Sportsday Live - Tuesday 1 May

That's it for Sportday live. The service will resume at 0800 BST on Wednesday. Mike Henson is in the chair for live text commentary for Tuesday night's Premier League action.

London Broncos have signed prop Scott Wheeldon following his release from Hull KR. The 26-year-old joins the Londoners for the rest of the season after bringing to an end a six-year professional career in Hull, where he made a total of 134 Super League appearances for the two clubs.

The BBC will show Wigan v St Helens in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals on Saturday 12 May at 1430 BST on BBC One. While on Sunday, Catalan Dragons v Warrington is on BBC Two 1450 BST.

Constantine Louloudis has been pulled out of the men's eight at the Belgrade World Cup event, which starts on Friday, as a precaution. GB Rowing's performance director David Tanner said: "He has a slight back injury and will be fine for the next one. In Nathaniel Reilly O'Donnell we have a worthy replacement as a World Championships silver medallist from 2011."

More from former England manager Peter Reid: "I just heard Roy's interview - he's been in Italy and knows what the press are like. It's a results business but he's strong enough. He's got to prove himself to the players and fans of England.

"Being in football myself I wouldn't give two jots what the papers think. His experience is fantastic and he's so well organised. If we can get the side organised I think we've got people who can win matches for us. I'm right behind him - he looked assured and confident in his press conference, I'm delighted with how he handled it."

Tottenham's Aaron Lennon is a doubt for Wednesday night's game against Boltono after taking a knock late in the 2-0 win over Blackburn, while Scott Parker and Louis Saha are struggling for full fitness. Niko Kranjcar (knee), Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Michael Dawson (ankle), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (shoulder) all remain on the sidelines.

West Brom full-back Steven Reid speaking on BBC Sportsday: "Obviously I was disappointed from a player and club point of view, but obviously delighted for the manager.

"It's going to be a difficult job from the word go. We have seen some negative things in the media about Roy but I have confidence in him.

"He is a great man, a great tactician, he is on the training field every day and great motivator too, everything you need to be an England manager.

"He came in when we were struggling, and quickly decided the players he wanted. He likes reliable players he can trust to get a result."

Former England manager Peter Reid speaking about Roy Hodgson's appointment to the England manager's role on BBC Radio 5 live: "I'm quite optimistic. Roy's got great experience - he has worked in Italy, done a fantastic job with Switzerland and I want to get behind him. He's English, which I certainly wanted and most people in the country wanted.

"Now we've got to get behind Roy and the players. I played under Sir Bobby Robson, who got absolutely hammered by the press, vilified, but he fought his way through."

BBC Sport's David Ornstein reports FC Cologne forward Lukas Podolski will explain his move to Arsenal at a press conference on Wednesday. It is set for 1130 BST at the Rhein Energie Stadion.

Fernando Alonso, who ended up quickest of all on the first day of testing at Mugello, was frustrated with the weather: "It's a shame about the rain, which complicated the running of this first day of testing and a shame for the spectators who deserved to see more of a show.

"We had a pretty busy work programme, but we only managed to get through a part of it. Therefore, it's impossible to give a serious evaluation, especially as we did so little dry running. I can only say that, for me, it was a pleasure to be driving at this track again: the first and only other time was back in 2001, when I was testing for Minardi."

Long-throw specialist Rory Delap agrees a one-year contract extension with Stoke which will see him start his seventh season at the Britannia Stadium. Manager Tony Pulis said: "Rory deserves this deal. It is important we look after those players who have been here since the start of this journey."

Ajmal Shahzad's career at Yorkshire is over after the England international was made available to rival counties. A statement said: "It has been jointly agreed that in the best interests of his development, Ajmal will be given the option to play for another club either under a new contract or on loan for the rest of the season, in order to establish himself with a new county."

Commenting on Muamba's appearance at Wednesday's game - which will be his first since he suffered a cardiac arrest in an FA Cup tie between Bolton and Spurs on 17 March - Bolton manager Owen Coyle said: "We are absolutely delighted that we will be able to welcome Fabrice and his family back to the Reebok, and we are all looking forward to seeing him. It's fitting that the match is between these two clubs and that Fabrice is able to come along."

