Sportsday - rolling football news

1. Six Premier League games on Wednesday
2. Andy Murray wins opening match in Rotterdam
3. England lose final World Cup warm-up match against Pakistan
4. Reaction to record £5.14bn Premier League TV deal
5. GET INVOLVED: Who are the classiest people in sport? #bbcsportsday

Thank you and goodnight

And that's where we bring down the curtain on today's Sportsday and hand you over to the ever steady hands of Tom Rostance and Marc Higginson for tonight's live football.

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Set to be a cracking set of fixtures in the Premier League and don't forget Match of the Day will have all the action from 22:45 GMT on BBC One (23:10 GMT in Scotland and Wales, 23:40 GMT in Northern Ireland).

Sportsday will return from 08:00 GMT on Thursday.

Fans arrested over Liverpool ticket probe

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Two men from Anfield have been arrested over an alleged ticket forging operation for Liverpool FC matches.

Merseyside Police are investigating a scam where fans from all over the world never received tickets bought online while others received fake ones.

Printing equipment and other materials were seized in raids in Breck Road, Dewsbury Road and Harrow Road on Tuesday evening.

A 29-year-old and 27-year-old are being questioned by detectives.

Coming up tonight

There are six Premier League matches coming up this evening and in case you need a reminder - here's tonight's fixture list.

Adam Williams-Online

And if that's not enough for you, there's also an intriguing match-up in the Championship as Dougie Freedman makes his home debut as Nottingham Forest manager against Wigan, while over in Spain, Barcelona face Villarreal in the Copa Del Rey semi-final first leg.

Silverstone delight at race return

BBC

Silverstone managing director Patrick Allen says he's delighted the British MotoGP will return to the circuit.

Silverstone hosted the race between 2010 and 2014, and will do so again this year and in 2016, after Donington Park called off its agreement to provide the venue on 30 August.

Steve Kenward, chief executive of the Motorcycle Industry Association, said MotoGP fans can now "relax".

The prank's on Pulis

PA

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis has been outwitted by a player from Northern Ireland's third division, posing as Neil Lennon.

Limavady United midfielder Blain Morrison hoodwinked Pulis with an impersonation of fellow countryman and Bolton Wanderers boss Lennon during a prank call.

When the Welshman returned his phone message, he coaxed him into believing Lennon was making a loan bid for Northern Ireland international defender Gareth McAuley.

Murray back in swing

EPA

In case you missed it earlier today, Andy Murray swept past Nicolas Mahut in the first round of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament.

The top seed - in action for the first time since his Australian Open final defeat by Novak Djokovic - recorded a 6-3 6-2 win over the Frenchman in Rotterdam.

Murray, 27, hit 36 winners and only 16 unforced errors against Mahut, 33.

The world number four will face Canada's Vasek Pospisil in the second round of the event, which he won in 2009.

Harmison: 'Management exciting'

BBC

Former England bowler Steve Harmison has told BBC Look North he is excited to take up a football management post at his home-town club Ashington AFC.

The former Durham paceman made a winning start to life as manager of The Colliers, beating Bishop Auckland 1-0 at home.

Harmison, 36, is continuing his family's links with the club. His father Jimmy was once assistant of the Northern League side and his brother James is a former captain.

He's even down with the football manager cliche lingo as this video demonstrates.

Wednesday's team news

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Time for the last of our Premier League team news ahead of tonight's fixtures and West Brom forward Victor Anichebe is doubtful after being forced off at Burnley with a groin injury suffered during the pre-match warm-up.

He could be replaced by either Saido Berahino or Brown Ideye, both of whom featured as substitutes at Turf Moor.

Swansea's Wayne Routledge is available after recovering from a calf strain, while Modou Barrow is fit despite hurting his knee against Sunderland.

Gylfi Sigurdsson completes a ban and Marvin Emnes remains injured.

Root backs Morgan to fire

AFP

England batsman Joe Root has tipped captain Eoin Morgan to find his best form in the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Root, 24, scored 85 in his side's four-wicket defeat by Pakistan on Wednesday in their final warm-up match before England face Australia on Saturday.

But Morgan, 28, was out without scoring and has only scored two runs in his last four innings.

"He is one of the guys that you turn to when the pressure is on," Root said.

Heat on Lambert

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The pressure continues to mount on Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert.

The Birmingham Mail's latest front page published this afternoon has a fairly clear and simple message.

"Aston Villa is a proud and noble name in English football," its editorial says.

"It is an historic club at the heart of our community, a founding father of the beautiful game.

"But this great club is now on its knees and the Holte End is hurting - and we can no longer stand by and watch that happen."

Stockdale fired-up by fan criticism

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Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper David Stockdale says he will use recent criticism from fans as motivation.

The 29-year-old's aborted attempt to claim a cross led to Nottingham Forest's first goal in their 3-2 defeat at the Amex on Saturday.

"I know there are a lot of people trying to call for my head.

"I get upset and I use it as a fire. When it comes you have got to be a big person and know that you are in the wrong," he told BBC Sussex.

Wednesday's team news

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Down to Selhurst Park now ahead of tonight's Premier League clash and Crystal Palace could recall both Marouane Chamakh (broken nose) and Yannick Bolasie, who has been away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Captain Mile Jedinak is again absent having returned from the Asian Cup with an ankle injury.

Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote is sidelined with an ankle injury picked on international duty.

Siem de Jong has been ruled out for eight weeks after suffering a collapsed lung, while Rolando Aarons is also out.

The match will also pair Palace manager Alan Pardew against his old side for the first time since he left Newcastle United in December.

Swansea eye-up Bony replacement

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Swansea are keeping an eye on IFK Gothenburg striker Lasse Vibe as a replacement for recently-departed Wilfried Bony, the Western Mail reports.

Vibe, 27, is reported to be available for around £2.5m and has made six appearances for Denmark.

Wednesday's team news

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Over to St Mary's for the latest of tonight's Premier League matches and Southampton have problems at left-back with Ryan Bertrand still suspended and Matt Targett out with a head injury.

Morgan Schneiderlin is an injury doubt, but new signing Filip Djuricic could play after receiving his work permit.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says Andy Carroll is "touch and go" to return from a knee injury, while Kevin Nolan could miss out with a foot problem.

James Tomkins is available despite breaking his nose on Sunday as Winston Reid and James Collins remain absent.

To the victors go......a new house

AFP

While Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony continue to recover from their Africa Cup of Nations victory with the Ivory Coast on Sunday, they'll no doubt be comforted by the news of how they'll be rewarded.

Each member of the Ivory Coast side is to be showered with millions of dollars in prizes by the country's government.

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara (pictured above with Yaya Toure) is giving each member of the 23-man squad a house worth $52,000 (£34,000) and the same amount in cash, the government says.

Wednesday's team news

PA

Back to our previews of tonight's Premier League action and Stoke will be without Stephen Ireland and Marc Wilson for the visit of second-placed Manchester City after they suffered hamstring and groin injuries respectively against Newcastle.

They join Ryan Shawcross and Erik Pieters on the sidelines, but Marko Arnautovic could return from injury.

Manchester City will be without Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony after they helped Ivory Coast win the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

Laudrup: 'No intention of leaving'

PA

Earlier we brought you the news that Michael Laudrup will not be named the new manager of QPR - at least not before the end of this season - as he looks to stay on as manager of Qatari side Lekhwiya.

The former Swansea City manager has told Danish newspaper Ekstrabladet: "It is always positive to be linked with big jobs, and taking over QPR is a big job.

"But, having said that, I would also like to say that I have no intention of leaving Lekhwiya at the moment.

"We are top of the league and are starting the group phase of the AFC Champions League in two weeks."

Wednesday's team news

PA

To Old Trafford now and Manchester United will be without Luke Shaw for the visit of Burnley following his sending off against West Ham at the weekend.

Michael Carrick is the only other definite absentee as he is still recovering from an ankle problem.

Burnley midfielder Dean Marney will miss the rest of the season with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

His absence ends the Clarets' 10-match run of naming the same starting line-up with Steven Reid or Michael Kightly most likely to replace Marney.

Wednesday's team news

PA

Time to look ahead to tonight's six Premier League matches and we start at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea welcome back playmaker Cesc Fabregas for the visit of Everton after a hamstring problem.

Diego Costa completes a three-game ban and midfielder John Obi Mikel is ruled out with a knee injury, but Filipe Luis is fit after a calf strain.

Tim Howard will return in goal for Everton after recovering from a calf problem but Leighton Baines and James McCarthy are both doubts.

Aiden McGeady, Tony Hibbert, Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman and Christian Atsu are all unavailable.

Get involved - Classiest sports people

A few more of your suggestions via #bbcsportsday for classiest sports people in light of Sam Allardyce's claims about his standing among his Premier League contemporaries.

Paul Hallett: I liked Damon Hill, in the face of so much 'gamesmanship' he still kept his dignity and honour. Most Italian footballers too.

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Ged Lynam: Classiest sports gesture ever - German longjumper who gave Jesse Owen advice that helped him win gold right in front of Hitler.

Samuel Taylor: Can we mention @GaryLineker? No yellow cards #classyplayer

Mixed injury news for Gunners

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The Guardian reports Arsenal striker Alexis Sánchez has escaped serious injury after the shuddering tackle from Leicester City's Matthew Upson on Tuesday night.

Arsenal hope he will be fit and available for Sunday's FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough.

It's less good news for midfielder Aaron Ramsey though, who was forced off against Leicester just nine minutes after coming on as a substitute with his third hamstring injury of the season.

Yarnold bidding to be 'best ever'

BBC Sport

Olympic Skeleton champion Lizzy Yarnold says she wants "to be considered the best British female slider" ever.

The 26-year-old has already been crowned European skeleton champion this season, and is hoping to defend her World Cup title at the final round in Sochi this weekend.

Speaking to former GB slider Amy Williams, Yarnold also talks about her hopes for the future ahead of the World Championships and the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Millers 'unwelcome' in Championship

Empics

Rotherham United boss Steve Evans claims his team are on the wrong end of decisions because they are one of the smaller teams in the Championship.

The Millers lost 2-1 at Blackburn on Tuesday and Evans was unhappy that Rovers defender Matt Kilgallon was not penalised for handball in the penalty area.

He told BBC Radio Sheffield: "We're Rotherham and some people at the Football League possibly don't want us in this division.

