Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. Great Britain 1-0 USA in Davis Cup with James Ward in action
2. Gerrard faces first-team fight - Rodgers
3. King, Murray and Gilligan voted on to Rangers board
4. Live coverage of European Indoor Athletics
5. Katarina Johnson-Thompson wins European indoor gold

Davis Cup - what a way to end the day

And so we bring this Sportsday to a close, and what a day it turned out to be.

James Ward produced a quite stunning comeback to beat John Isner 15-13 in the fifth set and give Great Britain a 2-0 Davis Cup lead over the United States.

Hope you enjoyed it. Let's leave you with a photo of the man of the moment.

James Ward, you beauty. If I had a cap, I'd doff it. Goodnight.

Getty Images

Davis Cup

Last set of tweets. Cheers for joining in.

Ruth Corrigan: Epic from @JamesWardtennis Top 50 ahoy!

Madhavan Raman: James Ward with a great comeback win. Cue the numerous 'son of a London cabbie' mentions.

Leanne: That James Ward result is epic!

Jim Taylor: Amazing Davis Cup comeback from James Ward - kept me absolutely gripped for the last two hours

Davis Cup: GB v USA

The Murray brothers go wild as James Ward clinches victory.

Getty Images

What a day of tennis that has been.

And who'd have thought Englishman Ward would end up getting a bigger roar in Glasgow than Andy Murray? Amazing.

Davis Cup #bbctennis

Woof: James ward - HERO!

Ben Roach: There was only one song those Scots could play after that epic... More of The Proclaimers!

RacketlonNews: Every British racket sports player stand up and salute James Ward. From two sets to love down to win 15-13 in the 5th set.

Kenny Simpson: WHAT. AN. EFFORT.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

GB captain Leon Smith looks almost as shattered as James ward.

"He deserves all the plaudits he gets after that match," said Smith.

"It was so gutsy. he kept fighting, even if he was 40-0 down on Isner's serve and that paid off in the key moments.

"I can barely speak. I've almost lost my voice.

"But it's really tough for the USA now at two matches down. But they have Jim Courier as captain and he will not let them go down without a fight."

Davis Cup: GB v USA

James Ward is interviewed on court. He looks emotional. The crowd are cheering wildly.

"I'd prefer it if I had less five set matches... I don't know what to say," he says.

"This is by far the best atmosphere I've ever been involved in and thank you very much to all the crowd."

He added: "It was difficult. I had a lot of chances in the last set. It was an unbelievable match."

Davis Cup: GB v USA

James Ward has just come from two sets down to beat the best player in the United States.

What a hero. He goes wild, then hugs Andy Murray for a long time, the kind of time you'd hug your partner for on Valentine's Day. Hope Kim isn't jealous.

But why not. That was brilliant. Four hours and 52 minutes. One of the best Davis Cup comebacks of all time? Very possibly.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Game number 28 of the fifth set.

And Ward starts well, moving to 0-30. Isner suddenly looks spent.

And the American slams a forehand wide. 0-40. The crowd go wild. Three matchpoints.

He only needs one. Get in son. Ward has done it. Pop the champagne.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

This man is loving it.

Getty Images

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Danger for Ward as he slips to 0-30 behind on serve.

A tense hush falls around the Glasgow crowd. Two greatpoints and he's back to 30-30. Cue pandemonium again.

Andy Murray is even feeling the heat. He's removed that big sweater, the one that made it look like he was outside trying to make his way home after work on a freezing winter's night, revealing a blue T-shirt. Very fetching.

Ward goes 40-30 ahead . A big serve and he holds. Great comeback that from an awkward position. 14-13. Phew!

Davis Cup:

Ladies and gentleman, we've just broken a record.

Four hours, 49 minutes - makes it the longest ever World Group singles match at the Davis Cup.

On the court, it's 13-13. Ward serving.

Davis Cup #bbctennis

Nicola Jade: Four and 3/4 hours in and I am knackered just watching James Ward and John Isner... Unbelievable tennis!

Jamie Gardner: What is it with Isner and 5th set marathons!

Dan Turner: Whatever the result, this is a heroic performance by James Ward.

Here. here Dan. Though let's make sure it's not another case of plucky Brit loser eh?

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Well, what a game that was. Ward wins it to love to go 13-12.

Both men return to their seats to take a well-earned two-minute breather.

Isner looks like he needs the break more but remember he's been here before.

Back at Wimbledon in 2010, the American overcome Nicolas Mahut 70-68 in the deciding set of an unforgettable first-round encounter.

Isner outlasted Frenchman Mahut to win 6-4 3-6 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (7-3) 70-68 in the longest match in history, taking 11 hours and five minutes over three days.

Hopefully this one won't take quite as long, especially as I'm meant to be meeting a pal of mine in half an hour for a pint.

Davis Cup #bbctennis

Cameron Johnson: My mate has came round to house and suddenly we're captivated by Davis Cup match. Come on Ward!

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Sniff of a chance at 0-30 on the Isner serve but the American, sensing danger, hits back to 40-30. Great forehand from Ward and it's deuce. But a weak end to the game, two Ward mistakes, sees Isner take it. 12-12.

Getty Images

The GB team applaud their man, and on we go.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Emirates Arena, Glasgow

"Provisions are being horded, transport rearranged, toilets queued for… an epic match in the best traditions of the Davis Cup, and tie could really be on the line as a Ward win would leave the US struggling.

"Credit to Isner, he has produced big serves when it matters, while Ward came through a hugely edgy game to hold for 12-11."

Davis Cup: GB v USA

This fifth set has now lasted 89 minutes. That's one hour 29 minutes. After they've already played four sets. How do they do it? I'm shattered after four press-ups at the gym.

Davis Cup #bbctennis

Ed Fondue: Andy Murray has just popped out to take part in Wimbledon.

Very good Ed. But don't joke about it. The way things are going it could happen.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Some decent play from Isner during the game, coupled with one or two mistakes from Ward - means the American takes it deuce. That hasn't happened often this set.

Alarm bells ring. And they get even louder as Isner moves to advantage.

The American has suddenly raised his game and Ward's level has just dropped a fraction. Two breakpoints, both saved by Ward. Gutsy stuff, but then you expect gutsy from a lad who has come back from two sets down.

He takes the game. Brillaint stuff. 12-11. Everyone keeping up? Good.

Davis Cup #bbctennis

Rhosyn Morgan-Davies: The noise from the crowd is incredible! They're like football fans! Wish I was there.

Kenny Simpson: This is getting insane!

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Nip and tuck this game but then... Isner fires wide at 30-30 and it's another matchpoint, the fourth in total, for Ward.

But once again Isner saves it, thanks to a massive first serve. Deuce. But Ward rips a backhand over the net and secures a fifth matchpoint. Maybe this time?

Er, no. Isner - and you have to give him great respect for this because he looks exhausted - hits back and takes the game. 11-11. Ward to serve.

Davis Cup #bbctennis

Harry Waldie: The noise will be immense if (when) Ward wins this.

Indeed. We're in Salford and we can almost here the racket (no pun intended) from here.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

A lengthy game with a few nervy moments but Ward wins it to restore his advantage and take it to 11-10.

Hang on, where's he going? As the game ends he races from the court into the bowels of the arena. Appropriate description that for it looks like he's nipped to the loo.

Whatever he got up to, it didn't take long. Ward is back, and we begin the 22nd game of this marathon fifth set.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

A lot of Twiiter talk about Jamie Ward's shirt.

What do you reckon? And given how he's playing, does it matter?

Getty Images

Davis Cup #bbctennis

Alban Lee: This is unbelievable!

No, it's really happening Alban. Honest.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Hang on. An incredibly limp backhand from Isner puts ward 15-30 up. Two points from the match. Nice serve and volley tennis from isner brings him back to 30-30 though, and means he avoids getting in a distinctly sticky position.

It goes to deuce. And Isner puts a forehand wide. It looked easy. but when you're shattered.

Ward waves his hands and the crowd goes berserk.

Matchpoint. Saved. Or missed to be more accurate - a mishit Ward forehand dropping just long with Isner static at the net.

