Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. Guardiola wants to manage in England
2. FIFA recommends 9-year ban for Jerome Valcke
3. Stoke v Liverpool, 20:00 GMT. Commentary on BBC Radio 5 live
4. Get involved: When have sport and family clashed? Use #bbcsportsday

Goodbye

That's it for this evening. We'll have live text commentary on that League Cup semi for you to enjoy though - in fact it's up and running already. Click here.

Until tomorrow, goodbye.

Liverpool without Sturridge for League Cup semi

These words might sound depressingly familiar to your ears if you're a Liverpool fan, but Jurgen Klopp's will be without Daniel Sturridge for the League Cup semi-final first leg against Stoke this evening.

Klopp, speaking on Monday, said Sturridge "had some problems" which forced him to miss a training session.

He added: "What Daniel has to do at this moment is hard work to be prepared for the things we make in a football game. He had the last complete pre-season a long time ago."

AFP

Senegalese star interests Premier League clubs

The Guardian are reporting that Lokomotiv Moscow striker Oumar Niasse, 25, is set for a move to the Premier League this month. 

Apparently Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham are among the clubs interested in signing the £15m-rated Senegal international.

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Pittsburgh thanks Buffalo...with sandwiches

@BuffaloBills

With one round of NFL games remaining, the Pittsburgh Steelers needed a little help from the Buffalo Bills to make the play-offs...and when the Bulls duly delivered with a 22-17 win over the New York Jets, the city of Pittsburgh decided to show its appreciation.

The Mirror reports that the city's sandwich shop Primanti Bros delivered 100 sandwich boxes to Rex Ryan's team.

"Special delivery from the heart of Steelers country. We can't wait to dig in," the Bills tweeted.

Ireland ponder replacing Australia

Ireland are "assessing the implications" of replacing Australia at the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh.

Australia have withdrawn from the 16-team tournament due to concerns over player safety and Ireland have been invited to take their place.

In a statement Cricket Ireland said: "We are assessing the implications of Ireland's participation in the event based on the logistics and security arrangements for the tournament."

"Don't mention Bale's transfer fee... Ronaldo won't like it"

You often hear some extraordinary tales in football, but how about this one? 

Journalist Jonathan Northcroft told 5 live Sport last night that he was asked to asked to not write about the world record £85 million fee when he interviewed Gareth Bale earlier in the season because Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't like to see that someone else cost more than him.

Have a listen for yourself... 

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Somerset "still interested" in Gayle

Rex Features

Somerset have confirmed they are "still interested" in re-signing batsman Chris Gayle to play in this summer's T20 Blast.

Gayle, who is currently playing in Australia, has been fined for asking a TV reporter out during a live interview.

He played three games for Somerset last summer and the club say he had a hugely positive impact with community work and coaching sessions.

It's been an honour - Benitez

Rafael Benitez has released an official statement in response to his sacking by Real Madrid, describing his time at the club as an "honour".

"As a Madridista, steeped in the traditions and values of this institution, it has been an honour to work for these colours," he said.

"I would like to thank everyone at the Bernabeu who has supported me and made my work easier, and I would like to wish good luck to Zinedine Zidane, my successor."

AFP

Flanker Louw signs new Bath contract

Bath flanker Francois Louw has signed a new contract at the Premiership club.

The 30-year-old South Africa international signed for Bath in 2011 and will now remain at The Rec until at least 2019.

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Back to Wales

Swansea pair Josh Sheehan and Adam King have returned to the Liberty Stadium following respective loan spells at Yeovil and Crewe.

Sheehan, 20, has been recalled from Yeovil, having scored twice in 16 appearances since joining the Glovers in September.

Former Hearts midfielder King had spent six months at Crewe, scoring five goals in 26 games for the Railwaymen.

City told wonderkid Sane 'not for sale'

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Schalke 04 boss have ruled out selling rising star Leroy Sane, who is been linked with a big-money transfer to Man City.

The Bundesliga club have decided "not to sell Sane", Schalke boss Clemens Toennies said in an interview with German daily Bild.

"The player doesn't want to leave Schalke. If there is interest in Leroy, that confirms our excellent training work," added Toennies.

City are reportedly ready to make a £40.3m bid for the 19-year-old attacking midfielder, who was called up to the German national team for the first time in November against France.

Birdie Song fan ruffles feathers

A football fan who performed the Birdie Song at the side of the pitch during Northern Ireland's game against Latvia has had his wings clipped by a court.

James Burns, from County Antrim admitted unlawfully going onto an area where football spectators are not allowed.

But he contested a bid to impose a five-year match banning order on him.

He was bound over to keep the peace after agreeing to stay away from all home international matches this year.

He was also fined £250, plus a £15 offender levy.

Slater injury blow for England

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Ed Slater's hopes of being involved in England's RBS 6 Nations campaign have been dashed by a knee injury that has ruled him out for up to two months.

The Leicester captain, who can play in the second and back rows, sustained medial ligament damage when making a tackle in the first half of Saturday's Premiership defeat at Saracens.

Rio, Rory and the Ryder Cup

2016 promises to be a golfing year like no other, with the sport making its return to the Summer Olympics after a 112-year absence.