"People say that decisions level out and if they do then we have got a lot to get."

Scots prepare for World Cup

SNS

The Cricket World Cup starts on Saturday and you can find out what Scottish pair Majid Haq and Matt Machan are hoping to achieve at the tournament in a feature on the BBC Sport website.

Murray wins in Rotterdam

AP

Andy Murray is safely into the second round of the World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.

In his first match since losing in the Australian Open final, the top seed beat Frenchman Nicolas Mahut 6-3 6-2 in an hour and 32 minutes.

Murray will face Canadian Vasek Pospisil in the next round.

United to reveal second-quarter figures

Simon Stone

BBC Sport

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Manchester United investors will get a chance to ask executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward about the new £5.1bn Premier League TV deal when the club reveal their second-quarter results on Thursday.

United's latest financial statement will be released at midday, with Woodward hosting an investors' conference call an hour later.

The Premier League yesterday announced a new three-year domestic deal with Sky and BT Sport that will run to 2019 but have yet to open bidding for the lucrative overseas rights.

Shares in United closed at $17.03, up almost 5% on the New York Stock Exchange following news of the deal.

Terpstra retains Tour of Qatar lead

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Dutch rider Niki Terpstra of the Etixx team retained the leader's gold jersey of the Tour of Qatar after Wednesday's fourth stage was won by Norwegian Alexander Kristoff.

It was the second stage victory for the Katusha cyclist who triumphed ahead of Slovak Peter Sagan and German Nikias Arndt after a bunched sprint finish at the end of the 165km stage between Al Thakira and Mesaieed.

In the overall standings, Terpstra now enjoys a six-second advance on Poland's Maciej Bodnar, with Briton Ian Stannard, of Team Sky, 12 seconds adrift.

Thursday's fifth stage sees the riders travel 153km from Al Zubarah Fort to Madinat Al Shamal.

PNE relishing Man Utd test - Grayson

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Preston North End boss Simon Grayson says his team can look forward to hosting Manchester United in Monday's FA Cup fifth-round tie.

North End currently sit fourth in the League One, 43 places behind Louis van Gaal's side, fifth in the top tier.

"We've got nothing to lose and everything to gain, and that is what we'll do," Grayson told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"We'll go and enjoy playing against some of the best players in the world - fantastic atmosphere, massive profile for the football club and a tie we're looking forward to and should enjoy."

Ex-Pompey owner to fight extradition

PA

Vladimir Antonov - the Russian ex-Portsmouth FC owner - is challenging what he claims is a "politically-motivated" bid to extradite him to Lithuania to face fraud charges.

Mr Antonov, 39, and his Lithuanian business partner Raimondas Baranauskas, are appealing at London's High Court against their removal from the UK.

They are accused of stripping assets and funds from Lithuanian bank Snoras. They say they are being used as "scapegoats".

Antonov bought Portsmouth in June 2011, but was forced to stand down as chairman in November 2011 when his company Convers Sports Initiatives (CSI) went into administration.

Brazilian club use mothers to deal with hooligan problem

BBC Radio 5 live

A leading Brazilian football club has come up with a novel idea to tackle the problem of hooliganism among fans.

Sport Club of Recife, who play in the country's top division, hired and trained 30 mothers of their regular fans as match-day stewards without their sons knowing. The aim was to deter the fans from creating trouble.

BBC Radio 5 Live's Phil Williams spoke to South America football correspondent Tim Vickery about why it worked.

Get involved - Classiest sports people

A few more of your classiest sports people suggestions to rival the claims of West Ham manager Sam Allardyce via #bbcsportsday

Ken Gorry: Classiest sportsman ever, Paolo Maldini, class act on and off the pitch.

Dharmendra Ponala: Classiest sports person? Sachin Tendulkar any generation both on and off the cricket field.

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Miles Evans: Gianluca Vialli is incredibly classy. Was a great intelligent player, few cards, thoroughly likable and grew up in a castle!

A castle? Really?

Murray takes lead

Andy Murray has won the first set of his match against Nicolas Mahut at the World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.

Murray - in his first outing since the Australian Open final - won 6-3 against the French qualifier in the opening set.

You can follow all the latest here on the ATP live scores site.

Cricket helmet safety examined

The death of Australia Test batsman Phillip Hughes late last year after being struck on the top of the neck by a ball during a domestic match in Sydney has brought the subject of cricket helmets to the fore.

BBC Sport's Joe Wilson reports on a new-look cricket helmet designed to boost safety following the death of the 25-year-old while design consultant Alan Meeks explains what changes are being made.

Leaning & Rhodes extend Yorks deals

Yorkshire youngsters Jack Leaning and Will Rhodes have both extended their contracts with the county champions until the end of 2017.

Right-handed batsman Leaning, 21, played in 10 County Championship matches in the 2014 season as the Headingley side won the title for the first time since 2001.

Medium-pacer Rhodes, 19, has played in two Twenty20 matches for the White Rose.

Sunderland need to do more - Larsson

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Midfielder Sebastian Larsson has admitted Sunderland need to get rid of their capacity to self-destruct if they are to avoid another scrap for Premier League survival.

