The Sports Matrix: Thursday 10 February 2011

City leap up the Deloitte rich list

Manchester City have risen to 11th place in the Deloitte Football Money League, which analyses theworld’s top revenue-earning clubs. City moved from 20th to 11th. Spanish giants Real Madrid, for the sixth consecutive year, are in the top spot. MORE

Butt investigated months earlier

Former Pakistan captain Salman Buttwas under investigation by the ICC three months before the events that led to his 10-year ban. It has been revealed he had made “suspicious” communication with his agent, Mazhar Majeed, during the World T20 last May.

Woods wants more success in Dubai

Former World No 1 Tiger Woods has said he hopes he can put recent disappointments behind him and win in Dubai, a course where he has never finished outside the top five. “I am here to win, same as always,” he said. MORE

Gomez: Chelsea tried to buy me, too

The Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez has claimed that Chelsea offered £35m for him in the January transfer window. But he would not have moved, he said, because he is already at a “top club”. Gomez is this season’s top scorer in the Bundesliga. MORE

Robinson happy to stay with Scotland

Andy Robinson has described his role as Scottish coach as a “good fit” after signing a contract extension that will keep him at Murrayfield until 2015. “I’m pleased that we’ve agreed what we’ve agreed,” he said after speculation of a return to Bath. MORE

Sullivan hits out at Spurs bid – again

As the rival bidders continue to trade blows, the decision on the future of the Olympic Stadium could come today, with West Ham understood to be favourites. Co-chairman yesterday David Sullivan criticised Spurs chairman Joe Lewis for living abroad. MORE

Fourie likely to play against Italy

South African-born flanker Hendre Fourie looks set to start for England against Italy on Saturday, the only change in the XV from last Friday’s defeat of Wales. Shontayne Hape is likely to retain his place after Riki Flutey was released back to Wasps. MORE

Ferguson battles problems at back

With Rio Ferdinand injured, Wes Brown out of favour and Jonny Evans a shadow of the player he once was, Sir Alex Ferguson may have to partner Nemanja Vidic with the inexperienced 21-year-old Chris Smalling in Saturday’s Manchester derby. MORE

Harris hopes for ‘pride’ on Sunday

Crusaders coach Iestyn Harris wants his side to draw inspiration from the occasion when they face Salford on Sunday as part of the first weekend of the Super League season. “The guys will have a lot of pride as the only Super League team in Wales,” he said. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

There was a glint of hope for the future of England in Copenhagen last night, with 19-year-old Jack Wilshere a centrepiece of the project. He was a creative force in a role that carried heavy defensive responsibilities. MORE

Bent and Young overcome Danes

England came from behind to record an impressive 2-1 win over Denmark in last night’s friendly in Copenhagen. The home side took the lead after just eight minutes as Daniel Agger moved between John Terry and Michael Dawson to head home a perfect cross from the impressive teenager Christian Eriksen. England took just two minutes to equalise, however. Wayne Rooney found Theo Walcott from deep, and Walcott (above) wriggled past his defender before his low cross was converted by Darren Bent from close range. Even after second-half substitutions England maintained their tempo and continued to press for a winning goal. This came after 68 minutes, as Glen Johnson burst down the middle and played in Ashley Young, who finished smartly beyond Thomas Sorensen. “I’m happy with the result,” said coach Fabio Capello, “and happy with the performance of some of the players, especially those that play less than the others.” MORE

Scotland sparkle in convincing win

Scotland started their Nations Cup campaign by beating Northern Ireland 3-0 in Dublin. Kenny Miller put them ahead from close range before James McArthur’s chip made it 2-0. New Celtic signing Kris Commons scored the third from close range. MORE

Hull sign Phelps to replace Tansey

Hull have signed former Wigan full-back Cameron Phelps to replace Jordan Tansey, who was sacked on Tuesday. Phelps started seven games last year and his contract was not renewed. Huddersfield have signed Jamie Simpson from South Sydney. MORE