McClaren returns as Twente coach

Steve McClaren has been appointed FC Twente coach for a second time.

McClaren quickly emerged as the favourite to succeed Co Adriaanse, who was sacked on Tuesday by the Enschede club, and the appointment was confirmed this afternoon.

The former England manager led Twente to their first ever Eredivisie title in his second season before leaving to take charge of Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in May 2010.

The 50-year-old was sacked less than a year later and his most recent post was at Nottingham Forest, who appointed him last June on a three-year deal.

However, McClaren resigned in October with Forest just one point and one place above the Championship relegation zone.

A statement on the club's website read: "McClaren will return to FC Twente in the position of coach/manager of technical affairs. The Enschede club and McClaren have agreed on a contract for two-and-a-half seasons. McClaren succeeds Co Adriaanse."

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Urlacher returns to Bears following mother's death

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher returned to practice Thursday after the death of his mother and is expected to play at New Orleans this weekend.

Urlacher had missed Wednesday's practice following the sudden death of his mother, Lavoyda, at her home in Texas on Monday night.

Urlacher is expected to play Sunday at New Orleans (0-1) in the first road game of the season for the Bears (1-0).

"Sometimes when you're going through tough times like he is right now you want to get back with your support group, which is here with his teammates," coach Lovie Smith said. "It was good to get him back, see his face and show some support that way. Football is pretty important to him. So you know he's excited about playing the game this Sunday."

Urlacher had 10 tackles, an interception and a fumble return for a touchdown in Chicago's opening win over Atlanta. The 33-year-old Urlacher is in his 12th season with the Bears.

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