The Black Cats were on a four-game unbeaten run going into Tuesday's game at home to QPR but the visitors came away with a 2-0 win for their first away success of the season

"It's a game we shouldn't have lost, but we did, so we can only blame ourselves. It was down to us players on the pitch and we didn't do enough," said the Swede.

"I've been here long enough to know that we tend to do these things at times, and we need to figure out why because it shouldn't keep happening."

Silverstone to host British MotoGP

Silverstone has stepped in to host this year's British MotoGP after Donington Park called off its agreement to provide the venue on 30 August.

Circuit of Wales signed a five-year deal to stage the race from 2015, but as the venue in Ebbw Vale has yet to be built, Donington agreed to host.

Donington said Circuit of Wales has not met agreed payment deadlines, but the latter denies the claims.

McCoy on the mark again

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Jockey AP McCoy chalked up another winner as he took Wednesday's opening race at Chepstow on favourite Sebastian Beach.

It means the 19-times champion has ridden winners in four countries in the four days since he announced his intention to retire at the end of the season.

McCoy triumphed in the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday, before victories at English racecourse Catterick, Ayr in Scotland and Welsh track Chepstow.

Commonwealth Games

Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, David Grevemberg has told BBC Sport that the prospect of the 2022 Commonwealth Games taking place in Africa is "fantastically exciting."

Edmonton withdrew from the bidding process on leaving Durban as the only remaining candidate.

" In the world of sport this has been contemplated and discussed. A Games in Africa, for Africa - it's a very exciting prospect," he said

"As a sports enthusiast and as a person who has been watching the development of sport worldwide, I look forward to the coming months."

Italy name team to face England

Italy Rugby

Italy have made six changes - four in the starting XV - to their match day squad to face England in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday.

Italy lost their opening match last weekend 26-3 against Ireland in Rome.

Brits among Laureus nominees

PA

Lewis Hamilton and Rory McIlroy have been nominated for the 2015 Laureus Award that will take place in Shanghai on 15 April.

Other big names nominated include Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Tennis stars Serena Williams and recently retired Li Na are nominated for the women's award.

British Para-cyclist Dame Sarah Storey is one of six nominees for the Disabled Sports Person of the Year category.

Tennis

Andy Murray has taken to the court at the World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam against French qualifier Nicolas Mahut.

It is the first outing for the Scot since he lost to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final.

You can follow the latest scores on the ATP website.

Scots hope to finish on winning note

The Scottish wheelchair curling team go into Wednesday afternoon's final round-robin game at the World Championships in Finland hoping to finish on a winning note.

The team beat the USA 4-2 on Wednesday morning for only their third win out of eight round-robin matches and they finish their campaign against Finland, who have four wins.

Sky presenter joins U's board

PA

Sky Sports presenter David Jones has joined the board of League Two club Oxford United as a non-executive director.

Jones, who hosts several football shows for the satellite broadcaster, will advise the board on "all matters", according to a statement from the club.

Sunderland fan Jones - a friend of Oxford chairman Darryl Eales - will continue to work as a presenter.

"It's a hugely exciting chance to use the knowledge, experience and contacts I've gathered in my career to help grow a very ambitious club," he commented.

Get involved - Classiest sportspeople

After West Ham manager Sam Allardyce claimed "there is no coach more sophisticated" than him in the Premier League - we asked who you think are the classiest people in sport.

Here's some of your early suggestions on Twitter via #bbcsportsday

Chris Khoory: There is no sportsman classier than Fabio Cannavaro.

Matt Earl:@rogerfederer has to be the classiest sportsman of my generation.

AP

Alexander Hamilton: Classiest footballer? Has to be Andrea Pirlo. The man plays the game like an artist paints a picture.

Casty sidelined with broken hand

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Catalans Dragons co-captain Remi Casty faces a spell out after he broke his hand in their opening game of the Super League season.

The French international prop, who has returned to the Perpignan club after a spell in the NRL with Sydney Roosters, sustained the injury in Friday's 18-7 defeat at St Helens.

But Australian centre Willie Tonga, who was knocked out 12 seconds into the game and played no further part in the match, is set to return for Saturday's home game against Castleford.

Laudrup QPR move 'unlikely until summer'

Ian Dennis

BBC Radio 5 live football correspondent

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"I've spoken to Michael Laudrup's agent and he says it's unlikely a move to become new manager at QPR will happen until the summer.

"Former Swansea City manager Laudrup is with Lekhwiya in Qatar and Bayram Tutumla says, 'I don't think they'll let him go'. 'It's not easy to break a contract' - his deal runs until the end of the season.

"I asked him if there had been any contact with QPR owner Tony Fernandes and he replied, 'I don't wish to speak about that. You must respect people's privacy'.

"It is normal people want Michael - he likes the Premier League'."

Hoop festival hits New York

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This year's NBA All-Star Game takes place on Sunday but the festival of basketball begins in New York City on Thursday.

It will be a special weekend for the Gasol brothers, Pau and Marc, who will become the first siblings to start an All-Star game - albeit on opposing sides.

BBC Sport's Chris Mitchell takes you through everything you need to know about the NBA All-Star Game.

'The Sophisticated One'

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Fresh from getting under the skin of Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal with his "long-ball United" comments, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is back for more.

Big Sam reckons "there is no coach more sophisticated" than him in the Premier League.

So we want to know - who are the classiest people in sport?

