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5a Philosopher as opener of conversation(6)
?o?b??

8d Region has influence,it's said, that's indirect(8)
??d?w?y?

The last letter of 5a is the 1st of 8d.

Hi Trevor.

I think HOBBES and SIDEWAYS may be the answers.

Best Wishes.
JimC

5a (Thomas) HOBBES sounds like (of conversation) Jack Hobbs (well known opening batsman of yesteryear)

8d SIDEWAYS (indirect) - SIDE (region) WAYS sounds like WEIGHS (has influence,it's said)

You need to brush up on your homophones!

Thanks to both of you,
I think your'e right Big Dave about my homophones.
I did spot that they were involved in both clues but I kept looking for Sways instead of weighs.
As for Jack Hobbs - my knowledge of sport is not much more than the names George Best and Muhammad Ali.
Thanks again.