BBC Sport's golf correspondent has been looking ahead to what this year has in store for the sport - with a potential career Grand Slam for Rory McIlroy also on the agenda.

You can read his thoughts here.

Ingram to miss FA Cup tie

Wycombe Wanderers goalkeeper Matt Ingram will miss the club's FA Cup third round tie with Aston Villa after the club's appeal against his red card against Morecambe was rejected. 

Meanwhile the club have revealed that they have had 

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Meanwhile the Wycombe head of media has revealed the press interest in the match. (The press box usually seats 31!)

Coe 'riding out the storm'

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IAAF president Lord Coe has vowed to "ride out the storm" at athletics' beleaguered world governing body.

The organisation is set to be hit with further blows to its credibility when Dick Pound presents the second part of the World Anti-Doping Agency's report on doping.

In an interview with Alastair Campbell for GQ magazine conducted 10 days after the publication of the first part of the report, Coe said: "Now more than ever there is the need and the appetite to make the right changes, and every day I get calls and messages from people in the sport saying, 'Keep going, make the changes,' so I just need to ride out the storm."

Long time to field

Want an idea of how tough it's been for England in the last couple of days? This should give you an idea...

1

Steph Houghton Q&A

Mackenzie Darrington: Was it harder becoming a professional footballer because you are a girl? 

SH: No, it was the easiest decision I have ever had to make. Previously you had to managed your training with a job or going to university, now you know what you are going to be doing every day. That is what I always wanted to be. 

Robert Jones: How does it feel making Fifa 16? 

SH: Pretty crazy. It is so surreal, my brother and his mates and my little cousin play it and I get messages saying they played me for England. It is cool, but a fantastic step in the right direction and rightly so. It is something so small but within women's football it is massive for us.   

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Steph Houghton Q&A

People on the BBC Sport Twitter feed have been sending in questions for England captain Steph Houghton.... 

Hayley Jordan: Who was your role model when you were growing up?

SH: David Beckham and Kevin Phillips 

Carol Gibson: If you could sign anyone for MCWFC who would that be? 

SH: I would bring Germany's Célia Šašić out of retirement. 

Lewis Scott: What was the most important step you took in your career? 

SH: Moving to Arsenal was the biggest step. I wasn't guaranteed to start every game, it was moving away from home and taking myself out of the comfort zone. Playing with so many fantastic players was a fantastic opportunity. 

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Your thoughts on Guardiola

I think a few of you are getting a bit giddy...

'I will treat him just as well as Rafael'

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We touched on it earlier but here is the full transcript of what new Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane said about Gareth Bale.

“I understand he’s disappointed by the sacking of Benitez because he was an important coach to him. But I will treat him just as well as Rafael treated him," said Zidane.

"He’s an important player in this squad, a fundamental player for the team, he’s phenomenal.

"I can’t tell you anymore than that. I’m going to give him all the love and all the support he needs to play well.”

The talk is that Bale was so unhappy about Benitez's sacking that he was considering leaving the club.

Carneiro case to kick-off

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Former Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro's constructive dismissal case against the club will have its first tribunal hearing tomorrow.

The preliminary hearing will take place at the London South Employment Tribunal in Croydon, and is expected to be in private before an employment judge.

The hearing will fix the timetable for the case, and deal with witness statements and disclosure of documents - including texts and emails - by each side, as well as any legal procedural disputes that current exist between the two parties.

A date for a full hearing could be fixed for some time in June

Your thoughts on Guardiola

Six in court over alleged fraud at Rangers

Six men have appeared in court over the alleged fraudulent acquisition of Rangers.

The Glasgow football club's former owner Craig Whyte, 44, and ex-chief executive Charles Green, 62, were among those who attended the High Court in Edinburgh. 

Gary Withey, 51, David Grier, 54, David Whitehouse, 50, and Paul Clark, 51, also appeared for the preliminary hearing.

At the latest hearing, 15 charges were contained in a 28-page indictment.

South African greats congratulate Bavuma

After Temba Bavuma became the first black African batsman to score a Test century for South Africa, he's been congratulated by all and sundry.

How well do you know Zidane?

Test your knowledge on the new Real Madrid manager with this quiz from CBBC... 

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Dropped catches cost England

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

If England had caught most of those chances they would have won the match. As a coach, sometimes say nothing.

They're not bad catchers but they've had a bad day at the office - a really bad day. It's madness. You can't understand why; the players don't know why. It's best not to dwell on it. Move on. 

End of play

Ban stands

Team-mates pay respects to Srnicek

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Former team-mates paid their respects to ex-Newcastle and Czech Republic goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek at his funeral in Ostrava on Monday.

Ex-Magpies Steve Howey and Steve Harper attended as did his former international colleagues Ludek Miklosko and Juventus legend Pavel Nedved.

Srnicek died on 29 December aged 47, nine days after suffering cardiac arrest.

A memorial service will be held in Newcastle on Wednesday, 13 January.

Bridcutt extends Leeds loan

Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt has extended his loan at Leeds United until the end of the season.

The 26-year old came to Elland Road in November and has since made eight appearances for Steve Evans’ side.