Tweet us using #bbcsportsday or send your comments via the BBC Sport Facebook site.

Ruiz's Levante switch falls through

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Forward Bryan Ruiz will remain at Fulham after his proposed loan switch to Spanish side Levante fell through.

The Championship club said they had completed the necessary paperwork with Levante before the Spanish transfer window closed on Friday, 31 January.

However, governing body Fifa have not approved the 29-year-old Costa Rica international's move.

Ruiz, who joined the Whites for £10.6m from FC Twente in 2011, is out of contract at Craven Cottage in the summer.

Morocco rejects CAF sanctions

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Morocco has rejected sanctions imposed on them by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) for not hosting the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Caf banned Morocco from the next two Nations Cups, while fining its football federation US$1m (£650,000) and claiming 8m euros (£5.9m) in damages.

The Royal Federation of Moroccan Football (FRMF) said it "rejects all of these sports and financial sanctions" and that it believes there is "no regulatory basis" for the punishments.

Bastien's cultural tour of Rochdale

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Rochdale's French midfielder Bastien Hery landed himself in hot water with locals recently after reportedly telling French media he thought the town was "a dump".

Hery, 22, who began his career with Paris St-Germain, apologised for any "confusion", claiming his interview was mistranslated and his comments taken out of context.

In a bid to address his Faux Pas, BBC North West Tonight joined the Frenchman as local councillors and business people helped him understand exactly what sort of culture Rochdale has to offer.

Warburton quashes speculation

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Brentford manager Mark Warburton has told BBC London 94.9 his only focus is on the team and their performances following speculation about his future.

The Bees issued a statement on Tuesday saying the 52-year-old "will continue to lead the club" after a report in The Times said Warburton would be replaced in the summer.

The west London club lost 2-1 at home to Watford on Tuesday and dropped to sixth in the Championship table.

And they're off - but later than usual

PA

The Derby at Epsom will start at the later time of 16:30 BST this year.

It has been moved back 30 minutes, along with Friday's feature race of the festival, the Oaks.

Officials had looked at the start time after a drop in television viewing figures. This year's festival in Surrey takes place on 5 and 6 June.

Ferrari boss sets out team hopes

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Ferrari team president Sergio Marchionne does not "expect miracles" from the Formula 1 team at the first race in Australia, despite good form in testing.

Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen were quickest on three of the four days of the first test in Jerez last week after a tough 2014 season when the Italian team failed to win a race.

"I am encouraged by the performance of the new car, though it is one thing to do a quick lap, another to do an entire race," he said.

"I have so much confidence in the work of the boys. I am proud of their work. Now we'll see when the World Championship starts in Australia. I do not expect miracles, but it is important to see progress.

Premier League rights - what you're saying

Here's what some of you feel are the positive and negatives of the new Premier League TV deal on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Tomos Bentley: Negative: more difficult for Championship clubs to get promoted. A lot of relegated Premier League clubs will find it easier to get promoted the year after due to the £99m relegation money... Stupid!

AFP

Sports-Only NickyNu: It's great. Money makes the world go round, especially football. Well done Sky, BT Sport & all the clubs. May your balance sheet prosper & may we see more foreign talent in the premiere league. ££££££ = quality football for all of us

Stephen Casey: Stop watching Premier League football if you don't like it .... Don't buy the new jerseys, tickets and watch Sky ... Go and watch a local lower league team...

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore told BBC Sport editor Dan Roan he was "surprised" by the size of the new deal.

England prop reaches his century

Adam Williams-Online

England's oldest living international Harry Walker is celebrating his 100th birthday today.

The former Coventry prop won nine caps, having made his debut in 1947 at the age of 32.

England Rugby have released a video interview with him to mark his birthday.

He once scored two tries for his club in an 11-3 win against Rugby, but told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire that the reaction of one of his team-mates was to say: "Your job's not to score tries. It's to get your head down and get that ball back for far better players than you to score tries."

Sale boss targets two major signings

Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond is hoping to make two major signings for next season.

Diamond has specifically identified a tight-head prop and a back-three player for next term.

"Effectively, whoever it is won't join us, more than likely, until after the World Cup because they'll probably be involved," he told BBC Sport.

France make one change

FFR_OFFICIEL

France have made just the one change to their starting line-up as they travel to Dublin on Saturday to face Ireland in the Six Nations.

Eddy Ben Arous comes in at loose-head prop for Alexandre Menini.

Both sides won their opening matches last weekend against Scotland and Italy respectively.

Robson to leave Quins for Oyonnax

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Second row George Robson will leave Harlequins at the end of the season to join French Top 14 side Oyonnax.

The 29-year-old has spent 11 seasons at The Stoop after progressing through the academy, making almost 200 appearances.

"I am extremely proud to have played a part in the success achieved by Harlequins in recent seasons," said Robson.

Quins director of rugby Conor O'Shea described the lock forward as "one of the great servants of the club".

More on England warm-up defeat

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Read more on England's four-wicket World Cup warm-up defeat against Pakistan in Sydney.

Before Misbah-ul-Haq's unbeaten 91 guided Pakistan to victory, Joe Root (85) and Gary Ballance (57) top-scored in England's total of 250-8.

Eoin Morgan's side will now travel to Melbourne ahead of their opening Group A match against Australia on Saturday.

