Sportsday - Wednesday, 8 February

Leeds Rhinos back-rower Brett Delaney has signed a new contract keeping him at Headingley until the end of the 2015 season.

Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema has denied spinner Saeed Ajmal has special International Cricket Council dispensation to extend his arm beyond the permitted 15 degrees.

Cheema said in a Pakistan Cricket Board statement: "Previous tests conducted on the action of Saeed Ajmal show that the degree of elbow extension is well within ICC's tolerance levels."

Ajma took 24 wickets in the 3-0 Test series whitewash of England.

If you've bought a paper or clicked online this morning then you'll know that Fabio Capello is reportedly meeting with FA chairman David Bernstein later for showdown talks which could decide his future as England manager.

The Daily Telegraph's Paul Kelso says stripping John Terry of the captaincy has given FA chairman David Bernstein the power to put Fabio Capello in his place. "Bernstein and the FA remain minded to retain Capello until the end of his contract after the European Championship finals in July," Kelso added.

The Guardian say that Fabio Capello is "increasingly isolated" in his stance over John Terry - and that he has lost public backing. Tell #bbcsportsday what you think.

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has told Charles N'Zogbia that actions speak louder than words after the winger claimed he was not enjoying his football "for the first time in my career".

McLeish said: "Years ago, players would have hammered down the manager's door when they were frustrated rather than letting their feelings known on the internet.

"But it amounts to the same thing in that you just can't tell people you are frustrated, you have to do something about it by consistently playing well."

Senegal have fired coach Amara Traore after their failure at the Africa Cup of Nations.

"The responsibility of the coach for these results is incontestable," the Senegal Football Federation said in a statement afterwards.

Karim Sega and Aliou Cisse were named caretaker coaches for Senegal's friendly against South Africa in Durban on 29 February.

The Daily Mail are saying the FA will today demand Fabio Capello backs down over his support for John Terry as England captain. What do you think? Tweet us with the hastag #bbcsportsday

Wada president John Fahey has criticised the Spanish Cycling Federation for continuing to support Alberto Contador - despite him being banned for two years for doping.

In a forthcoming HARDtalk interview, being shown on the the BBC News Channel, Fahey said: "I can understand where patriotism sometimes overtakes and emotion sometimes overtakes common sense.

"I simply say this that none of us should be supportive of anyone who's found to be a cheat."

The Sun report that Fabio Capello is set for a meeting with FA chairman David Bernstein where he will "read the riot act" over his support for Terry. Tell us what you think on Twitter #bbcsportsday

India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has spoken out for the first time about his battle with cancer. He says he is "Positive I would be back on the pitch soon," adding: "Tough times don't last, tough men do".

Zimbabwe's football association has suspended national team coach Norman Mapeza, after he was implicated in an alleged match-fixing scam in Asia.

Jonathan Mashingaidze, chief executive of the national football association ZIFA, said former midfielder Rahman Gumbo will be the team's interim coach.

"Gumbo has been appointed on an interim basis until Mapeza and his assistant Joey Antipas have been cleared," Mashingaidze said.

Steven Finn says England's batsmen deserve loyalty despite the Test whitewash against Pakistan.

Finn told BBC Radio 5 Live: "There's no doubt we have the best people available in the country playing in the team, we just didn't adapt as quick as we'd have hoped."

India are chasing 234 runs to beat Sri Lanka in their Commonwealth Bank Series clash at the WACA. They are 52-1 with Sachin Tendulkar on 30 not out.

BBC Sport's Bryn Palmer has picked his top six Wales v Scotland Six Nations matches. Have a read and leave a comment to say what you think.

Meanwhile, on the BBC's rugby page, you can watch archived highlights of his choices, or extended footage of the 46-22 2005 clash. Even better, we have highlights from 2010 where Wales came back from 21-9 down to win 31-24.

Leicester Lions' Magnus Karlsson will ride with his brothers Peter and Mikael at Beaumont Park for the first time, in the club's season-opener on 17 March.

