Former footballer Marvin Morgan dies

It has just been reported – by several of his previous clubs – that former footballer Marvin Morgan has died.

The ex-Aldershot, Shrewsbury Town and Plymouth Argyle striker made more than 200 career appearances in the Football League, also spending time on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge and Hartlepool. He also started his own clothing wear business Fresh Ego Kid, while he was with Shropshire club Shrewsbury.

Former footballer's son faced 'monkey chants' in school rugby game

One of the country's top schools has launched an investigation after former footballer Fabrice Muamba said his son faced racist abuse in a school rugby game.

Mr Muamba tweeted that his 12-year-old son received monkey chants from opponents at Manchester Grammar School after scoring a try. "Racism is learnt; be careful what you are teaching your children," he said.

Former footballer, Joe Thompson dies

It was announced that former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson has died.

Former Gloucester centre Jack Adams dies aged 34

Former Gloucester centre Jack Adams has died after being diagnosed with cancer.

Adams, who also had spells with Moseley and Bristol and featured for the England Sevens team, made 35 appearances for Gloucester between 2005 and 2009, and was head coach of Hucclecote RFC.

A statement on the Gloucester website said: "Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jack's family and loved ones in this incredibly difficult time. Jack was a local lad who lived his dream of representing his hometown club.

"The outpouring of love and support from the wider rugby community over the last few days goes to show just how adored Jack was as a person." Adams, who also played for Cinderford RFC before retiring in 2017, was first diagnosed with cancer in mid-April.

The Rugby Players Association had set up a fundraising page to support Adams' family and a local charity.

He was 34.

Former international manager Eriksson dies

The was announced that former well-renowned international football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died.

Former Ipswich and England striker, Paul Mariner, dies

Former England striker Paul Mariner, who won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup with Ipswich Town, has died aged 68.

Mariner began his league career at Plymouth Argyle and also played for Arsenal and Portsmouth. He made 35 appearances for England, scoring 13 goals.

"We regretfully inform you that Paul passed away peacefully on 9 July surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with brain cancer," said a statement from Mariner's family. "We would like to thank all the people who came to see him through his illness for their support and the messages that were sent to him; they meant a great deal to him and us.

"A special thank you must go to the NHS and the unbelievable care that he received when he most needed it and for that we, as a family, will be forever in your debt. Paul lived a full life and was fortunate enough to represent a group of fantastic football clubs as well as his country, all of which meant the world to him.

"Anyone who knew Paul will attest to his fantastic sense of humour, his passion for life and his work. He will be sorely missed by everyone who was ever around him and by those most close to him."

Lancashire-born Mariner made 155 appearances and scored 61 goals for Plymouth, who signed him from non-league Chorley in 1973. He moved to Ipswich in 1976 and was part of the side who won the FA Cup in 1978 and UEFA Cup in 1981 under manager Sir Bobby Robson.

He scored 135 goals in 339 appearances for the Portman Road side before joining Arsenal in 1984. He joined Portsmouth two years later and finished his playing career in the United States.

Making his England debut in 1977 and playing at the 1982 World Cup, Mariner also had spells as manager of Plymouth and Major League Soccer side Toronto FC. "The Argyle family is devastated to learn of the passing of legendary former striker and manager, Paul Mariner," said the Pilgrims.

Ipswich Town inducted Mariner into the club's hall of fame in 2011. The club’s chief executive, Mark Ashton, said: "It's incredibly sad news and the thoughts of everyone at the club are with Paul's family and friends at this very difficult time."

He was 68.

Former king of sprint, Chambers, to race at UK Indoors Championships - aged 45

Former world indoor champion Dwain Chambers is set to race in the 60m at the UK Indoor Championships at the age of 45.

Former Liverpool and Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier dead at 73

The world of football is still paying respect to former Liverpool, Aston Villa and PSG manager Gerard Houllier.

The Frenchman who managed the Reds from 1998-2004 led them to five major trophies, including the FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup treble in 2000-01.

Prior to that he managed Lens, Paris St-Germain and the French national team, and after leaving the Reds won two Ligue 1 titles at Lyon. His last managerial job was at Aston Villa, but he left in 2011 after nine months, following heart problems.

