Sport news

• Jose Mourinho snubbed by Chelsea players on return to training base as Roman Abramovich reveals he didn't want to sack him

  18-12-2015 23:58 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Jose Mourinho was snubbed by some of Chelsea's title winners during an emotional return to the club's Cobham training ground on Friday.
  
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• Jamie Vardy and Romelu Lukaku have made the headlines in Premier League

  18-12-2015 23:58 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  MARTIN KEOWN: We've been talking a lot about strikers this season — the likes of Jamie Vardy and Romelu Lukaku — but there have been some impressive defensive performers.
  
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• Chelsea's squad contains powerful guns for hire, just passing through... they are merely an upmarket version of floundering Aston Villa, Sunderland and Newcastle

  18-12-2015 23:54 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  MARTIN SAMUEL:In retreat this season, Chelsea have not looked all that different from floundering clubs such as Aston Villa, Sunderland and Newcastle; they are merely an upmarket version.
  
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• Billy Joe Saunders and Andy Lee fight to be new gipsy king ahead of WBO middleweight world title bout 

  18-12-2015 23:53 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  JEFF POWELL: True to the gipsy tradition of settling disputes by fisticuffs, Andy Lee will meet the challenge from Billy Joe Saunders man-to-man on this last Saturday night before Christmas.
  
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• Heurelho Gomes wakes up in pain but still risks his neck... Watford keeper opens up on clean sheet heroics 

  18-12-2015 23:43 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  EXCLUSIVE BY MATT BARLOW: Born into a family of a dozen children on a cattle farm, Heurelho Gomes learned at an early age to appreciate the value of everyone mucking in when mucking out.
  
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• Michael Emenalo is Roman Abramovich's go-to guy... the Chelsea technical director is one of the Russian owner's closest allies who appeared to seal Jose Mourinho's fate

  18-12-2015 23:42 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  When Roman Abramovich strolled across the open fields at Chelsea’s Surrey training base on Friday, the smartly-dressed former Nigeria footballer in the sunglasses on his left was Michael Emenalo.
  
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• Phil Taylor is ready to reclaim his throne after 16-time world champion's tragic year 

  18-12-2015 23:33 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  SUNNI UPAL: It’s been three years since Phil Taylor was crowned King at Alexandra Palace, but the 16-time world champion feels better prepared than ever to power to another title.
  
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• Nathan Hughes ready to answer England call next year as Wasps No 8 continues to punish Premiership defences

  18-12-2015 23:33 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  SAM PETERS: When Nathan Hughes arrived at Wasps after agreeing terms with a club he had never even heard of, things looked altogether bleaker for the Premiership outfit.
  
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• Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce wants to bring in two players: 'I got out on the road this week... but it's been very difficult'

  18-12-2015 23:32 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Sam Allardyce left his players behind on Wearside this week as he hit the road in a bid to find the January signings who can save Sunderland from relegation.
  
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• Championship bottom club Bolton explore possibility of leasing their assets in a bid to raise cash quickly

  18-12-2015 23:32 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Championship strugglers Bolton are in financial ruin and desperate to find new owners after long-term backer Eddie Davies withdrew his support for the club last month.
  
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• Virgin Media push the Premier League on grassroots and say Ofcom 'needs to step in and a secure better deal for football fans'

  18-12-2015 23:31 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  CHARLES SALE: The row between the Premier League and Virgin Media over the way live TV rights are sold has been re-ignited by the Government’s sports strategy.
  
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• Robin Goodfellow's Racing Tips: All the best bets for Saturday, December 19  

  18-12-2015 23:31 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Sportsmail racing expert Robin Goodfellow gives his hottest selections ahead of Friday's races at Ascot, Newcastle, Haydock and Lingfield.
  
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• Andy Carroll ruled out of Swansea City clash with latest setback as Slaven Bilic refuses to risk injury-prone striker

  18-12-2015 23:31 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  The 26-year-old will not make the trip to the Liberty Stadium after picking up a groin problem, having only returned in September following an eight-month lay-off due to knee ligament damage.
  
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• Wayne Hennessey has fulfilled potential at Crystal Palace... but Cesc Fabregas should focus on improving his performances

  18-12-2015 23:30 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  It's Hot or Not time again as IAN LADYMAN reveals what's been making him feel warm and what's been leaving him cold inside. This week features Wayne Hennessey and Cesc Fabregas.
  
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• Swansea turn to Marcelo Bielsa... the 'Crazy One' who greeted fans with a grenade and Pep Guardiola describes a 'football genius' 

  18-12-2015 23:30 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  PETE JENSON: It was the first day of the 2015-16 season in France and Marcelo Bielsa had decided it would be his last. His Marseille team had just lost 1-0 to Caen.
  
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• Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp issues apology to Tony Pulis but refuses to change his emotional style on the touchline

  18-12-2015 23:30 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  DOMINIC KING: Jurgen Klopp has offered Tony Pulis an apology but Liverpool’s manager insists the fallout from their touchline row will not change his emotional style.
  