Attwood undergoes neck surgery

Bath and England forward Dave Attwood will miss the Six Nations after undergoing surgery on a bulging disc in his neck, reports BBC Points West.

The 28-year-old, who has only played four games this season, will be out of action for 10 to 12 weeks.

PA

Collins joins Northampton on loan

Northampton Town have signed striker James Collins on loan from Shrewsbury Town until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old Irishman had started Shrewsbury's last 12 games and frequently skippered the team, scoring seven goals for the League One side this season.

Adams to carry on

Phil Cartwright

BBC Sport

I've just had a quick chat with Martin Adams and he was in good spirits, despite losing 3-0 to Jeff Smith in the first round of the BDO World Championships earlier today.

In fact, Adams already has eyes on coming back next year - by which time he will have turned 60.

“The one milestone I want to achieve is my 25th consecutive year here, so I’ve got to be here next year for number 24," said the three-time champion, who made his Lakeside debut in 1994. "I’m looking forward to it already.”

Adams won the BDO title in 2007, 2010 and 2011 but Canadian thrower Smith, a semi-finalist last year, produced a clinical display to end his hopes of a fourth Lakeside crown.

Rex Features

Your thoughts on Guardiola

Have you been drinking James?

Sturridge out

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Daniel Sturridge will be missing later after suffering a minor setback in training as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

The striker, 26, has been blighted by injuries, making only 19 appearances last season and six this campaign. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has only one fit striker, Christian Benteke, with Divock Origi and Danny Ings also injured.

Stoke's Geoff Cameron is available despite being sent off on Saturday.

The USA defender's red card in the 2-1 defeat by West Brom wasoverturned on appeal, meaning his three-match ban was withdrawn.

Eight goals tonight?

It's Stoke v Liverpool at 20:00 GMT.

We'll preview the game over the next few hours, starting with the stat below ... 

Williams ousted by teen

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Defending champion and top-seeded Venus Williams has lost 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-2 to Russian teenager Daria Kasatkina in the first round of the ASB Classic.

The 18-year-old Kasatkina, ranked number 75 and the third-youngest player inside the top 100, was handed a wildcard in recognition of her potential and fulfilled that promise with victory.

Mind you, Williams didn't exactly help herself, making a whopping 73 unforced errors during the match.

Question of Sport teaser

(this is including Zidane...)

Answers in an hour.

Injured Simpson needs 'miracle' to reach Rio

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Great Britain middle distance runner Jemma Simpson says she will need a "miracle" to make the Rio Olympic Games after rupturing a tendon in her foot.

The 31-year-old 800m and 1500m athlete from Cornwall competed in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2008 Olympics.

"I won't be able to run until at least April and then it's qualifying. It's a big ask," she told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"I'm not confident (of selection for the Olympics). It would be a miracle to do that now because I have to run the qualifying time and be ready for the trials, which is in seven months, and I've got three months off."

Thoughts on Guardiola

Priaulx joins Ford endurance team

Former World Touring Car champion Andy Priaulx has signed to drive for Ford GT in this year's World Endurance Championship.

Priaulx, 41, ended his 13-year association with BMW last month.

It's over

What are the chances? No sooner had we written that than South Africa go and declare.

They amassed a rather hefty 627-7 in response to England's 629-6 declared.

So England lead. Hoorah!

Does it mean anything? No, probably not. There is 30 minutes of play remaining today (day four), which means, effectively, there is only one day to get a result.

Barring miracles, that ain't going to happen.

South African innings rolls on

It remains heavy going for England in Cape Town, where South Africa are still batting towards the end of day four.

South Africa are 625-7. England have been in the field for more than 15 hours. Wowzers.

Unbeaten THOUSAND for Indian schoolboy

A few pictures are coming through from Pranav Dhanawade's record breaking innings of 1009 (not out). 

Aayush Deshpande

Aayush Deshpande

Aayush Deshpande

Aayush Deshpande

Blackman in demand

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Reading striker Nick Blackman appears to be attracting interest from other clubs in the Championship.

The 26-year-old former Blackburn and Sheffield United player has netted 13 goals in 28 games this season, but his existing deal at the Madejski Stadium runs out in the summer.

BBC Radio Berkshire sports editor Tim Dellor has been tracking rumours linking him with both Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County.

Furlong agrees loan move

QPR right-back Darnell Furlong, the 20-year-old son of former striker Paul, has joined Cambridge United on a month's loan.

Your thoughts on Guardiola

Gayle 'is a fool'

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Chris Gayle has made himself look a fool.

"If he's trying to be jokey or if he's attracted to her, if he wants to ask her out, don't do it on air.

"He shouldn't be saying that on air. It's embarrassing."  

'It's not a nightclub'

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You may recall - as if you could forget - that West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle has been fined £4,900 for "inappropriate conduct" after he asked a TV reporter for a date in a live interview.

Now Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland said Chris Gayle's comments could be equated with workplace harassment.

"It's not a nightclub, and I think one of the things that perhaps hasn't dawned on everyone is it's actually a workplace," he said.

"Anyone that sees the humour in that is misunderstanding and somewhat delusional about the situation."

Tendulkar congratulates Indian teenager

Remember when we told you earlier about the 15-year old Indian cricketer who finished on 1009 not out?

