The Sport Matrix: Friday 17 May 2013

Hodgson and Bernstein laud ‘iconic’ Beckham

England manager Roy Hodgson paid tribute to David Beckham, who announced yesterday he will retire from football at the end of the season.

Beckham, 38, who signed a five-month deal at Paris St-Germain in January, said: “I’m thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level.”

“David is a man of many talents,” Hodgson said. “I’m rather hoping we’ll be able to keep him in football because we can really benefit from his experience, we can really benefit from his charisma and we certainly benefit from the magnificent past he has had as a football player.”

The Football Association will look to offer Beckham a role within the English game, according to FA chairman David Bernstein. Bernstein is keen the FA make future use of someone he described as an “iconic figure in the game”, whether it be in an ambassadorial role or something more closely involved with the playing side.

He said: “He is a real loss to the game and I am sure the FA will want to get him closely associated with the organisation.” MORE

Superb Cavendish hits 100 milestone

Britain’s Mark Cavendish claimed his 100th professional win with a superb sprint finish in the rain-affected stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia yesterday. But Sir Bradley Wiggins’ hopes for victory appear all but over, falling back with 20km to go and is now 13th overall. MORE

England make slow progress

England reached 160-4 on the first day of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s yesterday. On a slow pitch and a slower outfield, Jonathan Trott top-scored for England with 39 while Trent Boult impressed for New Zealand by taking 2-29 from 17 overs. MORE

Lampard signs new one-year deal

Frank Lampard said the return of manager-in-waiting Jose Mourinho would transform Chelsea again, after he signed a one-year extension that will keep him at Stamford Bridge for another season. Lampard said: “If Jose comes back it will be a huge lift for the club.” MORE

Pochettino may quit Southampton

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino said it “would not make much sense” for him to stay at the club if chairman Nicola Cortese leaves. Cortese appointed the Argentine after sacking Nigel Adkins. Cortese said earlier this week he is “considering his future”. MORE

Sreesanth arrested over allegations

Police arrested and took into custody Test bowler Shantakumaran Sreesanth, Indian cricketers Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila and seven bookies and their assistants yesterday over allegations of spot-fixing during the Indian Premier League.

Dettori ‘feels like Lance Armstrong’

Frankie Dettori, who was banned for six months after testing positive for cocaine last year, has spoken of his shame and humiliation as he prepares to make his return at Leicester on Monday. Dettori revealed: “I feel like Lance Armstrong.” MORE

Poyet suspended by Brighton

Gus Poyet’s exit from Brighton moved closer after he was suspended by the club along with his assistant, Mauricio Taricco, and first-team coach, Charlie Oatway. The suspensions are apparently for an alleged breach of contract. MORE

FA criticised over racism ban plan

The FA claimed to be a “world leader” in combating racism in the game after introducing a five-game minimum ban as the starting point for discriminatory offences. But anti-racism campaigners accused them of a “missed opportunity”. MORE

O’Driscoll misses final but plays on

Brian O’Driscoll will miss tonight’s Amlin Cup final having failed to recover from a back injury, but has signed a new one-year deal to play on for Leinster and Ireland after this summer’s tour with the Lions. MORE

Interview: Steve Harper

As the popular Newcastle goalkeeper retires after 20 years at the club, the 38-year-old tells Martin Hardy about the private battle with depression that threatened his career. MORE