Back to deuce. And Isner powers through to just about hold again. How many times have we said that this set? A lot. It's 10-10, fifth set.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Getty Images

Isner holds but it's a case of anything you can do...

Ward might be 111 in the world but he is playing inspired stuff. Big ace to make it 10-9 and its Isner to serve next to stay in the match.

Remember, victory for Ward would put GB two-up after Andy Murray's earlier win. and put them in pole position to win this Davis Cup tie.

Davis Cup #bbctennis

Amanda Elliott: This is epic... 8-8 in fifth what a great effort from Ward. Isner upping his level a bit though I feel.

Ben Dalton: Lest we forget, John Isner has some decent history in long fifth sets.

Indeed Ben. You have got a sleeping bag handy haven't you?

Davis Cup #bbctennis

Oscar Snow: James Ward's shirt makes it look like he's just rocked up at a BBQ and fancies some tennis. Love it!

Watch it Oscar, if he wins that's the best shirt we've ever seen.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Andy Murray jumps to his feet and pumps his fist as John Isner slams a weak-looking forehand into the net and Ward holds serve.

So did Isner, so we're at - hang on, hand me a calculator - 9-8 to Ward. On we go. Isner to serve. Quiet please.

More on Evans-Cisse spitting row

Some footie. We brought you the breaking news earlier that Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has denied an FA charge for allegedly spitting at Newcastle's Papiss Cisse in Wednesday's Premier League match.

Getty Images

You can read the full story here.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Emirates Arena, Glasgow

"The Isner backhand has all but left the building, but the world number 20 is doing enough with his serve and forehand to stay alive.

"Ward has been playing the better tennis for the last two hours and should be fit enough to go for some time yet, having spent some of the off-season training with Murray in Florida."

Davis Cup: GB v USA

What's that? You'd like a sort of general overview photograph of the arena but with a British flag somewhere in the foreground?

Sure thing.

Getty Images

Ward holds. He's 8-7 up. Pressure back on John Isner.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Both players hold serve, first Ward, then Isner.

The score moves to 7-7. Gripping stuff.

Davis Cup #bbctennis

Ruth Corrigan: Superb play from James Ward no matter what the outcome!

Andrew Lawton: Huge tennis from James Ward. Incredible performance he's putting in at the moment.

Ed Fondue: Whatever the result James Ward has been immense. One of the best GB Davis Cup performance.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Remember this?

Getty Images

We really could be here all night. Can anyone bring me some sandwiches and a nice milky coffee?

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Isner, to his great credit, holds well, despite losing the first point of the game when James Ward produced a thumping forehand.

It's 6-6. No tie-breaks in the fifth set, which means we could still be here tomorrow morning.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Ward holds again with relative ease. He leads 6-5. The Brit definitely looks the stronger.

Fascinating game coming up now, especially given how much Isner has been struggling to hold serve of late.

Don't go anywhere.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Emirates Arena, Glasgow

"Ward has the beating of Isner when he can get the 6ft 10in American on the move, something Andy Murray appears to have been relaying to captain Leon Smith on the sidelines.

"Murray has also been signing autographs and took a few moments to himself in the nearby facilities, which are actually reserved for the media. We'll let him off though."

Scott in bold mood

Getty Images

Let's break away from the tennis for just one moment and news that there is no sign of a British charge at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in Miami.

Adam Scott has, however, started day two well and is four under through nine holes, six under overall.

JB Holmes leads on 10 under. Welshman Jamie Donaldson and England's Lee Westwood are nine off the pace.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Andy Murray, wearing a woolly jumper so big it suggests he thinks a sudden cold front is unexpectedly on its way, is jumping up and down like a madman at the side oft he court. Who'd have thought all this at two sets down?

Ward plays a magnificent forehand from an impossible angle - how did he not break his wrist? - to give himself a matchpoint. 30-40.

After missing his first serve, Isner saves it, though, with a huge overhead volley.

Ward forces another matchpoint, but Isner saves it with a huge serve. Isner has a gamepoint, but misses - a lame forehand into the net. Does anyone fancy winning this game?

Turns out Isner does. Eventually. It's 5-5, Ward to serve.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

At the risk of jinxing it big-time, James Ward looks the better player here, and definitely the fresher too.

The 28-year-old has just held with ease - 40-15 - and leads 5-4. If he gets a breakpoint this game, like he did last, it will be a matchpoint.

Big pressure on Isner.

Bit of Blur's Song 2 bellows around the Emirates Arena. Crowd are going wild. This is fantastic stuff.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

There was a great shot of a ball-boy wiping his eye during that game and looking like he was stifling a yawn.

Can't be from from boredom, must be that he's exhausted too - and little wonder given how long this game has done for. It'll be past the lad's bedtime soon.

Getty Images

Isner holds serve, but again it's close - Ward securing a breakpoint but failing to take it. 4-4. ward to serve. Ball-boy, concentrate.

Davis Cup: GB v USA

Couple of thumping backhands from James Ward in the seventh game of a fifth set which continues to go with serve.

Ward had a glimmer of a hope of breaking the Isner serve at 3-2 but the big American summoned some energy and just about held.

It's 4-3 Ward, the Glasgow crowd are loving it. All to play for in this thriller of a Davis Cup match.

BreakingEvans denies spitting charge

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has denied a Football Association charge after allegedly spitting at Newcastle's Papiss Cisse in Wednesday's Premier League match, and the FA says a hearing will be held tonight.

Hail Sir James!

No idea how he has the energy to do it but James Ward has just sprinted full pelt to reach a John Isner drop shot in a Davis Cup match which is turning out to be an absolute classic.

Getty Images

It's now 3-2 Ward in a final set going on serve. If Ward wins this from two sets down he deserves to be knighted, have a postbox painted gold in his home town, and - most of all - a large, cold beer.

Wambach wants more support for women

American footballer Abby Wambach admits women's sports has made slow progress.

Getty Images

"I will admit that the growth of women's soccer and women's sports all around the world has been slow," the striker, who is competing in the Algarve Cup, told BBC Sport.

"I would love to see the sport (women's football) grow worldwide. I'd love to see more money being given to some of these women professional soccer players, so they don't have to hold another job."

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Emirates Arena, Glasgow

"The comeback is well and truly on as James Ward wins the fourth set tie-break to force a deciding set against John Isner.

"The Briton is playing well above his ranking of 111, and Isner - the world number 20 - is struggling to win points if he doesn't hit a big serve. The next set could go a very long way to deciding the tie."

And on we go...

James Ward has fought back to two sets all against John Isner in Glasgow so Great Britain could go two matches up in their Davis Cup encounter with USA.

As a result of the ongoing drama, this live text is going into extra time and will continue.

Great Britain lead what is their first World Group match on home soil in over 12 years after Andy Murray eased to victory this afternoon.

Congratulations from Olympic champ

Anyone else looking forward to Jessica Ennis-Hill taking on Katarina Johnson-Thompson at Rio 2016?

Jessica Ennis-Hill twitter

Earlier, Johnson-Thompson won pentathlon gold at the European Indoor Championships with a British record.

Look no other place - Euro bonanza

We have an absolutely blinding European football day planned for you from 14:00 GMT on Saturday as the big boys in the Bundesliga are all in action before Real Madrid play at 17:00 GMT.

BBC

Bayern Munich travel to Hannover with an eight-point Bundesliga lead over Wolfsburg, who face a trip to Augsburg.

Both of those games will feature in the live text as will Borussia Dortmund's match at Hamburg, with Jurgen Klopp's side back on form and hunting what once looked like an unlikely place in the top four.

After that, the live text will turn its attention to San Mames where Real Madrid go to Athletic Bilbao with a one-point La Liga lead.

FA Cup preview - Bradford v Reading (12:45 GMT, Saturday)

League One Bradford City could return to Wembley with victory over Reading, less than 12 months after they contested the League Cup Final at the home of English football.

The Bantams have already knocked out Premier League sides Chelsea and Sunderland to reach the last eight but their manager Phil Parkinson will have to beat a side he represented 361 times to secure a Wembley semi-final.