British modern pentathlete Heather Fell: "The sun is shining, I'm selected for the world championships & I'm about to sit down to my mothers home cooked supper, lots to smile about."

Fell is part of a 10-strong British team which will compete in the World Championships which begin on 7 May.

With the appointment of Roy Hodgson as England's new manager, legendary BBC commentator John Motson profiles the men who preceded the 64-year-old in the job, and looks at the successes and failures. "Sir Alf Ramsey was the first England manager I encountered," said Motson. "I remember him being very defensive and very difficult to interview."

Colombian qualifier Robert Farah beats defending champion Nikolay Davydenko 6-3 6-2 in the first round of the BMW Open.

Amy Williams, who became Britain's first solo Winter Olympics champion in 30 years when she won gold on debut in 2010, added: "I am extremely proud to have represented my country and have enjoyed every moment and, after achieving my lifetime goal of winning an Olympic Gold medal, I feel the time is right that I make way for the next generation of athletes to come through."

Amy Williams, who has struggled with injuries since winning gold, said: "I have put a great deal of thought into this and it is not easy to finish something that has been the major part of my life for more than a decade but I feel it is now time for me to see what other challenges lie ahead."

Great Britain will send a 10-strong team to the Modern Pentathlon World Championships in Rome which begins on Monday. Heather Fell, Samantha Murray, Freyja Prentice and Mhairi Spence will compete in the women's individual event. In the men's event, Jamie Cooke, Sam Weale and Nick Woodbridge will fly the flag. Katy Burke, Kate French and Katy Livingston will compete in the women's team relay.

Hampshire will name their two new stands at the Ageas Bowl after Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie and Shane Warne. Ingleby-Mackenzie represented Hampshire between 1951 and 1966, winning the 1961 county title and will take the west. Warne, who spent seven years at the south coast club and led them from next-to-bottom in the second division to within a whisker of winning the championship title before departing in 2007, will take the east.

Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso set the pace on a rain-hit first day of testing at Mugello on Tuesday. Mark Webber was second, ahead of Jean-Eric Vergne and Jerome d'Ambrosio. It is the first test to take place during the season since 2008, after which in-season testing was banned on cost grounds.

Former England defender Danny Mills tells BBC Radio 5 live: "The players I know who have worked with him say he is an exceptional coach. The whole mystery is that the FA have been a bit cloak and dagger. The only other thing that goes against Roy Hodgson is that he's not the media's choice. From day one, Harry (Redknapp) was the players' favourite, fans' favourite and media's favourite."

BBC Sport's James Pearce: "I think Roy Hodgson will be in for a rough ride if results don't go well. Harry Redknapp would have been given a longer honeymoon period and Hodgson knows he will be for a tough time if the Euros don't go well."

Hull announce Australian full-back Wade McKinnon has left the club for personal reasons, just six months into a three-year contract.

Britain's anti-doping chief Andy Parkinson fears the ongoing row over the British Olympic Association being forced to scrap their lifetime ban for drugs cheats could detract from the work that is taking place to make the London Games the cleanest ever. Parkinson says: "The danger with the current debate is that public confidence in the system is damaged."

Roy Hodgson's press conference is over. We've been giving you a taste on Sportsday Live since 1600 BST - here are some key points:

* It was a unanimous decision by the FA board

* The board decided on Hodgson a month ago

* Wayne Rooney - suspended for two games - will go to Euro 2012

* There is no decision yet on the England captaincy

* Hodgson plans talks with John Terry and Rio Ferdinand

British double Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker orders rations to be imposed on his Abu Dhabi crew's dwindling food supplies as the sixth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race to Miami reaches its halfway stage.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon "deeply" regrets confronting Euan Norris after the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Hearts and plans to apologise to the referee.

Former England goalkeeper David James is told he can leave Bristol City, having spent two years at the club. The 41-year-old, capped 53 times by his country, will not be offered a new deal.

Adam Pearson speaks of his "extreme surprise and disappointment" and is seeking legal advice after being sacked as head of football operations by Hull owners Assem and Ehab Allam. The Allams have refused to comment on rumours suggesting they have suspended manager Nick Barmby.

