that impresses me," Martinez said of the 21-year-old Spaniard.

"Two years ago when we had him first we knew he was a young man with an incredible natural talent but now when Geri expresses himself the end product comes with it."

Reuters

Worst sporting chokes

In light of Thepchaiya Un-Nooh's black-ball miss for a 147, we're asking you for your examples of the worst sporting chokes... 

Steve Searle: Jean Van De Velde at Carnoustie. His brain became scrambled egg. If I was his caddy, I'd still be drinking like Oliver Reed!!

And Neil Buckley is the first of what we imagine to be many to say: Steven Gerrard's slip

Andrew Peet: Don Fox challenge cup final conversion miss from infront of the posts

Send us your suggestions using #bbcsportsday on Twitter.

BBC Sport

Don Fox missed a conversion in the 1968 Challenge Cup final for Wakefield against Leeds

Ref banned for six months

A Thai referee has been banned for six months for his poor performance during a game, says the Bangkok Post.

Referee Pichit Thongchanmoon was attacked by angry fans of promotion-chasing Satun United following their 1-0 home loss to Khon Kaen United on 22 November.

Satun were given a three-year ban last week for the incident but the Football Association of Thailand's referees' committee said Pichit had made several mistakes during the match and banned him for six months.

The committee said Pichit should have awarded Satun a penalty and that the referee had been out of position on several occasions.

Ex-England winger Thomas registered blind

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Former England winger Dave Thomas has revealed that he is registered blind and has applied for a guide dog.

In a moving interview with the Daily Mail, the ex-Burnley, QPR and Everton man, now 65, tells how he has started a fundraising campaign for the Guide Dogs charity.

Thomas, who won eight caps for England, suffers from the hereditary condition glaucoma.

Cazorla ligament worry for Arsenal

Arsenal have reportedly confirmed that midfielder Santi Cazorla has suffered knee ligament damage.

The midfielder was hurt in the 46th minute of the 1-1 draw with Norwich, but went on to complete the match.

However the Guardian reports that the precise time-frame for his absence is still unclear.

AFP

County Championship fixtures announced

Next season's County Championship fixtures have been announced, with defending champions Yorkshire beginning their defence of the title against Hampshire.

The Championship starts a week earlier on 10 April with promoted Surrey facing Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.  

There will be coverage of every ball across BBC radio.

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Celtic suspend Anthony Stokes

Anthony Stokes has been suspended by Celtic for two weeks following his social media comments about being left out of the team.

The striker, 27, apologised on Twitter after two posts on Sunday expressing his frustration.

He complained about sitting in the stand at Inverness and insisted playing was more important than money.

Manager Ronny Deila said that Stokes' remarks "showed a lack of respect" to his team-mates.

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British tennis is "a mess"

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Great Britain may have won the Davis Cup but that hasn't stopped the Lawn Tennis Association coming in for plenty of criticism.

Former player David Lloyd has joined Andy Murray in criticising the LTA and he says that "the buck must stop" with the organisation's chief executive Michael Downey, who he says has done "a poor job".

Murray has already said that speaking to the LTA about the future of British tennis is a waste of his time.

"The LTA do not run the game very well. They haven't for many, many, many years," Lloyd told BBC World Service.

"They have poor management, poor systems."

Greatest sporting chokes

Have you seen Thepchaiya Un-Nooh's miss on the final black for a 147 yet? It would have earned him £44,000 in prize money. 

In light of this, we're asking - what are the greatest sporting chokes? Devon Loch? Jean van de Velde? 

Send us your suggestions - use #bbcsportsday on Twitter. 

BBC Sport

Aguero and Hart close to return

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and keeper Joe Hart could return from injury in time for Saturday's Premier League game against Stoke City, according to manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Hart has missed two games since coming off in a Champions League group game at Juventus, while Aguero limped off in last Saturday's win over Southampton and sidelined for the League Cup quarter-final victory over Hull last night.

"Hart could be fit for Saturday. If not, Tuesday," said Pellegrini.

"Kun (Aguero) has pain in his heel - he is improving but we will see tomorrow (Wednesday) if he can play on Saturday."

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BreakingQPR in talks with Hasselbaink

We understand QPR have opened talks with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink about the Burton manager becoming their new boss.