"I had a fantastic period there and I'm very honoured to be a part of the club that moved from Elm Park to the Madejski Stadium, and to have seen the club develop," says Parkinson, 47. "They've been in the Premier League twice in the last nine years and they're a great model for a lot of clubs to look at."

The Bantams have not reached the semi-finals since they won the trophy in 1911.

FA Cup preview - Aston Villa v West Brom (17:30 GMT, Saturday)

The four FA Cup quarter-finals throw up the typical plethora of stories, hopes and will as always lead to at least some dashed dreams.

Saturday's late kick-off between Midland's rivals Aston Villa and West Brom sees two sides who have experienced long waits for FA Cup glory go head-to-head.

• Only three clubs have lifted the FA Cup on more occasions than Aston Villa, who have won the trophy on seven occasions. Their seven FA Cup wins came between 1887 and 1957.
• West Brom have won the trophy on five occasions, though not since 1968

The match is live on BBC One and there will be a live text commentary on the BBC Sport website with tweets, pundit quotes and all the FA Cup funnies you ever need.

Patel signs new deal at Notts

All-rounder Samit Patel says he still has ambitions of playing for England after signing a new three-year deal at Nottinghamshire.

Patel, 30, made his Notts debut at the age of 16 in 2002 and has played for England in all formats, but his last international appearance came in 2013.

"Spending such a long time at a club the size of Notts is an honour, and I didn't think twice about extending my contract," Patel said. "I still harbour England ambitions and playing with Nottinghamshire will give me the best chance of doing that."

Angry despite win

AP

Despite her European Indoor pentathlon gold, Katarina Johnson-Thompson cut a frustrated figure after running just over two minutes 12 seconds in the final event, the 800m. Why? Because a run over just over a second faster would have broke the world record for the six-discipline indoor event.

"This is a huge breakthrough," she told BBC Sport. "But I am full of regret from the 800m. "I thought I could easily run that time and maybe took it for granted. It could've been a different story. I should've been able to do that."

Just what did Katarina do?

Katarina Johnson-Thompson, 22, decimated the field to take European Indoor Championship gold in the pentathlon earlier but just how good are the 5,000 points she amassed?

• The tally is a British record, eclipsing the 4965 Jessica Ennis-Hill set in March 2012
• Only two women, Katarin and Natalya Dobrynska have ever reached 5,000 points
• Her long jump leap would have won six of the previous seven individual titles at the European Championships
• Her high jump effort broke Carolina Kluft's championship record.

Bale has been outstanding - Giggs

Getty Images

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been fielding questions today on Gareth Bale v Cristiano Ronaldo and which of the Galacticos takes the club's free kicks.

Bale from the right Ronaldo the left was his response and former Wales international Ryan Giggs sympathises with the scrutiny Bales faces at Madrid.

"That's part and parcel of playing at a big club, you see Ronaldo under pressure because he hasn't scored for three games," says Bale. "That's the sort of scrutiny you're under at a top team. Gareth's been brilliant since he's gone over there.

"I went through it, all players go through it where you face stages in your career where you've got to dig in. You become a better player because of it."

Davis Cup - Great Britain v USA

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Emirates Arena, Glasgow

We have a match on our hands as James Ward breaks the Isner serve and goes on to take the third set and trail 6-7 5-7 6-3. The Londoner helped Britain to a 2-0 lead on day one against the US last year and there is renewed hope that he can do the same again here. The Proclaimers reverberate around the Emirates Arena, not for the first time today, and the home crowd are on their feet.

Andy Murray won Great Britain's opening point and they lead 1-0 overall with doubles action to come tomorrow.

Giggs and LVG in harmony

AP

Manchester United coach Ryan Giggs has told BBC Sport he has a "great working relationship" with manager Louis van Gaal after speculation of rift between the two.

Giggs did not celebrate United's late winner at Newcastle in midweek and afterwards, ex United midfielder Paul Scholes has questioned whether Giggs would have the patience to be Van Gaal's number two for too long.

"It's coming to that part of the season where the media will just look at any little thing just to make it more interesting and exciting," says Giggs. "Me and Louis have got a great working relationship and he's given me a massive opportunity and I'm taking it."

Ligue 1 top scorer staying put

Reuters

Ligue 1 top scorer and France international Alexandre Lacazette will not be sold at the end of the season, according to Olympique Lyonnais president Jean-Michel Aulas.

Lacazette, who has netted 21 league goals this season, said on the club's TV channel on Thursday that "if the president asks me to leave, I'll have to leave the club," after speculation linked him with a move to a top European club.

"Impossible," Aulas posted on his Twitter account.

GET INVOLVED

BBC

Becky Alderson: Sexism in football unfortunately goes on at under-eights football! Need to go home and do my ironing, much more!

Oliver Lines: Sexism is the same as racism, homophobia etc - it's set in society and [you] have to remove it from there, not from sport.

Alex Gary Johnston: End sexism in football? How about finally merging men and women together and play in the same leagues.

We have been asking you for your thoughts on, or experiences of, sexism in football today. Keep them coming to #sexisminfootball. The Football Association has urged clubs to act on the issue.

A frank account of sexism in sport

"It was 2009, and I was presenting a non-league football match when I worked for the broadcaster Setanta. At half-time, as I walked to the centre circle to do some live links, around 500 fans stood up and chanted a sexually obscene question at me. Over. And over. And over. The same chant Victoria Beckham would often get when watching husband David play against Arsenal.

"It was far from the first time I'd had chants aimed at me while working - in fact, I'd hear some comment or chant almost every time I was around fans with a camera - but this time it felt visceral. Intense. Embarrassing."

You can read more from BBC sports news correspondent Natalie Pirks on sexism in sport here.

Accrington sign Burnley youngster

Burnley forward Jason Gilchrist, 20, has joined League Two side Accrington on loan until the end of the season.

Davis Cup - Great Britain v USA

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Emirates Arena, Glasgow

PA

John Isner moves 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 up on James Ward in the second match of the day, after Andy Murray earlier beat Donald Young. The 6ft 10in American is doing a good job of quietening the home crowd and is yet to face a break point as he edges a tight contest. Conversations are already under way around who Leon Smith should pick for Saturday's doubles - A.Murray/J.Murray, A.Murray/Inglot or J.Murray/Inglot. Any ideas?

So Isner is closing in on making it level. Remember this is Great Britain's first home match in the World Group - the Davis Cup's highest level - since 2002.

Stage set for Butler big night

The Liverpool Echo Arena is preparing for a massive night of boxing as Paul Butler bids to become a two-weight world champion when he takes on South Africa's Zolani Tete for his IBF super-flyweight title.

Echo Arena

Ellesmere Port fighter Butler, 26, won the IBF bantamweight title from British rival Stuart Hall last year but relinquished it immediately.

In the build-up to the fight, Tete has suggested he is on a different level to his opponent and suggested he will "break" Butler's nose and "knock him out".

England stroll in Cyprus Cup

The final whistle goes in Nicosia, Jodie Taylor's hat-trick has given England a 3-0 win against Australia and left them needing only to draw with Netherlands in their last group game to clinch a place in Wednesday's final. That game takes place on Monday.

Five things about the golden girl

So Katarina Johnson-Thompson claims the European indoor pentathlon gold at the tender age of 22 but what else is this youngster into in her spare time?

Getty Images

• Aged nine, she rejected an audition with the Royal Ballet School to pursue athletics.
• She loves drinking espresso coffee.
• She is a big Liverpool fan and once owned a replica shirt with Emile Heskey's name on the back.
• Her favourite singers are Beyonce and Nicki Minaj.
• She does not wear gold, silver or bronze nail varnish for superstitious reasons.

Wales will not repeat Dublin mistakes

Getty Images

Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde has told Ireland not to expect the same Welsh mistakes made in Dublin last year.

Ireland ran out convincing 26-3 winners when the two teams met in February 2014 but McBryde admits the Welsh management could have prepared the side better for that contest.