In a statement, Liverpool said they were "deeply saddened" by Houllier's death.

"We are mourning the passing of our treble-winning manager, Gerard Houllier," the club said. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Gerard's family and many friends."

Houllier made his managerial name with Lens and PSG in the 1980s before taking over the French national side in 1992. But following its failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup finals he resigned from the role. In 1998, he moved to England and took charge of Liverpool as joint manager alongside Roy Evans. Evans resigned three months later and Houllier took sole charge, rebuilding the Reds and leading them to the unprecedented treble in the 2000-01 season.

In April 2001, he had open heart surgery after suffering from chest pains during a home match against Leeds, but returned to the dugout at Anfield and remained there for another three years before leaving in May 2004. Afterwhich, he led Lyon to two French titles before joining the FFF in 2007, but he was enticed back into management by Villa in September 2010, signing a three-year deal.

But the following April Houllier was admitted to hospital with chest pains and Gary McAllister stepped in to help steer Villa away from relegation trouble. He stepped down from the role at the end of the 2010-11 season with concerns that a return to the dugout could cause further health issues.

He has since held the head of football role at Red Bull, and in November became technical director of women's football clubs Lyon and OL Reign.

He was 73.

Former Liverpool and England striker Roger Hunt MBE dies

Former Liverpool and England striker Roger Hunt has died age 83, the Premier League club has announced. He was part of England's 1966 World Cup-winning side and is Liverpool's record league scorer with 244 goals.

The forward won 34 England caps, scoring 18 international goals after making his debut in 1962 when Liverpool were in English football's second tier.

Former PL stars, Sodell and Rosenior, named on IAB

Former footballers, Marvin Sordell and Liam Rosenior, are among several new members of the Football Association’s Inclusion Advisory Board (IAB) – the subcommittee of the English FA board which aims to enhance diversity and equality at all levels of the game.

Former Coventry City and Burton Albion player, Sordell has spoken out about his mental health since he retired at the age of 28, while ex-Brighton and Hull City defender, Rosenior was a lead supporter of the ‘Rooney Rule’ legislation in the game.

IAB chair, Paul Elliot, said: “The standard of candidacies was hugely outstanding and, as such, we are hugely delighted with the outcome.

“It was important to bring in people who can offer a free perspective from both within and outside of football.

“We have made great strides since the Inclusion Advisory Board was formed in 2013 and it is crucial to bring in those who can challenge existing ideas”.

Marvin and Liam are joined by Sandra Hughes, chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health, KPMG’s director of inclusion, diversity and social equality, Edleen John and Staynton Brown, who is the director of inclusion and talent at Transport for London.

Kick It Out chair, Sanjay Bhandari is also added to the board, while Roya Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy will represent the FA Youth Council.

Former president Obama and NBA legend Jordan basketball vests sell for record sums at auction

Two basketball vests - one worn by the NBA superstar Michael Jordan and the other by former US president Barack Obama - sold for record sums at a Los Angeles auction on Friday.

Jordan's number 23 vest, which he wore when he signed for the Chicago Bulls in 1984, sold for $320,000 (£235,000). Mr Obama's vest, worn with his Punahou School team, went for $192,000 - a record for a high-school sports shirt. Last year, another one of his high-school vests fetched $120,000.

Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills said Mr Obama wore his shirt - also number 23 - in 1979, when he helped his team win the Hawaii basketball state championship. The ex-president's love of the game has followed him through life. In his new memoir, A Promised Land, he said he had to stop coaching his daughter Sasha's basketball team after parents from a rival team complained that he was giving them an unfair advantage.

Michael Jordan - the first billionaire athlete - was at the centre of the Chicago Bulls team that won six NBA championships in the 1990s. A documentary series, The Last Dance, about the team's standout successes was a hit on Netflix earlier this year. President Obama appeared as one of the show's interviewees, saying: "Michael Jordan and the Bulls changed the culture." The previous record sum for a Jordan "number 23" shirt was $288,000 in an auction in July.