Liverpool's Jonjo Shelvey backs the appointment of the club's former manager Roy Hodgson as England boss. Shelvey tells liverpoolfc.tv: "I owe a lot to Roy because he gave me my Liverpool debut. He is a good manager and, although things didn't work out for him here, it wasn't just him to blame. There were a lot of us to blame as well because we weren't producing the performances on the pitch."

BBC Sport's James Pearce on the News Channel says: "I think Roy was their first choice candidate. I think he ticks many of the boxes they wanted to tick. He has spent a lot of time working with young players and will be instrumental in shaping the new academy in Burton when that opens later this year. His biggest problem will be winning over members of the press who openly backed Harry Redknapp's appointment."

Discussing Roy Hodgson's appointment, BBC Sport's Gordon Farquhar tells Radio 5 live: "He will be picking the squad to go to the European Championship. I think there's a mixed reaction. Quite rightly, Harry Redknapp had his supporters. But there is also strong support for Roy Hodgson if you look at his experience and the way he gets the best out of teams. We can't condemn the guy even before he's put a team out. That's a fairly narrow-minded thing to do."

Sunderland midfielder Cristian Riveros joins Turkish side Kayserispor on a permanent deal after the clubs agree an undisclosed fee. Riveros initially moved to the S\u00fcper Lig club on loan last summer.

Speaking about Roy Hodgson's appointment as England manager, West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace says: "We did not want Roy to leave and he will be a tough act to follow. But we understand Roy's desire to take the England job and he will leave us after the Arsenal game on May 13 with our best wishes."

Heather Watson, ranked 115, beats world number 98 Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic 6-4 6-4 to reach the second round of the Estoril Open. Watson will play fourth seed Petra Cetkovska in round two. Elena Baltacha drops the first set 7-6 against second seed Maria Kirilenko.

West Brom confirm Roy Hodgsonwill take charge of their final two Premier League games of the season. West Brom say Hodgson's contract at the club runs out on June 30 but they have agreed to release him after the final game of the season so he can prepare for Euro 2012.

Widnes back-row forward Anthony Mullally is set to leave the Vikings after rejecting an improved contract offer from the club.

Bath backs Tom Biggs and Mark McMillan commit their futures to the Aviva Premiership club after agreeing new contracts. Biggs has agreed a two-year deal that will keep him at the Rec until 2014 and McMillan has signed a deal through to the end of next season.

Chelsea interim manager Roberto Di Matteo discusses Roy Hodgson, appointed England manager, saying: "Roy is a gentleman, a very good coach and a very good manager. It'll be difficult for anybody but I think he's got all of the experience that you need for a national team."

Warrington coach Tony Smith thinks his side's Challenge Cup quarter-final at Catalan Dragons will be a chance for the team to redeem themselves for their heavy defeat in the Super League. Smith says: "Not using it as an excuse, but it was Easter and we had to go the day before and travel from Barcelona. Given the choice we'll probably go a little earlier this time at a better time of day and hopefully not to Barcelona. It won't guarantee a performance but it will certainly help."

Brian Kennedy responds to reports about Rangers' liquidation. A statement says: "Firstly, on Saturday evening, 28 April 2012, we submitted a materially increased offer which will be confirmed by the administrators, Duff & Phelps. Secondly... our offer is conditional on a CVA and the delivery of Craig Whyte's shares."

England head coach Stuart Lancaster has also spoken to the BBC today about the prospects of Danny Care, who has had off-field problems, saying: "I had a good meeting with him about three weeks ago. I would never turn round to a young player if they have made a couple of mistakes and say 'that's it'. But he also understands that it's a fine line he's treading now. He'd be someone we'd potentially consider for selection next week."

England head coach Stuart Lancaster talks to BBC Sport about the prospects for Danny Cipriani. He says: "Fly-half is a pretty competitive position in England at the moment and we have three guys who worked pretty well in the Six Nations in Toby Flood, Owen Farrell and Charlie Hodgson. The reality is the likelihood for us taking any more fly-halves is pretty slim to be honest."

