In a rugby-infused country such as New Zealand, and with England’s cricketers in town for a Test match this past week, Hamilton on the winding Waikato river could feel every bit the other side of the world from the Premier League that it, well, very much is.

Yet right now English football’s dream factory has never been closer. Chris Wood, their boy and New Zealand’s captain, is leading a stirring rise at Nottingham Forest this season; one that has them fourth in the league, ahead of the champions, Manchester City. Driven by Wood’s 10 goals, and with Anfield and Old Trafford having been conquered, hopes of a first European adventure since 1995-96 have been rekindled at a club with a little bit of history there.

Everton Women sign Gago from Nantes

Tom Garry

The first signing of the new era at Everton under the Friedkin Group’s ownership has been announced, the women’s team confirming the signing of the France forward Kelly Gago for an undisclosed fee from the French club Nantes.

The 25-year-old will join the WSL team from 1 January and is understood to be the first of several January signings that Brian Sørensen’s side are seeking to make after the takeover.

Gago told the club’s media channels: “My strengths are my speed, my physical presence, my power, and I can bring all of that to the team. I chose to come and play for Everton as I liked what Brian, the head coach, had to say and how his team plays.”

Jonathan Liew

Ange Postecoglou described the first semi-final of his Tottenham Hotspur career as “progress” for his injury-ravaged side, even if they were made to sweat by Manchester United in a hectic 4-3 victory. “It’s one thing me praising them,” he said. “But they need the reward of winning, and how it makes them feel, so they can go to the well again.”

Southampton close in on Juric

Ben Fisher

Southampton are closing on the appointment of Ivan Juric as Russell Martin’s successor. The former Roma manager, who was sacked by the Serie A club last month after 12 matches, was on the shortlist to replace Ralph Hasenhüttl at Saints two years ago but is expected to be given the job this time. Southampton, bottom of the Premier League and fighting an immediate return to the Championship after one win in 16 matches, are searching for their fifth manager in two years.

If, like me, you love football then you’ve come to the right place.

There’s a fresh lorry-load of festive action coming your way over the weekend, plus the aftermath of Tottenham’s seven-goal thrilla against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last night, and potential news on a new Southampton manager following last Sunday’s dismissal of Russell Martin.

Shall we start with His Majesty’s Premier League and “10 things to look out for this weekend”? Let’s do this: