BBC Sport rugby league reporter Matt Newsum

The decision to appoint Danny McGuire is, to some extent, a gamble given his relative inexperience as an out-and-out head coach but there is every reason to suggest he is the perfect fit for such a post.

First of all, his rugby league brain made him one of the sharpest halves around, so he understands the sport inside out.

He has played under some esteemed coaches such as Tony Smith, Brian Noble, Brian McDermott and Tim Sheens, and coached alongside Smith during his time at Hull KR, where he did get a taste as interim boss in succeeding his old mentor.

McGuire has done hard yards as an assistant and has an appreciation and understanding of the set-up at the Tigers already having worked on Craig Lingard’s staff.

I don’t think there is a person in rugby league who doesn’t warm to the personality of McGuire, a thoughtful, reflective and decent human being – he is someone you would want to play for.

He seems likely to be joined by old Rhinos team-mate Brett Delaney who has recently left Hull KR’s staff and who is also highly thought of.

Yuki Tsunoda is surprised it has taken Red Bull so long to offer him a Formula 1 test, but thinks elements in the “background” have stopped it happening before now.

As revealed by Motorsport.com earlier this week, Tsunoda is being lined up for his first proper run in a Red Bull F1 car after the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The details have not been finalised yet – and Tsunoda admits the plan could yet fall through – but he has expressed delight that he appears to be finally getting the opportunity.

“I think that this will happen, maybe” he said ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix. “But with Red Bull Racing, you never know until the day.”

Despite having raced for Red Bull’s sister squad under its AlphaTauri/RB identity since  2021, the Japanese has only ever managed to drive a Red Bull car in demo runs.

Asked if he was surprised it has taken so long to get to this point, Tsunoda said: “If you asked that in the second year or third year I’d be very surprised, but it’s up to me to get used to it.

“I kind of got used to how difficult [it was] to get even a single day [of] testing [when I am] outperforming most of the team-mates previous years.

“But yeah, there are probably things that I didn’t really know [about], something going on around the background that I didn’t know. And for sure, at the same time, there’s probably the view that I’m not really able to improve as much as they wanted at this level, especially for radio communications.” 

Yuki Tsunoda, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team, on the grid

Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images

Although Tsunoda would have hoped to have his Red Bull opportunity before now, he thinks even a single day of running will give him a chance to demonstrate what he can really do.

“It’s a very good opportunity,” he said. “At least I finally can show a bit of my driving and they just can see how I’m driving.

“I think it’s very important. So at least it feels great. Finally, they’re giving me an opportunity. I don’t know if it still happens or not, but there’s something even I heard from them directly. So, yeah, I try to maximize my opportunity.”

Tsunoda has also thanked Honda, which has supported his career and played a key role in pushing Red Bull to give him the F1 run.

“Definitely Honda helped me to push that testing,” he added. “I am very appreciative of them.

“Obviously, I was pushing since already the first race, as well, even for last year. But yeah, I was able to show results that I [have] stepped a little bit more compared to last year and also there was a push to Red Bull as well.”

Broadcast Marathon in Support of Kate’s Home Nursing

NORTHLEACH, GLOUCESTERSHIRE – UK – 17 October, 2024 – Cotswolds Radio, a premier local radio station, dedicated to serving the Cotswolds and beyond, is thrilled to announce an exciting 24-hour charity broadcast event taking place from 8pm on 17 October, through to 8pm on 18 October. This event aims to bring the community together, through a continuous live stream of diverse and engaging programming, including celebrity interviews, live music and debate, in support of Kate’s Home Nursing, a local charity offering palliative care in the home.

In addition, Cotswolds Radio will host an online auction, where listeners can bid on a variety of lots, including:

• Tickets to a Manchester United Game
• An overnight stay with dinner for 2 at Charingworth Manor
• Adam Henson’s new book and tickets to his Cotswold Farm Park

And more….There is truly something for everyone. The auction launches 10 October, and will close at 7.45pm on 18 October, with the winners announced live on air.

Programming highlights include:

– Special Guests: Live studio interviews with Countryfile presenter and local farmer, Adam Henson, football legend, Andy Townsend, football commentator, Steve Banyard and 80’s Supremo and producer, Clark Datchler from Johnny Hates Jazz

– Local Music: Live ‘Jammin’ in Jail’ with singer-songwriters Dan Graham, D’Artegan, Henry Frampton and Verity Edwards-Flaherty

– Community Stories: Interviews with Karen Pengilley, CEO of local charity, Kate’s Home Nursing, and solo channel swimmer, Izzy Weatherall

– Interactive Segments: Get involved in debates, shoutouts, requests. Message

the studio via our app or whatsapp us live on 07824 368947

Visit our auction page to place your bids. This is a great opportunity to win something special while supporting a good cause – tune in, bid generously and make a difference!

Register and Get Bidding at:

https://app.galabid.com/cotswoldsradio24hr/items

As a non-profit organisation, run solely by volunteers, Cotswolds Radio aims to connect with the diverse local community, through a mix of local news, engaging discussion, and a variety of music related shows, that reflect the culture of the region. As a community-driven station, Cotswolds Radio is proud to provide a platform for local voices, promoting local events and initiatives.

Annabelle Belcher, Cotswolds Radio, commented, “This broadcast is a celebration of our vibrant community and our dedicated team of volunteers. We are delighted that Paul Johnson and Jamie Sanderson, two of our DJ’s here at the station, decided to take on the marathon broadcast again this year to raise some much-needed funds for local charity, Kate’s Home Nursing. Kate’s provide incredible nursing care for people in their own homes through the last stages of their lives, whilst offering much needed support to their families.. We invite everyone to tune in, participate, bid and donate, to make this event a memorable experience.”

