Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. 13 Premier League news conferences
2. Championship play-offs: Middlesbrough v Brentford
3. Andy Murray v Milos Raonic (from 19:00 BST)
4. Lewis Hamilton fastest in second practice for Spain GP

Coming up..

And that is it for another edition of Sportsday. We have live text commentary of the race to the Premier League, as Brentford take on Middlesbrough, and you can also listen to the match on BBC Radio 5 live from 20:00 BST.

Back on Monday, see you then.

Ancelotti confident ban will be lifted

EPA

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is confident the suspension on football will be lifted and teams will be able to see out the season.

The Spanish football federation announced matches in the country will stop on 16 May in a dispute with the government, including over TV rights.

That would see the final two rounds of La Liga games suspended indefinitely.

"I truly believe it is going to be resolved over the coming days," Ancelotti said.

Rangers must relish play-offs

Manager Stuart McCall is urging his Rangers players to rise to the occasion when their play-off campaign opens away to Queen of the South on Saturday.

Rangers take on Queens over two legs, with the winners going on to face Hibernian for a place in the final against the team finishing second bottom of the Premiership.

"I'm confident this group of players can put in a good performance and progress," said McCall.

"If you fear failure, you will freeze. The message is go and relish the opportunity to get out of this league

Nadal reaches Madrid semi-finals

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Rafael Nadal remained on course for a third successive Madrid Masters title after a 6-3 6-4 victory over 10th seed Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-finals.

The Spanish third seed was all over the Bulgarian's serve in the opening set, taking three out of 11 break points.

Nadal, 28, was broken early in the second, but broke back in the sixth game and was too strong for Dimitrov when he served to stay in the match.

The world number four will play the winner of John Isner and Tomas Berdych.

Britain's Andy Murray faces Canadian Milos Raonic on Friday at 19:00 BST.

Edwards extends Burton Albion deal

Burton Albion defender Phil Edwards has signed a new one-year contract.

The 29-year-old was a key figure as the Brewers won the League Two title this season, playing 50 games in all competitions and scoring six goals.

Edwards joined in June 2013 and has been a regular since, missing just one league game last term.

Boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said: "He was absolutely magnificent last year. He is part of the future of the club and his contract is well deserved."

On this day

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In 1932, former world heavyweight champion Sonny Liston was born.

The American first won the crown in 1962 by knocking out Floyd Patterson before losing it to Cassius Clay in 1964. He was then beaten by the same opponent - by then fighting as Muhammad Ali - the following year. He died in 1970.

McDermott loses press-up bet

Leeds Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott is coaching children at Leeds Grammar School and is unimpressed by their skills during a passing drill.

The former Great Britain international sets a challenge to complete fifty passes as an incentive, but he loses the bet and ends up doing fifty press-ups.

Watch the video here

In the Super League tonight, Salford take on Huddersfield and Wigan face Castleford

Shearer 'taken aback' by Coloccini letter

PA

Alan Shearer says he was "taken aback" by relegation-threatened Newcastle's captain Fabricio Coloccini writing a letter to fans asking for their support.

The club's all-time record goalscorer told BBC's Football Focus that he was "disappointed" and "surprised" by the move, which followed two days of talks between players, management and ownership.

Newcastle's Premier League future is under threat after a run of eight successive defeats, with fans boycotting matches and both owner Mike Ashley and manager John Carver under severe pressure.

Read in full what the former Newcastle striker had to say

Derby keen to re-sign Bent & Ince

Derby County are eager to keep Darren Bent and Tom Ince for next season.

Ex-England striker Bent, 31, whose contract with Aston Villa runs out this summer, and Hull City winger Ince, 23, impressed on loan despite Derby failing to earn a Championship play-off place.

Head coach Steve McClaren told BBC Radio Derby: "Tom is a Hull player, but we would love him. And, after scoring the goals he has, there will be quite a few clubs after Darren. But we would like him as well."

Spicy Super League action tonight

Salford Red Devils take on Huddersfield Giants in the Super League tonight, with a spicy affair set to take place at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Giants coach Paul Anderson wants payback after Red Devils man Rangi Chase's tackle left Brett Ferres sidelned for three months with an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors will be looking to move up to second in the table when they face Castleford Tigers.

Both matches take place at 20:00 BST.

'Bayern have had super season'

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Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola says they have had a "super season" despite their 3-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat by Barcelona.

The Bavarians won the domestic double last season, and have already claimed this year's Bundesliga title.

"If a team chases three titles, wins the league, reaches the German Cup semi-final and the Champions League semi-final then it is a super, super season," he said.

Bayern face Augsburg this weekend.

Middlesex turn to Franklin

Former New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin will take over as Middlesex captain for County Championship matches when Adam Voges leaves later this month for Australia's tour to the West Indies.

The 34-year-old will fill the role until the end of August, when Voges or last season's skipper Chris Rogers may be available to return to Lord's, with Eoin Morgan continuing as limited-overs captain.

"James has plenty of experience and I believe his calm, mature and measured persona will make the departure of Adam as seamless as we can possibly make it," managing director Angus Fraser told the club website.

No Flintoff for T20 campaign

@BBCLancsCricket on Twitter: Head coach Ashley Giles has told us that Andrew Flintoff will not be returning to the T-20 squad this summer.

Yeovil release 11 players

Yeovil Town manager Paul Sturrock has released 11 players following the club's relegation to League Two.

Captain Joe Edwards, 24, has also decided to leave the Glovers.