"It was a bitter pill to swallow because we were well-beaten and it was the first time in a long time that had happened to us," said the former hooker. "We really struggled to cope with their driving game but we've worked hard in that area and the boys showed against France what they're capable of doing."

England hat-trick at Cyprus Cup

Striker Jodie Taylor completes her hat-trick, taking advantage of an Australian defensive mix-up to slide the ball home in the 83rd minute - it's 3-0 to England and victory is only minutes away.

Mackay pleased with new chairman

Wigan manager Malky Mackay is pleased with the club's appointment of 23-year-old chairman David Sharpe.

Getty Images

Sharpe has replaced his grandfather Dave Whelan, who still owns the club and will address fans to bring an end to hic chairmanship on Saturday.

"It's easy to have a throwaway line about a 23-year-old taking over a football club but he's been round about the football club since he was a young man," says Mackay.

"He's here every day, is at every game and knows the inside of the football club. I look at the experience and the amount of time somebody has been at a football club.

"He's got good people round about him and I know the things that drive him, the things he's passionate about and they are good values for wanting a football club to go forward in terms of academy and recruitment."

Merseypride

BBC Radio Merseyside's sport bulletins will be gushing with local pride this evening no doubt...

BBC Merseyside Twitter

Golden Kat goes close

Katarina Johnson-Thompson's narrow miss on the indoor pentathlon world record is acknowledged by Paula Radcliffe:

PAula Radcliffe

Gold for Johnson-Thompson

Getty Images

Katarina Johnson-Thompson wins her first major title with pentathlon gold at the European Indoor Championships.

The 22-year-old wraps the Union flag around her, but looks disappointed at having narrowly missed out on the world record.

She set a personal best 2:12.78 in the 800m to set a new British record of 5000 points in the pentathlon, beating a record once held by Jessica Ennis-Hill.

USA set to level tie

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport

"It all seems to be going Britain's way but John Isner eventually takes the first set on a tie-break after a net cord drops kindly for him with Ward leading 4-2. The Briton cannot recover, losing five points in a row, and the US are on course to level the tie."

Andy Murray won the first rubber by James Ward is now a set down in the second match.

World record for KJT?

Katarina Johnson Thompson is about to start her 800m race and could break the pentathlon world record at the European indoor championships in Prague.

She needs to run 2.11.86 or quicker in the 800m - the final event - to break Nataliya Dobrynska's record points total of 5013, set in 2012. Johnson-Thompson is currently 11 points better off than Dobrynska was at the same stage. She's on 4076 points after four events.

You can watch the race live on this website.

Van Persie to miss Arsenal clash

Getty Images

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie will miss the FA Cup quarter-final against his old club Arsenal due to his ankle injury.

Jonny Evans will also miss the game if a charge of spitting at Newcastle's Papiss Cisse is proven. Left-back Luke Shaw (hamstring) is a doubt.

Game, set and match for Romeo

Getty Images

Could Romeo Beckham follow in Andy Murray's footsteps and step on to Centre Court one day? The 12-year-old son of former England captain David Beckham apparently has the tennis skills necessary to go a long way in the sport.

Tennis coach John Johnson had a chance to take a close look at Romeo's skills during a 10-day tennis camp in London recently.

"I'm not sure his parents realise how good he is," says Johnson. "Romeo really loves tennis. He is really into it and very talented. He has a lot of talent and very good hand-eye coordination. I'm going to have a meeting with his mother about it to reinforce that."

Gerrard & Sakho could return

A bit more on Liverpool's injury problems. As we've mentioned, captain Steven Gerrard will be assessed over the next 48 hours before a decision is made on whether he is fit enough to face Blackburn in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final.

The Reds midfielder has missed the last six matches with a hamstring injury but returned to training this week.

Meanwhile, defender Mamadou Sakho is edging closer to a return after four matches out with a hip problem.

Gerrard faces fight for selection

Getty Images

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has warned Steven Gerrard there is no easy route back into his first-team plans.

The Reds captain has missed the last six matches with a hamstring injury and, although he has returned to training this week, he will be assessed before a decision can be made on whether he is fit to face Blackburn in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final.

"There is no-one in the squad who has a God-given right to walk straight into the team," said Rodgers, whose team are unbeaten in the league this year.

Stags teaching players to wash hands...

Getty Images

Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray is taking a, shall we say, different route to avoid relegation, by teaching his players to learn how to wash their hands properly.

The Stags are only seven points clear of the bottom two in League Two.

"Teaching the lads to wash their hands properly could cut 2% of illness which might win us three points," Murray told BBC Radio Nottingham.

Former Rhinos forward Clark dies

Leeds have announced the death of their former captain and Great Britain forward Mick Clark, who lost his battle with Parkinson's Disease on Friday at the age of 78.

Clark made just over 200 appearances for Leeds from 1963 to 1969 and was a member of their Challenge Cup-winning team in the famous "Watersplash" final at Wembley in 1968.

He also played for Dewsbury, Huddersfield and Salford and ended his career with a spell as player-coach at Keighley.

England Women in control

It's two goals for Jodie Taylor, this one an 18-yard lob to put England 2-0 ahead against Australia after just 17 minutes.

Murray was 'fired up' for tie

Getty Images

Andy Murray has given Britain a 1-0 lead over the United States in the Davis Cup and the Scot says he played a "high level" of tennis.

"It was pretty special and I'm glad I managed to play a good match and get the win," said the British number one.

"I played an extremely high level of tennis the first two sets. I was pretty fired up at the beginning, emotions were running high. I had a slight lull but I settled down and played a good fourth set."

England in the lead

Jodie Taylor puts England ahead in the eighth minute against Australia, the Portland Thorns striker netting a superbly hit cross-shot to record her first international goal.

Rangers latest - McCoist talks planned

As we have been reporting, Dave King's consortium have been voted on to the Rangers board and he has been asked about the prospect for bringing Ally McCoist back from gardening leave to become manager.

"In terms of the new manager, you want to take your time and get it right," says King. "We'll now need to sit down with Ally McCoist and see what his plans are."

PA

BBC Scotland have run a live text on the first news conference held by the news Rangers board members and you can follow it here.

Tweet what you eat...

What are your thoughts on Robin van Persie's "healthy veg salad?"

Robin van Persie

The Manchester United striker has just tweeted an image of his lunch, describing it as a "quick healthy veg salad and green tea".

Does anyone else think he has a huge fry up waiting just out of shot?

Gerrard CCTV case: EX-PC jailed

PA

A police officer who seized CCTV footage of a street scuffle as a "tool to blackmail" Liverpool footballer Steven Gerrard has been jailed.

Helen Jones, 32, obtained footage of the row involving Mr Gerrard by "flashing her warrant card" to the boss of a Formby bank in August 2013.

The former PC admitted misconduct in a public office at a previous hearing.

'Incredible' leap by KJT

AP

"Incredible stuff," says BBC athletics expert Steve Backley as Katarina Johnson-Thompson leaps 6.89m in the long jump. Another championship best for the Briton and it should see her rise to the top of the pentathlon rankings once again.

Britain up as Murray beats Young

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport

Getty Images

"Andy Murray wraps up a 6-1 6-1 4-6 6-2 win over Donald Young in one hour and 58 minutes to put Britain 1-0 up against the USA. The Scot is clearly thrilled to win on home soil. "I was pretty fired up, emotions were running high." Next up, a potentially key match between James Ward and John Isner."

Real Madrid face tough trip

And following BBC Sport's live text from the Bundesliga on Saturday, our focus will switch to Real Madrid as they take on Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are a point clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga but Athletic will enter the game in buoyant mood having qualified for the Copa del Rey final on Thursday night.

Real Madrid were held by Villarreal in their last outing having led in the second-half.

"I still have confidence. We are now at an important time of the season and we are well positioned in the European Cup or in Liga," Ancelotti told his news conference. "I have confidence in this team, we have won titles last year - I am confident that we will do a very good season."

German goal machine

On Saturday, BBC Sport will run a live text taking in all of the afternoon's Bundesliga action, with leaders Bayern Munich, second-place Wolfsburg and in-form Borussia Dortmund all playing at 14:30 GMT.

