The Sport Matrix: Friday 9 January 2015

Pardew: Toon spell made me stronger

Alan Pardew believes his experiences in four years at Newcastle United have made him a stronger person. The 53-year-old departed the North-east last week to return to former club Crystal Palace. “You have to show a depth of character there, show resilience,” he said of his time with the Magpies. “You cannot help but grow. My resilience and character has grown as a result of the nature of the club.”

Murray happy with Open build-up

Andy Murray is pleased with his fitness ahead of the Australian Open, despite sporting tape on his shoulders in practice yesterday. “It’s just a bit stiff,” the Scot said. “Hopefully in a few days it will feel fine. My preparation has been much better this year - my body feels better.”

Launchbury ‘will be right’ for Cup

Wasps remain confident that Joe Launchbury will be fit for England’s World Cup campaign after the lock was ruled out of the Six Nations with a neck injury. “Joe will be right,” Wasps director David Young said. “The important thing is we give him time to get properly fit.”

If Rowley wins try award it will all be down to... his grandma

If London Welsh’s Paul Rowley wins the vote for Premiership try of the week then he will know who to thank – his grandmother.

The scrum-half is among five nominations for the Citizen award, following his superb touchdown for the Exiles against Harlequins last Sunday. And the Limerick-born half-back has revealed there has been some concerted campaigning for him from across the Irish Sea.

“My nan sent me a screen shot of the website and everyone at home has been voting,” said Rowley. “It will be down to my nan if I win it. I am sure she’s setting up fake email accounts trying to get the votes up!”

Wiggins wants to break hour record

Sir Bradley Wiggins hopes to break the hour record after unveiling his new team yesterday. “I’ve dreamt about the hour mark since I was a boy,” he said of the event, which will be televised in the summer. “I want to inspire a new generation.” The Wiggins team will be sponsored by Sky.