Craig Eastmond, Nathan Ralph, Sam Hoskins, Joel Grant, Gozie Ugwu, Kieffer Moore, Seth Twumasi, James Hayter, Alex Smith, Liam Davis and Fergus Bell have all been let go.

The club have made offers to terminate the contracts of AJ Leitch-Smith, James Berrett, Adam Morgan, Artur Krysiak.

Westley's election analogy

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Hull boss Steve Bruce was at it earlier today and now Stevenage manager Graham Westley has compared the play-offs to the general election.

Boro host Southend on Sunday in the League Two semi-final first leg.

Westley told BBC Three Counties Radio: "Were there favourites going into the general election? Probably. It was pretty neck and neck - or so everyone thought - but there was a resounding victor.

"It's the same scenario in a play-off situation. Four get themselves excited, four clubs hope for the best, one club gets there."

Gerrard made me better - Mourinho

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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard made him a "better manager".

Champions Chelsea host the Reds on Sunday in one of the 34-year-old's final matches for the Anfield club, before his move to LA Galaxy.

"My dear enemy, he has made me a better manager because to stop him has been very difficult," Mourinho said, adding that he tried to sign him three times.

"I am very sad this is the last time I will face him."

#BBCSportsday

Promotion to the Premier League - who's going to win the race?

Get involved on Twitter via #bbcsportsday or on the Match of the Day Facebook page.

Andrew Halford: Would love to see Brentford do it simply because they have never played in the top flight just like Bournemouth. However I think the strongest squad in that bunch is Norwich so they're favourites for me.

Paul Pitchley: I'd like to see Brentford as they will be a new challenge, but I personally think Ipswich Town will get it.

Philip Taylor: I hope Boro come up. Would be great to see the three north east teams in the Premier League

That's if Sunderland and Newcastle survive up there....

England coach Moores to leave?

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England stand-in captain James Taylor has been asked by BBC Test Match Special about the future of coach Peter Moores, who is reportedly set to lose his job next week.

"I haven't heard anything on that. I haven't heard any echoes of that being the case, the guys are firmly behind that and I know in my brief time with England in the last six months he's been really good with me, really positive, so I haven't heard anything like that. Nobody in the changing room uttered any word of it."

How would you react if your favourite footballer dropped into your school to teach a lesson?

Amy Lawrence Twitter

Football journalist and BBC Sport columnist Amy Lawrence captured this lovely moment, featuring Per Mertesacker, during an Arsenal community day.

She tweeted: "Mertesacker dropped in to AFC in the community to give a German lesson. Look how excited the boy at the front is :)"

Garry Monk news conference

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Better late than never, we've received word from Swansea and Garry Monk.

Bafetimbi Gomis has recovered from the hamstring injury that caused him to limp off in the 1-1 draw with Everton on 11 April.

"He is looking fit and sharp. He will definitely be involved in the squad," said Monk of the French striker.

But fellow forward Nelson Oliviera, on a season-long loan from Benfica, will miss the last three games of the term with an ankle injury.

BBC Sport predictor

BBC Sport

Think you know more than Mark Lawrenson? Why not prove it by telling us what the scores will be for all the remaining matches in the Premier League as well as this season's FA Cup final using our new predictor.

You can see how your guesses fare against other supporters and get feedback from the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.

Well, what are you waiting for?

Where next for Pogba?

AP

What do the top teams in the Premier League need to do to close the gap on champions Chelsea next season? Who should sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba?

BBC Sport's Robbie Savage runs the rule over these issues in his latest column.

Click here to read it in full.

Wiggins on Desert Island Discs

BBC Radio 4

Kirsty Young's castaway this week is four-time Olympic gold medal winning cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins.

The consistently excellent programme will be broadcast on Sunday at 11:16 BST and will be available in podcast form shortly afterwards.

#BBCSportsday

Who do you reckon is getting promoted from the Championship?

Matthew Hillary: Norwich v Middlesbrough final. Hopefully with Norwich returning to top flight. Hard derby to come, but been strong for last half of season.

Kingdom Zebedee: Norwich. Can definitely beat Ipswich in semi-final. Can beat Brentford. Boro is the only fear I have.

Gavin Vargas: Brentford. Pub on each corner of their ground and makes a joke of Warburton going.

Get involved on Twitter via the hashtag #bbcsportsday or on the Match of the Day Facebook page.

Wembley to host non-league double

The FA have announced that the non-league FA Trophy and FA Vase finals will both take place on the same day at Wembley in 2016.

It will be the first time ever that the has hosted two FA national competition finals on the same day.

"Having both The FA Trophy and Vase finals on the same day will not only celebrate two great competitions but provide real value for money for fans and neutral supporters," said the FA's director of national game, Kelly Simmons.

On this day

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Fourteen years ago today, Alan Smith was sent off as Leeds United lost 3-0 in Valencia in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final in Spain.

The shaven-headed Yorkshire lad is now a floppy-haired 34-year-old - and he's just signed a new deal with Notts County.

Froch stripped of WBA title

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Carl Froch has being stripped of his WBA super-middleweight belt for not defending his title and could announce his retirement next week.

The British fighter, who has already given up his IBF belt, has not fought since defeating George Groves at Wembley nearly a year ago.

A clash with Julio Chavez Jr in Las Vegas in March fell through because of the 37-year-old's elbow injury.

"There's no guarantee he'll fight again," said promoter Eddie Hearn.

Dicks transforms West Ham Ladies

Mikey Cartwright

How do you take a team from "rock bottom" one year, to a cup final and a top-six finish in the Women's Premier League in the next?

For West Ham Ladies, the answer is bring in a Hammers legend as manager.

