Rio 2016 organisers say they cannot afford to leave preparations for the Olympics and Paralympics to the last minute, as was arguably the case with the 2014 World Cup.

"The work we do impacts on a lot of people," says Rio 2016 communications director Mario Andrada. "They cannot wait until a week before the Games open.

"Although we would love to do everything in the last minute we cannot afford this luxury."

Trent Bridge has been given an official warning by the International Cricket Council after its pitch was rated 'poor' after last month's first Test between England and India.

The match referee David Boon reported the surface after the game ended in a high-scoring draw.

A ICC statement said: "The ICC observed that the pitch did not provide a fair contest between bat and ball throughout, and concluded that the pitch prepared for the match was of an unacceptable standard for Test cricket."

Rory McIlroy says he is in the best mental condition of his career as he chases a third win on the spin and a second major of the season at this weekend's PGA Championship.

The 25-year-old, crowned Open Champion last month, lifted the WGC Bridgestone Invitational on Sunday ahead of the final major of the season at Valhalla.

"It was the most comfortable I've ever felt trying to close out a golf tournament," he says.

"When I say mentally it's the best I've ever been, I didn't get ahead of myself. I didn't start to think about my score. I didn't think about where I was in the tournament. I just kept playing my shot after shot after shot."

West Brom boss Alan Irvine is confident of winning a Football Association work permit appeal hearing for Costa Rica international Cristian Gamboa.

The 24-year-old has already agreed personal terms and passed a medical, but his move from Rosenborg is delayed after failing the criteria for a permit.

He falls just short of appearing in 75% of his country's games over the last two years.

But Irvine says: "We're not in control, it's out of our hands, but I think it would be amazing if we didn't get this one over the line."

Forward Steven Naismith reveals he has bought tickets for Everton home matches which will be handed out to unemployed supporters on Merseyside.

The Scot, who says he has seen how people struggle to find work through no fault of their own in his home city of Glasgow, has asked the Job entre to give the tickets to those "trying hard to find employment."

"I thought this might be a small gesture to help those in that situation to enjoy a day out at one of our league matches. Hopefully it can bring some joy to many people," says Naismith, 27.

Image source, Portsmouth FC

Earlier we brought you news of Portsmouth's tribute to local soldiers who lost their lives in World War One.

Pompey's new strip includes the names of the 'Pompey Pals' - officially the 14th and 15th battalions of the Hampshire Regiment - who recruited heavily at Fratton Park and the club have released this image of the detailed stitching.

As the first Football League and Scottish action of the season draws closer as the weekend nears, we are asking you which teams will shine this year?

Tweet us on #bbcsportsday or text 81111.

Fred Holker:, external All eyes on Fulham's £11m man Ross McCormack. Fulham's promotion bid could well depend on him.

John McEnerney:, external After seeing St Johnstone in Europe last week, they might push Celtic if they can get it together. Need an experienced player.

Corinne Diacre, the only female coach of a men's professional team in a major European country, takes charge of Clermont Foot today.

Diacre, 40, was appointed in June on a two-year deal and leads the French second division team against Brest.

"All this interest is over the top with regards to my presence," Diacre says. "I'd like to concentrate on Clermont."

Image source, Dusan Tadic

Southampton's players are seemingly being put through a number of tests today.

The club have tweeted a series of images and videos, external showing the likes of new signing Dusan Tadic (pictured) running on treadmills and being measured by an army of people in white coats.

Saints start their season at Liverpool on 17 August.

England women's cricketers Kate Cross and Danielle Hazell will be at BBC Sport later today answering your questions.

The pair have both been named in the England squad for next month's one-day and Twenty20 series with India and South Africa.

Post your questions on Facebook, external and we will get the best answered for you.

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero tweets:, external Already in Manchester to meet my team-mates once more and eager to start a new Manchester City season!

Aguero was given an extended summer break because of Argentina's run to the World Cup final.

Southend United sign Danish central defender Mads Ibenfeldt on a one-year deal, with the option of a second year.

Ibenfeldt, 29, impressed in pre-season friendlies against Ipswich and QPR and played for Danish first division side Akandemisk last season.

Image source, Getty Images

Notts County sign former Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll.

The 36-year-old Northern Ireland international, a free agent after leaving Greek champions Olympiakos, has put pen to paper on a one-year contract with the League One club.

Geoff Ogilvy ended a four-year wait for a PGA Tour victory at the Barracuda Championship on Sunday and has shed some light on his struggles for form in recent years.

The Australian penned an article for Golf Australia, external shortly before his win in Nevada and highlighted the contrast between struggling golfers and successful players.

"I can go into the locker room at almost any tournament and observe the varying levels of stress in players," writes Ogilvy, 37. "Those playing well are cruising along, calling their private jets to take them to the next tournament. The guys who are struggling are looking miserable and kicking things across the room."

Richard Conway
BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Sierra Leone's Commonwealth Games chef de mission Unisa Deen Kargbo says he expects all his athletes to now leave the UK this week.

Kargbo had indicated last week that up to 30 members of Sierra Leone's delegation were considering staying in Britain given the outbreak of the Ebola virus in west Africa.

But she said: "I have a mandate back home for everyone to return after the Games."

Kargbo also confirmed that Mohamed Tholley, a Sierra Leone cyclist who he claimed was missing last week, is expected to meet the team in London tomorrow and return to his country.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie tweets:, external "Back in training today after a short break. Looking forward to the new season sooo much!! Hope you all feeling the same."

We are all feeling the same Robin but your manager is not overly confident you will be ready for the start of the campaign.

Asked if Van Persie, 31, will be fit to face Valencia in a friendly four days before United's Premier League opener against Swansea, Louis van Gaal said:, external 'I'm sure he won't play in those games. He has to train. I'm sorry, but when you have three weeks' holiday you need training sessions, not a game."

The Football League and Scottish leagues get started this weekend, so who will be the standout teams? Tweet us on #bbcsportsday or text on 81111.

Guy Janaway:, external I can see Exeter City being relegated. Many of their players have left. Also been losing all their pre-season games.

Andrew Priestley:, external I have a feeling that Aberdeen are going to seriously challenge Celtic for the SPL title this season. It would be great to see.

We would love to be able to bring you huge stories of multi-million pound transfer deals taking place this lunchtime but, as things stand, it is quiet.

In recent weeks though, the big activity has taken place in the afternoon so stick with us. Could Spurs wrap up Musacchio? Will Liverpool finalise Manquillo?

If you are just joining us, then thanks for doing so and feel free to get involved with our debate.

Reading chairman Sir John Madejski believes he has found the right people to take over the Championship club.

"I have great hopes and as far as I am concerned this is the best we can do by a mile," Madejski tells BBC South Today.

Madejski adds the new shareholders have "extremely deep pockets" and hopes if the deal goes through soon they will be able to sign new players ahead of the transfer deadline.

Last week the Royals announced a "partnership" with a Thai consortium led by 76-year-old businesswoman Khunying Sasima Srivikorn.

Image source, Real Madrid

Real Madrid's latest recruit - Keylor Navas - arrives in the Spanish capital.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who starred for Costa Rica at the World Cup, moves from Levante and has signed a six-year contract.

The media attention has intensified and he hasn't even got out of the car.