Glasgow and Birmingham to share Grand Prix

SNS

Staying with athletics and closer to home - Glasgow and Birmingham will alternate as host venue of the Indoor British Grand Prix between 2016 and 2020, British Athletics has announced.

Birmingham hosts the event on 21 February and will also be the venue for the World Indoor Championships in 2018.

Glasgow is also in the running to secure the European Indoor Championships in 2019.

British Athletics Chief Executive Niels de Vos said: "Following the construction of the Emirates Arena in Glasgow (pictured above), and the extensive redevelopment of the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham, we are in the fortunate position of having two genuinely world-class indoor athletics venues capable of hosting events on this scale."

Bolt agrees Paris date

L'Equipe

Usain Bolt will compete in the 100m at the Diamond League in Paris on 4 July, organisers have confirmed.

The 28-year-old six-time Olympic champion - who is also the world record holder in both the 100 and 200 metres - missed last year's meeting because of injury and will vie with France's pole vault world record holder Renaud Lavillenie for top billing.

The news has also been given front-page billing in French sports newspaper L'Equipe.

"We will have two Bolts in Paris, the original one and then the French version in Lavillenie," French Athletics Federation president Bernard Amsalem told news agency AFP.

Edmonton withdraws 2022 Commonwealth bid

Canadian city Edmonton has withdrawn its bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, leaving Durban in South Africa as the only remaining bidder.

A statement from the bid team said financial reasons and a global fall in oil prices were behind the withdrawal.

The Games, which were held in Glasgow last year, were staged in Edmonton in 1978 and the city has said they will bid again to host the 2026 event.

McGinley suffers theft in US

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The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Ryder Cup charity mementos belonging to Europe captain Paul McGinley have been stolen from his car, along with his golf clubs.

The paper claimed the Irishman, who is due to play in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, went from San Francisco airport to Ocean Beach to get some fresh air and have lunch.

When he returned to his car outside the restaurant, he found the back window shattered and his clubs, travel bag, a carry-on bag, travel documents and passport stolen, as well as Ryder Cup items he had set aside for a charity auction.

Premier League TV deal - Your views

We've been asking you for your positive and negative thoughts on the new Premier league TV deal agreed yesterday.

Here's a selection of what you've been saying on the BBC Sport Facebook page:

Scott Rowntree: No reason why they shouldn't drop tickets now. You shouldn't pay more than £20 to go to a game. Just look at the Bundesliga. Cheaper than that and some great football and stadia over there.

Stuart R Moore: Fantastic deal and wait 'til the overseas deal - just think of the tax the deal will give the country - my club Everton do deals for kids for £95 and, I think, £155 for 16-21 season tickets. Also my club does huge amounts for the area, always willing to help but that could be because we are run by a fan!!!

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Allan Scott: It's kind of double standards. In one hand Uefa put in place Financial Fair Play rules so the rich clubs can't blow everyone else out the water, yet they allow the Premier League to sell their TV deal for this type of money, ensuring English football blows every other league around the world out the water!!!!

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has responded to criticism of the deal by saying the league "is not a charity".

Never mind Paul The Octopus

Aside from the action on the pitch - it seems every major sports tournament these days tries to predict who will be crowned champions before the action starts through some sort of psychic medium.

The 2010 World Cup in Germany had Paul The Octopus and ahead of the Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand - we introduce Ikram The Robot.

Adam Williams-Online

Created by the University of Canterbury in New Zealand - Ikram has tipped Afghanistan to be crowned champions at the end of March after viewing the 14 competing countries flags.

Time will tell if Ikram's prediction turns out to be true.

England lose World Cup warm-up

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England have lost their final World Cup warm-up match against Pakistan in Sydney by four wickets.

England had set a target of 251 and an unbeaten 91 from Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq (pictured above) guided them to victory with seven balls to spare.

Harmy's winning start

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Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison seems to have cracked football management after winning his first game in charge of non-league Ashington.

Harmison, 36, agreed a deal to manage his hometown side on Sunday - who play in the ninth-tier of English football.

The Colliers gave the new boss the perfect start as they advanced to the quarter-finals of the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup with a 1-0 victory against Bishop Auckland.

"We've only been in the job 48 hours," Harmison told the club's website.

"It's been frantic before the game, the 90 minutes were frantic, but we were on the right side of the result."

North out of Wales side

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Wales coach Warren Gatland has explained his decision to give George North more time off, although the WRU say the winger is currently symptom-free.

"We have taken the decision to give George an extended recovery period ahead of the game against France," said Gatland.

"The response from the players has been very positive in training this week and we are looking forward to having the opportunity to right last weekend's wrongs.

"We know what we need to do and we hope our performance can reflect that."

North out of Wales side

Wales winger George North has been left out of Wales's Six Nations side to face Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

North has been given an extended recovery period after sustaining two blows to the head against England on Friday.

The 22-year-old is replaced by Liam Williams in the starting line-up with Scott Williams named on the bench.

Clarke impresses in ODI return

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Australia captain Michael Clarke scored 64 on his return to the one-day team after opening the batting against United Arab Emirates in their World Cup warm-up match in Melbourne.