Julian Dicks, who had two spells at Upton Park as a player, was appointed as West Ham Ladies boss in June last year, a rare foray into women's football management for an ex-star of the men's top-flight.

And despite losing to Charlton in the London FA Capital Women's Cup final on Wednesday, Dicks' side have made significant progress under his tenure so far.

Read in full how Dicks transformed the side

Giro d'Italia weather watch

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An "extreme weather conditions protocol" will be tested for the first time during this year's Giro d'Italia after the peloton experienced difficult conditions in recent races.

The 2014 Giro was hindered by snow fall, while high temperatures caused tyres to explode at the Tour of Qatar this year.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) said on Friday: "In case of freezing rain, snow, pollution, strong winds, extreme temperatures or poor visibility, a stage may be cancelled or its course changed for the safety of the riders."

We could do with extreme weather protocol at BBC Sport towers in Salford today.....

Great City Games

PA

Greg Rutherford, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Jo Pavey, Haile Gebrselassie and Richard Kilty launch the Great City Games.

"I do feel a little bit like, 'what am I doing?' But it's going to be a really fast race," said Ennis-Hill, who runs for the first time in 22 months.

"I don't feel as much pressure because I feel that I've had my amazing year of being the poster girl [at London 2012] and achieving my dreams."

Manchester city centre will be turned into a giant urban athletics track and you can watch live on Saturday on BBC One, and on the BBC Sport website and app.

ODI called off

And the ODI between Ireland and England in Malahide has been called off because of the rain. No result.

Race for the Premier League

Getty Images / PA

The regular Championship season has ended. Now the real drama begins.

This week, the four teams occupying third to sixth in the final table will embark on the play-offs with one aim: victory at Wembley on Monday 25 May and a slice of the riches and prestige on offer in the Premier League.

BBC Sport looks at the form, facts and prospects of Middlesbrough, Brentford, Ipswich and Norwich.

Click here to read the piece in full and give us your views on who will win the play-offs via #bbcsportsday on Twitter.

#BBCSportsday

Who will reach the Premier League via the Championship play-offs? We've been asking for your opinions.

Owen Grundy [Rotherham fan]: Middlesbrough, by far the best team we played all season.

Max Baggins-Craig: Brentford. Deserved after years of determination, passion and pure energy. They deserve it to say the least.

Giannina Caraceni: I can see Ipswich nabbing that PL spot. They've got Freddie Sears, and Norwich have recent PL wounds unhealed.

Get involved yourself via #bbcsportsday on Twitter and the Match of the Day Facebook page.

Cookey set for 100th England cap

Empics

Pamela Cookey is set to make her 100th appearance in an England netball dress on Friday night, in the second tri-series game against Trinidad and Tobago.

The 30-year-old made her international debut in 2004 and has since won two Commonwealth Games bronze medals as well as World Cup silver.

England beat Trinidad and Tobago 65-42 on Wednesday and meet them again at the Copper Box in London tonight (17:30 BST) before Monday's series finale in Liverpool.

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

As another summer comes round, the "Yaya Toure is leaving Manchester City" stories start up again.

The Ivorian midfielder's agent mooted the possibility again this week but manager Pellegrini refused to be drawn. "I never answer to the Yaya agent so I won't do it now," the Chilean said.

Recalling the fallout between Toure and the club this time last year over their failure to adequately mark his birthday, Pellegrini joked that they would consider whether to get the player a birthday cake next week. "We will think what is best, it is important to learn from mistakes..." he said.

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Mark Hughes news conference

Hughes on targets: "The supporters are probably fed up of me talking about what we can achieve this season, but we do still have a tremendous opportunity of finishing in the top 10 again, and myself and the guys don't want to let this opportunity slip.

"All the way through the season, we have also discussed beating last season's points total, so to be coming into our final three games and still being able to do that is pleasing."

Hughes on Tottenham: "On their day they Spurs are able to go out and cause any team in the league problems. They have a lot of individual talent and they have a good manager, who seems like he has got his players playing the way that he wants them to now."

Hamilton fastest in second practice

Reuters

Lewis Hamilton was in a league of his own as he set fastest time in second practice at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The world champion was 0.408 seconds clear of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, with Hamilton's Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg only third.

Rosberg was a substantial 0.764secs off Hamilton's pace and 0.164secs ahead of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

Red Bull's Daniil Kvyat was fifth ahead of Toro Rosso's Max Verstappen and the improved McLaren of Jenson Button.

Motherwell v Kilmarnock

There's an important game in Lanarkshire on Friday, with Motherwell needing to beat Kilmarnock if they are to have any hope of escaping the relegation play-off place. Defeat would almost certainly condemn Ian Baraclough's side to a two-legged tie with either Hibernian, Rangers or Queen of the South.

Wolff adamant she has ability to race

Getty Images

Williams test driver Susie Wolff says she has the ability to keep alive her hopes of becoming the first woman to race in Formula 1 for 40 years.

The 32-year-old had her first outing in practice this year at the Spanish Grand Prix on Friday.

She was 0.8 seconds off the pace of team-mate Felipe Massa.

"If I did not think I was capable of racing at this level I would be the first to take myself out of the game," Wolff said. "I 100% believe a woman can compete at this level."

No gong for Jose

You may have just read Jose Mourinho's comments (14:07) on failing to win a manager of the month award this season - despite him leading Chelsea to the Premier League title.

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Turns out he's not had much luck when it comes to individual gongs.

In fact, he's only ever won three manager of the month awards - one fewer than former Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear and the same as one-time Manchester City (!) manager Stuart Pearce.

The Mirror have all the stats here. Poor old Jose. He has no luck, does he?

