Right then, all set for the weekend’s big one in Blighty?

Pep Guardiola has revealed he almost joined Wigan when he left Barcelona.

"I don’t know what was on afterwards, maybe the news or something," said Klopp.

Just to undeceive you before you begin. This main piece is about the FA Cup semi-finals, what with the weekend that’s in it, and as a result the illustration was supposed to feature Pep and Arsene and Antonio and Mauricio, with — to give you added value after the week that was in it — a certain vociferous Clare man lurking in the background.

Sport is the very definition of a results business but success can be measured in more ways than first, second or third, writes Brendan O’Brien. 

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

They give the impression of having it all — the world’s most charismatic player, match-winners all over the pitch, and an Irish skills coach better versed than anyone else in the art of conquering Europe.

James McClean has thanked West Brom fans for their support after his controversial start to life at the Hawthorns.

Now is not a time to be wistful, but James McClean could be forgiven if his mind was to wander away from international duties now and again, and to a club situation that leaves him in limbo after Wigan Athletic’s relegation to League One.

Alan Judge believes repeating last week’s performance and getting some help from his former team-mates can combine to rescue Brentford’s Championship play-off hopes today.

Martin O’Neill won’t be immune to the reverberations of the ups and downs his Irish players are currently experiencing as the league season in England approaches his climax.

Ireland captain Robbie Keane has taken another step towards carving out a future career in coaching by completing his Uefa B course.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has been banned for six weeks from football-related activities over comments he made regarding Jewish and Chinese people but the 78-year-old will not carry out his threat to quit the club.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has accepted a Football Association misconduct charge over comments he made regarding Jewish and Chinese people and has requested a non-personal hearing.

Manchester City should be assured of complying with Uefa’s financial fair play rules this season after drastically cutting their losses compared to last year.

Dave Whelan’s future as Wigan chairman is in question after he was charged by the FA over comments about Chinese and Jewish people.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has been charged by the Football Association over remarks he allegedly made in response to criticism of the club’s decision to appoint Malky Mackay as their new manager.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has revealed he will interview Malky Mackay for his club’s managerial vacancy despite the furore which followed his departure from Cardiff.

Welcome to your Wednesday morning briefing. Let us ensure you’re up to speed on what’s happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

Paying tribute to the fallen British and Commonwealth soldiers during Remembrance Day ceremonies in London, British prime minister David Cameron said, “We stand united to remember the courageous men and women who have served our country, defended our freedoms and kept us safe”. 

After the controversy surrounding James McClean's decision, we take a look at others who stuck by their decisions - for better or worse.

Last weekend, James McClean, quite clearly and eloquently explained in an open letter to Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan why he would be not be joining his team-mates in wearing a poppy on his shirt, as is the tradition on Remembrance day.

Martin O'Neill has named a provisional 36-man squad for Ireland's upcoming games against Scotland and USA.

Together, they form part of Derby County’s promotion chase but for 90 minutes on Friday fortnight, Chris Martin intends plotting the downfall of his Irish clubmates.

Good afternoon and welcome to our coverage of Transfer Deadline Day.

PREMIER LEAGUE:

Owen Coyle was not the least bit surprised by Roy Keane’s return to football as, first, assistant to Martin O’Neill with Ireland and now number two to Paul Lambert at Aston Villa.

Phil Jones admits Manchester United are still learning Louis van Gaal’s new system but the defender believes their 100% record in pre-season shows they are ready for the new Premier League campaign to start.

Manchester United are "90%" certain of appointing Louis van Gaal as manager by the end of the season, sources have told the Irish Examiner.

Birmingham City 0 Wigan Athletic 1

Sunderland 0 Everton 1

Martin O’Neill believes Stephen Ireland is “warming” to the idea of an international return but the manager says he wants to sit down with the player to discuss his seven-year exile and his current intentions in more detail.

Cardiff City 1 Wigan Athletic 2

Everton 3 Swansea 1

Owen Coyle has left Wigan ’by mutual agreement’ just six months after he was appointed.

AIRTRICITY PREMIER DIVISION:

Monday was James McCarthy’s summer in microcosm — a day of rumour, raised hopes, expectations apparently dashed and then, at almost literally the eleventh hour, confirmation that, finally, he was back in the top flight.

Aiden McGeady’s difficulty could turn out to be Anthony Pilkington’s opportunity, as the winger’s withdrawal from the Irish squad is sure to prompt some deep thinking by Giovanni Trapattoni ahead of next Friday’s World Cup clash with Sweden.

Andy Keogh took to Twitter yesterday to express his dismay with Giovanni Trapattoni for not letting him know he was dropped from the squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

James McClean says that Paolo Di Canio wanted him to stay at Sunderland but his own desire for regular football and what he calls “a clean slate” lay behind his transfer to Wigan Athletic.