The number of coaches dismissed this season is showing up football as “arrogant” and “embarrassing” according to the head of the League Managers’ Association. Earlier this week, Blackburn dismissed Michael Appleton after just 67 days in charge, and then this morning League One side Stevenage parted company with Gary Smith. (The Independent) One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity. Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the third and final Test of England’s tour to New Zealand with a knee injury that will enable Jonny Bairstow to resume his England career and his challenge for an Ashes place. (The Times) Chelsea are inching closer to signing Radamel Falcao in the summer. The Atletico Madrid hit man has been tearing apart La Liga defences this season and is one of the most feared strikers in Europe. (The Express) Brian O’Driscoll has been given a three-week suspension for his stamp on Italy’s Simone Favaro in Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations defeat in Rome. (The Telegraph) Yaya Toure has stunned Manchester City by demanding: Give me a new contract by Saturday — or I am off. The Ivorian midfielder is fuming that talks over a new deal have stalled for SIX months. (The Sun) Lewis Hamilton could have quit Formula 1 for a year rather than race with McLaren for another season according to Bernie Ecclestone. The F1 ringmaster is a close confidente of the 28-year-old racer who quit Woking at the end of last year and joined lowly Mercedes in a decision that shocked the entire sport. (The Mirror) Luis Suarez has indicated he would consider offers from Champions League clubs this summer with the Reds struggling for European football. Juventus and Bayern Munich head up the chase for Suarez, who has scored 29 goals this season. (Daily Mail)