Kvitova ends Williams' run

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Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has ended Serena Williams' 27-match unbeaten streak after triumphing 6-2, 6-3 to reach the Madrid Open final.

The Czech will face Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova in Saturday's final after she upset defending champion Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-4.

Jose Mourinho news conference

More gems from Jose Mourinho pre-Chelsea's game with Liverpool.

On Diego Costa's injury: "Diego wants to play but I will protect him all the way. We need to find a balance between the risk and the desire."

On new contracts and signings: "The most important thing is to keep the squad we have. I want to keep my important players and they are all important."

On Steven Gerrard: "To stop him, or to try to stop him, is very difficult. I'm very sad it's the last time I will play against him."

Independent journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke also noted from the news conference:

Jack Pitt-Brooke

Jose Mourinho news conference

Chelsea have got the Premier League title sewn up but boss Jose Mourinho still has plenty to say for himself before Sunday's game with Liverpool.

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On winning their last three games: "We want to win our matches, we have three difficult games. We don't need to win but we want to try to win points. For many months we had no defeats but I can't do anything. I can just enjoy the title, which is the most important thing."

On signing a new deal: "I'm not asking for a new contract, a better contract, I'm very calm. If the owner wants me to stay, I'm staying."

On not winning a manager of the month award this season: "My objective for the season is to be champion. What comes with that comes."

More on this stat to come later....

Jose Mourinho news conference

Jose Mourinho is currently entertaining the media for his weekly news conference.

All the best tit-bits from the Chelsea manager to follow...

Brady avoides deflate-gate questions

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New England Patriots' Tom Brady says he is not ready to respond to claims he was "generally aware" of a scheme to under-inflate balls in an NFL game.

Brady's agent and father have both criticised the Wells Report's findings that it was "more probable than not" the Patriots deliberately used flatter balls for extra grip.

The quarterback, 37, said he had "not had much time to digest it fully".

Patriots beat Indianapolis in the play-off and went on to win Super Bowl 49.

Mark Hughes news conference

Getty Images

Some early team news from Stoke, as manager Mark Hughes hints goalkeeper Jack Butland could retain his spot for the second consecutive game.

"We know that Jack is a good keeper and we also know that he needs games at Premier League level," said Hughes.

"That is something that we are looking to give him. He did fine for us last weekend and I am sure that he will do so again."

Alan Pardew news conference

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew is offering his views on his side's encounter with Manchester United, which they go into with a fully fit squad.

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On Wilfred Zaha facing his former club: "It was a period in his career that didn't work out and that happens. He wasn't perhaps quite ready. We hope he can grow here and make an impact tomorrow.

"He's a player that needs to have his confidence reinforced. He some times gets the final decision wrong, but even Ryan Giggs was like that.

On Man Utd's poor form: "They come here with an unusual record for a Man United side. So there's a big pressure on them. We will offer the same respect to them as we will show to Liverpool."

Middlesbrough's play-off stats

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• Middlesbrough are aiming to return to the Premier League for the first time since relegation in 2009.
• The club missed out on automatic promotion last week and finished fourth in the standings
• Boro have had one successful play-off campaign and one which ended in defeat. Both came in the second tier.
• They won promotion by beating Chelsea on aggregate over two legs in 1987-88 but lost to Notts County at the semi-final stage in 1990-91.

Brentford's play-off stats

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• Brentford finished fifth in the Championship and are looking to reach the top flight for the first time since 1947.
• The Bees have failed in each of their seven previous play-off campaigns.
• They have lost three play-off finals, all in the third tier: Crewe in 1996-97, Stoke in 2001-02 and Yeovil in 2012-13
• Brentford have lost only one of their last nine games. Their only defeat since 14 March was 1-0 at Sheffield Wednesday on 14 April.

The Championship promotion chase

Bournemouth and Watford have already secured the golden ticket to the Premier League.

But who will join them in the promised land as play-off final winners - Brentford, Middlesbrough, Ipswich or Norwich?

Let's take a look at the stats for Friday's game......

#bbcsportsday

Right, we've now filled our hypothetical House of Commons with the likes of Mario Balotelli, Ronnie Moore and Steven Pressley, so it's time to change up the debate.

Brentford host Middlesbrough on Friday in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final, with a derby between Norwich and Ipswich on Saturday.

We want to know who you think will emerge from the play-offs to reach the Premier League and why?

Let us know via #bbcsportsday, text 81111 (UK users only) or post on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

A last snippet from Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini on the QPR game: "It is important to finish [the season] well. We've won three games in a row and we will try to win the final three. We have changed [the formation] a few times this season. What's most important is the performance of the players."

Deila wins manager prize

Celtic's Ronny Deila has been voted the Scottish Premiership manager of the month for the second time.

The Norwegian added the April prize to his November victory after five wins and a draw moved his side to the brink of the league championship, which they secured at the start of May.

SNS

Spanish GP - second practice

They're underway in the second practice session in Spain. For all your transport needs, join our colleague Gary Rose for a live text commentary. You can also vote on colour schemes, apparently...

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini on future of Yaya Toure: "We talk about the next season in the right moment. Yaya has a contract here. We are focussed on our team and the players."

The Chilean also said: "For a team that wants to win titles it's important to have two players in every position. This season we had a good squad."

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says midfielder Samir Nasri is the only player not fit for his side, as captain Vincent Kompany is ready to return from injury.

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

Man City / Twitter

Awaiting the arrival of Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini as he speaks to the media ahead of his side's Premier League clash against QPR on Sunday.