He's just been congratulated by the greatest Indian cricketer of all - Sachin Tenulkar, who himself held a schoolboy record after sharing a 664-run partnership with Vinod Kambli in 1988. 

Tendulkar went on to play for India the following year. Remember the name, Pranav Dhanawade.... 

Adams routed

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Three-time champion Martin Adams was whitewashed 3-0 by Canada's Jeff Smith in the first round of the BDO World Championships at Lakeside.

It is the sixth time that Englishman Adams has lost in the first round in 23 visits to Lakeside.

Adams, 59, scored superbly early on and hit a 10-dart leg at the start of the second set.

But Smith, a semi-finalist last year, raced clear in the final set to reach the last 16.

Wilshere to leave Arsenal?

How's this for ticking all the boxes of a classic transfer rumour? 

The Sun are reporting that Jack Wilshere has put his house up for sale. Does an exit from the Emirates therefore follow?

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Your thoughts

Winger Benavente leaves Dons

MK Dons have released Peruvian winger Cristian Benavente less than six months into a two-year contract.

The 21-year-old, previously managed by Zinedine Zidane when he played for Real Madrid Castilla, played five games for the Championship club.

Valcke could face nine-year ban

Fifa's ethics committee has recommended imposing a nine-year ban on the governing body's suspended secretary general Jerome Valcke.

The French administrator's original 90-day suspension from all football-related activities ends on Tuesday but the ethics committee has requested a 45-day extension.

A statement from the committee also recommended Valcke serve a nine-year ban and pay a fine of 100,000 Swiss francs (£67,400) for alleged "misuse of expenses and other infringements of Fifa's rules and regulations". 

Ramsey returns to QPR

Two months after being sacked as manager of QPR, Chris Ramsey has been appointed technical director at.... QPR. 

The club say he will be responsible for a variety of roles relating to coaching and player development. 

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Valcke could face nine-year ban

Williams battling to be fit for Six Nations

Wales full-back Liam Williams could make his first Scarlets appearance of the season eight days before the Six Nations kicks off.

The 24-year-old suffered a foot injury during the 2015 World Cup defeat by Australia.

Scarlets backs coach Stephen Jones hopes Williams can return in the Pro12 at Connacht on 30 January ahead of Wales's Six Nations opener against Ireland on 7 February.

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Wolfie exits World Championships

Three-time champion Martin 'Wolfie' Adams is out of the BDO World Championships at Lakeside after being whitewashed 3-0 by Canada's Jeff Smith in the first round.

It is the sixth time that the 59-year-old Adams has lost in the first round in 23 visits to Lakeside.

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Arsenal sign England's Williams

Rex Features

Arsenal Ladies have signed England international Fara Williams from Liverpool Ladies.

The 31-year-old midfielder is England's most-capped player of all time, having represented her country 148 times. 

Williams was part of the England squad which finished third at the World Cup last summer and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list.

Zinedine Zidane news conference

Finally, on the subject of players, Zidane shrugged off talk that Gareth Bale might be sold or leave the club following Benitez’s sacking.

Benitez was a big fan of the Wales international, who Real paid a world record fee of £85.3m for in September 2013.

"I can understand that Bale is annoyed with Benitez's departure, but he is a fundamental part of this team," insisted Zidane.

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Zinedine Zidane news conference

Zidane, who succeeds Rafael Benitez, becomes the 11th manager to be appointed by Florentino Perez during his 12 years as club president.

"I'm prepared for the challenge that awaits me and l'll do everything to make sure it goes well,” said Zidane.

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Zinedine Zidane news conference

Zidane’s elevation to the first team at Real Madrid has been compared with Pep Guardiola’s rise at Barcelona.

But Zidane was quick to play down suggestions there were any similarities between his career and that of with Guardiola’s.

After playing for Barca, Guardiola achieved unprecedented success as the club’s manager before leaving to join Bayern Munich.

"You shouldn't make comparisons with me and Guardiola,” insisted Zidane. “He has achieved incredible things.”

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Zinedine Zidane news conference

Zinedine Zidane's appoinment as Real Madrid manager has meant plenty of interest at his first news conference in his new role.

One journalist wanted to know what his football philosophy would be.

The 43-year-old former French international replied: "I want to play attacking, balanced football and that's all."

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Tea time in Cape Town

Zinedine Zidane news conference

Meanwhile, in Madrid, Zinedine Zidane is now facing the media after his appointment as Real boss...

We'll have the best of that shortly.

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

Finally, Pellegrini also says that nobody will be leaving the club in the January transfer window.

And as a former Real Madrid manager, he has had his say on Rafael Benitez who was sacked on Monday...

"At least I finished the year! I'm sorry for Rafa Benitez, he's a manager I respect, but I'm not surprised," he said.  

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

Pellegrini is happy that the first leg of the League Cup semi-final is at Goodison Park with the home leg to come on 27 January.

"It’s always better to play away first so you know what you need in the second leg at home," he said. "Maybe it’s more important in the Champions League trying not to concede in the home games.

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"It’s important when you’re in a competition to try to win it. We’ve won three games and now we’re in the semi-final.  

"We must beat Everton, then we can think about the first title and then we think about the best way to start the FA Cup - we must focus game by game regardless of the competition."

