Sport

Bury’s players will contribute financially for the away trip to Portsmouth on Saturday in a bid to maintain their promotion push, according to manager David Flitcroft.

Manchester Thunder netball coach Tracey Neville is hoping that their Superleague semi-final with Hertfordshire Mavericks will be a ground-breaking Northern sporting event.

Although Neil Lennon has been largely happy with his side’s performances this season he has acknowledged that changes are needed if Bolton Wanderers are to fulfil their potential next season.

Wigan, who overcame Warrington Wolves 30-20 on Thursday, have confirmed full-back Sam Tomkins – who bagged 144 tries in 152 games for his hometown club before his move to Australia – will return to the DW Stadium on a four-year deal, for a fee in excess of £200,000.

With the start of next year’s domestic season delayed because of England hosting the Rugby World Cup, Sale Sharks will face off against fellow Aviva Premiership teams Leicester Tigers and Newcastle Falcons in a Kings of the North tournament prior to the World Cup.

Former Tranmere Rovers chief executive Jeremy Butler increased season ticket sales with the Merseyside club and now he wants to achieve similar things with Sale Sharks as the World Cup takes centre stage in England.

Wigan Warriors’ Ben Flower was handed a six-month ban for punching St Helens’ Lance Hohaia in the opening two minutes of last season’s Grand Final but has now served his suspension, gaining inclusion to the squad to face Warrington Wolves at the DW Stadium on Thursday evening.

New research has revealed swimmers make the best lovers – and guess what Manchester’s favourite sport is? That’s right, swimming.

Manuel Pellegrini is now a 4/6 favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post with Man City’s title bid well and truly fading, completing a disastrous season for the Chilean.

Ben Gladwin’s first-half hat-trick helped assure Mark Cooper’s side a playoff spot, with Ian Henderson 20th of the campaign and Nathan Thompson’s own goal offering little consolation.

Wigan-based Olympian Sir Bradley Wiggins will return to Lee Valley VeloPark, the scene of his historic London 2012 triumph, to attempt to beat the current record of 52.4 kilometres (32.5 miles) set by Australian Rohan Dennis in xx.