One man to keep your eyes firmly fixed on is Bas Dost of Wolfsburg. He has 11 goals in his last seven games.

BBC Sport

US fighting back against Britain

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport

Reuters

"Nobody is quite sure how, after a pummelling for two sets, but Donald Young gets back into the match by taking the third set to trail Andy Murray 1-6 1-6 6-4. Murray gets a bit loose for the first time today and the American takes advantage, prompting a few gasps around the arena. It's hardly panic stations for Team GB but Young will at least have gained some confidence for the rest of the tie."

Inzaghi not fazed by Milan injury crisis

AP

Over on the continent, AC Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi is refusing to blame a perennial injury crisis for his team's indifferent form.

Midfielders Nigel de Jong and Riccardo Montolivo have joined half a dozen other players on the injury list for Saturday's Serie A match against Verona, which is seen as crucial to Inzaghi's future.

Inzaghi, whose team are joint 10th in the league, said: "What drives me forward is to prove [to] the club that they did well to choose me this summer, the team are behind me and they are not influenced by others."

All aboard the Euro train

Tottenham...done, Liverpool... done, Rangers... done, well kind of. More to come on all of those stories but now we are going to round off some of the European football stories on Friday including a Real Madrid news conference...

The Rangers change

BBC Scotland senior football reporter Chris McLaughlin tweets: The new men in control at Rangers.

BBC

Dave King, Paul Murray and John Gilligan are now on the board but will seek to add further board members.

David Somers and James Easdale had already resigned from the board before today's extraordinary general meeting, with Derek Llambias and Barry Leach voted off. The latter pair will still be employees of the club and their contracts will need to be terminated.

King consortium controls Rangers

Consortium leader Dave King gives his reaction to news Paul Murray, John Gilligan and himself have been voted on to the Rangers board, with Derek Llambias and finance director Barry Leach voted off.

"It's not a turning point in the history of the football club but a turning point in future to take it back to it history," says King.

"What we want is a football club that reflects that history both on the field and off the field."

King consortium controls Rangers

Getty Images

Dave King, Paul Murray and John Gilligan have succeeded in being voted on to the Rangers board at Friday's extraordinary general meeting at Ibrox.

Shareholders at the meeting called by King, who owns 14.5% of shares in Rangers International Football Club plc, voted Derek Llambias and finance director Barry Leach off the board.

King's consortium received approximately 85% of the votes cast.

Liverpool news conference

Liverpool should not be one FA Cup win from Wembley according to manager Brendan Rodgers as his side prepares for their FA Cup quarter-final with Blackburn Rovers.

"In many ways I wish semi-finals weren't at Wembley as I think it takes something away from it," says Rodgers. "Wembley should be just for the final."

And the Reds boss gets animated when comparisons are drawn between departing captain Steven Gerrard and the man many expect to replace Gerrard in his role, Jordan Henderson.

"There is no comparison," adds Rodgers. "People should stop trying to put pressure on a young player like Jordan. Just because Jordan takes corners, doesn't mean he's the next Steven Gerrard. Just because he shoots from outside the box, doesn't mean he's the next Steven Gerrard."

Great Britain v United States - Davis Cup

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Emirates Arena, Glasgow

Andy Murray leads Donald Young 6-1 6-1, with just one unforced error to the Scot's name. Two sets down in 47 minutes and US captain Jim Courier might be running through a few answers to questions about his team selection later today. Steve Johnson, ranked three places higher than Young at 44 in the world, will feature heavily.

Liverpool news conference

Brendan Rodgers is still searching for his first trophy since becoming Liverpool manager in 2012 and before the visit of Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, feels his side are now ready to win silverware.

"The first year here was about integration, the second-year objective was to get in the Champions League, this season I felt we had depth to challenge for trophies," says Rodgers.

"If we can arrive in the top four and win a trophy that will be success for us this season."

Liverpool news conference

BBC

BBC Radio 5 live football reporter Juliette Ferrington tweets: Now at LFC, Steven Gerrard to be assessed over the next few days ahead of #FACup tie on Sunday.

Gerrard has missed recent fixtures with a hamstring injury.

GET INVOLVED

Mark Hampson: All prejudice is rife in mob mentality & it'll never change. Education, large fines, bans; makes no difference to crowds.

24 Charlie: My wife has begun to enjoy football and even supports a PL club. But I feel ashamed when sexism in football rears its ugly head. The same people defending sexism in football would be defending racism as "just a bit of fun" a couple of decades ago. Undeniable.

Today we are asking you if you have experienced sexism in football or if you have strong views on the issue? The Football Association want clubs to clamp down on it. Tweet us on #sexisminfootball.

Coming up...

We expect to hear from Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers shortly in the build-up to the Reds' FA Cup meeting with Blackburn.

Tottenham news conference

Getty Images

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino denies reports Emanuel Adebayor has been forced to train with the club's youth players and predicts seven or eight teams will contest a place in the Premier League's top four.

"It's not easy because maybe seven or eight teams fight for it," Pochettino tells his news conference. "We need to go step by step, improve in our philosophy. "We are in a good process. My worry now is always to improve. To learn and improve."

Spurs - currently seventh - take on Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Saturday and the "squad is fully fit" according to Pochettino.

"We expect a difficult game," he adds. "Another London derby and the three points important for them and us."

Wigan in nostalgic mood

Wigan Athletic tweet an image of Saturday's match programme cover for their meeting with Leeds and departed chairman Dave Whelan features prominently.

Whelan announced this week he will continue to own the club but handed the chairman's role on to 23-year-old grandson David Sharpe.

Wigan Athletic

Whelan will address Latics fans on the pitch at 14:45 GMT ahead of kick-off.

Upbeat Rovers 'can upset Liverpool'

Former Wales and Blackburn striker Nathan Blake believes Rovers are capable of beating Liverpool in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final if they reproduce their performance in the 4-1 fifth round win over Stoke.

"The way they beat Stoke, it's not like they got away with it, they took them to task, put them to bed," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

Blake scored the winner the last time Blackburn travelled to Anfield in the FA Cup in 1999-2000.

Tune in to Davis Cup

And you can listen to the latest from Great Britain v USA in the Davis Cup on BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra right now. or watch on BBC Two.

Murray takes first set 6-1

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Emirates Arena, Glasgow

PA

"C'mon Donald, show us something!" After a raucous reception for Murray and a brilliant first set, some of the home crowd are now asking for a little more from the other side of the net. Young won just eight points in the first set and a double-fault gives up serve early in the second. It's a mismatch so far, and it will take more than a long talk from captain Jim Courier at the changeovers to turn this one around."

Sherwood doesn't irk Pulis

West Brom boss Tony Pulis insists he has no problem with his Aston Villa counterpart Tim Sherwood following the latter's comments about the size of the two midlands club.

AP

Prior to Tuesday's Premier League clash between the teams, Sherwood described Albion as a "good little club" before expressing his delight at having landed the manager's job at a "massive football club" like Villa.

After his side won 2-1 at Villa Park, Sherwood again made an apparent dig at West Brom, saying they will "have to improve" for the next meeting, which is Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at the same venue.

But Pulis said ahead of this weekend's derby: "That is Tim - there are no problems with me or the chairman at all. Tim is Tim and he will be good fun for everyone around the West Midlands for the time he is at Aston Villa I'm sure."

Spinner Colvin to make comeback

Former England spin bowler Holly Colvin is to make her comeback this summer by playing for Sussex.

The 24-year-old, a member of England's World Twenty20, World Cup and Ashes-winning sides in 2009, announced in November 2013 that she was taking a break from the game.

"I'm returning so I can enjoy the game and play for the love of it - it's as simple as that," she said. "I have no idea if I will play international cricket in the near future or in the future at all."

5 live Sports Panel

On BBC Radio 5 live's Sports Panel right now, spitting and sexism in football are two topics being debated by guests Kevin Gallacher, Andy Turner and Maggie Alphonsi.

