The legendary Pele speaks out about the plane crash which killed the majority of the Brazilian team Chapecoense's squad: "We are sad for this. But it's part of life. It happened with other teams too.

"Now, it's different, because it happened much closer to me, with my fellow (Brazilian) brothers, it's a bigger sadness. But what we have to do is to give support to those who were left behind, to those who are alive, that's what we need to do, no matter what kind of support it is. We must help the families of those who were left here."  

More on the Blatter appeal date, he appeared before Cas, sport's highest tribunal, in August to appeal against his ban imposed for ethics violations. 

The 80-year-old, who headed football's global governing body for 17 years until last year, was banned from all soccer-related activity last December along with then-Uefa boss Michel Platini.

You probably saw a couple of papers earlier had pictures of the return of Tiger Woods. The former world number one made a superb start in his first PGA Tour event for 15 months, taking the lead at the Hero Challenge in the Bahamas with four birdies in eight holes but finishing with two double bogeys in his final three holes for a one over 73, nine behind leader JB Holmes.

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke boss Mark Hughes is up next, as his side bid to build on last week's win at Watford.

Image source, @StokeCity

Lots of talk of psychological elements around in sport these days, and Gareth Southgate is an "outstanding psychologist", according to Michael Caulfield - an expert in the field.

Take a listen here.

No racing today at Exeter so don't head there. Frozen ground.

In today's BBC Sport Gossip Column, there are reports that Manchester City have targeted Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, 25, and Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, 24. Is your club making a move in January?  Find out.

Alan Pardew is a man under pressure.

The Crystal Palace boss says: "I'm a realist, I understand the situation. I've got to ensure our next result is a positive one. That's a pressure I put on myself. I am used to this situation, I've been in it before. It's unusual to have this kind of run. I know we have to be strong.

"I have an honest group of players. OK, we've lost some confidence in set plays and made some mistakes, but we'll correct that.

"Our fans have suffered. I want us to get a result and people to leave this stadium much happier than after the game at Swansea."

Some more from Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew on what is going wrong for his team and how they go about fixing it.

"I get that sense of determination to get a result from the training ground," says Pardew. "We've got to get that balance right. I don't want my team to sit back and invite Southampton on to us, the fans deserve better than that.

"We've been looking at set plays, I have very good coaches here and I'm sure we can get to the bottom of it. We've done a couple of things that the players want to do. You have to listen to the group. I'm experienced enough to know that."

And why the early start? He adds: "The reason this is so early today - and I apologise for that - is because we've got a bit more work to do." 

Richard Conway
BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Following Gary Johnson's interview with the Daily Mirror today,, external Chelsea are referring to their statement from earlier this week when asked for comment:

"Chelsea Football Club has retained an external law firm to carry out an investigation concerning an individual employed by the club in the 1970s, who is now deceased. 

"The club has also contacted The FA to ensure that all possible assistance is provided as part of their wider investigation. This will include providing The FA with any relevant information arising out of the club’s investigation."

It is an early start for Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew, who is the first of 13 Premier League managers that we will be hearing from today.

Palace have lost their last six and were involved in an incredible 5-4 defeat at Swansea last time out.

Pardew says: "The most important thing is the shock of the Swansea game. We need to get the players balanced - we don't want to get overly tense. There's a lot of frustration in the group and we need to put it right.

"The fans travelled to Burnley, Swansea - games we should have won. We need to pay them back. We've worked on seeing the game out in training this week. Our form and the way we've played don't reflect where we are, but results are everything."

Image source, Reuters

The Times

The Times, external say Johanna Konta, who parted company with her coach Esteban Carril yesterday, was left stunned by the sudden death of mind coach Juan Coto, who helped her to become the first British woman to reach the world’s top ten since 1984. 

Image source, The Times

Metro

Image source, Metro

The Sun

The Sun, external say Gareth Southgate accused Wayne Rooney and other England players who did not go to bed at a customary hour of lacking intelligence after their late night exploits during the last international break.

Image source, The Sun

First up on the news conference stage is Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew. We'll be hearing from him shortly. Will he answer questions about his future?

Image source, @CPFC

The Daily Mail

Image source, Daily Mail

The Guardian

The Guardian, external also lead on Southgate, with the line of the off-field conduct issues from last month.

Image source, The Guardian

The Daily Express

Similar theme in the Daily Express,, external albeit with a rather brusque headline.

Image source, Daily Express

The Daily Star

The Daily Star, external report on the FA using a psychologist as part of the interview process before Gareth Southgate was handed a four-year-deal as England manager.

Image source, Daily Star