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• Zarib can keep in-form Dan Skelton on a roll with the horse narrowly preferred to upset strong favourites Winner Massagot and Jolly's Cracked It at Ascot

  18-12-2015 23:29 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  SAM TURNER: Dan Skelton announced himself on National Hunt racing's main stage two years ago with victory in The Ladbroke and the Warwickshire trainer can repeat the achievement.
  
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• Lamine Diack makes astonishing claim that over £1m in drug doping bribes from Russia helped fund Senegalese President Macky Sall's election campaign

  18-12-2015 23:29 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  MARTHA KELNER: Leaked statements appear to suggest Russian bribes to cover up positive drugs tests were used to fund the Senegalese President's election campaign.
  
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• Guus Hiddink looks set to take charge of Chelsea as interim manager once again... but has the 69-year-old lost his touch?

  18-12-2015 23:29 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  MATT LAWTON: However successful Hiddink proved during his last stint at Stamford Bridge, there are aspects of his departure from his most recent job that some at Chelsea might find rather alarming.
  
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• Northampton 9-9 Racing 92: Saints blow big chance as Dan Carter's boot secures hard-fought draw at Franklin's Gardens 

  18-12-2015 23:26 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  NIK SIMON AT FRANKLIN'S GARDENS: There were moments at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday night when Eddie Jones and Dylan Hartley would have been tempted to make an early exit.
  
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• Cesc Fabregas was NOT the player who said he would rather have lost than won for Jose Mourinho, insists spokesman after Pat Nevin claim

  18-12-2015 23:20 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Cesc Fabregas's spokesman has denied he is the Chelsea player who it was claimedwould ‘rather lose than win’ for former manager Jose Mourinho.
  
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• Birmingham 1-0 Cardiff: Gary Rowett's side handed controversial penalty as they end five-game winless run in the Championship

  18-12-2015 23:13 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Russell Slade had to be ushered down the tunnel as the furious Cardiff boss tried to confront referee David Coote over his controversial decision to award Birmingham a first-half penalty.
  
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• West Brom and Tottenham fined by the FA for failing to control players during 1-1 draw

  18-12-2015 23:09 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  West Brom have been slapped with a £25,000 fine while Tottenham must pay £20,000 after both teams were caught in a scuffle towards the end of the Barclays Premier League match.
  
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• Edinburgh 18-15 London Irish: Hosts secure Challenge Cup victory thanks to John Hardie's late try at Murrayfield

  18-12-2015 23:00 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  WILL KELLEHER AT MURRAYFIELD: John Hardie's try eight minutes from time was enough to see Edinburgh past London Irish as the Scots kept their European hopes alive.
  
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• It's crazy if Manchester United don't take on City for Pep Guardiola... over the past 12 months he has been talking to Xabi Alonso about England and the Premier League

  18-12-2015 22:21 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  JAMIE CARRAGHER: It seems madness that Manchester United are going to let their bitterest rivals recruit the world’s most in-demand coach, and that man is Pep Guardiola.
  
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• David Haye is going to get knocked out... just like the England rugby team, claims comeback opponent Mark de Mori

  18-12-2015 20:34 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Mark de Mori is ready to send David Haye the same way as England's rugby team. The Aussie heavyweight was hand-picked by the former world champion for his long-awaited comeback.
  
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• FIFA's caretaker chiefs urge associations to vote for major reforms amid 'crisis' 

  18-12-2015 20:13 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  FIFA's interim leaders have called on the organisation's 209 member associations to embrace change after the 'crisis that has shaken global football governance to its core'.
  
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• Ronda Rousey dresses as a Stormtrooper as UFC star watches new Star Wars movie

  18-12-2015 20:08 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  She may have been dethroned as the queen of UFC, but it appears the force is still strong inside Ronda Rousey. She channelled her inner-geek as she watched the Star Wars sequel.
  
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• Football League Q&A: Nicky Adams names Paul Gascoigne as his hero while 50 Cent is his favourite artist to listen to pre-match

  18-12-2015 20:03 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Nicky Adams has been one of the key factors in Northampton’s rise to the top of Sky Bet League Two in spite of the off-field turmoil at Sixfields.
  
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• George Ford determined to bring silverware to Bath: 'It's a burning desire of mine and the lads'

  18-12-2015 19:56 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Ford's touchline conversion with the final kick of last Sunday's Champions Cup Pool Five clash against Wasps gave Bath a potentially critical away win in an intense group
  
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• Real Madrid's misfiring players look glum at Christmas lunch as they continue to trail rivals Atletico and Barcelona in La Liga

  18-12-2015 19:42 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Real Madrid have endured a difficult first half of the La Liga season and from the looks of Los Blancos' players at the club's traditional Christmas lunch, the team's form is getting to them.
  
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• Premier League clubs' mindset to blame for Champions League decline... they prioritise revenue over Europe's elite competition

  18-12-2015 19:36 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  CHAMPIONS LEAGUE COLUMN: Premier League clubs are so consumed with the domestic product, that they have taken their eye of the ball in Europe.
  