The 33-year-old was promoted to opener to maximise his time in the middle and kept the scoreboard ticking over in a 123-run partnership with Aaron Finch as his side made 304-8.

National selectors will now assess Clarke on Thursday before considering whether to name him in the team for Saturday's World Cup opener against England at the MCG.

Murray to return to action

AFP

Andy Murray is back in singles action later in his first match after his Australian Open final defeat to Novak Djokovic when he starts his campaign at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.

The Scot, who is top seed in Rotterdam, is third on court against French qualifier Nicolas Mahut.

European back pages

Marca

A look at what's making the sports headlines across the continent now and in Spain, the microscope is firmly focused on Real Madrid and manager Carlo Ancelotti.

It follows Real's embarrassing 4-0 defeat against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday and a loss of form from a number of key players, including Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sports newspaper Marca goes with the headline "Carlo, Te Toca" - which translates as Carlo, Do Something.

Mclean returns for England

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World Cup-winning captain Katy Mclean returns to the England starting line-up for Sunday's Six Nations clash against Italy at the Twickenham Stoop.

Mclean missed last weekend's defeat to Wales as she was playing for England Sevens in the World Series and has been named as vice-captain with Tamara Taylor staying on as skipper.

It is one of seven changes to the starting line-up with Mclean's fellow World Cup winner Victoria Fleetwood also coming back in, while scrum-half Bianca Blackburn and lock Abbie Scott both make their debuts.

Get involved

Here's a few of your thoughts from the BBC Sport Facebook page on the positives and negatives of the new £5.136bn Premier League TV rights deal.

JohnBoy Cunningham: It's all very good saying the new deal means ticket prices should go down. However, ultimately, this deal has to be funded and that means subscriptions are only going to go up. Fans may win on one hand, we will certainly lose on the other.

Dan Boyle: Worth every penny! You don't think so, don't watch it! Easy! Rather watch Premier League than EastEnders and I'll happily pay for it!

Chris Judson: Can only see footballers and agents getting richer, whilst fans stump up rising ticket prices and Sky Sports costs. The grass roots will get very little which is very much underfunded.

BBC Sport

The BBC Business desk has analysed the facts and figures behind the deal.

Henson leaves Bath for Bristol

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Former Wales international Gavin Henson has joined Bristol with immediate effect after agreeing an early release from Bath.

The 33-year-old, who was part of the 2005 Lions tour, had signed a one-year deal with the club to arrive in the summer.

Henson linked up with Andy Robinson's squad on Wednesday and will be eligible to play during the Championship season.

Meanwhile, Bath have added to their squad by signing London Irish's versatile back Tom Homer, 24, who will move to the Rec this week.

Away win was 'overdue' - Ramsey

AP

QPR caretaker manager Chris Ramsey says the Hoops's 2-0 win against Sunderland on Tuesday was "long overdue".

Goals from Leroy Fer and Bobby Zamora at the Stadium of Light gave QPR their first away win of the season at the 12th attempt and lifted them out of the Premier League relegation zone.

"To be honest with you, the boys threw their bodies on the line," said Ramsey.

"Rob Green was fantastic in goal and the back four worked fantastically together."

Boro bag top spot

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There was a full programme of fixtures on the Championship on Tuesday with Middlesbrough taking advantage of a 2-2 draw between Bournemouth and Derby to leapfrog them to the top of the table.

Aitor Karanka's side beat bottom club Blackpool 2-1 at Bloomfield Road thanks to late goals from Jonathan Woodgate and Kike.

Meanwhile, Ipswich climbed to fourth with a 2-1 win against Sheffield Wednesday while Watford moved above Brentford to fifth as the Hornets came from behind to win 2-1 at Griffin Park.

England chase victory over Pakistan

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England's final World Cup warm-up match against Pakistan in Sydney is continuing and it looks like a tight finish is in prospect.

England made 250-8 in their 50 overs, with Joe Root top-scoring on 85, and after 34 overs, Pakistan are 144-4.

You can follow the latest on the BBC Sport website with commentary on 5 live sports extra.

Lord Sugar criticises TV rights deal

BBC

Former Tottenham chairman Lord Sugar believes the record £5.14bn Premier League TV rights deal will damage the England team.

Lord Sugar helped form the Premier League in 1992 and negotiate early TV rights packages.

He told BBC Sport that young English players will be "starved" of games as clubs buy expensive foreign talent with the extra money.

"We don't have a chance of winning the World Cup again," he said.

Get Involved

We've been asking for your positive and negative thoughts on the new £5.136bn Premier League TV rights deal.

Here's what some of you have been saying on Twitter via #bbcsportsday

Ryan Doyle: More money just means more control over bizarre kick-off times, leading to poor quality games and atmosphere.

Dylan: New Premier League money will mean people like Mike Ashley at #nufc will just sit there happy with just surviving. Money won't go on players.

Jason Yexley: It would be interesting to know if anyone else bid then we can judge if Sky have overpaid.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has described it as "a good deal for all the clubs in English football and all the other organisations and charities that depend on Premier League revenues."

England women lose to New Zealand

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The England women's team have lost the first of their three one-day internationals to New Zealand by 67 runs.

The hosts made 240-8 from their 50 overs at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval after England won the toss and put them into bat, thanks to an impressive 106 from Suzie Bates.