Rumours are rife that the Chilean will not be manager of the Blues come the end of the season...

#bbcsportsday

Which sporting figure would you have as your MP and why?

Lee Parkinson: I'd have Messi, why? Does he know local environmental and political issues? No! But its Messi!!

Alex Jones: Brendan Rodgers, he'd show great character and commitment.

Daniel Charley: Steven Pressley, he's brilliant at recycling the same tosh over and over again.

Send in your suggestions on Twitter via the #bbcsportsday hashtag or on BBC Sport's Facebook page.

Mayweather rules out Pacquiao rematch

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Floyd Mayweather has branded Manny Pacquiao a "coward" and "sore loser" and does not want a rematch with the Filipino next year.

Mayweather took his unbeaten record to 48-0 in Las Vegas with a unanimous points victory over Pacquiao last week.

The American dismissed Pacquiao's claim that his performance was restricted by a shoulder injury.

"He lost. He knows he lost. I lost a lot of respect for him after all of this," said Mayweather.

Louis van Gaal news conference

Van Gaal on social media: "You can read everything. You have to accept nowadays world and you have to adapt to it. I have to manage that also as a 63-year-old person. My players are much younger than me. They can do it more easily I think."

Would he ever go on social media? "No. Because then I would have another day's more work."

Taylor suffers shock exit

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Sixteen-time world champion Phil Taylor has been knocked out in the group stage of the Premier League for the first time in the event's 11-year history.

The 54-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent lost 7-5 to Gary Anderson in a repeat of January's World Championship final.

Taylor, a six-time winner of the Premier League title, had never failed to reach the semi-finals since the tournament's inception in 2005.

Anderson and Raymond van Barneveld secured play-off spots on Thursday.

Louis van Gaal news conference

Let's put some flesh on the bones of those comments made by Van Gaal about the signing of Memphis Depay. The Manchester United manager said he only signed the Dutch attacker now to head off interest from Paris St-Germain (see 12:01 BST).

"I don't want to speak with players before the season has ended," Van Gaal said. "I have also a feeling to my players. But now, because of the close relationship I have with PSV, I could handle it.

"When you sign a player you disturb the focus of your present group of players. The coming matches are very important but, because of the market, I must handle it because otherwise he would have signed for PSG. That is why I signed Memphis."

Rain stops play

Ireland are 56-4 against England in their ODI in Malahide, but the heavens have opened and the covers are on, the players have been forced off the field and take shelter until the rain stops.

If you want to read about the rain updates, click here on the dedicated live page

Dick Advocaat news conference

Further injury news is emerging from Sunderland, who will in fact be without captain John O'Shea for Saturday's trip to Everton.

The Irishman will miss his first game of the campaign with a rib injury but manager Dick Advocaat said: "John will travel with the squad as he is captain, and will have a part to play in the dressing room."

Jack Rodwell (hamstring) will also be absent, but Wes Brown is available.

The Adventures of Christian Vieri

What do you get if you combine former Italy striker Christian Vieri with a charity match and a selfie stick? Soul-crushing disappointment...

Christian Vieri

Vieri with former Italy team-mate Pippo Inzaghi

Christian Vieri

Vieri with former Inter team-mate Luis Figo

Christian Vieiri

Vieri with former Italy team-mate Paolo Maldini

FA launch Cellino investigation

Leeds United chairman Massimo Cellino is being investigated by the Football Association, just one day after returning to the club's board.

BBC Radio Leeds understands the FA is looking into whether the Italian sanctioned an unauthorised payment to an unlicensed agent in the transfer of Ross McCormack to Fulham last year.

McCormack, 28, joined the Craven Cottage side for £11m in July.

Strauss arrival spells end for Moores - Guardian

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The Guardian are reporting that Peter Moores will lose his job as England head coach when Andrew Strauss is confirmed as the England and Wales Cricket Board's new director of cricket next week.

Louis van Gaal news conference

The good news for Manchester United is that full-back Luke Shaw is available after injury, while centre-back Jonny Evans is also back after suspension.

Louis van Gaal news conference

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal on the £25m signing of Dutchman Memphis Depay: "I have been forced to sign him. We have to focus on the top four but I had to handle it because otherwise he would have signed for Paris St-Germain."

And on the top four: "It is a prize in itself. Clubs like Manchester United need to play at the highest point."

Louis van Gaal news conference

On Michael Carrick, who miss the final three games of the season: "When you see the stats, it's clear that he's very important but that's also because we have only one right-sided holding midfielder.

"Our selection is not balanced and I want to restore that in the next transfer period. The life is not ending at 34, but for a professional football player, it's close by. That's why I have to handle again in that position."

Peterborough captain for sale

League One Peterborough have made Jack Payne, Joe Newell, Shaun Brisley, Luke James, Kyle Vassell, Christian Burgess and Kane Ferdinand available for transfer.

Captain Payne signed a four-year contract in June 2013, while James and Burgess joined on four-year deals last summer. Midfielder Payne played 45 times for Posh last term, scoring three goals while forward James scored two in 39.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Bobby Olejnik and David Norris have been released.

BreakingLouis van Gaal news conference

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Michael Carrick will miss the final three games of the season with a calf problem.

The midfielder was injured during the 4-2 win over Manchester City last month.

"We tried everything but now we have to think about next season," Van Gaal told MUTV. "He shall not play anymore this season, it's better now to focus for him on next season and being fit to start."

Louis van Gaal news conference

We are still awaiting word from Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, ahead of his side's crucial Premier League game against Crystal Palace.

Both teams have lost their last three league games without scoring a goal, which has threatened to derail a decent season for the two sides.

