The Sports Matrix: Friday 7 October 2011

Villas-Boas ‘must win trophies’

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has warned Andre Villas-Boas he will be judged a success only if he delivers trophies. “A manager needs success to have a long-term relationship with a club,” Buck said. “Why are we here but to have a successful club?” MORE

Lydiate wary of Ireland back row

Wales believe this weekend’s quarter-final tie with Ireland could be decided in the back row. “Ireland have arguably the best back row in the tournament,” Dan Lydiate said ahead of tomorrow’s meeting in Wellington. “It takes a lot of people to stop that.” MORE

Wilkinson happy to stand aside

Jonny Wilkinson has rubbished suggestions he will demand kicking duties against France. “It’s a myth that I want to take every kick,” he said. “I’m always willing and confident I’ll get them, but it’s not true I insist on it.” MORE

Ramsey happy to have Welsh break

Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey is putting his club worries behind him as he prepares for tonight’s match with Switzerland. “Arsenal are under a lot of pressure,” he said. “It’s been difficult. For Wales we’re still learning, still progressing, going along nicely.”

Hamilton admits to ‘most trying year’

Lewis Hamilton admits this season has been “the most trying” of his career. “I don’t see anybody having the problems I am,” the 26-year-old said as the fall-out from last weekend’s Singapore GP continues. “This has been the most trying year of my career.” MORE

Jovetic provides threat to England

England’s chances in tonight’s European Championship qualifier in Montenegro could be hindered by the talents of Stevan Jovetic. The Fiorentina forward, 21, has interested both Manchester clubs and scored twice against Liverpool in 2009. MORE

Cash and phones found in Butt room

Detectives found £40,000 in cash along with four mobile phones when they searched Salman Butt’s hotel room, a court heard yesterday. The former Pakistan captain is facing corruption charges relating to a Test against England at Lord’s last year. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

While Martin Johnson was in no mood to discuss once more the dislocations and distractions that have bedevilled him, it was surely no reach of fancy to believe that he had made a quite thunderous statement. MORE

Capello confident over Rooney’s state of mind

England manager Fabio Capello said he is happy with Wayne Rooney’s state of mind ahead of tonight’s final European Championship qualifier in Montenegro, despite the arrest of his father on suspicion of illegal betting. The Italian said Rooney was “calm” and “relaxed” ahead of the game in Podgorica, in which England only need to avoid defeat to qualify for next summer’s finals. “He’s OK. No problems. Absolutely no problem,” Capello said of the 25-year-old forward. “He’s calm, relaxed. I think he’s in a good moment of form and there will be no problem for the game. He’s told me he’s good. In the last three days he’s trained really well.” Captain John Terry echoed Capello’s comments: “The manager’s spoken to him and he’s totally fine. Wayne’s one of the best in the world and he’ll deal with it and go out and perform like he always does. We all know Wayne, the type of character he is. He’ll certainly be OK.” Terry is expected to be partnered by Gary Cahill tonight, with Phil Jones coming in for his international debut at right-back. MORE

Capello: drink up... as long as we win

Fabio Capello last night insisted players had the right to drink or play the field – as long as England prevailed on the pitch. “Everything when you win is good, the perfect choice, the best choice,” he said. “When you lose, it’s a disaster. Results are important.” MORE

Bairstow relishing rapid rise to the top

Jonny Bairstow is ready to seize his chance and stake a claim for an England limited-overs place. “It’s been a good few days,” he said ahead of tomorrow’s first warm-up match in India. “It’s been a great experience. It’s happened quicker than I thought.” MORE