England struggled to 173 with Anya Shrubshole (29), Lydia Greenway (27) and captain Charlotte Edwards (26) leading the scoring.

The second match in the series takes place at the same venue on Thursday.

Smith appointed Lancashire captain

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Lancashire have appointed Liverpool-born all-rounder Tom Smith as their new captain ahead of the new season.

The 29-year-old, who was the club's player of the year in 2014, takes over from Glen Chapple, who has become part of cricket director Ashley Giles' backroom staff in a player-coach role.

"I was lucky enough to have an meeting with Ashley and he offered the job," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

Football

Here are some of the stories from Wednesday's gossip column:

The Daily Express reports that Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, 30, has said he could leave Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in an extract of his upcoming autobiography, alerting both Manchester United and Chelsea.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United scouts were in Italy on Sunday to watch Palermo's £30m-rated striker Paulo Dybala, 21, in action against Inter Milan.

And in the London Evening Standard, Chelsea are weighing up a summer move for Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, 21, who is refusing to sign a new deal with the Italian club.

Premier League rights

Shares in Sky are down 5% on Wednesday morning after Tuesday's announcement of the Premier League football rights packages.

The company has almost doubled its investment to retain five of the seven packages, including a new Friday night slot with it, paying more than £4bn for the privilege.

Sky admits that the price paid per year is around £330m more than City analysts had forecast but insists it has plans in place to fund the bid.

Bruce hails 'psychological win'

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Hull City manager Steve Bruce hailed his side's 2-0 home win against Aston Villa on Tuesday as a huge "psychological boost".

He added: "We took a bit of confidence from the weekend. It was nice to beat a team that was in and around us.

"Psychologically it's good for everybody. That was more like what I've been used to seeing for the last two and a half years. We've given ourselves a good chance."

Get Involved

On Tuesday, it was announced that Sky and BT Sport have paid a record £5.136bn for live Premier League TV rights for three seasons from 2016-17.

What are your thoughts on the new deal? Give us the positives and negatives.

Tweet us using #bbcsportsday or send your comments via the BBC Sport Facebook site.

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Wenger relieved at Arsenal win

Although Arsenal moved up into the top four of the Premier League last night with their 2-1 win over Leicester City, manager Arsene Wenger said his edgy side "got away with it".

Goals from Laurent Koscielny and Theo Walcott, both set up by Mesut Ozil, gave the Gunners victory.

Pearson says club do not want to sack him

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson says the club do not want to sack him, despite reports he was dismissed on Sunday.

The Premier League's bottom side issued a statement later that day denying they had sacked the 51-year-old.

"They don't want to get rid of me," Pearson said after Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Arsenal. "I'm here. I had lunch with the owners today. My relationship remains very good, professionally and personally."

And finally, Mario

Mario Balotell/Instagram

Let's give the last word on Mario Balotelli for the moment to the man himself.

He may not have smiled after scoring his side's winner against Spurs on Tuesday night but he was full of smiles when he posted on his Instragram site.

"Great game guys!!! This smile is ONLY for those that always believe and support me. Thank you . ❤️ and Forza Liverpool. But now head down and keep working hard. Tonight is past," he said.

Wednesday's back pages

Daily Mirror

The back page of the Daily Mirror follows a familiar theme with Mario Balotelli's winning goal for Liverpool and Louis van Gaal's protestations featuring prominently while it also reports that Michael Laudrup is favourite for the QPR job.

Wednesday's back pages

Telegraph

The Telegraph also features the Premier League's live television rights deal with broadcasters Sky and BT Sport which comes in at a massive £5.1bn but they report that figure is just the start of greater riches.

Wednesday's back pages

Independent

The Independent reports that Tim Sherwood is out of the running to become the new manager of QPR after failing to get the reassurances he had sought over the club's future.

Wednesday's back pages

The Sun

The Sun's back page features Liverpool's goal-scoring hero Mario Balotelli but also Manchester United mananger Louis van Gaal after his outburst at his media conference on Tuesday where he produced stats to dispute claims his side are a long-ball team.

We deserved a draw - Pochettino

But Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said that "both sides deserved a point" at Anfield.

The hosts led twice thanks to Lazar Markovic and Steven Gerrard's penalty, but Spurs fought back with goals from man-of-the-moment Harry Kane and Mousa Dembele before substitute Mario Balotelli's decisive late winner.

Pascoe's praise for Balotelli

After Liverpool's win over Spurs on Tuesday and Mario Balotelli's late heroics, it was assistant manager Colin Pascoe who faced the media rather than Brendan Rodgers, who had to rush away to take a flight to a game in Europe.

And Pascoe said the some-time controversial striker "deserves the limelight" after scoring the winner.

Premier League review

But first of all, here are the key points from last night's Premier League games

• Mario Balotelli scores his first goal for Liverpool as they beat Tottenham 3-2

• Arsenal beat Leicester 2-1 to move into the top four while the Foxes are five points adrift of safety

• QPR get their first away win of the season and climb out of the relegation zone after a 2-0 success over Sunderland

• Hull beat Aston Villa 2-0 to put more pressure on Villa manager Paul Lambert

Hello and welcome to another day of news, views, reactions and previews from Sportsday. There's another evening of Premier League action coming up on Wednesday night but there is plenty to keep you occupied before then.