Also on sale in the latest auction was an autographed Cavaliers shirt worn by current NBA star Lebron James, which sold for $128,000, and an NFL football shirt worn by quarterback Colin Kapaernick, from his debut for the San Francisco 49ers. His shirt also sold for $128,000 - a new record for an NFL shirt.

In 2016, Kaepernick became a symbol in the fight against racial injustice when he kneeled in protest during the US national anthem.

Former Rhinos Sinfield carries friend and ex-teammate Burrow over Leeds Marathon finish line

Rugby League legend Kevin Sinfield OBE stopped short of the finish at the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon to carry his friend over the line.

The event named after former Leeds Rhinos star Burrow, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, saw more than 12,000 people take part. It was inspired by Sinfield, who pushed his former team-mate around the course in a specially-adapted wheelchair.

Former Senegal, West Ham United, Birmingham City and Portsmouth midfielder, Papa Bouba Diop, dies

Former Senegal, Fulham and Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop has died.

Diop made 129 appearances in the Premier League and also had spells in England with West Ham United and Birmingham City.

He played for Senegal at the 2002 World Cup, scoring the winner in the tournament's opening game as his country beat France 1-0.

"Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero," Fifa posted on social media.

A post on Fulham's Twitter account said the club was "devastated" and, using Diop's nickname, added: "Rest well, Wardrobe."

Senegal reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup, with Diop going on to score twice more in the 3-3 group-stage draw with Uruguay. He also featured at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including when Senegal were runners-up in 2002. He retired in 2013.

Diop helped Portsmouth, who were managed by Harry Redknapp at the time, win the FA Cup in 2008.

"He was such a wonderful character," Redknapp said. "He was fantastic for me, a great character, always happy and always had a smile on his face. He was a giant of a man.

"He had no aggression in him. He looked aggressive on the pitch because he was so big, but there was nothing nasty about him.

"My thoughts are with all his family."

Macky Sall, the president of Senegal, called Diop's death "a great loss for Senegal" while Liverpool's Senegal midfielder Sadio Mane wrote on his Instagram: "Pape Bouba, it was with a broken heart that we learned of your (death). Know that you will forever remain in our hearts even if you left without saying goodbye to us."

He was 42.

Former Test umpire suing ECB over racism

Former Test Cricket umpire John Holder is suing the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) over allegations of racial discrimination during the time in which he worked for the board.  The legal claim that is lodged follows after Holder, and another former umpire Ismail Dawood, accused made accusations of “institutionalised racism”. 

A first-class umpire between 1983 and 2009, Holder related it to his employment, where he became the most notable Black British umpire in England cricket. He (Holder) claims that he was discriminated against on the grounds of race, with his - and Dawood’s - concerns over the fact that no non-white umpires have been appointed to the first-class list since 1992. In November they both asked for an independent investigation from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

The ECB, who have promised to implement a range of changes, has produced its own report - Racial Equality in Cricket - which has stated that 58% of those consulted believed racism existed in English cricket. Holder and Dawood said that the ECB has “systematically failed to adopt these recommendations”. Holder has also highlighted that his application for a role as an ECB mentor after he retired in 2009 received no response.

“As with all areas of our game, we want our match officials to represent and reflect everyone who supports and plays cricket. Therefore, we announced that we would re‑evaluate the way in which we attract, develop and performance manage our match officials, in order to increase the diversity of our officiating, inspire the next generation of umpires and match referees and ensure a culture of inclusivity and fairness throughout.

“Aligned with this process, we have been arranging to meet with John Holder and others to listen to their experiences so as to better inform our future approach to recruiting and developing umpires and match officials.”

The last state-educated Black cricketer to make a Test debut for England was Michael Carberry in 2010. Carberry has also spoken out on institutional racism in English cricket.

An ECB spokesperson reportedly said: “We are not aware of the detail of this claim from John Holder and are therefore unable to comment upon it. The ECB is absolutely committed to ensuring there is no place for discrimination, of any kind, in our sport.

Former undisputed middleweight world champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler dies

Former undisputed middleweight world champion 'Marvelous' Marvin Hagler has died. The American dominated the middleweight division from 1979 until his controversial defeat by Sugar Ray Leonard in April 1987.