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says striker Wilfried Bony will miss the League Cup semi-final first leg against Everton with a calf injury and insists he is not going to change his style of play because of Everton.

"We will try to play as an offensive team, to create chances and to score the most amount of goals we can," he said

"We don’t think it will be easy because Everton have conceded goals recently Every game is different.

"Everton play offensive football and it’s always more difficult to defend because there is more space. If you play near your box and defend it’s easier."

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Elneny close to Arsenal move

The Independent reports that Mohamed Elneny's transfer from FC Basel to Arsenal is set to be completed "in the coming days", according to the Swiss club.

A fee of around £7.3m has been agreed for the 23-year-old Egyptian and a medical has been completed but he is awaiting international clearance

In a statement on their website, Basel explained the midfielder's absence from training because "there could be a transfer in the coming days".

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Manuel Pellegrini news conference

With Pep Guardiola saying he wants to manage in England, one of the men who he has been tipped to replace, Manuel Pellegrini, is just about to start addressing the media ahead of Man City's League Cup match vs Everton on Wednesday night. We'll bring you the latest on what he's had to say...

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Wolfie is in the building

Phil Cartwright

BBC Sport at Lakeside

When I arrived at Lakeside just after 11:00 GMT, the practice room was deserted but for one person - Martin "Wolfie" Adams.

The 59-year-old is aiming to win the BDO world title for the fourth time and the number two seed begins his campaign in 2016 with a tough first-round encounter Jeff Smith.

The Canadian got to the semi-finals last year and impressed in his preliminary-round win on Saturday.

Watch it live on BBC Two and online from 13:00 GMT.

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Guardiola heading to England

More from Pep: 

"I have an opportunity to work in England. I think I'm at the right age and I feel it is the right move for me."

Wonder where he could be heading. Swansea? Luton Town? 

Guardiola heading to England

"I want to experience a new city and I want to work in England. That is the reason I have taken this decision," Pep Guardiola tells a news conference in Germany.

Suddenly Man City, United and Chelsea sit up straight and pay attention. 

BreakingGuardiola heading to England

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Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says he wants 'to coach in England' 

Back on track

Indian teenager scores unbeaten thousand

Pranav Dhanawade

A bit more on Pranav Dhanawade's record breaking innings. 

A few thoughts on this scorecard below... 

• The other batsmen didn't score anywhere near the rate Pranav did
• What was Shashwat Jagtap playing at? 38 off 69 balls when coming in at 1077-2?!!

Besic a contagious footballer - Martinez

On Muhamed Besic, who has played his first two games since injury against Chelsea in September, Martinez is full of praise. 

"I think everyone was delighted to see him back to his full flow. We were so disappointed to see his injury against Chelsea", he said.

"He's a contagious footballer, he leads the game. It's great to see him fully fit. It's been a frustrating start, but it doesn't take away from how important he's going to be for us. 

"He's still a young man, but at his age [23] he's become a really important player for us."

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Roberto Martinez news conference

‘Do you need a lead after the first leg?’ a journalist asks Martinez.

“It’s hard to tell,” says the Everton boss, with spectacular insight.

“There will be two games involving sides that both have the same approach – attacking football and trying to win.

“So I don’t think you can give a definite answer.

“Both teams will fight for 180 minutes, so I’m not sure the first 90 minutes will have a bigger impact than the second.”

Right, that sorts that out.

Roberto Martinez news conference

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Leighton Baines is back in the Toffees team after several months out but there are suggestions, says a hack, that he is still having problems with his ankle

"You have to manage your well-being as a player and when you’ve had an injury and been out for seven months you need to give it extra attention and do extra work to make that area strong," responds Martinez.

"But it is not an issue. He is being monitored from game to game."

Roberto Martinez news conference

Roberto Martinez is asked about the prospect of losing players to other clubs in January...

"We need to be very much aware of the special side that we have. We shouldn't be worried about losing players. If we lose any of the squad, it will be for footballing reasons", he says. 

"Our fans are sharing the same frustrations that we share. We need to be patient - we can't click our fingers and expect to become a good team, become attractive to watch."

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Martinez is then asked whether they have to 'win the fans back'. 

"I don't think we ever lost them", he replies. 

"The fans know what we have - they see a fully committed team who give everything with character and personality. Some of the attacking football this season has been outstanding. 

"But we conceded 20 at Goodison. It's costing us a lot of points. We need the help of our fans to become better."

Roberto Martinez news conference

Roberto Martinez is asked whether he's happy that Everton are playing the first leg of the semi-final at home... 

"I don't think that's the case. When you've got a two-legged affair, you want the second leg at home", he says. 

"The atmosphere will be very special [at Goodison]. It's been a phenomenal competition for us. Away support has often helped the team get through. 

"If we're going to get far in this competition, we'll have to face a team like Man City, who expect to win every competition they go into."

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Roberto Martinez news conference

Are Steven Naismith or Aiden McGeady moving on in January?

"There are no developments," says Martinez, who's clearly sick to the back teeth of discussing transfer speculation ... and it's only the fifth day of January.

"I’m sure there will be a lot of rumours but there will be nothing until we announce anything."

