ASHLEY GILES will be named ANDREW STRAUSS's successor as director of the England & Wales Cricket Board early next week at the end of a two-month recruitment process. The ECB interviewed nine candidates before hiring Giles (London TELEGRAPH, 12/13). ... League One side Peterborough United Dir of Football BARRY FRY was charged by the FA with misconduct in relation to betting. A statement from the FA said, "It is alleged that he placed bets on the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in, football matches or competitions during the 2017-18 season in breach of FA Rule E8.” Fry has until 6pm on Dec. 20 to respond to the charge (London GUARDIAN, 12/12). ... Former ManU Manager ALEX FERGUSON missed ManU's EPL match against Fulham "on the advice of his doctors." Ferguson, who is being "guided back to full health after suffering a brain hemorrhage in May," attended each of ManU's three previous matches in the space of nine days (London DAILY MAIL, 12/13). ... SEBASTIEN LOEB signed to drive for Hyundai in the 2019 World Rally Championship. The agreement is Loeb's first professional contract outside of the PSA Group (AUTOSPORT, 12/12). ... League Championship side Aston Villa suspended "long-serving" youth coach KEVIN MACDONALD from working with players, after a former graduate of the club, GARETH FARRELLY, came forward with claims of "relentless bullying from MacDonald" in the mid-'90s (GUARDIAN, 12/13).