BBC Sport's Frank Keogh has been seeking out expert opinion from Sweden, Switzerland, Italy and Finland with ex-players and a top pundit assessing Roy Hodgson's credentials. You can read the feature on the BBC Sport website.

Britons Elena Baltacha and Heather Watson are both under way in the first-round matches at the Estoril Open. British number one Baltacha is playing second seed Maria Kirilenko of Russia, while Watson - who came through qualifying - is up against Czech Lucie Hradecka.

Glamorgan sign veteran South African batsman Martin van Jaarsveld for this year's FriendsLife t20 campaign.

England coach Stuart Lancaster discusses his talks with New Zealand assistant Wayne Smith saying: "Wayne Smith rang me this morning and he is staying in New Zealand. For family reasons - he has got his parents close to him and his son is at university over there - he felt it was going to be best to stay over there. It is clearly disappointing but in the short term the next step for me is to focus all my energies on South Africa."

Southampton boss Nigel Adkinswants a youthful side to consolidate themselves in the Premier League next season. Following their promotion from the Championship the former Scunthorpe manager wants to fill his newly-promoted team with young talent from the club's own academy.

Wigan may have to switch their home Challenge Cup quarter-final against St Helens to a neutral venue because of a clash of fixtures with Wigan Athletic. The match has been pencilled in for Saturday 12 May, but that comes just 24 hours before the Latics' last Premier League match of the season at the DW Stadium against Wolves.

Olympic gold medal winner Rebecca Adlington on Twitter: "So shocked to hear about Alexander Dale Oen passing away. Such a talented swimmer. Was so young. Thoughts are with his friends and family."

Chelsea will still be without David Luiz and Gary Cahill for Wednesday night's Premier League game with Newcastle. But Branislav Ivanovic returns from suspension and is likely to partner John Terry in defence. Both players, who are suffering from hamstring problems, could be fit in time to face Liverpool in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

The International Cricket Council confirms that independent analysis has found the bowling action of England fast bowler Jenny Gunn to be legal so the player can continue bowling in international cricket.

Fellow England star Alastair Cook is also set for his first appearance of the domestic season when he features for Essex in their County Championship match with Glamorgan in Cardiff, starting on Wednesday.

England duo Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad are set to return to action with Nottinghamshire when they take on Lancashire at Old Trafford, starting on Wednesday. It will be Broad's first match since he was forced out of England's tour of Sri Lanka with a calf strain.

Latest from the World Snooker Championshipat the Crucible: Stephen Hendry trails Stephen Maguire 7-1 in the first of the quarter-finals, while Ryan Day leads Matthew Stevens 5-2 in the second. You can watch the actionon BBC television, via the red button and on the BBC Sport website.

The Norwegian swimming federation says world champion Alexander Dale Oen has died during a training camp in Flagstaff, Arizona. Federation President Per Rune Eknes said on Tuesday that the 26-year-old died after suffering a cardiac arrest.

An inquiry by the British Horseracing Authority concludes it could "neither have foreseen nor prevented" factors that led to two horses - Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised and According To Pete- suffering fatal injuries during this year's Grand National. The report also says it "remains too early to speculate" about possible changes to the famous Aintree fences.

Birmingham manager Chris Hughton responds to speculation linking him with the West Brom job. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live's Pat Murphy, he said: "Most people would be aware that I was involved in a process there but that's immaterial. This is now and this is what is fact. At this moment, my efforts and concentrations are all on this group of lads and getting this football club hopefully through a play-off situation. That's where all my focuses are."

Former England international Ray Wilkins admits he is not surprised that Roy Hodgson is top of the FA's wanted list. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live he said: "No surprise. I thought it was out of Roy or Harry. Roy is extremely experienced in world football, he's managed lots of countries lots of teams so it didn't surprise me."

Mike Catt will leave London Irish at the end of the season and join the England coaching team for the five-match tour of South Africa in June.

Great Britain rower Greg Searle is named in the men's eight for the World Cup in Serbia this week. The 40-year-old won gold at the 1992 Olympics and is hoping success in Serbia will see him named in the squad for London 2012. "We'll use each race to learn, build and prepare ourselves to race as well as we can in London," he said.