Peter said: "I think we all rode together at one stage, maybe in Sweden, but I am not too sure where and when. I think he's done pretty well for himself."

New Zealand rugby star Sonny Bill Williams scored a first-round knockout over American Clarence Tillman in Hamilton to win the vacant New Zealand heavyweight title.

Red Bull driver Mark Webber has the best time in day two of Formula 1's pre-season testing so far. Follow Mike Henson's live text commentary on the F1 pages.

Glamorgan have enquired about signing Australia pace bowler Mitchell Johnson for this season's Twenty20 competition. Australian coach Matthew Mott has confirmed an approach to the left-arm seamer to join Marcus North, another Australian, at the Swalec Stadium.

Could today be the day for that special century for Sachin Tendulkar? Erm, no. He's been playing and missing most of the game and chopped on to his stumps for 48.

India are chasing 234 runs to beat Sri Lanka at the WACA and are now 89-2.

The jury in Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp's tax evasion trial has begun a second day of deliberations.

Redknapp and former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric deny two charges of cheating the public revenue.

South African Branden Grace, 23, has been named The Race to Dubai European Tour golfer of the month for January after claiming back-to-back victories in his homeland.

Northampton have announced a contract extension for their 32-year-old lock Mark Sorenson. The New Zealander joined Saints from Newcastle in 2010.

Dwayne Peel and Nick Macleod have signed new two-year deals with Sale Sharks, with team-mate Marc Jones adding a year to hiscontract.

Sale chief executive Steve Diamond said: "When I came back to Sale 12 months ago, I didn't know Dwayne, Nick or Marc.

"I soon got to know them, and they are all awesome players who fit into the squad fantastically well. I am really glad they've agreed to extend."

Port Vale director Mike Lloyd admits that the club have been late in paying two instalments of a council loan, report BBC Radio Stoke.

All Blacks star and part-time boxer Sonny Bill Williams on winning the New Zealand heavyweight title. He said on Twitter: "Just want to thank everybody out there who showed me love no matter where your from. We did it!! #TeamSBW"

Scot driver Paul di Resta feels Force India have taken a massive step forward in comparison to his Formula One test debut a year ago.

"All the fancy engine modes have gone, as have the exhausts, and we've lost a ton of downforce, but the car is well balanced," he said.

"If we look where we were a year ago compared to where we are now, it is a massive step up the road. It's almost three seconds."

Five hours have passed since the jury in the Harry Redknapp trial first left the courtroom to deliberate its verdict. Keep following Sportsday Live for all the news from Southwark Crown Court as it happens.

Andy Murray believes new coach Ivan Lendl, who was appointed in December, has already improved his game. "I spent five days with him before the Australian Open and I feel like I improved just in those days," Murray told the BBC.

The Rugby Football League has confirmed St Helens' home clash against Super League rivals Leeds Rhinos has been rescheduled to Sunday 25 March (1835 GMT). The game was originally due to be played on Saturday 24 March but has been switched for live television coverage.

Former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, criticised for intervening in Alberto Contador's doping case when still in office, has questioned the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) decision to ban the cyclist for two years. Zapatero said he shared "with all Spaniards a sense of bewilderment" about the ruling.

Of course Senna is tweeting from Jerez, Spain, where day two of Formula 1's pre-season testing is underway. Don't forget you can catch every lap with our man Mike Henson's live text commentary.

So who would be your contenders to replace Fabio Capello? We've been asking you all morning to get involved through the #bbcsportsday hashtag. Here's a selection of hundreds of tweets.

Daniel Eccles on Twitter: "Would love to see Glen Hoddle back. He could inspire us for great things!"

Jon Palich on Twitter: "Give the England job to Owen Coyle. Tactically awful, but can get results by telling players they are better than they are!"

Josh Nixon on Twitter: "Would love to see Rafa Benitez as next England Manager! Tactical genius."

