Possible changes to Match of the Day, along with the race to replace Gary Lineker, continue to be a topic of discussion on the BBC.
Insiders believe that one of the moves being considered is to introduce a behind-the-scenes news highlights segment, bringing in a journalist to provide some off-the-field details.
Roman Kemp’s appearance on Radio 5 Live, where he recently presented the 606 phone-in with Robbie Savage, also gets tongues wagging.
With Chris Sutton covering Celtic’s late game at Hearts, the 31-year-old stepped in as co-host. Kemp, son of Spandau Ballet star Martin, performed well after a nervous start and is known to have admirers in high places.
However, whether the BBC’s new sporting director, Alex Kay-Jelski, will let him fill Lineker’s shoes remains to be seen.
BBC bosses continue to hunt for someone to replace Lineker as Match of the Day presenter
Roman Kemp’s (photo) recent performance on Radio 5 Live has set tongues wagging
Mark Chapman (left) and Gabby Logan (right) are among the favorites to step into Lineker’s shoes
Chelsea will be bringing in new recruits
Chelsea continues to go above and beyond on and off the pitch – and is set to make a number of new hires to run the business side of their business.
The west London team are looking to bring in a director of corporate affairs and communications to oversee a host of pressing issues, not least the situation with the stadium. Stamford Bridge – or rather its relatively small capacity of 40,343 visitors – remains a problem that needs to be solved.
It is believed no decisions have been made on the future of the club’s historic home. It’s a complex situation, not least because of the situation with the Chelsea Pitch Owners, who have full ownership of the stadium and could potentially block any attempt at a move.
The new hire would also be responsible for a variety of areas across the company, including policy and regulation, with officials keeping a close eye on the political situation both in Europe and at home, while a new regulator would be in place. On the playing side, steps may be taken in the areas of scouting, data and analysis.
Although it is still early in the season, the impression is that Chelsea are reaping the benefits of the work done 12 months ago and, with a young squad on long contracts, they appear to be well set for a period of success.
Chelsea continues to go above and beyond on and off the pitch – and is about to bring in a number of new hires to the business side of their operations
Padel is at the wheel
While the eyes of the Formula 1 world were on track for this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, many drivers had already taken part in a hotly contested competition elsewhere.
The padel court at Doha’s Waldorf Astoria threw open its doors to drivers and sports figures from around the world in the days leading up to the big race.
Insiders say British duo George Russell and Lando Norris were among those who caught the eye, while Novak Djokovic took on Premier Padel (and Paris Saint-Germain) president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
Lando Norris was a Formula 1 star who turned heads this weekend on the padel court at Waldorf Astoria in Doha
Wales to take on the FA
The bid by Welsh clubs playing in the English league to qualify for Europe by competing in the Welsh League Cup will now go before the full FA board, rather than just a sub-committee.
In what appears to be a blow to those who want to ‘have their Welsh cake and eat it too’, as one England director joked, EFL clubs have been told the decision was made ‘due to the importance and significance of the subject’ . .
Clubs have also been assured that they will be given the opportunity to respond as part of the consultation process.
The bid by Welsh clubs playing in the English league to qualify for Europe by competing in the Welsh League Cup will now go before the full FA board.
Ignorance is Faes
Not all Leicester City footballers were partying as manager Steve Cooper was sacked. A group including Conor Coady and Harry Winks were spotted at a Copenhagen nightclub, close to a sign reading ‘Enzo I Miss U’, which was interpreted by many as a criticism of Enzo Maresca’s replacement, hours after the defeat against Chelsea, where Cooper despite his team is not in the relegation zone.
With the team not expected back until Tuesday, centre-back Wout Faes was spotted in the quieter surroundings of Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire. While the club bosses harshly concluded that Cooper was not feeling well, Faes was relaxing in the spa pool.
Wout Faes wasn’t partying as Leicester players were eliminated just before Steve Cooper’s dismissal
In the footage obtained by Danish outlet Ekstra Bladet, a sign reading ‘Enzo I miss u’ was held up as players, including Winks (right), laughed and filmed the moment on their smartphones
The Gretsy Lights
Christmas lights of a different kind have arrived in Crewe Alexandra courtesy of Cheshire Police, rather than Santa Claus.
Officers arrived at Gresty Road last week armed with LED grow lights, which they had seized following a raid on a cannabis factory.
With the League Two pitch having suffered in recent winters, the donations were well received by club staff, with one insider claiming they now had their own version of the Northern Lights.