The Sports Matrix: Monday 30 April 2012

FA opens talks with Hodgson for England role

The FA has announced it has opened talks with Roy Hodgson, below, about becoming the next permanent England manager, and said in a statement yesterday that the West Bromwich Albion manager, who has received permission by his club to enter the talks, is the only person it is negotiating with.

"Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to make an appointment within the timescale we set out," the FA's chairman, David Bernstein, said. "Further conversations will now take place with Roy."

The news dismisses the idea that the Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp, had been considered for the job. Hodgson, 64, has managed three international teams in the past: Switzerland (1992 to 95), United Arab Emirates (2002 to 04) and Finland (2006 to 07). MORE    

Chambers eligible for selection

Dwain Chambers will today be cleared to run in the Olympics. The Court of Arbitration for Sport informed the British Olympic Association of its judgement on the BOA's controversial byelaw that bars all athletes who have failed dope tests. MORE

Mancini predicits Tevez winner

Roberto Mancini, the Manchester City manager, believes that Carlos Tevez is "destined to score the most important goal in the history of this club" as his side prepare to welcome Manchester United to the Etihad Stadium in the crucial title decider tonight. MORE

Treble delight for hungry Torres

Fernando Torres yesterday brought his goal tally for the week up to four after he scored a hat-trick as Chelsea thrashed Queen's Park Rangers 6-1 at Stamford Bridge. Elsewhere, Tottenham defeated Blackburn 2-0 to move back into fourth place. MORE

King of clay Nadal reigns in Barcelona

Rafael Nadal produced yet another fine display on clay yesterday to overcome fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in straight sets to win his seventh Barcelona Open title. "It was my most difficult match since the start of the clay season," the 25-year-old said.

All-Irish Heineken Cup final awaits

Holders Leinster defeated Clermont Auvergne 15-19 to set up an all-Irish final, after Ulster beat Edinburgh 22-19 on Saturday. Leinster have won the competition in two of the past three years, while Ulster reached the final for the first time since 1999. MORE

Revitalised Barca demolish Rayo

Barcelona bounced back from their Champions League disappointment against Chelsea with a 7-0 rout at Rayo Vallecano last night. The Catalans still trail Real Madrid, who earlier beat Seville 3-0, by seven points in La Liga with three games to play.

Opinion: James Lawton

If ever a night was made for Sir Alex Ferguson, and the peculiar force which has shaped his astonishing reign at Old Trafford, it is surely the one due to unfold at the Etihad Stadium tonight. MORE