Bertie Ivory-Peters on Twitter: "Sack Capello. Appoint Beckham."

Darlington fans have launched a campaign to take community ownership of the troubled Blue Square Bet Premier side. Darlington Supporters United are looking for \u00a3250,000 to take the club out of administration and gain majority ownership. The group said: "The plan is to take at least majority control of the football club to ensure it is run for the benefit of its fans and the wider community of our town."

England coach Fabio Capello has arrived at Wembley Stadium ahead of his reported meeting with FA chairman David Bernstein.

Milan Mandaric speaking outside Southwark Crown Court: "I am delighted I have today been cleared of the totally unfounded allegations of tax evasion. I never doubted the truth would prevail.

"I'm happy my good name and reputation has been upheld. I always believed in the truth. I also always believed in the British justice system."

Former England manager Graham Taylor speaking to BBC Radio 5 live on Harry Redknapp and Fabio Capello: "Harry Redknapp has been proved innocent. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty and now he can get on with his life.

"If the FA have any intent when Fabio Capello comes to the end of his reign, there is now no longer any embarrassment.

"Should the FA wish to offer him the England manager's job it's a clear path for them. I think it's likely after the European Championships."

Today's verdicts in the Harry Redknapp case means it can be reported former Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie was also acquitted of tax evasion at a previous trial last summer.

Storrie said: "It has been a complete waste of time and public money. It's been a farce.

"We've told them all for four years that it was a load of rubbish and we've been proved right."

Former FA chief executive David Davies on Redknapp's chances of succeeding England boss Fabio Capello: "If you had a poll of all the football supporters in the country, Harry would be the overwhelming top choice for the job.

"But there are a few other strong candidates, who are also English, and one or two who aren't as well."

Afghanistanteam manager Shafiqullah Stanikzai says his players are excited ahead of their first-ever one-day international against Pakistan in Sharjah on Friday and have promised to put up their best showing.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has made two changes to the side that lost their Six Nations opener against France for Saturday's game against England in Rome.

Burnley chairman Barry Kilby has revealed a battle with cancer is behind his decision to stand down from his position at the Championship club.

Tottenham Hotspur say they are delighted by the Redknapp verdict: "This has been hanging over him for over four years and the last two weeks have been particularly difficult.

"We are pleased to see this resolved and we all look forward to the rest of the season."

Redknapp added: "Thank you for the support from Daniel Levy [Tottenham chairman]. If he ever felt there was a problem when he gave me this job - this was going on over three years ago - would never have employed me.

"He knew this was never a case that should have ever come to court."

India have survived a late scare to hang on for a Virat Kohli-inspired four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the Commonwealth Bank Series match.

Batsman Kohli set India up for victory with an impressive 77 off 94 balls, but he ran himself out at a crucial stage and injured himself in the process.

Former England midfielder Paul Mersonhas been given a 14-month-driving ban after pleading guilty to drink-driving following a motorway crash.

Belgium's Tom Boonen, riding for Omega Pharma-Quick Step, has won the fourth stage of the Tour of Qatar.

He won a sprint finish to see off Dutchman Tom Veelers and Swiss Fabian Cancellara to tighten his grip on the race leadership.

A lower-league player banned for 18 weeks after being found guilty of racially abusing an opponent has apologised for his conduct to the player he targeted.

Telford Hornets centre Martin Rudd said he immediately regretted the comment, which was made "in the heat of the moment" in a Midlands Four West North match against Market Drayton.

Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand on Twitter: "Multi-million pound investigation of Redknapp spanning five years....who foots that bill?? You/me and all the other taxpayers!"

Abu Dhabi Championship winner Robert Rock admits he no longer fears playing with the big names - and has been rewarded by being paired with US Open champion Rory McIlroy and defending champion Alvaro Quiros of Spain in Thursday's opening round of the Dubai Desert Classic.

South Sudan will become a provisional member of the Confederation of African Football(CAF) on Friday - the first step to becoming the world's newest footballing nation.