Roberto Martinez news conference

Kevin Mirallas is being linked with Monaco, which is what Martinez is asked about next.

“I’m sure there will be that trade over the window,” he says.

“This squad is still really large because it was prepared for European football, so there are people who haven’t had enough football as they wanted.

“So we have to make a couple of decisions in order to benefit everyone.

Roberto Martinez news conference

First up, Roberto discusses injuries.

"There are no setbacks from the Spurs game at the weekend so the same squad will be available," he says.

"Tom Cleverley came through well and Phil Jagielka was a big influence in the dressing room and will slowly be involved as and when - but he is not ready to play 90 minutes yet. The weekend is a more realistic target for him."

The boss says James McCarthy "won’t make it for the next two games" but "probably by the end of the month he will be return."

Martinez says Steven Pienaar "has been working really well and should be available for the weekend."

Roberto Martinez news conference

Roberto Martinez is about to face the media ahead of tomorrow's League Cup semi-final first-leg at Goodison Park.

Here's a fascinating picture of an empty chair to prove it.

QPR 'would sell' Austin - Warnock

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Former QPR boss Neil Warnock believes the club would be willing to sell Charlie Austin in the transfer window - but the striker may not wish to leave.

Austin, 26, has scored 10 goals in 16 Championship appearances this season and has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs.

"I don't think Charlie is in a rush to go anywhere as he becomes a free agent in the summer," said Warnock.

Another wicket falls

Blimey Charlie. Another one bites the dust.

Quinton de Kock has gone for 5, caught by Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad taking a second wicket.

South Africa are now wobbling on 451-6. Chris Morris is the new man at the crease.

Attracting a crowd

Plenty of Real Madrid fans have turned out to watch new boss Zinedine Zidane take his first training session.

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On the move

Leaving Leeds to head to Sunderland...

The lengths you'll go to...

What events have you missed in the name of sport?

It's all happening

Jeepers creepers, and there's another now.

Faf du Plessis has been caught at slip by Ben Stokes off the bowling of good old Jimmy Anderson.

Are South Africa suddenly crumbling?

They are 439-5, still 190 behind England.

Hang on, we might have a game on here.

A wicket. No, really...

Hard to believe I know but England finally have a breakthrough.

The South African skipper spent 11 hours and 43 minutes at the crease, but it's finally all over for Hashim Amla...

'It's not a joke' - Rogers on Gayle

Chris Rogers added: "This is a pattern of behaviour. If you know the guy, you see it over and over. It’s not just him, there’s a lot of this stuff in the sporting industry and to defend it is not right at all.

"I listened to that and didn’t see it as funny at all. He says it’s just a joke, well it’s not just a joke is it? And his apology?

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"He’s basically saying, ‘oh well if she feels bad about it then I feel bad about that’ but he’s not actually saying he’s sorry he said it.

"He has to realise at some stage, and I’d be the first to admit that at times I’ve let myself down with my behaviour, but you grow up and you start making better decisions. He needs to start making better decisions”.

'I've never been a fan' - Rogers on Gayle

If Chris Gayle wants backing from those within the game, he isn't going to get it from former Australia opener Chris Rogers.

Commenting on the furore surrounding Gayle's on-air interview with Mel McLaughlin - for which the West Indian batsman was fined £4,900 for "inappropriate conduct" - Rogers told ABC Grandstand: “I know this guy and it's a bit difficult because he might be playing at Somerset where I’m going to playing this year.

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"But from my time at the Sydney Thunder I was very disappointed in his attitude and his behaviour. I’ve never been a fan since.

"I would go out with him socially in a group, as you do in a team and I’d probably distance myself from him. I was very wary of the role he was setting for the young guys and I spoke to them quite a bit; ‘do you think this is good behaviour? Would you do this kind of thing?’ And all of them, to give them credit, were like no, we don’t think this is right."

Staying with the Millers

Spanish media question Zidane's ability

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Zinedine Zidane might have no problems winning over the fans at Real Madrid, but it could be trickier to prove his coaching credentials to the media.

"The problem of coaches is like that of melons: until you open them you don't know if they are sweet or inedible," says today's Marca sports daily -- the most read in Spain.

"A risky operation albeit with possibilities," it added in a separate article.

"The Frenchman is a football legend and a great figure of Madrid. But his coaching experience is inversely proportional to his excellent footballer's experience -- limited ... and controversial."

Irvine calls it a day

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Former world champion Martyn Irvine has announced his retirement from cycling.

The 30-year-old from Newtownards, Northern Ireland, represented Ireland and won medals at European, Commonwealth and world events.

The pinnacle was a scratch race gold at the 2013 Track Cycling World Championships in Minsk.

Bale 'won't be affected'

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Former Real Madrid coach John Toshack says Rafael Benitez's departure from the Spanish giants will not adversely affect Wales forward Gareth Bale.

Benitez has been sacked after just seven months in charge, with club legend Zinedine Zidane replacing him.

Bale, 26, is reportedly upset by Benitez's exit but Toshack thinks his compatriot will stay at the Bernabeu.

"I don't see it affecting Gareth at all," Toshack said. "I don't see that as a problem."

