Bolt earns Laureus gong

Usain Bolt was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for the second year in succession on Wednesday, while Britain's Jenson Button was honoured for winning the Formula One world title.

Bolt won the 100 and 200 metres at the World Championships last year, breaking his own world records in both for good measure, and also took gold with his Jamaican team-mates in the 4x100m relay. The Jamaican superstar is the first man ever to hold the world and Olympic 100 and 200m titles at the same time following his staggering performances in Berlin and Beijing.

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Onions ruled out of opener

England bowler Graham Onions has been ruled out of the first Test against Bangladesh with a back injury.

The Durham paceman picked up the problem during net practice after joining up with the one-day international squad.

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Wilkinson: We learned from Scots loss

Jonny Wilkinson admits England's defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield two years ago was one of the most painful experiences of his rugby career.

The England fly-half broke the world record for international points on that filthy afternoon in Edinburgh but there was nothing else for him to smile about as England, World Cup finalists only five months previously, were beaten 15-9 and Wilkinson was hauled off with 11 minutes remaining.

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Gatland lauds O'Driscoll achievement

Wales coach Warren Gatland has paid a glowing tribute to Ireland cap centurion Brian O'Driscoll ahead of Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash in Dublin.

The Ireland skipper will follow his team-mate John Hayes in securing membership of arguably Test rugby's most exclusive club. O'Driscoll becomes the 13th player to reach the 100-cap landmark for their country, and is guaranteed a rapturous reception when he leads Ireland out against Wales at Croke Park.

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Robinson given new Giants deal

Huddersfield scrum half Luke Robinson has signed a contract extension that will keep at the Galpharm Stadium until the end of the 2012 season.

The 25-year-old former Wigan player, whose previous deal was due to run out at the end of this season, has been a permanent fixture in the Giants team since joining them from Salford three years ago.

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Pompey dismiss 85 staff

Portsmouth have been forced to make 85 staff redundant as a result of ongoing cost-cutting measures under the administration of UHY Hacker Young.

The administrators' spokeman, Andrew Andronikou, revealed the news today but insisted the club will be able to stave off questions from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs over the validity of the administration process and that he is receiving "enquiries on a daily basis" regarding a takeover.

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Wenger tells young Gunners to focus

Arsene Wenger has called on his young Arsenal side to focus on eliminating their own "weak moments" rather than get obsessed with the chance of revenge against Manchester United or Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The Gunners secured a place in the last eight with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Porto at Emirates Stadium, overturning a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, as Nicklas Bendtner got back on the goal trail with a hat-trick.

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Leonardo ducks Beckham issue

AC Milan coach Leonardo is not promising David Beckham a place in his starting line-up at Old Trafford on Wednesday night even though he is aware what a big occasion it is for the former Manchester United favourite.

Beckham revisits his former home as a player for the first time since his departure for Real Madrid in 2003 this evening, when Milan look to create a bit of history by overturning a 3-2 first-leg deficit. Leonardo was happy to pay tribute to Beckham's input for Milan - who has not started a match for the Rossoneri since the sides met at the San Siro - but, asked whether that extends to a spot on the pitch, he rather skirted round the issue.

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Chester wound up in High Court

Chester City have been wound up in the High Court - but a fans' group have vowed to resurrect the club.

City were liquidated over debts owed to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs in a brief hearing this morning.

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Capello enjoying England challenge

Fabio Capello insisted he is still happy dealing with the most important challenge of his life, despite the latest scandal to hit the England team.

It is understood the Football Association are reviewing security procedures after an apparent secret recording of conversations between players and coaches before the Egypt friendly came to light. The FA have yet to make a complaint to the police about the bugging, reportedly at The Grove hotel in Hertfordshire, because they are still waiting to have access to the recording. They have, however, taken legal steps to ensure the conversations remain under wraps.

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