Football news  

Ferguson: Hughes's sacking was unacceptable

Scot severely criticises the way in which Manchester City arranged for former manager to be replaced by Roberto Mancini

• Liverpool upset by Mancini approach claim

• Brazilians welcome arrival of Mancini

Liverpool upset by Mancini approach claim

Garry Cook, the chief executive of Manchester City, says his new Italian manager was asked to replace Rafael Benítez

• Liverpool have little hope of signing Heskey

• Brazilians welcome arrival of Mancini

Arnesen under threat if reserves fail

Should Daniel Sturridge and Fabio Borini be unable to deliver for Chelsea, it could cost the sporting director his job

• Ancelotti forced to put trust in youngsters

• Ancelotti makes plans for loss of Drogba

Zola admits to losing grip on Upson

West Ham manager fears that parting with his influential defender in the January transfer window could trigger relegation

• Penalty drama grabs point for Chelsea

• Green's error gives Bolton welcome lift

Cricket news  

Pietersen hopes for happy return to Kingsmead

The second Test will give the England batsman his first opportunity to play a full international at his "home" ground

• Collingwood withstands tension to secure draw

• Analysis: Trott hones instincts of self-preservation

Thrill of game lost in the rise of machine

The Decision Review System is prejudicial to the paying spectator and damnably difficult to understand, says Mike Atherton

Kent members in revolt over rise in prices

Supporters react strongly to large increases in the cost of membership following substantial losses incurred by the club

Hamilton-Brown rejoins Surrey as captain

The all-rounder returns to the Oval to captain the side at the age of 22 and fulfil his "dream of a lifetime"

Rugby news  

Gloucester seek respite in derby of fallen giants

Both Steve Meehan of Bath and Bryan Redpath of Gloucester need four points from their clash at the Recreation Ground

Sackey ready to hit the big time

Wasps wing will hope to make his case to Martin Johnson when he faces Ugo Monye, his England rival, at Twickenham

Moffat’s slip confirms Parks move

Edinburgh coach fails to stick to SRU line but Glasgow say their player will not be affected by talk of switch to Cardiff

Things looking up for Evans and Quins

Chief executive unbowed after a bloody year that saw the club lose their director of rugby, chairman and reputation

Racing and Betting News  

Brennan focuses on being a winner

Jockey admits to being a bad loser but is relishing the prospect of riding Imperial Commander in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day

Celestial Halo enters picture for Kempton

Paul Nicholls will work Champion Hurdle runner-up on Wednesday morning with a view to tackling Christmas Hurdle

Towcester abandoned as big freeze bites

Track bows to the elements, with the Boxing Day cards at Sedgefield, Market Rasen, Huntingdon and Wetherby in peril

Lee looking to push the boat out with Le Beau Bai

Trainer has been pleasantly surprised by gelding whose latest win at Chepstow propelled him to favouritism for the Welsh National