The Football Association has called on clubs to clamp down on sexist chanting in stadiums.

"It's always been men at football, but watching the game in general now, it's more family orientated," says Gallacher. "There are girls, there are ladies watching the game now but the chanting hasn't changed. But we're changing the sport. Girls are now getting better at it. They're watching the sport. Now's the time for clubs to look at the derogatory comments coming from the terraces."

Birthday boys to sign Brazilian boy

Porto's Brazilian defender Danilo will join Real Madrid this summer as the clubs have agreed a fee according to Marca.

The right-back has played 11 times for his country and will move for around £14m.

Meanwhile, Madrid are celebrating their 113-year anniversary today and the likes of Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Cristiano Ronaldo have been tweeting good wishes.

Crisitiano Ronaldo

Cuvelier joins Burton

Burton Albion sign ex-Belgium Under-21 international midfielder Florent Cuvelier, 22, on loan from Sheffield United until the end of the season.

Johnson-Thompson drops back

Getty Images

Katarina Johnson-Thompson produces a season's best in the shot put, throwing 12.32m. It is the weakest attempt of all the pentathletes, though, and means the 22-year-old slips to second in the pentathlon standings. British teenager Morgan Lake has achieved a personal best 13.91m in the event and is sixth overall.

Yarnold off to flyer

Lizzy Yarnold has smashed the track record on her way to establishing a 0.07 second lead after the first two runs of the Skeleton World Championships in Winterberg.

The Olympic champion recorded a time of 57.44 in her first run on Friday and maintained her slim advantage over Canada's Elisabeth Vathje ahead of the two concluding runs on Saturday.

Barnsley sign Wales defender

BBC Wales football correspondent Rob Phillips tweets: Cardiff City and Wales defender Declan John has joined League One Barnsley on loan for rest of season.

Sports Panel time

The Friday Sports Panel is just starting on BBC Radio 5 live. Former athlete Andy Turner is ready to chat, as is ex-Blackburn Rovers striker Kevin Gallacher. Tune in if you are sat at your desk. We won't tell anyone.

Rooney desperate to win FA Cup

Getty Images

Wayne Rooney admits he is desperate to lift the FA Cup - the one major trophy that has eluded him throughout his club career.

The England and Manchester United captain says Monday night's quarter-final against Arsenal is "massive" - and especially for the 29-year-old, who has twice been on the losing side in the final.

Rooney said: "It is a trophy that, growing up as a youngster, I used to love watching and I was fortunate enough to see Everton lift the FA Cup in 1995 when I was nine years old. It is something which I would love to do and hopefully it can be this year."

Cheltenham needs a water

Cornelius Lysaght

BBC horse racing correspondent

Officials at Cheltenham racecourse say they are starting 'selective' irrigation (3/4mm) to 'maintain' the going for next week's Festival which has dried out to good to soft, good in places.

Murray in Davis Cup action

It's eardrum-popping loud inside the Emirates Arena in Glasgow for the opening singles match of Britain's Davis Cup tie against the United States.

Home favourite Andy Murray is the man in action and you can watch the British number one attempt to get the better of Donald Young on BBC TV, or listen to coverage on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Northampton sign Stanley's Gray

In the Football League, the loan signings continue as Northampton Town sign striker James Gray, 22, on loan from fellow League Two club Accrington Stanley until the end of the season.

Let It Snow!

Toby Alderweireld

More pictures of Southampton players shoop-shooping on the slopes during a team-bonding trip. "Enjoying the snow," tweets full-back Toby Alderweireld.

GET INVOLVED

In response to our story on the Football Association's request for more to be done to end sexist chanting at matches, we are asking for your thoughts on the issue and whether you have experienced sexism in the game.

Rachel Maidment: As an assistant referee I wasn't provided with changing facilities for a local cup final and had to change in the toilets

Phil Dickinson: These sexist songs are wrong, but there'll soon be nothing left. Referees? Long hair? Large stewards?

Emma Payn: I expect the female Chelsea doctor has more brain cells in her little toe than 90% of the entire crowd at Stamford Bridge.

Tweet us on #sexisminfootball and comment on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Davis Cup - Great Britain v USA

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Emirates Arena, Glasgow

BBC

John Isner has been having a hit with 17-year-old Stefan Kozlov as the stands around him fill up ahead of the start of play at 13:00 GMT. First up is Andy Murray v Donald Young, followed by Isner v James Ward. The court is "super slow", according to Greg Rusedski, with the aim of blunting Isner's huge serve. Today's second singles could be the key contest of the weekend. It's all live on BBC Two, this website and 5 live sports extra.

Tottenham news conference

We hope to bring you as much as we can from Mauricio Pochettino's news conference, which is scheduled for 12:30 GMT.

His Tottenham side take on Queens Park Rangers in the only Premier League match this weekend due to the return of the FA Cup.

A Spurs win would move them sixth while Rangers are in the bottom three and know a victory would move them out of the relegation zone, to be replaced by Aston Villa.

Brits off pace in Miami

Welshman Jamie Donaldson is the best-placed Briton after round one of the WGC-Cadillac Championship but Rory McIlroy struggled on the opening day.

Donaldson is two under par while McIlroy shot one over the par of 72 as American JB Holmes dominated with a 10-under 62. Eight birdies and an eagle have given Holmes a four-shot cushion over compatriot Ryan Moore at Trump National Doral in Miami.

Johnson-Thompson in record-breaking form

Getty Images

Katarina Johnson-Thompson has broken the championship record in the pentathlon high jump, clearing 1.95m. The Briton failed with her three attempts at 1.98m, but her 1.95m effort was still good enough to break a record which was held by Carolina Kluft.

That jump earned Johnson-Thompson 1171 points, giving her a total of 2259 after two events in the pentathlon. A British record and a world record could be on the cards.

You can watch live coverage of the European Indoor Championships on this website.

Spit and you eat through a straw

Google

Stoke City striker Jonathan Walters has a fairly frank message for any player who chooses to spit at him.

The subject of spitting has been a major talking point in interviews and news conferences this week after Papiss Cisse accepted a charge for spitting at Manchester United's Jonny Evans, who has also been charged for the same act.

"If it happened to me and someone spat at my face or towards me then I think he'd be eating his supper through a straw that night," Walters tells Talksport.

"I wouldn't be that happy. It's the lowest of the low."

Thumbs up for new FA man

As we told you earlier, the Football Association's new chief executive Martin Glenn was the brains behind Gary Lineker's appearance in crisp adverts and the former England striker is bullish about the appointment.

Gary Lineker

Glenn, 54, will join the FA in May, leaving his role with United Biscuits having also worked for Cadbury Schweppes, Mars and Deloitte.

Listen to Sports Panel

On BBC Radio 5 live you can listen to the Friday Sports Panel at 13:00 GMT where former Great Britain athlete Andy Turner, ex-Scotland striker Kevin Gallacher and English rugby player Maggie Alphonsi are the guests.

They will discuss sexism, spitting and all the other talking points from a busy week in sport.

Lake and KJT head-to-head

Britons Morgan Lake and Katarina Johnson-Thompson are going toe-to-toe in the pentathlon high jump. Both have cleared 1.92m, setting up an exciting finale as we head towards the business end of the event.

"She's showing great maturity and getting better and better as the competition progresses," says Denise Lewis of Morgan Lake.

Haynes joins Cheltenham

Cheltenham Town sign free agent Danny Haynes on a two-month deal. The 27-year-old, who can play up front or on the wing, had loan spells with Hibernian and Crewe in 2014 and was recently released by Notts County.

Number 10 backs GB

Great Britain will play their first top-flight home game since 2002 when they take on USA in the Davis Cup's World Group later today and they have one lofty backer...

David Cameron

You can watch the action on BBC TV and on the website and it is scheduled to get started at 13:00 GMT.

The winners of the tie will meet France or Germany in the quarter finals in July.

You can download a full 5 live special podcast on the Davis Cup which includes interviews with Andy Murray, the Bryan brothers, Jim Courier and Andre Agassi.