Stephen Hendry will need a change of fortune if he is to progress at the World Snooker Championshipwhere he trails 5-0 to Stephen Maguire. In the other quarter-final currently being played at the Crucible, Matthew Stevens is losing 3-2 to Ryan Day.

Hull City issue a statement confirming that former chairman Adam Pearson has left the club "without notice and without compensation". A statement on the club's website says: "Having listened to media speculation today over funds not being available in the January transfer window, we reiterate that funds were available as previously stated by us." There is still no comment on reports manager Nick Barmby has been suspended by the Championship club.

Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack believes the German side have an "emotional advantage" over the Blues and has made them favourites to win the Champions League final. Speaking to German tabloid newspaper Bild, he said: "I think Barcelona would have been the only team capable of contesting a final abroad and winning it."

Australia coach Mickey Arthur backs former captain Ricky Ponting to face England in the 2013 Ashes. He said: "I know there was a lot of media pressure and talk around Ricky, but Ricky's not going anywhere."

Wrexham winger Glen Little is calling for a change to rules when it comes to promotion from the conference. Currently just one side goes up automatically while Wrexham, who finished second, will take on Luton in the play-offs despite finishing with 17 more points.

Stat of the day - Should Roy Hodgson be confirmed as England boss then he will be the first English England manager never to have played professional football.

Chelsea newcomer Marko Marin, 23, believes the London club is ideal for him and he hopes current boss Roberto di Matteo remains in charge.

Marin, who will move to Stamford Bridge in the summer from Werder Bremen, said: "It fits perfectly for me, otherwise I would not have sought this move. Above all, Chelsea's play is based a lot on wide men. I had good talks with Di Matteo and I hope he stays."

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay believes that West Ham United will be expected to beat them in the Championship play-off semi-finals.

The Bluebirds host the Hammers at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday 3 May, with the return on Bank Holiday Monday.

"I think there's an expectation level on West Ham so automatically with that we would be underdogs in that game," says Mackay.

Former Australia and Saracens fly-half Michael Lynagh is released from hospital in Brisbane after being treated for a stroke.

Lynagh, who won 72 caps for the Wallabies before retiring in 1995, was admitted after falling ill last month.

"A long way to go, but a big step in the right direction," Lynagh tweeted on Tuesday.

Graeme McDowell pulls out of this week's PGA Tour Wells Fargo event at Quail Hollow.

The 2010 US Open champion said that he felt "under the weather" at last week's Zurich Classic.

"Very much wanted to play Quail Hollow but didn't want to go there undercooked. Practice and rest for me this week," McDowell said on Twitter.

German top division side Hamburg express an interest in Liverpool's Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt, 31, who could leave Anfield in the summer.

Coach Thortsen Fink tells sports website Kicker: "He has class, and he is also a fighter. There is nothing more that needs to be said about the quality of this player.

"Whether this is something we feel we want to commit to, we will see."

Great Britain rower Greg Searle tells BBC Sport he's delighted to have been selected as part of the men's eight for the World Cup in Serbia this week.

"It's been a tough selection period and there's been lots of head-to-head competition," said the 40-year-old.

"I feel for some of the guys who haven't made it but we're now complete. Nothing is nailed down but we've got real direction and determination."

BBC Sport's chief football writer blogs about Monday's Mancunian match: "Now it has all come down to this. Two games left, City on top with a superior goal difference.

"This was, however, a victory for positive intent and the team that wanted to win. So often this team has been Manchester United - not on Monday as a desperately poor and passive United went quietly to defeat."

A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with racial abuse allegedly directed towards Rangers player Kyle Bartley.

Rangers complained to police on Sunday, claiming the 20-year-old defender, who is on loan from Arsenal, was abused on the social networking site Twitter.

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey says the squad's whole focus is on Tuesday's Premier League game at home to Fulham, and that the Reds are not distracted by the weekend's FA Cup final against Chelsea.

"The FA Cup final can wait and [Fulham] is our important game because it is the next one," Shelvey told the club's website.

"You can't just forget about the league."

New Zealand coach John Wright will step down in August after rejecting the offer of a contract extension.