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• Middlesbrough youngster Harry Chapman picks up Barclays U21 Player of the Month for November... but who is the winger?

  18-12-2015 19:34 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Middlesbrough’s Harry Chapman is the Barclays Premier League Under 21 Player of the Month for November. Here, he talks exclusively to Sportsmail after collecting his prize.
  
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• Swansea players busy researching Marcelo Bielsa as Argentinian closes in on top job

  18-12-2015 19:23 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Swansea's stars have had their iPads out this week to do their homework on potential new boss Marcelo Bielsa. The 60-year-old Argentinian is the favourite to succeed Garry Monk.
  
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• Barcelona boy Bojan has found happiness in Stoke... he won't want to leave in January and we don't want to sell, says Mark Hughes

  18-12-2015 19:23 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Stoke manager Mark Hughes does not fear losing Bojan Krkic next month because he believes the forward has finally found happiness in the Potteries after hopping around Europe.
  
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• Alan Pardew admits Crystal Palace return 'could not have gone much better'

  18-12-2015 19:23 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  On his arrival, Crystal Palace looked destined for relegation, but Alan Pardew guided them to an impressive 10th in the table ahead of the weekend's trip to Stoke City.
  
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• Diego Simeone keen on becoming Chelsea boss in summer

  18-12-2015 18:44 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Diego Simeone is open to joining Chelsea next season and believes the language barrier would not pose him a major problem. The Argentine is keen to listen to any offer from the Blues.
  
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• Arsenal star Hector Bellerin: I left Barcelona because of Arsene Wenger

  18-12-2015 18:44 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Arsenal right back Hector Bellerin moved to north London in 2011 and has not looked back since, becoming a crucial part of Arsene Wenger's first-team plans.
  
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• Jose Mourinho snubbed by handful of stars as sacked Chelsea boss says goodbye in farewell speech following his dismissal

  18-12-2015 18:37 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Jose Mourinho made an emotional speech to some of Chelsea's players after returning to the club's training ground for a final farewell on Friday afternoon but was snubbed by others.
  
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• Steven Finn could play in England's first Test against South Africa after impressing with speed of comeback in nets

  18-12-2015 17:58 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  PAUL NEWMAN IN PIETERMARITZBURG: Steven Finn could be fast-tracked into the Boxing Day Test in Durban ahead ofin Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan and the newcomer Mark Footitt.
  
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• Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp issues apology to Tony Pulis after 'forgetting to shake hands' due to his emotions

  18-12-2015 17:56 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and opposite number Tony Pulis clashed after Divock Origi equalised in injury time and they never shook hands at the final whistle.
  
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• Eden Hazard misses Chelsea training ahead of Sunderland clash

  18-12-2015 17:51 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Eden Hazard is set to miss Chelsea's clash with Sunderland with the hip injury he suffered in Jose Mourinho's final game as manager at Leicester City on Monday night.
  
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• Manuel Pellegrini not fussed by talk of Pep Guardiola taking his Manchester City job

  18-12-2015 17:37 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Pep Guardiola has been linked repeatedly with City, as well as Manchester United and Chelsea, but Manuel Pellegrini says he is not worried as he prepares his side to face Arsenal.
  
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• Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich arrives at training ground after Jose Mourinho sacking

  18-12-2015 17:37 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Guus Hiddink has jetted over to Heathrow Airport ahead of his appointment as Chelsea's interim manager until the end of the season. The 69-year-old previously impressed at the club in a similar role.
  
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• Diego Simeone to Chelsea: Why it's no surprise Blues want him

  18-12-2015 17:34 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Simeone was once asked to pick the manager he felt he could relate to more between Pep Guardiola and Mourinho and he picked the then-Real Madrid coach.
  
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• Aston Villa boss reminds Adama Traore he isn't Lionel Messi

  18-12-2015 17:31 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Remi Garde has told Adama Traore to forget trying to play like Lionel Messi and instead up his work-rate to earn a place in Aston Villa's starting XI.
  
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• Roman Abramovich tells Chelsea stars: I did NOT want to sack Jose Mourinho

  18-12-2015 17:27 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  NEIL ASHTON: Roman Abramovich told Chelsea's under-performing players that he didn't want to sack Jose Mourinho during an address at their Cobham training ground on Friday afternoon.
  
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• Newcastle boss Steve McClaren credits recent turnaround to week of 'conflict' 

  18-12-2015 17:27 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Steve McClaren says that a week of 'conflict' sparked Newcastle's turnaround in form. The Magpies have won their last two Premier League games against Liverpool and Tottenham.
  
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• Eddie Howe grateful to former mentor Tony Pulis during days as a schoolboy apprentice at Bournemouth

  18-12-2015 17:27 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  The Cherries head to the Hawthorns on the back of victories at first Chelsea and then at home to Manchester United which have lifted them clear of the Premier League bottom three.
  
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• Bolton stars to be paid at end of month as club look to stop players from walking away

  18-12-2015 17:26 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Bolton Wanderers' players were not paid in November as their financial situation lurched into a crisis after owner Eddie Davies withdrew his long-time backing.
  
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