Bale joined Madrid in a world record £85m move from Tottenham in 2013 and has scored seven goals in his past six games for Real - but he has been linked with a return to the Premier League with Manchester United.

Guardiola 'approached by Real Madrid'

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Here's a decent tale.

According to Spanish football journalist Graham Hunter, Real Madrid approached former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola to take over from Rafa Benitez.

Hunter said: "It's a fact that six weeks ago they (Madrid) approached him and asked him 'would you take over?'. That underlines the fact that Pep is seen as the best appointment by every single club."

But Hunter says there was little chance of the club pulling off this coup, adding: "It says something about Madrid that they could get it so wrong, that one of the great anti-Madridistas was approached by them."

Listen to the full clip on Radio 5 live here.

Missives from the mailbag

'Diabolical'

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Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has accused the Premier League of devaluing the FA Cup.

He said it was "diabolical" that top-flight clubs have Premier League fixtures the Tuesday and Wednesday after this weekend's third-round ties.

"Of course I'm going to make changes for our cup tie at Arsenal on Saturday," Allardyce said.

"We're flogging the lads. There are more and more injuries every year but it's ignored by the Premier League."

Sunderland, second from bottom in the league, are away to Arsenal in the FA Cup on Saturday (15:00 GMT) before they travel to fellow strugglers Swansea on Wednesday, 12 January.  

Unstoppable

It's now lunch, with the hosts on 428-3 (201 behind), and that, by the way, was Amla's third Test double century and his second against England.

The lengths you'll go to...

What have you missed to watch sport, or when have you tried to follow something at a family event?

Not sure whether to be impressed by that Stephanie or slightly horrified...

Chance blown

'Completely inappropriate'

Chris Gayle's comments have widely been condemned as sexist, but he told reporters: "There wasn't anything meant to be disrespectful or offensive.

"It was a simple joke. The game was going on. Entertainment, things get out of proportion but these things happen."

Gayle's club, the Melbourne Renegades, said his comments were "completely inappropriate and disrespectful" and apologised to McLaughlin and to the public.

Club head, Stuart Coventry said: "We've had several discussions with Chris over the past day and he has acknowledged that his comments were out of line."

Gayle's A$10,000 fine (£4,900) will be donated to the McGrath Foundation, a breast cancer charity.

Gayle apologies for 'inappropriate conduct'

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West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle has been fined A$10,000 for "inappropriate conduct" after he asked a TV reporter on a date in a live interview.

Journalist Mel McLaughlin was reportedly left angry and upset after Gayle propositioned her during a sideline interview in Hobart on Monday.

"To see your eyes for the first time is nice. Hopefully we can have a drink afterwards. Don't blush baby," he said.

Gayle has said he is sorry, but that the reaction was "out of proportion".

Listen to Gayle's apology here.

Prestons seek signings as Reach stays

Preston North End have extended the loan of Middlesbrough winger Adam Reach until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old joined Simon Grayson's side in September on a three-month loan and has scored twice in 17 appearances.

Grayson, meanwhile, has confirmed he is looking to make further additions to his squad during the transfer window.

Wash-out

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South Africa-England may be under way - no wickets yet but Steve Finn, bowling magnificently, has come mighty close - but that's definitely not the case in Sydney.

There was no play at all on day three of the third Test between the Aussies and the West Indies, due to heavy rain.

The whole match has been heavily affected by bad weather, with West Indies 248-7 and Australia yet to bat.

Big win for Broady

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Good news from New Zealand. 

Naomi Broady has beaten the 2008 French Open champion and former world number one Ana Ivanovic in the first round of the WTA event in Auckland.

Broady - who is 122 in the world, and had to come through three rounds of qualifying - won 7-5 6-4.

That is a fine victory indeed. Well done that girl.

The lengths you'll go to...

What have you missed to watch a sporting event?

Excellent stuff. Keep them coming please.

Not shot-shy

No one can accuse Rafael Benitez of failing to play attacking football this season

On me head son

By the way, here's the England team warming up for today's play ... by kicking a football around, obviously.

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No breakthrough

No joy whatsoever for England in the first hour on day four, which means, a draw is increasingly on the cards.

Hashim Amla is unbeaten on 178, South Africa advancing to a very healthy 384-3.

Live text commentary here.

Not a happy new year

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Johanna Konta's year got off to a disappointing start as she was dumped out of the Shenzhen Open by qualifier Qiang Wang.

The British number one - on the back of the best season of her career - lost 6-3 3-6 6-3 to the Chinese in a match that lasted a little under two hours.

Konta, 48 in the world, returned better numbers than her opponent - ranked 110 - on serve, but failed to see off four of the five break points she gave up.

The lengths you go to...

Right then, this is the point where we want you lot to get involved (hint, hint).

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Andy Murray - you might know him; dark frizzy hair, not bad at hitting a small yellow ball over a net, likes a weekend in Worthing - has announced he will leave the Australian Open early if his wife, Kim, goes into early labour with their first child.

So this is what we're asking... What family events have you missed because of sport? Or have you hidden at a wedding to watch the big game, followed the Ashes on your phone?

Let us know right this minute at #bbcsportsday and we'll publish the best.