Johnson-Thompson in control

Getty Images

Easy. Katarina Johnson-Thompson glides over 1.89m at her second attempt in the pentathlon's high jump. Morgan Lake is third, clearing 1.86m on her third attempt. She has just failed in her first attempt at 1.89m.

Meadows into 800m semis

Favourite Jenny Meadows qualifies with ease in 2:02.59 for Saturday's semi-finals of the women's 800m.

"I'm relieved," says the 33-year-old Briton, who has been troubled with a cold this week.

"My preparations this week haven't been good, I haven't run since Monday so I've been resting in isolation from the rest of the team. I did ok and the main thing now is to recover for tomorrow."

McGeechan takes charge at Carnegie

Former British and Irish Lions boss Sir Ian McGeechan has taken temporary charge of coaching at Yorkshire Carnegie following the departure of Tommy McGee after only four months.

Sir Ian, the club's executive president, will head a coaching team, also including former Bradford Bulls boss Francis Cummins.

Carnegie are currently ninth in the Championship table.

Southampton move to ski

An update on Ronald and his Southampton gang. Thursday was ice hockey, Friday is Nordic ski day and manager Ronald Koeman tweets the evidence.

Ronald Koeman

Coach Sammy Lee was once the subject of a loving chant by Liverpool fans: "He's fat, he's round, he bounces on the ground, Sammy Lee..."

He may hope to bounce if he tumbles today.

KJT clears 1.83m in high jump

Katarina Johnson-Thompson has just cleared 1.83m in her first attempt in the pentathlon's high jump. That effort gives her 1016 points and the Briton is in line to break the British record.

Team-mate Morgan Lake is currently fourth in the high jump thanks to a 1.80m opening effort, earning her 978 points.

GET INVOLVED

As we have reported all morning, the Football Association is calling on fans to report sexist abuse at games after being shown disturbing scenes of women officials and staff being subjected to obscene chants.

We want to know if you have experienced sexism at a match? Tweet us on #sexisminfootball or comment on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

BBC

Dan Woodward: My son's team played a girls team and they were fantastic. The women's game will never be as big as the men's game. It's a good game to watch though as they're not soft like the blokes, diving about and so on.

Darren James: We're probably only a couple of generations away from total and utter silence as nobody will be allowed to say anything about anybody soon. Everything passing our lips will be deemed offensive to someone or something!

Britt: Is rank and I've had it from other City fans. Saying you don't belong somewhere just because you're female is disgusting.

Football

Laurence Griffiths

West Brom will be without injured forward Victor Anichebe (groin) and cup-tied midfielder Darren Fletcher for Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Aston Villa.

Albion boss Tony Pulis has said he has a few "knocks and niggles" in his squad to assess - winger Callum McManaman (foot) is a doubt, while strikers Saido Berahino and Brown Ideye have both been playing recently with pain-killing injections.

Pulis also said the club "have to go careful" with Stephane Sessegnon, with the forward understood to have suffered a family bereavement, and it remains to be seen whether goalkeeper Ben Foster keeps his place after his costly late error in the 2-1 league loss at Villa Park.

Robson set for comeback

Getty Images

Laura Robson is set to begin her comeback from injury at the Miami Open later this month after spending more than a year out.

The former British number one last played a match at the Australian Open in January 2014 before undergoing surgery on her left wrist.

Robson had hoped to be fit for this year's first Grand Slam but did not make it and a subsequent plan to return at low-key events in the US, where she has been training, had to be abandoned as well.

Blades sign Blackpool striker Davies

Sheffield United have signed Blackpool striker Steven Davies on loan until the end of the season. The 27-year-old, who played under Blades boss Nigel Clough at Derby, has scored five goals in 18 appearances for the Seasiders this season.

Saints on ice

While Lewis is looking cool in Paris, Ronald Koeman has been playing a cool sport in Switzerland where the Southampton boss has taken his players on a team-bonding trip.

Ronald Koeman

Southampton have posted some spectacular Vines on Twitter with players falling all over the place in trying to play ice hockey.

"Fantastic experience! Shattered," tweeted Koeman.

Striker Eljero Elia - who is seen scoring in the many videos Saints have posted of their ice hockey escapade - tweeted from his hotel room: "It's to cold for me."

Toby Alderweireld

Southampton do not play again until they meet Chelsea on 15 March.

The name's Hamilton...Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton's social media outpouring continues to show this guy is probably the only man cooler than James Bond.

Today he is looking thoughtful in Paris, tweeting: "Paris is becoming one of my absolute favourite cities in the world! Beautiful city!"

Lewis Hamilton Twitter

Last night he was hanging out at Paris Fashion Week with some Hollywood 'A-listers' including Kris Jenner and a few models.

Lewis Hamilton instagram

Lewis has just over a week to get his game-face on for the season opener in Australia on 13 March.

Cole accepts FA charge

West Ham striker Carlton Cole accepts a Football Association charge for making abusive comments towards a Tottenham fan on Twitter.

The 31-year-old reacted to a comment on social media after a 2-2 draw between the sides on 22 February, where he went off injured having been subbed on.

Cole's case will now be reviewed by an independent panel.

Rodgers forcing Balotelli to grow up - agent

Reuters

The agent of Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli says Reds boss Brendan Rodgers' demands are making the Italian grow as a person.

Mino Raiola told RMC: "Right now, I think Mario has a very interesting development for his career. He has found a coach who asks of him things that had never been requested of him until now, including the discipline of running without the ball.

"This allows him to grow as a person and as a football player. He'll come out even stronger. He is proud of his team and that is the most important."

New chief executive a Wolves fan

So who is the Football Association's new chief executive?

Martin Glenn, 54, makes "well-loved British brands more dynamic," according to the FA and if that is not enough, he is the man who put Gary Lineker in Walkers Crisps adverts.

Getty Images

He will join the FA on 18 May, leaving his current role as CEO at United Biscuits, a company which is home to the McVitie's and Jacobs brands.

"I have coached football at grassroots level, have sat on the board of a Premier League football club and have spent my time on the terraces at Molineux where I have a season ticket," says Glenn. "I hope this informs my work at The FA as we look to inspire everyone to be involved in what is the nation's most watched and played team sport."

Vlaar could return for Villa

Getty Images

Captain Ron Vlaar could return for Aston Villa's FA Cup quarter-final with West Brom as he battles a calf injury.

Alan Hutton is suspended after collecting his 10th booking of the season in the 2-1 Premier League win over the Baggies on Tuesday.

Philippe Senderos has suffered a set-back in his recovery from a calf injury and is sidelined while Kieran Richardson, Aly Cissokho, Nathan Baker and Libor Kozak are out.

Scholes wants to be a manager

Getty Images

Paul Scholes has revealed he does intend to manage Oldham in the future but feels the timing is wrong for him to assume the current vacancy at SportsDirect.com Park.

Writing in his column for The Independent, the former Manchester United midfielder said: "It was an offer that really tempted me. Even as I watched them in the Port Vale game on Tuesday, having made my decision not to take the job, there was part of me that wished I was in the dug-out.

"I will be a manager one day. I have come to see that over the last eight months, although I know that I first said that I did not see my future in coaching. And one day I believe that I will manage Oldham, the club that my dad supports and who are very close to my heart."

Queens Park Rangers news conference

Queens Park Rangers boss Chris Ramsey is hopeful midfielder Sandro will be able to contribute more than the 56 minutes he did against Arsenal when Rangers face Tottenham on Saturday.

Sandro, who joined the club from Spurs, is recovering from a knee injury.

"Hopefully Sandro will be able to last longer than an hour tomorrow - it's part of his conditioning process," says Ramsey. "If we can get three points tomorrow we are out of the bottom three. The fight's on.

"Regardless of what happens tomorrow, the fight remains on for us. We know how important the game in hand is though."

FA appoints new chief executive

The Football Association has appointed 54-year-old Martin Glenn as its new chief executive.

Queens Park Rangers news conference

You Tube

Queens Park Rangers manager Chris Ramsey is in the chair and facing the media before their meeting with Tottenham on Saturday - the sole Premier League fixture of the weekend.

