Scottish boost: Scotland’s top clubs are celebrating after a radical overhaul of the League Cup landed them an £8m windfall. BT Sport have signed up to screen the new-look competition for the next four years, with 13 matches from the tournament – which now features a summer group stage and a bonus-point shoot-out for drawn matches – to be broadcast live per season.
Fulham: Fulham have appointed Stuart Gray as a senior coach as their search for a new first-team head coach continues. Gray, 55, sacked by Sheffield Wednesday in June, is currently preparing the first team for Saturday’s home league game against Brentford. Fulham sacked previous manager Kit Symons in early November after just over a year in charge.
Grealish: Midfielder Jack Grealish is back training with Aston Villa’s first team again. The talented 20-year-old had been forced to spend time with the development squad after being pictured in a nightclub following a 4-0 defeat to Everton last month, but manager Remi Garde has now revealed his punishment is over. “Jack is back with the squad now. I am pleased to have him back because he’s an important player for the group,” Garde said.
Troyes: Troyes have appointed Claude Robin as their new manager following the departure of Jean-Marc Furlan last week. Robin, who spent two years as the club’s reserve coach from 2013, will work alongside Michel Pado-vani, Mohamed Bradja and Olivier Tingry. Troyes have not tasted victory in any of their 17 league games this season.
Strike: Soccer players in Greece are to go on strike indefinitely from next week, the Greek Professional Soccer Players’ Association (PSAP) said. The Hellenic Football Federation and top two leagues have failed to keep to an agreement made two years ago to create a special relief fund to compensate players who have been released by financially-troubled teams, PSAP said in a statement.
Football results...
Serie B: Ascoli vs Ternana 1-0; Avellino vs Pro Vercelli 1-0; Cesena vs Trapani 0-0; Entella vs Latina 1-0; Modena vs Bari 2-1; Perugia vs Novara 1-4; Brescia vs Pescara 2-0.
Standings: Crotone 34; Cagliari 33; Bari 32; Novara 31; Cesena 28; Brescia 27; Pescara, Entella 25; Perugia, Trapani 24; Livorno 21; Vicenza, Latina, Pro Vercelli 20; Avellino, Ternana 19; Modena, Spezia 18; Ascoli 17; Salernitana 16; Lanciano 14; Como 10.
Scottish Cup: Third Round – Dumbarton vs Alloa 5-0; Annan vs Inverurie 1-0.
Scottish League One: Forfar vs Peterhead 0-2.
Scottish League Two: East Fife vs Queen’s Park 0-2.