"I appreciate the offer to extend my contract but after much consideration I feel it's the right time to move on and look at other opportunities," Wright, 57, said in a statement.

BBC Radio 5 live's chief football correspondent Mike Ingham sums up Monday's 1-0 win for Manchester City: "I thought the best team won. It was a slightly disappointing game but I guess the stakes were so high.

"I do think over the season City have played more entertaining football than United. United didn't have a shot on target and may well lose the title on goal difference. That really is a sin for them."

Leigh coach Paul Rowley - whose non-Super League side face reigning champions Leeds in the last eight of the Challenge Cup - says he's delighted with the draw.

"They're the world champions so you couldn't ask for a bigger or more attractive game," he says.

"I like watching Leeds and it will be a privilege to be able to host them. It's up to our club and the town to get behind the players and fill the stadium."

Former Manchester City keeper Shay Given speaking on BBC Radio 5 live on the title race after Manchester United's 1-0 defeat: "It's in City's hands now and it would be a shame if they threw it away.

"It would be fantastic for the Premier League if City win it because United have won it enough times. It was a great win for them but I know City won't won't be getting carried away."

WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly says he would consider a rematch against Tony Bellew.

The Welsh belt holder outpointed Bellew in October, but the Liverpudlian retained his British light-heavyweight title with a fifth-round technical knockout of Danny McIntosh on Saturday.

"The last fight was a good fight and I think a second one would be as well," said Cleverly.

BBC Sport golf correspondent Iain Carter blogs as world number two Rory McIlroy prepares to play only his fifth competitive round of 2012 at Quail Hollow on Thursday.

"McIlroy's light early season schedule has been tailored to make sure there is plenty in the tank for a more hectic remainder of the year," he writes.

Aston Villa club captain Stiliyan Petrov, who is currently battling acute leukaemia, has been voted the club's players' player of the year.

"Sorry I can't be with you, but I've got a little issue I need to fight," Petrov said in a video message broadcast to the Villa squad. "I hope you haven't given me this award because of my situation. I thought I had a quite OK season!"

The top fixture of the Challenge Cup quarter-final draw must be holders Wigan at home to their arch rivals St Helens. The matches will be played on the weekend of 11-13 May.

On the subject of verbal volleys, did you see Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini squaring up at Etihad? Fiery on the touchline, more so than on the field of play.

After the 1-0 Manchester City win, Ferguson criticised his Italian counterpart: "He [Mancini] refereed the game right the way through. He was haranguing the officials. He can't complain about referees any more."

Mancini responded sarcastically: "And him? He doesn't talk with the referees or fourth officials - never. I spoke with the fourth official and then Ferguson told me some kind words. I don't know why.

"I answered him but I can understand because at this moment the passion was high."

Ali Carter criticises Judd Trump after the world number 13 beat the younger pre-tournament favourite 13-12 in the World Championships on Monday.

"He didn't apologise for any [fluked] shots through the whole match. There's a bit of etiquette in the game," said Carter who will play Jamie Jones of Wales in the quarter-finals.

Thursday's meeting at Leicester has been abandoned due to waterlogging. Clerk of the course Jimmy Stevenson said 153mm of rain had fallen at the track since 4 April. You can follow the latest racing results on the BBC Sport website.

Australia coach Mickey Arthur backs former captain Ricky Ponting to compete in his fifth Ashes series in England next summer.

"Ricky is definitely no way considering retiring," Arthur said of the 37-year-old. "We hope Ricky's scoring enough runs to go to the Ashes."

As the sun rises on Manchester, how must the blue and red halves be feeling today?

A game that began cagily sprang into life on 25 minutes and thereafter veered one way then the other as events, to quote Hugh Laurie in Blackadder, "twisted and turned like a... a twisty-turny thing." A 1-0 Manchester City win is an unambiguous fact, mind.

The top of the Premier League table is now occupied by City, on 83 points on +61 goal difference. Manchester United, who many commented appeared ineffective on Monday evening, are second on the same points but with just +53.

Eight goals in it, two games apiece yet to play with six points still to be claimed by either side. It's not over yet...