Leeds United chairman Ken Bates claims former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has applied to succeed Simon Grayson as the Championship club's manager.

Meanwhile, Eriksson tells the BBC that Harry Redknapp should be the next England manager and his appointment should not be affected by his recent court case.

Scotland have made two enforced changes for their Six Nations clash against Wales this weekend.

Fly-half Greig Laidlaw is set make his first Test start in place of Dan Parks, who announced his retirement from international rugby yesterday.

Edinburgh prop Geoff Cross has been recalled in place of Newcastle tighthead Euan Murray, who does not play on Sundays for religious reasons.

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson on Fabio Capello's successor: "I think Redknapp would be a very, very good choice.

"He's English and he knows his football, no doubts about that. He's doing a great job with Tottenham, and he's done a great job with every team he had in the past. So I guess it will be him.

"I think any manager in the world would take that job. I was extremely happy and proud to have it. I have done it, so that's it."

Fast bowler Steve Finn is eager to replicate his previous Abu Dhabi success when England take on England Lions on Friday at the Zayed Stadium.

Finn was an uncapped 20-year-old when he took two for 25 in four overs as the Lions beat the seniors in a last-ball Twenty20 finish in February 2010.

"Friday's game is going to be important for everyone, on either of the two sides," he said.

The independent Six Nations Disciplinary Committee, which listened to Davies' defence at a London hearing today, said the Wales lock's tackle "merited a top end entry to the IRB's table of sanctions".

BBC Radio Merseyside football commentator Mike Hughes on Twitter: "Sad to hear about the death of Jessie Paisley, Bob Paisley's widow at the grand age of 96."

Wigan Warriors coach Shaun Wane expects Liam Farrell to learn from his brush with the Rugby Football League disciplinary panel.

The 21-year-old back-rower will miss this weekend's Super League clash with champions Leeds Rhinos after accepting a one-match ban for a dangerous tackle on Huddersfield centre Leroy Cudjoe.

Former Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich has described the doping ban handed to Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador as "unexpected and tough" on the eve of his own Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision.

"I wish Alberto a lot of strength so that he can return in August in full force. A cyclist like him is superb for the sport," said Ullrich.

The German, who won the 1997 Tour, is awaiting a CAS decision on Thursday over his alleged involvement in a blood-doping scandal.

Former Force India driver Adrian Sutil has announced his intention to appeal against his conviction for grievous bodily harm and subsequent 18-month suspended prison sentence after an incident involving Renault shareholder Eric Lux.

Lux suffered cuts in a Shanghai nightclub after the Chinese Grand Prix last April.

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton is likely to be called upon to give evidence in an appeal after he missed the original trial claiming it was not convenient to testify.

Fulham first-team coach Billy McKinlay has been appointed as Northern Ireland's new assistant manager. Former Scotland midfielder McKinlay will continue his role at Craven Cottage and link up with new Northern Irish boss Michael O'Neill during international breaks.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty.

Doughty was found collapsed in the gym of his home in Lincolnshire last Saturday afternoon.

Today's hearing at Lincoln Cathedral Centre was told post-mortem tests carried out on the 54-year-old had so far proved inconclusive.

France winger Vincent Clerc believes bitterly cold weather could make the Stade de France pitch dangerous and unplayable even if Saturday's Six Nations clash with Ireland gets the go ahead.

He said: "If it's minus 7 (degrees Celsius) on Saturday, there is reason for concern over the frozen pitch."

Mercedes's Michael Schumacher remains fastest, more than half a second clear of Red Bull's Mark Webber, in the second day of Formula 1 pre-season testing at Jerez. The day's session finishes at 1600 GMT - stay with our man Mike Henson's live text commentary until then.

Wigan centre George Carmont is ruled out of action for around a month after breaking a thumb during Sunday's defeat to Huddersfield Giants. Head coach Shaun Wane said: "It is a blow to the club and to George but we have to deal with it."