The Loftus Road club made an official approach to the League One outfit for the for the ex-Chelsea striker and are now in negotiations.

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ICC Test team of the Year

Joe Root may have missed out on a nomination for Sports Personality of the Year, but his great form has been rewarded with a place in the ICC Test Team of the Year, along with teammates Alastair Cook (captain) and Stuart Broad. 

Root is named as the 12th man for the ODI team of the year, but there's no England player in the first XI. 

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Is Costa heading back to Spain?

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Chelsea's Diego Costa could be heading back to La Liga, with former side Atletico Madrid ready to activate a £28m release clause in the 27-year-old Spanish striker's contract. (Metro)

Barcelona are being pushed to the absolute limit of their finances as they fight to keep Ballon d'Or contenders Messi and Neymar from the clutches of the Premier League. (Daily Mail)

Manchester United have entered the race to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 26, who is also being watched by Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea. (Daily Mirror)

Trump 'embarrased' after loss

England's Judd Trump lost five frames in a row as he was beaten by China's Liang Wenbo. Last year's runner-up coasted into a 3-0 lead, scoring 278 unanswered points before an "embarrassing" collapse..

Un-Nooh - what have I done?

Imagine getting £44,000 just before Christmas. How amazing would that be? Well, Thailand's Thepchaiya Un-Nooh will have to carry on imagining after he missed out the jackpot at the UK Snooker Championship in York.

Uh-Nooh had a regulation black to pot and complete a 147 in order to pocket the prize but missed it. You can watch how he did it - or didn't - by clicking right here.

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Froome to reveal test results

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Britain's double Tour de France winner Chris Froome is to reveal the results of his independent physiological testing this week.

They will be published in Esquire magazine on Thursday and submitted to a scientific journal.

Froome, 30, chose to share the data because he wants to prove that people can "trust" his achievements.

The Briton was spat at by some spectators during this year's Tour following media accusations of doping.

Pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline performed the tests in its human performance laboratory.

JFH to QPR?

He's done a fantastic job at Burton, taking them from League Two to the top of League One, but according to the Telegraph, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink could be confirmed as QPR's new manager by the end of the week. 

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Lord Cos showdown

As mentioned, we'll also bring you the latest here at Sportsday.

Lord Coe questioning

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IAAF president Lord Coe is to be questioned by MPs on Wednesday about blood doping in athletics.

He will give evidence to the culture, media and sport select committee, which is investigating doping in the sport.

Before the hearing, committee member Damian Collins MP said: "There needs to be more humility from the IAAF."

Collins said that Coe "needs to recognise that there have clearly been problems with the way doping issues have been dealt with in the past".

The Conservative MP said he wanted to hear whether Coe will "set up an independent body to manage doping as cycling has done".

You can follow the events from the questioning right here from 14:15 GMT.

Football

Everton, Manchester City and Stoke have reached the semi finals of the League Cup - for more reaction from  those matches, including reaction from Manuel Pellegrini, and an interview with Burton manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, whose side top League One, you can download the5 live Football Daily podcast. 

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Top-flight trio through to semis

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After last night's football action, we now know three of the semi-finalists for the League Cup.

Manchester City beat Hull 4-1, Everton won at Middlesbrough 2-0 and Stoke saw off Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 to make it to the last four.

The final place will be decided tonight when Southampton host Liverpool.

McIlroy message for Woods

Woods downbeat on recovery

PA

Former world number one Tiger Woods says he has "nothing to look forward to" in his recovery from back surgery.

The 39-year-old 14-time major winner has not swung a golf club sinceoperations in September and October.

Asked about his return, he said: "I've no answer. Neither does my surgeon or physio. There's no timetable.

"There's nothing I can look forward to, nothing I can build towards. Where's the light at the end of the tunnel? I don't know."

Newspaper back pages

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Newspaper back pages

According to the Daily Mirror, Manchester City's parent company selling a 13% stake, worth £265m, to a consortium of Chinese investors is going to help lure Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola to the Etihad.

Plenty of the other back pages also carry the story in their own way...

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Newspaper back pages

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Welcome

So what's behind today's Sportsday advent calendar? There's no chocolate treats - sorry - but we do have rich pickings from the world of sport brought to keep you company throughout the day. We'll start with what's making the back pages...