Great City Games - Manchester

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For one day only, Manchester city centre will be turned into a giant urban athletics track for the Great City Games.

The star attractions are reigning Olympic champions Greg Rutherford and Jessica Ennis-Hill, who competes for the first time in nearly two years.

You can watch the event live on Saturday on BBC One, and on the BBC Sport website and app.

The Clare Balding Show

BBC

Have you ever played tennis using plates as raquets and a cereal box for a net? No, us neither.

Clare Balding and 18-time grand slam champion Martina Navratilova have, though. And they even got Judy Murray to officiate...

The Clare Balding Show is broadast on Friday 8 May, at 22:00 BST on BBC Two and the BBC Sport website.

Welshman Gough announces retirement

Newport Gwent Dragons' former Wales lock Ian Gough will retire from rugby at the end of the season.

Gough, in his second spell with the Dragons, won 64 caps for Wales and played in two Grand Slam winning sides. The 38-year-old started out at Newport and also played for Pontypridd, Ospreys and London Irish.

"I have had such a long rugby career and I have been lucky that my body has allowed me to do so in the pro era," he said.

Enrique to Man City?

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The Daily Mail are reporting that Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is likely to leave his post at the end of the campaign, regardless of what happens over the next few weeks.

The Catalan club are top of La Liga and heavy favourites to reach the Champions League final but, with presidential elections looming, the coach is apparently prepared to walk away after just one season in charge. Manchester City are said to be monitoring the situation...

#BBCSportsday

With election fever gripping the UK, we're asking which sporting star would you like to be your MP?

Pete Stephenson: Definitely Ronnie Moore as PM - best person to have in charge when it's a lost cause situation!

Jay: Nigel Pearson. At least he won't bury his head in the sand.

Ron McLachlan: Got to be Joey Barton for his tact, diplomacy and self-control!

Send in your suggestions on Twitter via the #bbcsportsday hashtag or on BBC Sport's Facebook page.

Extra European slot for England

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Netherlands, England and Republic of Ireland will each be granted one additional slot in the first qualifying round of the 2015/16 UEFA Europa League after finishing in top three of Uefa 'Respect Fair Play' rankings.

Liverpool, who are currently top of the fair play league in England, are on course to qualify regardless, meaning the likes of West Ham, Everton and Burnley will all engage in a gentlemanly duel to decide who gets the extra place.

Louis van Gaal news conference

BBC

BBC Sport's Simon Stone: "Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will face the media later this morning.

"It will be the first chance for Van Gaal to speak about Memphis Depay.

"United have agreed to pay around £25m for the PSV Eindhoven forward, who was part of Van Gaal's Dutch squad at last summer's World Cup.

"He will sign a four-year contract."

Dick Advocaat news conference

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Sunderland travel to Everton on Saturday searching for back-to-back victories as they look to escape the relegation mire.

With four games to go, only two points separate the Black Cats in 18th and Aston Villa in 14th.

Manager Dick Advocaat has said Scotland forward Steven Fletcher is likely to be available after recent injury troubles, while John O'Shea and Wes Brown will be assessed before game.

BBC's Women's Footballer of the Year

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Award nominees Veronica Boquete, Nadine Kessler, Kim Little, Marta and Asisat Oshoala

A gentle reminder that the BBC's Women's Footballer of the Year vote closes on Monday, 11 May at 10:00 BST.

The nominees are Spain's Veronica Boquete, Germany's Nadine Kessler, Scotland's Kim Little, Brazil's Marta and Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala.

The winner will be revealed on BBC World Service on 26 May and you can make your choice via this link or by SMS, with full details found here.

Rosberg tops first practice

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

Nico Rosberg pipped Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton to set the pace in Spanish Grand Prix first practice.

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The German headed Hamilton by just 0.07 seconds as the two silver cars were a second clear of the Ferraris of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen.

Hamilton appeared to have a faster lap in him, but after setting two quicker sector times he backed off following a slide in the final chicane.

Susie Wolff was 14th on her first outing of the season for Williams.

Happy birthday

Another sporting figure celebrating today is Scotland's 1990 Grand Slam-winning captain David Sole.

The former British & Irish Lion is 53, and netballer daughter Gemma has wished him a happy birthday on Twitter...

Gemma Sole

Liverpool beaten to Depay?

Dutch football writer Elko Born queries Brendan Rodgers' claim that Liverpool were not in the market for Memphis Depay, who has signed for Manchester United.

Elko Born

Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News also has his doubts...

Rob Dawson

Arsene Wenger new conference

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Another little nugget from Wenger, who has been talking about full-back Carl Jenkinson, who has impressed while on loan at West Ham.

"I met Carl this week to speak about his future. We will sit down together at the end of the season," Wenger said. "My target is to keep him here at the club. He had a great season for me and he has moved forward and overall he has gained a lot of confidence.

"The decision I have to make is do I bring him back now or does he need one more year now to play somewhere in the Premier League? That is not decided yet. It's important that, if he comes back, he has a good chance to play."

Happy birthday

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Today's a special day for former Republic of Ireland manager and England international Jack Charlton, who will no doubt gamely attempt to blow out 80 candles on his birthday cake.

Also celebrating are several other figures from the world of football, including former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi (55), Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel (49) and West Ham midfielder Mark Noble (28).

England take on Ireland in ODI

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England return to one-day cricket for the first time since the dismal showing at the World Cup, as a much-changed side takes on Ireland in Malahide.

James Taylor captains the team in place of Eoin Morgan, while there are seven uncapped players in the 13-man squad.

