Mowbray handed Middlesbrough reins

Former West Brom and Celtic boss Tony Mowbray has been confirmed as the new manager of Championship side Middlesbrough.

Mowbray, who spent 10 years as a player with Boro, has been handed the reins following last week’s departure

Strachan stepped down on October 18 with the pre-season promotion favourites languishing down in 20th place in the Championship table.

Mowbray had been out of work since being sacked by Celtic in March.

Can an ailing Middlesbrough win promotion to the Premier League this season? – Latest Football Betting

Tottenham have revealed they have reached a pre-contract agreement with SuperSport United for the transfer of Bongani Khumalo.

The South Africa international defender had a trial at the north London club in September and will join, subject to a work permit being granted, in January.

Khumalo was part of South Africa’s World Cup squad and scored the winning goal in their group stage victory over France.

England has failed to provide a single player on the 23-man shortlist for this year’s FIFA’s Ballon d’Or award.

Spain’s World Cup winning squad dominates the list of nominees, with Barcelona quartet Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol and David Villa headlining their seven entrants.

Three Premier League players in Sunderland’s Ghana international Asamoah Gyan, Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba of Chelsea and Arsenal’s Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas are in the running.

Blackburn Rovers expect a takeover deal involving the Indian-based Venkys group to be completed in November.

The group specialises in poultry farming and pharmaceuticals and will become the first Indian owners of a Premier League club should the deal be completed.

Saracens are hopeful of being able to complete the signing of Wales international Gavin Henson.

Henson, 28, is currently on unpaid leave from Ospreys and has not played competitive rugby for 18 months.

The fly-half, full-back or inside centre is currently appearing in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing series – a commitment which could last until Christmas – but he took part in a training session with the Aviva Premiership outfit on Monday.

England cricket team director Andy Flower has revealed that wives and girlfriends of the players will not be allowed at their Ashes camp in Australia.

With the first Test beginning in Brisbane on November 25, Flower has revealed the squad were informed and understood his decision.

However, despite being barred from the first two Tests, they will be allowed to see their loved ones over the Christmas and New Year period.

England are currently in possession of the little urn but Australia are slight online betting favourites to reclaim the Ashes Down Under.