The Sports Matrix: Friday 4 May 2012 - The Independent

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes worries over the club's finances and league form will take a back seat during tomorrow's FA Cup final, which will give a fresh set of memories to a new generation of supporters. "Every generation have a story to tell about their travels to Cup finals," the Scot said ahead of the Wembley meeting with Chelsea.

"That never goes amiss. It's important to have those experiences. 2005 [when Liverpool won the Champions League] was hugely important because that generation never had stories to tell that their parents had. They got it at Istanbul and what a story to tell that was."

Liverpool posted a record loss of £49.4m in their latest accounts yesterday and, despite having already won the League Cup this season, poor league results have attracted criticism, with the club sitting just above mid-table.

"You can argue that, financially, finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League is more beneficial than winning the FA Cup," Dalglish continued. "But when you go to play in the Cup final, you don't think about finance." page 60Hammers take step towards Wembley

West Ham have one foot in the play-off final after two early Jack Collison goals took them to a 2-0 victory at Cardiff in last night's semi-final first leg. The hosts improved after the interval but have an uphill task in Monday's return leg at Upton Park. MORE

Holloway: We'll attack all the way

Manager Ian Holloway says his Blackpool will remain true to their ideals as entertainers as they host Birmingham in tonight's play-off semi-final. "Let's hope it lives up to its billing and there are goals," he said. "That's what we'll try to do – outscore the opposition." MORE

Pearce role under Hodgson in doubt

Stuart Pearce's caretaker involvement with England's senior team could be ended before Euro 2012 as new manager Roy Hodgson looks to bring in his own staff. The former England left-back is coach of the U21 side and also Team GB at the Olympics. MORE

Ferguson keeps mind games going

Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson has tried to put pressure on title rivals Manchester City ahead of their trip to Newcastle. "They have to win, that's the challenge," he said. "Newcastle is a difficult place to go to and they're playing well." MORE

Gayle eyes return to West Indies fold

Chris Gayle is hopeful of a return for West Indies' limited-overs matches with England after withdrawing from a contract with Somerset. "It may place me in a position of risk," he admitted. "Foregoing a contract with only the hope I will be selected." MORE

Ace Adams rips into Lancashire

A devasting spell from Andre Adams helped Nottinghamshire take control at Lancashire after the second day. The veteran took 7-32 as the hosts were bowled out for 146, a first-innings deficit of 23. Notts finished the day on 122-2 in their second innings. MORE

Davies departs Worcester for home

Former Wales captain Phil Davies is to leave his position at Premiership Worcester to return home to Cardiff Blues as director of rugby. "It's a job I've been passionate about for a long time," he said. "We are on the starting line of something exciting." MORE

Carter makes early running in semi

Ali Carter enjoyed the best of the opening session of the first semi-final at the Crucible, recovering from 2-0 down to lead Stephen Maguire 5-3. The match resumes this morning, with Ronnie O'Sullivan and Matt Stevens contesting the other semi-final. MORE

Hunter hungry

Rower Mark Hunter was persuaded to return to Olympic competition by former coach Amy Fuller-Kearney. "She planted the seed," the 2008 gold medalist tells i. "Her stories of how you don't want to miss a home Olympics." MORE

View the original article here

The Sports Matrix: Thursday 3 May 2012 - The Independent

Away victories for Newcastle United, 2-0 at Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur, 4-1 at Bolton Wanderers, made them the two favourites for fourth place in the Premier League.

Newcastle were playing rivals Chelsea, who, three days before the FA Cup final, rotated their team. But Papiss Cisse put Newcastle ahead in the first half before scoring a remarkable curling second from distance in added time. They are four points ahead of Chelsea in fifth, and have league leaders Manchester City at home on Sunday.

Tottenham, though, remain the current occupiers of fourth place, ahead of Newcastle on goal difference, after winning 4-1 at the Reebok Stadium. Luka Modric put Spurs ahead with a brilliant volley in the first half but Bolton then equalised early in the second half through Nigel Reo-Coker. Rafael van der Vaart put Spurs back in front from a Gareth Bale cross before Emmanuel Adebayor scored twice from close range to secure the club's first away league win since December. Bolton's Fabrice Muamba attended the game and walked on the pitch beforehand. MORE

Hodgson to hold Ferdinand talks

New England manager Roy Hodgson is to speak with Rio Ferdinand within the next week to discuss the Manchester United defender's feelings about partnering John Terry at Euro 2012 next month. Ferdinand has not played for his country since last June. MORE

Gerrard: Cup win will equal success

Steven Gerrard feels Liverpool's season will be deemed a success should they win the FA Cup, despite indifferent league form. "Silverware is success," he said. "That's why we play the game. [These] are the days you look back on with fond memories." MORE

Mackay confident in play-off lottery

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay believes his side's experience of the play-offs could swing the visit of West Ham. "I know what mentality it takes to get promoted this way," he said. "And so do my players. You can't buy experience. It gives us a strong mentality." MORE

Pulis promises to stand by Pennant

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has pledged to "look after" Jermaine Pennant after the midfielder's arrest on driving charges. "I ain't going to hang the kiddie before we know what [the facts are]," he said. "We will deal with it in-house when and if." MORE

Broad rages in Old Trafford match

Stuart Broad risked a disciplinary issue yesterday, seemingly voicing his displeasure with umpire Stephen Gale when given out caught for Nottinghamshire against Lancashire, for whom James Anderson bowled 17 wicketless overs. MORE

Catt keen to take England chance

England's interim backs coach Mike Catt knows that he has the chance for a full-time role. "This is a massive opportunity," he said. "Chances like this don't come along too often. We saw in the Six Nations that Stuart Lancaster has created the right culture." MORE

O'Sullivan sets up Stevens semi

Ronnie O'Sullivan beat Neil Robertson 13-10 last night in the World Championship quarter-final, surging from 5-3 down to 9-5 up before closing out the win. Three-time champion O'Sullivan will meet Matthew Stevens in the semi-finals. MORE

UK Athletics wants stadium trials

Charles van Commenee, head coach of UK Athletics, is holding talks to ensure all Team GB track-and-field athletes can train in the Olympic Stadium before the games. The plan is for small groups of athletes to try the stadium in mornings. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

The FA, in choosing their new England manager, should have asked which Englishman has produced the most exhilarating football, and has the best understanding of players. On those terms Harry Redknapp wins. MORE

View the original article here