Lord Sugar tells BBC Radio 5 live: "If this was Harry Smith or Harry Brown, it wouldn't have gone to court." Speaking about footballers and managers often signing documents blindly, he explains: "They trust and leave it to the profesionals. Harry and many others have grown up with that culture. They shove a piece of paper under your nose and you sign it."

Former Formula 1 driver Adrian Sutil is to lodge an appeal against his conviction for grievous bodily harm. The German, 29, was given an 18-month suspended sentence and 200,000 euros fine last month for injuring Renault F1 team executive Eric Lux. The Munich public prosecutor will also appeal, seeking a tougher sentence.

Former world No 1 Arantxa Sanchez Vicario is accusing her parents of losing an estimated 45m euros through mismanaging her tournament winnings and endorsement money. She says she does not speak to her parents or her three siblings.

Chelsea's accounts show that $45m (\u00a328m) was spent as a result of firing manager Carlo Ancelotti and hiring Andre Villas-Boas. Football finance analyst Andy Green has calculated that Chelsea have spent $102m (\u00a364m) in the last four years on managerial changes.

World No 1 Novak Djokovic says he is not certain to play for Serbia in this year's Davis Cup due to a busy schedule. Djokovic tells Beta news agency: "I am on the list (of the participants), but it will be difficult to organise everything. In order to take part in it, I would have to make radical changes in my agenda."

Jacques Brunel,Italy coach, says he has only made two changes for their historic debut at Rome's Stadio Olimpico on Saturday for consistency. Brunel brings back experienced pair Marco Bortolami at lock and Gonzalo Canale at inside centre. The Italy coach says: "I want to keep the spine of the team. I could change a few things but little by little so we keep our shape."

Scotland have selected young batsmen Ewan Chalmers and Freddie Coleman for their Intercontinental Cup game against the UAE next week. The pair are included amid the absence of Josh Davey, who is recuperating from surgery in South Africa with Middlesex, and Kyle Coetzer, who is playing in the Bangladesh Premier League.

Newcastle's Danny Guthrie tells BBC Newcastle the duo of Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cissewere a "frightening" prospect in Sunday's 2-1 win against Aston Villa.

The Polish League president, Andrzej Rusko, says he has cancelled what was to be the first match at the main Euro 2012 arena in Warsaw on Saturday due to police security concerns. Poland champions Wisla Krakow were to play Poland Cup winners Legia Warsaw in a Super Cup match.

Dayron Robles will take on his predecessor Olympic champion Liu Xiang in the 60 metres hurdles at the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham on 18 February. Cuban Robles, the world record holder, will race his Chinese rival for the first time since a dramatic 110m hurdles final at last summer's World Championships, where Liu took silver and Robles was disqualified after finishing first.

The Premier League have no plans to cancel the pre-match handshakes ahead of Manchester United's clash with Liverpool on Saturday, when Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez are likely to come face to face again. Press Association Sport understands the handshakes will take place as planned at Old Trafford as the Premier League believes cancelling them would negate the point of having the tradition in the first place.

Phil Taylor tells BBC Radio Stoke that the high standard of darts in Stoke-on-Trent is a result of lots of hard work and dedication.

PDC world champion Adrian Lewis tells BBC Radio Stoke that he felt the pressure before hitting the final double to win the World Cup of Darts for England on Sunday.

Mark Webber and his Red Bull team were in impressive form on the second day of Formula 1 pre-season testing in Jerez. The Australian was the pacesetter throughout the day, producing a series of consistently fast laps out of the reach of the other 2012 cars. Michael Schumacher set the fastest time of the day in last year's Mercedes.

Northampton have signed Reading striker Brett Williams on a month's loan. The 24-year-old had been on loan at Rotherham this season, from whom he scored two goals in five starts, and replaces Saido Berahino, who has returned to parent club West Brom. Northampton boss Aidy Boothroyd told BBC Look East: "I think he'll bring power, pace, strength and height, and I think he'll bring goals. He's got a bit more experience than Saido and he's a bit stronger."

