That is all from Sportsday for today.

There will be no Sportsday tomorrow or on the 25th, but we will return after Christmas.

Many thanks for following and also for your many contributions.

Your reaction to Louis van Gaal's Manchester United press conference, which saw him walk out after criticising the media speculation surrounding his future...

Derek Steel: Totally agree with Wenger and LVG. Time for the media to take a good long look at itself in the mirror.  

Aham: Really surprised by LVG's reaction. Speculations are part of the game, ask Pellegrini!

Alan Simon: United spent a fortune but already out of the Champions League and looking iffy for next year. Speculation totally justified.  

Younis Farah, cousin of double Olympic and world champion athlete Mo, has signed a two-year development scholarship with League One club Southend United.

The 16-year-old left-back made his under-18s debut in a recent match against Gillingham.

"You can certainly see that athletics runs in the family when you see him up and down the wing," said academy manager Ricky Duncan.  

Image source, Robert Craven - Southend United

Figures from football have been reacting to Louis van Gaal walking out of his press conference earlier today...

Ex-Arsenal and West Brom player and manager Don Howe has died today, aged 80.

Gunners chairman Sir Chips Keswick has given this tribute... 

"We were aware Don had been enduring a long battle with illness but it was still a shock to learn the news about someone who was loved by so many people at the club, and who had such a remarkable influence as a player, coach and manager here. 

"Don possessed a marvellous ability to get the very best out of players with his coaching techniques and provide them with the perfect preparation for matches. He was the very best at what he did - and he did it with us, at Arsenal, for decade after decade. 

"He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and his name will live on in the history books as one of the most influential footballing figures in the history of the club." 

Image source, Getty Images

Your reaction to Louis van Gaal's Manchester United press conference, which saw him walk out after criticising the media speculation surrounding his future...

Lewis Chard: As soon as Mourinho is fired everyone has now moved on to the next manager...   

Steve Howes: Utd fans celebrated & joined the press in their attacks on all things CFC from coach to players but don't seem to like it back.

Robin Thomas: Fair play to LVG. About time someone stood up to the press and all of their 'sources'.  

More now on the sad news about Don Howe, who died today aged 80. Two of his ex-colleagues have been talking to BBC Radio 5 live about him...

Former Arsenal player and manager George Graham: "Don was the day-to-day coach with the team with Bertie Mee as manager. We won the double (in 1971) and that was due to the organisation of Don. he was a lovely man. Quiet in company but he could lose his temper as well. certainly one of the best coaches I have worked for."

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson: "He was a fine player but truly he was one of the greatest coaches ever in football. He was innovative and for us as a club he was instrumental and inspirational. He made us believe as a team. He should be remembered forever for his contribution to coaching in England."

Image source, PA

ESPN football journalist John Brewin suggests Louis van Gaal has a worthy rival for shortest press conference as Manchester United boss...

Southampton have had to put up with other clubs taking their best players for a few seasons now. But it appears as though Saints boss Ronald Koeman has had enough. When asked about the rumours linking midfielder Victor Wanyama with a move away, the Dutchman had this to say to his suitors...

"They can prepare whatever they like to prepare. Don't spend time trying to buy a player from Southampton because it's impossible."

When asked if he believes rival clubs have attempted to make their interest in Wanyama known through unofficial means, he added: "It's possible. We know that because it's the same every time.

"They talk about players from Southampton because we have some good players and there is always interest in players.

"We know what we like to do and how we like to do our business. That means in January nobody will leave Southampton."

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley's former Newcastle and QPR midfielder Joey Barton has his say on Louis van Gaal walking out of his press conference earlier...

Image source, Getty Images

Hibernian have agreed to sign Chris Dagnall on loan from Indian side Kerala Blasters for the rest of the season, subject to international clearance.

The 29-year-old English forward has scored over 120 goals in his senior career and joined Kerala from Leyton Orient earlier this year.

He has previously played for Tranmere Rovers, Rochdale, Scunthorpe, Barnsley, Bradford City and Coventry City.

"I'm very excited to be joining the club," Dagnall told the Hibs website., external

More now on the sad news that former Arsenal and West Brom full-back Don Howe has died, aged 80. 

Howe won 23 caps for England and was in the backroom staff of managers Ron Greenwood, Sir Bobby Robson and Terry Venables. 

He is also remembered for managing both the Gunners and the Baggies, as well as QPR and Turkish giants Galatasaray. 

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke, external said: "It is terribly sad news and our thoughts are with Don's family at this time." 

Image source, PA

BBC football pundit John Hartson says Louis van Gaal is not the only one who deserves an apology from the press.

We give this tweet a solid 7, John.

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Robshaw will offer his support to his successor if relieved of the England captaincy as he concentrates on securing his place in Eddie Jones' team.

The Harlequins flanker is expected to be stripped of the leadership duties for the forthcoming Six Nations with Dylan Hartley favourite to take over.

"I'm not sure what will happen with the captaincy, that's down to Eddie. If Eddie continues with me as captain I'd be hugely honoured," Robshaw said.

"If he decides to go to someone else then I'd respect that decision and fully back the person who comes in.

"As a player you want to be part of that team and my mentality is to first and foremost make sure I'm part of that team. That has to be the focus."

Image source, Getty Images

An England international, Don Howe also played for and managed Arsenal. He joined them initially from West Brom as a player before moving into coaching with the club following his retirement in 1966. He would subsequently manage both West Brom and Turkish side Galatasaray before managing the Gunners from 1983 to 1986.

Howe, who was 80, played for West Brom, Arsenal and England and managed his two former clubs, as well as Galatasaray and QPR, and coached England for a long spell under Bobby Robson.

Your reaction to Louis van Gaal's Manchester United press conference, which saw him walk out after criticising the media speculation surrounding his future...

Francis Edwards: Goes to show the disaster this league is becoming. Gossip never ever turns out to be true and it is hurting people's lives.  

Ben Knowles: I remember United fans calling for SAF to be sacked when we weren't winning every week - media should ignore fickle fans.

Yousuf Ali: That wrestling tag team match between Journalists and managers is way overdue.  

In case you don't know what we are talking about with reference to Louis van Gaal, have a watch here as he walks of his weekly news conference after blaming the media for "creating something that is not good", following speculation he could be sacked.  

Image source, Reuters

Combining two of today's Sportsday themes in one, here is Lee's poem on Louis van Gaal...