Dean Jones

If Roy Hodgson expected anything else, he's either extremely naïve or incredibly stupid. Or perhaps both. When Rio Ferdinand was recalled to the England squad last week it was met with great surprise. After all, this is the same Manager who was filmed on the London Underground telling fans Ferdinand had no future with the England squad. Hodgson soon changed his tune when his squad became decimated by injuries and lack of playing time, forcing Hodgson to call upon the man he cast out into the cold months ago. The incident between Chelsea defender John Terry and Rio's brother, QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, is the catalyst for this controversy. Terry was accused of racially abusing the younger Ferdinand during a heated game between the two sides on 25th October 2011. There appeared to be clear video evidence supporting this and Terry was subsequently facing criminal charges as a result.

Even by the standards Blackburn Rovers Football Club have set themselves over the last couple of years, this was quite something. 67 days. Shorter than a Kim Kardashian marriage, Michael Appleton was removed as Manager of Blackburn Rovers almost as quickly as he had been appointed. The latest in a series of bizarre business decisions by the clubs owners, Venky's. Appleton spend 67 days as Manager, which was 10 days longer than the man he succeeded at the helm, Henning Berg. He lasted 57 days before he was ousted. An astonishing move that has the football world shaking it's head. Blackburn Rovers are one of the founder members of the football league. Formed in 1875, they have a rich history and are one of only 5 teams to have lifted to coveted Premier League trophy. How sad it is to see what this once proud club has become. Struggling in the Championship and with owners who clearly have no grasp on what it takes to run a football club. The number of managers they have gone through in this season alone is merely the tip of the iceberg.

21 wins in a row, the Miami Heat are on a roll. The bad thing for the rest of the NBA, is that they are showing no signs of letting up. Friday's 107-94 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks leaves the Heat 12 wins away from tying the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers' all time record of 33 wins straight. Few would bet against them at this point to at least get within striking distance of making history. Only three of their remaining games in March are against current playoff teams, so the schedule has been kind if they are to achieve greatness. This team, however, isn't concerned with this. They are looking at the bigger picture, when the 'Big 3' of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh were assembled their primary objective was to win multiple Championships. They took time to find the right cohesion but once they did, a championship soon followed. Now the Heat, boasting a record of 50-14 as they enter the most critical part of the season, are the clear favourites to win the Championship this year.

For a moment, just a moment, there was something for Blackburn Rovers fans to look forward to. Then, as has been the case for over two years now, it was brutally taken away. After a hard fought draw in Saturday's F.A Cup Quarter-Final against Millwall, Sunday's semi-final draw gave them hope of a final appearance after they avoided big guns Manchester City and the winner of Manchester United and Chelsea. A home replay was all the had to get through. As it turned out, things could not have gone worse. Blackburn were never in the game and looked devoid of ideas and confidence. As the despairing crowd of just over 8000 watched on, Millwall caused an upset and emerged from the game with a 1-0 victory and a semi-final date with Wigan at Wembley. The latest in the long line of failures for this once proud football club.

Free Agency in the NFL begins on Tuesday. Here we take a look at some of the prized possessions that can expect a big pay day from their current team, or possibly a new one. 1. Jake Long, LT, Miami Dolphins. Long is expected to be one of the hottest properties on the free agent market. A perennial Pro-Bowler, the former Number 1 pick has become one of the top tier Tackles in the business. How the Dolphins haven't tied him up to a long term deal I don't know. He is one of the few constants on an inconsistent offense and it would be a huge blow to the developing Quarterback Ryan Tannehill if his blind side is no longer protected by one of the NFL's best. Miami had the opportunity to put the Franchise Tag on Long but opted instead to use it on Defensive Tackle Randy Starks, which indicates tha Long will be leaving Miami. He has had his troubles with injuries without question but a healthy Jake Long would be an outstanding addition to any NFL team. A top 5 Left Tackle when healthy, Long will be looking for a contract around $8/9 million per season. Dr. Andrews has recently stated that Long's tricep 'Looks Great' which indicates he should be at 100% next season.