Listeners can tune into Cotswolds Radio by downloading the app, listen on Alexa or stream the broadcast live at www.cotswoldsradio.com. The station will be active on social media throughout the event, sharing updates and content via:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotswoldsradio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cotswoldsradio

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/cotswolds-radio/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotswolds.radio?_t=8kaKgvjdVi4&_r=1

For more information about the event, to become a sponsor, or to donate, please visit:www.cotswoldsradio.com

About Kate’s Home Nursing

Kate’s Home Nursing is a local charity, employing the services of registered nurses to care for people in their own homes through the last stage of illness, offering support and care for the patient, their family and carers. In addition to nursing, Kate’s offer respite care, bereavement support and some holistic therapy. The charity works closely with the District Nursing Service, local GPs and other multi-disciplinary teams to provide nursing services for the local community. https://www.kateshomenursing.org

About Cotswolds Radio

Cotswolds Radio is a non-profit community radio station run solely by volunteers. The station is committed to providing a platform for diverse voices and shows, fostering community talent and engagement. Its mission is to inform, entertain, and inspire through high-quality programming that reflects the unique culture and interests of the Cotswolds and beyond. The station is passionate about providing the younger generation with an opportunity to gain valuable experience and insight into broadcasting. Cotswolds Radio broadcasts live from The Old Prison in Northleach, Gloucestershire. Online, on the App and on Alexa. ‘In the Community, For the Community, By the Community.’

www.cotswoldsradio.com

Cotswolds Radio Media Contact:

Kim Lynch

kimlynch082@gmail.com

Manchester United first-team coach Darren Fletcher has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association following his side’s 2-1 win against Brentford.

Fletcher is alleged to have acted in an “improper and/or confrontational manner” and using “abusive and/or insulting words” towards the match officials during the Premier League victory at Old Trafford on 19 October.

United were furious following Brentford’s opener, which came when defender Matthijs de Ligt was forced to leave the field for a third time to deal with a cut on his head.

Manager Erik ten Hag and assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy both received yellow cards for their protests, while Fletcher confronted the officials at half-time as they made their way to the tunnel.

Fletcher, who made 342 appearances for United, has until 29 October to respond to the charge.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on Wednesday announced the sport’s first-ever franchise-based league in the country. The competition will be called “Shooting League of India”.

The proposal, mooted by NRAI president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, has received approval from the national federation’s governing body.

A window for the same is being chalked out, post receiving approvals from the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), the sport’s global governing body.

The first edition of the league will be held in March.

Making the objectives behind the franchise league clear, NRAI Secretary-General Sultan Singh said, “We want to have all 15 Olympic events as part of the SLI, but we will try to innovate and tweak some formats so as to make them more exciting to watch on telecast or livestream. We also want to have unique ownership and team composition, which will help in bringing in newer audiences and sponsors to the sport. More details will be shared soon.”

“Shooting, particularly after the performance in the recent Paris Olympics has received a huge fillip in its popularity and we thought that this was the right moment to launch a league,” Narayan Singh Deo said.

“We have seen how well-organised franchise leagues have not only helped in popularising the sport even further, but most importantly have brought in new audiences and revenue for them and their athletes. We owe it to our athletes to make the sport self-sustainable,” he added.

At the Paris Olympics, Indian shooters made history by winning three medals in a single sport, which was a first in the country’s history.

“Shooting in its purest Olympic form and format is not considered television-friendly. However, we have all deliberated upon it extensively and feel that we may have arrived at a winning formula,” he said.

“Let’s keep our fingers crossed as all is in the interest of the sport and its super athletes, who have brought glory to the country on global platforms consistently over the last few decades,” Deo added. 

Marc Marquez ended the opening day of action for the Thailand Grand Prix atop the timesheets with a new MotoGP lap record to his name at the Chang International Circuit.

The Gresini Ducati rider, who won last time out in Australia, left it until his final time attack to hit the front with a 1m29.165s to outpace championship leader Jorge Martin in Buriram.

With Ducati once again commanding the pace as it locked out the top four positions, Pramac’s Martin had looked good to get what is a crucial weekend off to a flying start as he lowered the erstwhile record benchmark with his 1m29.275s lap in the closing minutes.

However, Marquez would go on to come in below that as the seconds ticked down, allowing the six-time MotoGP world champion to complete Friday in front.

Martin did go again to lap quicker through the opening splits but would see the effort go away from him as he settled into second place, just ahead of a late improvement from Enea Bastianini as title contender Francesco Bagnaia on the second of the factory Ducatis slotted into fourth.

Jorge Martin, Pramac Racing

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Maverick Vinales broke up the Ducati run with the fifth fastest time on the Aprilia, ahead of Pramac Ducati’s Franco Morbidelli, while Tech3 GasGas’s Pedro Acosta was made to leave it late for the lap that put him safely inside the top ten and therefore a Q2 spot in seventh.

It was the same case for Gresini’s Alex Marquez, who is joined by VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi and top Honda rider Johann Zarco in assuring a spot in the pole-deciding session on Saturday morning.

Those who will need to go again in Q1 include Brad Binder and Jack Miller on the factory KTMs, the pair being split by Fabio Quartararo on the best of the Yamahas in 12th.

Elsewhere, Aleix Espargaro ventured back onto track despite his heavy fall during FP1, but the Spaniard would cut his afternoon short before it was announced he would take a trip to hospital to undergo further checks for injuries sustained in the last corner slip off.