No Hankey panky

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Two-time champion Ted Hankey went out of the BDO World Championships as he lost 3-0 to Welsh 10th seed Martin Phillips in round one at Lakeside.

Hankey, who took the title in 2000 and 2009, won only one leg in the match.

His fellow Englishman Jamie Hughes, the number four seed, beat Scotland captain Ross Montgomery 3-0.

World number three Jeffrey de Graaf lost 3-2 to fellow Dutchman Richard Veenstra and was one of three seeds to exit the tournament on Monday.

5 live Sport podcasts

5 live Sport have 3 (that's right, three you lucky people) podcasts for you to download from Monday night's programme. 

Benitez sacked as Real Madrid manager - more from the European Football Show 

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'Villa are going to spend a lot of time in the wilderness'. 

Joey Barton, Chris Sutton and Jonathan Northcroft of the Sunday Times join Mark Chapman for the Monday Night Club.

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Tuffers and Vaughan - It was a day to say 'I was there'

Ben Stokes' innings was on a par with knocks by Brian Lara and Garry Sobers, says Michael Vaughan, but is England's exciting new generation being marketed enough to youngsters?

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Big game

A reminder that there's a big game coming later, Stoke taking on Liverpool in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final (full commentary on 5 live sport tonight).

Speaking of which, the other semi-final takes place tomorrow - Everton v Man City. And both managers are holding news conferences in a few hours time.

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We'll bring you the best of what is said - Roberto Martinez is up at 12:00 GMT, Manuel Pellegrini 45 minutes later.

Indian schoolboy retires on 1009*

If you thought that Hashim Amla's been batting a fair while in Cape Town, he's still got plenty to go at to match 15-year-old Indian schoolboy Pranav Dhanawade.

He is said to be the first person ever to score 1000 runs in an innings in any form of cricket, batting for his school. 

His 1000 came up off 323 balls, inlcuding 59 sixes and 129 fours. 

Pranav Dhanawade

In yer face (or chest to be more precise)

Wonder what tactics Zidane will employ on the pitch?

Probably not these.

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As unfair as it is to pinpoint one, rash moment in an otherwise glorious career, Zidane will always be synonymous with the moment above - when he was infamously sent-off in the 2006 World Cup final for headbutting Italy's Marco Materazzi in the chest.

It led to these iconic images as Zidane left the pitch...

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... while Italy went on to win the final, just, edging it 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out.

It was 'just a matter of time'

Andy West

Spanish football writer

"The first major criticism of Rafa Benitez arrived following a 1-1 draw with local rivals Atletico Madrid in October.

"But that was nothing compared to the avalanche of abuse endured by Benitez after Barcelona's sensational 4-0 Clasico victory in November, which concluded with loud chants for the former Liverpool manager's dismissal ringing around the Bernabeu.

"Benitez survived that, but he never really recovered and from that moment his departure was just a matter of time.

"So the news of his departure comes as no surprise, with Benitez's reign finally buckling under the weight of weeks of relentless pressure."

Becks gives his backing

One man is pretty happy with the choice of new manager at Real Madrid.

Zidane's former team-mate at the Bernabeu David Beckham took to Instagram and waxed lyrical, starting a lengthy post with, 'Does it get any better than this?'

Instagram David Beckham

Play starting...

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A reminder that day four of the second Test between England and South Africa is getting under way right this minute.

It wasn't exactly thrilling, edge-of-the-seat stuff yesterday, as South Africa batted all day for the loss of only one wicket.

The hosts are on 353-3 - Hashim Amla unbeaten on 157 - in response to England's mammoth first innings total of 629-6 declared.

A draw looks very likely, but you never know - something dynamite might happen today.

We'll bring you regular updates here, or you can follow live text commentary here.

In comes Zidane

So then, Rafael Benitez lasted just seven months at Real Madrid, sacked and replaced with club legend Zinedine Zidane replacing him.

Spaniard Benitez, 55, was relieved of his duties following a meeting of the club's board on Monday.

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Real B team coach Zidane - who's 43 on the off-chance you're wondering - has been promoted to first-team boss.

The Frenchman, a former Real player and World Cup winner, said: "I am going to put my heart and soul into this job so that everything works out well."

I'm pretty sure Benitez said something similar.

'Deeply political'

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"It is an arms race. A manager who doesn't win the European Cup is going to be looking over his shoulder. How long can these great clubs keep interchanging parts?

"You forget how deeply political Real Madrid is. It is not just about football. How many clubs of that size would be run by an engineer who runs property?"

Guess which club Burnley midfielder Joey Barton is talking about?

Aye, right first time. Real Madrid, where it's all been happening overnight...

Tuesday's papers

Daily Telegraph

Tuesday's papers

Daily Star

Tuesday's papers

The Guardian

Tuesday's papers

The Times

Tuesday's papers

The Sun

Tuesday's papers

Independent

Tuesday's papers

Daily Express

Tuesday's papers

The Mirror

Is Andy Carroll on the move this January? The Mirror thinks so.

Going, going, gone

So, this chap is gone.

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So how will this fella do?

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If the expectancy levels are anything to go by, then I'm worried for him already.

Welcome to Sportsday. Wondering what's making the back pages of today's newspapers? Wonder no longer...