Pavel Srnicek 1968 - 2015

The former Newcastle goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek’s funeral will take place in the Czech Republic on Monday. Srnicek died on Tuesday at the age of 47 after the decision was taken to switch off his life support machine.

The 49-times-capped Czech Republic international had been in an induced coma since suffering a cardiac arrest while out running in his home town of Ostrava before Christmas.

Funeral services, to which friends and colleagues have been invited, will take place at the Ostrava Vitkovice house of mourning between 2pm and 5pm on Monday 4 January.

Srnicek became a big favourite with Newcastle fans during his first spell at St James' Park between 1991 and 1998.

He returned to the club on a season-long deal in September 2006 but was released in May 2007 after making 190 appearances across his two spells.

Srnicek also played for Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham in England, and made 49 appearances for his count

Further details are available at www.pavelsrnicek.com.

#RIP 

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Judy and Heather Short Term

Judy Murray has reportedly taken up a short-term role coaching Heather Watson in Australia this month.

Watson, who split with her permanent coach Diego Veronelli in December, will link up with Murray for the Hopman Cup in Perth, the Hobart International – where the British No2 will be defending champion – and the Australian Open, according to the BBC.

The pair will then travel to Israel at the beginning of February, when Murray will captain Great Britain in the Fed Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group I event.

Murray was seen working with Watson in Perth on Saturday before next week’s Hopman Cup. Watson will be teaming up with another Murray – Andy – on court in the mixed team event, which is a possible pairing for Britain at the Olympics in Rio later this year.

Watson worked with Veronelli for two years but the Argentinian left his role last month after deciding he was no longer able to commit to long stints on the WTA tour. Under Veronelli’s guidance the world No55 rose back up the rankings after recovering from glandular fever.

As well as claiming her second WTA title at the Hobart International last year, Watson came within two points of beating the eventual Wimbledon Serena Williams in a memorable third-round match, and she will be looking to build on her 2015 performances this year.

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