"Today, unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire," his wife Kay Hagler said. He fought 67 times during his 14-year professional career, winning 62. He triumphed on 52 occasions by knockout, while he drew two and lost three times.

In September 1980, Hagler fought Britain's Alan Minter at Wembley Stadium to claim his first world titles, winning the WBA and WBC belts. It followed Minter’s controversial outburst when, before the bout he said that he would never be beaten by a Black man. His most famous fight came in April 1985 when he fought Thomas 'Hit Man' Hearns over three brutal rounds - a classic known as 'The War'.

In 1982, he legally changed his name to "Marvelous Marvin Hagler because network announcers often did not refer to him by his nickname ‘Marvelous.’

He made 12 successful title defences until his defeat by Leonard by a split decision and he retired a year later. Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis tweeted: "The world is one great man less today.

"This one hits so hard also because he was the one I emulated my own training camps after when I saw how seriously he took his training camps." He added: "Not only was he a living legend, but I was proud to call him my friend. He was so full of life, energy and positivity in our conversations that you would never guess what a wrecking machine he was in the ring.

"Our wives would speak on the phone to connect us and I'll miss his voice saying 'It's Marvelous' on the other end of the line. Boxing lost an all-time great today," said promoter Frank Warren.

Former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" to hear of the "incredible" Hagler's death. The Irishman added: "I'm honoured to have spent some amazing times with him. My heartfelt sympathies to his wife Kay and his family. Rest in Peace Champ."

British heavyweight Derek Chisora said Hagler was "one of the greatest".

Before the world super flyweight unification fight between Juan Estrada and Roman Gonzalez in Dallas on Saturday night, a "memorial count of 10" was led by ring announcer Michael Buffer, with the bell rung 10 times in Hagler's memory.

Hagler, an inductee of the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame, was 66.

Former Villa and Celtic boss Dr Jo dies

Former Aston Villa and Celtic manager, Dr Jozef Venglos, has died. The first manager from outside Britain or Ireland to take charge of a top-flight English team, the Slovakian made history when he was appointed at Aston Villa in 1990.

Lasting only one season at the Birmingham club he was replaced by Ron Atkinson after Villa finished 17th in the league. He also served a single-season stint with Celtic in 1998-99, which included a memorable 5-1 derby win over Rangers but no trophies.

Dr Venglos was the assistant coach when Czechoslovakia won the European Championship in 1976 and had two spells as manager, taking them to third place at the 1980 European Championship and the quarter-finals at the 1990 World Cup.

He was later Slovakia's first national team boss after it gained independence in 1993.

In a long career he also served as national team manager for Australia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Malaysia and Oman and took charge of Fenerbahce and Sporting Lisbon.

Holding a doctorate in Physical Education and also specialised in Psychology he had been selected by FIFA on various occasions to lecture at the FIFA academies throughout the world.

Leading a host of worm tributes, former Villa striker Stan Collymore tweeting: "Sad news that Dr Jo Venglos has passed away.

"First ever foreign manager to manage in the English top flight with Villa, didn't last long but always came across as a decent man. Rest in peace, Dr Jo."

He was 84.

Former Villan, Bruce, set to coach Jamaica national team

It’s been widely reported that former Aston Villa,Birmingham City and Newcastle United manager, Steve Bruce, could be set for a surprise return to football, having been said to have been interviewed for the vacant post of leading the Jamaican national team.

Former Wales star, Rees-Zammit, makes Chiefs NFL bow

Louis Rees-Zammit overcame injury concerns to make his NFL home debut for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Detroit Lions.

Former WBBL star Paige Robinson joins league's back office as Marketing Assistant

The British Basketball League is pleased to announce that former London Lions star Paige Robinson has joined the league as its new Marketing Assistant following the conclusion of the Women’s British Basketball League 2022/23 season.

Paige joins the League’s marketing department following a highly successful on-court career, which has seen her pick up ten Women’s British Basketball League titles, including, most recently, the Play-off trophy at The O2 Arena in London whereupon the Lions reigned supreme over the Leicester Riders.

Former world record holder, Radcliffe, runs first marathon in 10 years - aged 51

Former world record holder Paula Radcliffe ran her first competitive marathon in a decade on Sunday in Tokyo.