Kym Marsh on Twitter: "Backing Zambia to surprise Ghana and reach the final. #africancupofnations #bbcsportsday"

Burnley chairman Barry Kilby tells BBC Radio Lancashire that after being diagnosed with cancer he could not continue in his role.

Northampton manager Aidy Boothroyd tells BBC Look East that he is "far happier with the squad" than he has ever been.

Durham have confirmed veteran opener Herschelle Gibbs will join them for this season's Friends Life t20 tournament. The 37-year-old will rejoin Dynamos veteran Paul Collingwood after the duo helped the Perth Scorchers reach the final of the Big Bash League in Australia last month.

Northampton Saints forward Roger Wilson tells BBC Look East that it will be important that their "defence is watertight" and they do not give away too many penalties against Gloucester.

Italy coach Jacques Brunelhas brought back experienced duo Marco Bortolami and Gonzalo Canale for their Six Nations clash with England on Saturday. Brunel wants his side to cut out the individual errors that led to their opening 30-12 defeat to France.

France wing Vincent Clerc fears the current cold snap in Paris could make the Stade de France pitch dangerous in the Six Nations game against Ireland. Temperatures are expected to be well below zero during the game on Saturday night although the French Federation insists that the clash will go ahead.

With a little over 12 minutes remaining, Zambia take the lead in their Africa Cup of Nations clash against Ghana, thanks to a curling strike from Emmanuel Mayuka.

Mouritz Botha believes England can go on to build "something special" after laying the foundation stones with last weekend's breakthrough victory over Scotland. "The bond we have created is something that we showed on Saturday and it is building towards something special," said Botha.

Ghana are down to 10 men after Derek Boateng was shown a second yellow card in the clash against Zambia for a foul on Isaac Chansa. Zambia currently lead 1-0.

The Great Britain para-cycling team head for the Track World Championships in Los Angeles battling for places at the 2012 Paralympics. The team need to accumulate as many ranking points as possible in the final qualifying event, which starts on Thursday, to help determine the size of the team they can field in London.

Olympic silver medallist Craig Maclean, who has switched to become a tandem pilot on the GB para-cycling team, and his visually impaired stoker Anthony Kappes are aiming to beat their compatriots Neil Fachie and Barney Storey and claim gold at this week's World Para-Cycling Track World Championships.

West Ham have been warned that the Olympic Stadium is not relying on a football club to guarantee a successful legacy after next year's Games.

Martin Castrogiovanni accepts Italy will have to play the "perfect game" if they are to stand any chance of marking their Olympic Stadium debut with a first victory over England. "To win against England we have to play the perfect game and we cannot make too many mistakes, like we did against France last weekend," Castrogiovanni said.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist admits he is determined to strengthen his striking options as Daniel Cousin emerged as a possible target for the Light Blues. Cousin's agent, Willie McKay, revealed he had held talks with Rangers over a return for the Gabon international, who has just finished a stint playing for his country at the African Nations Cup. McCoist told Blues News: "We definitely, definitely need to strengthen, if we can, in the forward area."

Crusaders midfielder Chris Morrow has topped the poll in the Irish League's player of the month award. It caps a superb January for Morrow who scored the winning goal in the League Cup final against Coleraine.

Former Newcastle and Tottenham winger David Ginola has suffered a serious fall while skiing in Megeve. The Frenchman has broken five ribs and was airlifted from the slopes. He is now recovering following a spell in hospital.

Peter Waterfield is confident his platform partnership with Tom Daley is on track despite injury affecting their preparations for the London Olympics. "We'll keep working as much as we can from now until London and with a few competitions thrown in there as well then we are on the right track to be ready for the Olympics," Waterfield said.

Former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden has had successful shoulder surgery after a weakness was revealed in winter testing. The Ducati rider left a recent pre-season event in Sepang early to head for medical tests in his native USA.