He confirms Nedum Onuoha and Mauricio Isla will be evaluated after training today to see if they are fit for the meeting at Loftus Road.

On this week's spitting controversy he adds: "Spitting in football - it's a slight on someone's emotions, it's so low. I don't know what ban they should get.

"Most players in the game would think spitting is the lowest of the low. It's something that needs looking at."

Back pages

La Gazzetta dello Sport lead on news of Chelsea's Mohamed Salah continuing to shine in his loan spell at Fiorentina.

He scored twice as La Viola recorded an impressive 2-1 win at Juventus in their Italian Cup semi-final first leg on Thursday, taking his tally to six in six matches.

The second leg will be at Stadio Artemio Franchi on 7 April, with the winners facing Lazio or Napoli, who drew 1-1 in their first-leg meeting.

Gazzetta

Wenger responds to Scholes on Ozil

PA

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has defended Mesut Ozil after the midfielder was criticised by Paul Scholes in a national newspaper.

Scholes said Ozil has taken "the easy way out" in joining Arsenal, adding he felt the German international was "going through the motions".

"He needs a leader around him," adds Scholes. "At Real Madrid he had the chance of winning titles, at Arsenal that is not on the cards."

When questioned on the comments in his news conference, Wenger said: "Paul Scholes would have loved to have played with a player like Mesut Ozil. He has the quality and he works a lot harder than his style of play shows."

Men's 60m hurdles

British teenager David Omoregie finishes fourth in his 60m hurdles heats, in 7.72 seconds, which is one hundredth of a second off his personal best. The Welshman will have to wait and see if he qualifies to the semi-finals as one of the fastest losers.

"He's pretty solid technically," says Colin Jackson. "He does have good form. These hurdles are pretty heavy and you can sometimes struggle if you catch one wrong. I think he'll be disappointed he didn't run sharper but he made a couple of mistakes and that's what the difference was."

Stadium staff told to act on sexist abuse

Getty Images

Stewards and safety officers are being briefed on how to spot - and tackle - sexist abuse in football stadiums.

Women in Football, which represents more than 1,200 women working in the sport, has contacted all 92 Premier and Football League clubs about the issue.

Footage obtained by the BBC shows Chelsea's female medic Dr Eva Carneiro and assistant referee Helen Byrne suffering taunts during recent matches.

Backpages

The Sun lead on Papiss Cisse accepting an FA charge for spitting at Manchester United's Jonny Evans but adds his club - Newcastle United - are furious Evans has denied spitting at Cisse.

The Sun

Cisse faces a possible seven-game ban while Evans is yet to respond to the charge.

Arsenal's Gabriel out for three weeks

Getty Images

Arsenal defender Gabriel has been ruled out for three weeks after injuring his hamstring.

There is better news on the goalkeeping front as Wojciech Szczesny is in line to play against Manchester United.

"He has a test today. If he gets through that he will play on Monday night," says Arsene Wenger.

Wenger confident of FA Cup progress

Reuters

"We are confident," says Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger of his team's FA Cup chances against Manchester United.

"We go to Manchester United to qualify and give absolutely everything with hard work and team effort. I don't believe too much in history. At the moment we are doing very well away from home so it's down to our effort.

"It's a special intensity because it's between two teams with a chance of winning. We're focused on the FA Cup."

Lawro's predictions

How will Arsenal fare against Manchester United at Old Trafford? In this week's Lawro's Predictions, Mark Lawrenson believes the Gunners will leave the north west having beaten Louis van Gaal's men 2-1.

"United's will to win is not in doubt but they are just not playing well," says Lawrenson. "And they move the ball so slowly that I don't think they will get any better for a while."

It's a poetic edition of Lawro's Predictions as the former Liverpool defender is pitting his wits against dub poet, musician and actor Benjamin Zephaniah. The Birmingham-born dreadlocked bard has also gone for an Arsenal win.

Arsenal news conference

Arsenal fc

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is readying himself for another morning of interrogation from journalists. The Gunners take on Manchester United on Monday in the FA Cup sixth round and we'll update you with the Frenchman's thoughts once his news conference gets under way so stand by.

KJT leads pentathlon standings

There's a personal best for British teenager Morgan Lake in the pentathlon's 60m hurdles. The 17-year-old clocked 8.81 seconds - which amounts to 950 points - after a nervy false start.

"The key to heptathlon and pentathlon is not panicking," says BBC Sport pundit Denise Lewis. " Morgan will probably not be happy with the position she finished, but she's a really tall person, over 6 ft, she clips a hurdle but keeps working and gets a PB out of it."

Katarina Johnson-Thompson leads the pentathlon standings after one event, collecting 1088 points after her 8.18sec personal best. You can watch live coverage on this website.

GB in Davis Cup action

Getty Images

There's plenty of live sport on the BBC today. In a few hours, Andy Murray will open against Donald Young as Great Britain take on the United States in the Davis Cup.

A capacity crowd of 7,700 is expected at the Emirates Arena as Leon Smith's squad attempt to reach the World Group quarter-finals for the second year running. You can watch live coverage on BBC Two from 13:00 to 16:30 GMT.

PB for Johnson-Thompson

PA

Katarina Johnson-Thompson looked calm and cool before the 60m hurdles, nodding her head to the stadium's beats - and the Liverpudlian makes a fabulous start to her quest for pentathlon gold.

It's a personal best 8.18 seconds for the Briton as she wins her heat. Big points.

The Back pages

The Times

The Times leads with Roy Hodgson's desire to prolong his stay as England boss, while Andy Murray is also pictured practising before Great Britain's Davis Cup tie with USA.

Latest Gossip

There's plenty being said on the football grapevine this morning. Here is a selection of the best transfer gossip:

Southampton are ready to make midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, 25, their highest paid player and stop him going to Arsenal. (Daily Mirror)

Juventus are ready to listen for bids for 22-year-old Spanish striker Alvaro Morata, who is a reported target for Liverpool and Arsenal. (Metro)

The agent of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, 21, has said that the France midfielder could yet decide to stay at the Italian club despite interest from Paris St-Germain, Manchester City and Chelsea. (Daily Mail)

GET INVOLVED: #sexisminfootball

FA board member Heather Rabbatts says sexism should not be tolerated, adding: "We are absolutely encouraging people to report incidents like this."

But how do you stop sexism in football? Have you either experienced or witnessed it? Tweet us using the hashtag #sexisminfootball

Report sexist chanting - FA

Getty Images

Sexism is leading the agenda this morning after the Football Association called on fans to report sexist abuse at games after being shown disturbing scenes of women officials and staff being subjected to obscene chants.

Footage obtained by the BBC shows Chelsea's female medic Dr Eva Carneiro and a female assistant referee Helen Byrne suffering taunts during recent matches.

FA board member Heather Rabbatts described the abuse as "horrible".

The back pages

The Metro

Plenty of fun has been had by headline writers thanks to phlegm-gate, involving Manchester United's Jonny Evans and Newcastle's Papiss Cisse.

"Spat's A Rap" says the Metro as Cisse faces up to the possibility of a seven-game ban after accepting an FA charge of spitting.

Two more years for Roy?

Getty Images

Roy Hodgson wants to extend his stay as England boss and guide the Three Lions into the 2018 World Cup in Russia, according to reports. The 67-year-old's current contract expires after next year's European Championships in France.

Does Hodgson deserve to remain in charge until after the 2018 World Cup? Tweet us your thoughts using the hashtag #bbcsportsday.

How many medals for Britain today?

PA

Spring is nearly, erm, springing, which means Britain's athletes have shed their winter coats and come out of hibernation to run, jump or throw. Katarina Johnson-Thompson says she is "riled and ready", but will the Briton win her first major title this afternoon?

Live coverage of the European Indoor Championships begin on BBC Two and Online from 08:30 GMT.

Welcome

Hello, welcome to Friday's edition of Sportsday, a one-stop shop for all your sporting needs. The weekend is nearly upon us, which can only mean one thing: there's anticipation in the air, expectation in the air and live sport fast approaching.