England have won the toss and will field. Listen to ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Test Match Special from 10:45 BST and follow our live text here.

#bbcsportsday

Today we're asking which sporting figure you'd like to be your MP and why...

Jack Woods: "I'd choose Kevin Pietersen! Always thinks of what's best for others."

Steve Thompson: "I'd have Matt Holland. Great leader, always gives 100% and talks sense."

Ikechukwu Nlemadim: "Jose Mourinho - he'd create a siege mentality for our constituency and ensure our yearnings and oppressions are heard."

Agree? Let us know via #bbcsportsday, text 81111 (UK users only) or post on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Chris Ramsey news conference

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QPR boss Chris Ramsey responds to questions regarding defender Rio Ferdinand who lost his wife, Rebecca, to cancer last weekend.

"Rio is obviously devastated. Everyone wishes him the best and hopes he can bring his family through it," said Ramsey.

"We aren't going to mention him coming back. He will return when the time is right."

Chris Ramsey news conference

QPR travel to Manchester City one point off the bottom of the Premier League and with only one win in their last four games.

"As long as there are points to be played for you have to believe you can do it," said manager Ramsey. "Everyone is mentioning different great escapes but we have to just win the game.

"We have three games to save our season and I am sure the players will be rolling their sleeves up at the Etihad."

Chris Ramsey news conference

It seems QPR manager Chris Ramsey's got a few injury problems. He tells reporters:

"We're down to the bare bones. Steven Caulker has broken his hand so he is touch and go, and Clint Hill has a hamstring problem at the moment. We are hoping Leroy Fer can start again. Nedum Onuoha is suspended as well."

Sam Allardyce news conference

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Sam Allardyce is beaming about his side's performances in the league this season: "If you look at the progress we're making. In the three seasons we've had in the Premier League we've struggled in a couple of months of those," he said.

"We will look at the season as a whole, we've already got one more point than we've achieved so far, we've already scored more goals so there are some big positives there. Year three of our progress is very, very good indeed."

Chris Ramsey new conference

Simon Peach of the Press Association tweets: "Chris Ramsey has arrived for QPR's pre-match press conference. Former Leeds United manager David Hockaday watching from the back of the room."

Sam Allardyce news conference

Sam Allardyce on injuries: "James Tomkins is very close to joining back in with the squad and Winston Reid just misses out for this one.

"We've missed Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho in recent weeks, but we've coped magnificently in missing Tomkins and Reid."

Sam Allardyce news conference

Big Sam has settled into his seat and started to offer his thoughts ahead of his side's Premier League encounter with Aston Villa...

"At the start of the season we knew all the new players would have to contribute hugely if were to reach our target of 50 points," said Allardyce, whose team are three points short of the mark.

"The new players have made a massive difference to us. On Saturday, we have to continue our progress of making sure we keep a clean sheet."

Brendan Rodgers news conference

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Further updates on Daniel Sturridge's injury prognosis from Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers:

"It's a period of time out, but we're hopeful the problems and issues he's had have been resolved with the operation.

"Now he can recover and hopefully get back as quick as he possibly can.

"We're anticipating it's going to be around September before he can actually start training and then it's about getting his fitness up."

Tony Pulis news conference

West Brom

Manager Tony Pulis has adopted his favoured standing-behind-a-desk position at his news conference to tells us the goings-on at West Brom.

"We have one or two knocks and bruises, we won't be able to pick the team until tomorrow," he told reporters.

Spanish Grand Prix practice

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Practice is underway at the Spanish Grand Prix.

If you're not one of the lucky ones out in Barcelona, you can follow all the action on the BBC Sport website via this link.

Brendan Rodgers news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport at Melwood

On Memphis Depay and Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers said: "It wasn't something we were ever interested in. We have other priorities."

Dutchman Depay chose to sign for Premier League rivals Manchester United on Thursday.

Brendan Rodgers news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport at Melwood

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has been discussing the latest on Daniel Sturridge's injury.

The England striker has undergone hip surgery in the US.

"We anticipate he'll be back to train around September," he said.

Juliette Ferrington

Get involved

Yesterday, you were asked to put your cross in one of a handful of boxes. But here at Sportsday we don't believe in constricting your choice when it comes to elections so we're throwing our own vote wide open.

Seb Coe represented Falmouth and Camborne for one term from 1992, while former North East Fife member Menzies Campbell was an Olympic sprinter in his younger days.

But we want to know which sporting figure would you like to be your MP and why?

Let us know via #bbcsportsday, text 81111 (UK users only) or post on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Arsene Wenger news conference

Wenger on midfielder Santi Cazorla: "He's a model to watch because he proves it's not a matter of how tall you are, it's how good you are."

The Arsenal boss gives hope to short people everywhere.

Steve Bruce news conference

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Hull City manager Steve Bruce on injuries and the relegation scrap in the Premier League.

Injury updates on Mohamed Diame and Nikica Jelavic: "Diame is out. He's seen a specialist and will have an operation on Tuesday. Jelavic has trained and comes into the equation. He's a goal scorer and we need to score. I've got to make the right decision."

On Burnley: "They remind me of us last year. No one gave us a cat in hells chance of staying up. They have honesty and integrity. They're a credit to Sean Dyche and the team. They have a chance of staying up but their problem is scoring. We hope that continues tomorrow."

On relegation battle: "Who could have predicted how it's going to be? We've struggled to predict the election, so how can we predict football? If someone had said Leicester would win five from six, you would have found that impossible. It's going to go down to the wire. We're ready for that."

Arsene Wenger news conference

Wenger on Arsenal's season: "We feel we have made progress in our consistency, quality and stability. It's important that we finish close to Chelsea.

