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Benedict Cumberbatch says one of the joys of playing Sherlock Holmes on the small screen is that it allows him to be really rude to people.

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish wants Stephen Ireland to start generating headlines on the field rather than off it.

Phil Jones is confident Blackburn's fortunes will improve - but not until 2012.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is ready to test the depth of his squad as they begin their tough January schedule with two games in three days.

Defender Jose Enrique believes Liverpool are good enough to secure Champions League qualification this season and re-establish themselves as one of Europe's top sides.

Prime minister Margaret Thatcher secretly discussed issuing firearms to the police amid fears riots could disrupt the wedding of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer, according to official papers made public for the first time.

Fabio Capello has questioned Germany's use of players with Turkish origin at last summer's World Cup and called upon football's rulers to end the "theft of talent" that goes on between national teams.

England winger Chris Ashton could spark a summer transfer scramble, with Northampton coach Jim Mallinder claiming he is reluctant to discuss a new contract with the Aviva Premiership club.

Gary Anderson marked himself out as the man to beat with a slick 4-1 win over Colin Lloyd to reach the quarter-finals of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Nine out of 13 regions in the UK recorded a house price rise over 2011, in a year of contrasting fortunes ranging from a 5.4% increase in London to an 8.9% drop in Northern Ireland, Nationwide said.