"Defensively we have been much stronger in the second half of the season but we still have room for improvement there.

"It's not easy to produce quality every year. We had to sell our best players for years but we have got over that hurdle."

Arsene Wenger news conference

You can always rely on Arsene Wenger for two things: indulging his predilection for playmakers rather than signing a defender, and being on time. And, true to form, he began his news conference on time...

Wenger on Arsenal's defeat at Swansea in November: "We were 1-0 up away and lost in the final part of the game. It was down to sloppy defending."

Wenger on injured striker Danny Welbeck: "He will play again this season. It's nothing major but he will be short for the weekend."

BBC Sport predictor

BBC Sport

Think you know more than Mark Lawrenson? Why not prove it by telling us what the scores will be for all the remaining matches in the Premier League as well as this season's FA Cup final using our new predictor.

You can see how your guesses fare against other supporters and get feedback from the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.

Well, what are you waiting for?

Steve Bruce news conference

We're waiting with baited breath for the start of Friday's Premier League news conference show-down.

First up is Steve Bruce at Hull City, who'll preview their relegation clash with Burnley.

True to form, Bruce is late for his 08:40 BST call.

Players Championship latest

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Rory McIlroy shot a three-under-par 69 to outscore playing partner and Masters champion Jordan Spieth by six strokes on day one of the Players Championship.

McIlroy's composed round at Sawgrass included an eagle at the 16th, while Tiger Woods shot a one-over-par 73.

Northern Irishman McIlroy is two shots off the lead shared by Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, Canada's David Hearn and American pair Kevin Na and Charley Hoffman.

Pearson is manager of the month

What a week it's been for Leicester manager Nigel Pearson.

First he was chastised for his bizarre ostrich comments and now he's named Premier League manager of the month for April.

Pearson oversaw a run of four straight wins that lifted the Foxes out of the relegation zone.

Upon receiving his award, he even managed to crack a smile for the cameras. Sort of.

Premier League

Depay an ideal fit - Stam

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Manchester United's preparations for next season have begun with the £25m signing of PSV Eindhoven forward Memphis Depay.

And Jaap Stam believes the 21-year-old is an ideal fit for his former club.

"He's a quality player," says the former Netherlands defender. "United always has an interest in players that have a lot of pace and who can also play the one-vs-ones and create something or score goals. Memphis is that type of player."

Pele recovering from surgery

PA

Brazil legend Pele has had surgery for a prostate condition after he was admitted to hospital for the second time in six months.

The 74-year-old three-time World Cup winner was treated in hospital for a urinary infection in November 2014 after having kidney stones removed.

League One play-off recap

Preston hold the advantage going into their play-off second leg against Chesterfield.

PA

North End had narrowly missed out on automatic promotion on the last day of the season but Jermaine Beckford's early goal at the Proact Stadium on Thursday put them in control.

The second leg is at Deepdale on Sunday at 12:15 BST.

League One play-off recap

One man who'll be waking up with a smile is Swindon full-back Nathan Byrne.

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Byrne grabbed the winner in injury time as the Robins came from behind to beat Sheffield United 2-1 in the first leg of their League One play-off semi-final at Bramall Lane.

The pair meet again on Monday at the County Ground to battle for a place at Wembley.

Murray 'bluffs' Madrid victory

While some people stayed up all night to watch the UK election unfold, Andy Murray was "bluffing" his way to victory at the Madrid Masters.

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The British number one won 6-2 6-0 against Spanish wildcard Marcel Granollers to reach the last eight, having started his second-round match against Philipp Kohlschreiber after midnight.

A "very tired" Murray said: "If they want to see top players playing the best tennis, don't play at three o'clock in the morning.

"I tried to pump myself as much as possible for this match and bluff him to show I was feeling OK."

Premier League news conferences

We'll be bringing you updates from a plethora of Premier League news conferences throughout the day.

First up is Steve Bruce at Hull at 08:40 BST, with Arsenal, West Brom, West Ham, Liverpool, QPR, Sunderland and Manchester United also in the first session.

If that's not enough, we'll follow it up with news from Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Swansea and Stoke.

We better start limbering up.

Friday's gossip column

If the you want more from Friday's newspapers, why not head to our gossip column for a round up of all the best headlines.

Today's edition features talk of Gareth Bale to Manchester United, Danny Rose to Atletico Madrid, and a £10m price tag for Petr Cech.

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Friday's papers

Daily Express

The Daily Express react to John Carver's statement that he's the best coach in the Premier League, despite losing a record eight consecutive games in charge of Newcastle.

The paper also suggests Memphis Depay's £25m move to Manchester United is the start of a mass spending spree from manager Louis van Gaal.

Friday's papers

Daily Mail

The Daily Mail also report on Daniel Sturridge's injury plight, and picture a tattooed Memphis Depay, following the Dutch forward's switch from PSV Eindhoven to Manchester United.

The paper also claim Manchester City are on "alert" with managerial target Luis Enrique set to walk away from Barcelona this summer.

Friday's papers

The Sun

The Sun lead on Liverpool and England striker Daniel Sturridge's injury struggles. The paper report he could be out of action until October after undergoing hip surgery.

We'll bring you updates from Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers at his weekly news conference from 09:30 BST.

Good morning and welcome to Friday's Sportsday.

We can't offer you any general election chat, but we can bring you updates from 13 Premier League news conferences, reaction to the Football League play-offs, plus cricket, Formula One and the best of social media.

What more could you want?

First of all, let's take a brief look at the back pages to whet the appetite.